Panshine Press was set-up in the late 1990s by Jan Whalen and Suzanne Batty who wanted to address the poor representation of women in poetry publications – both on the editorial and writing side. In this episode you’ll hear what contemporary Manchester poets Ella Otomewo and Roma Havers make of Rain Dog and other Panshine publications, including their favourite pieces, alongside a commentary on the state of poetry publishing today.

Hosted by Radhaika Kapur and Heena Patel

Episode credits: Title music by Jowonio

The Hard Pressed heritage project is funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks To National Lottery Players

The 1948 British Nationality Act gave the status of Citizen to people residing in the Commonwealth countries, encouraging many to move to the UK, seeking a better life. Just Lately, I Realised, published by Gatehouse Books in 1985, captures stories of the West Indian migrants who had settled in Greater Manchester during this period. In this episode contemporary writer Daniella Edwards describes the striking experiences captured in the book alongside her evocative poem-response Dear Gran.

Hosted by Radhaika Kapur and Pete Kalu

Episode credits: Title music by Jowonio

The Hard Pressed heritage project is funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks To National Lottery Players

A first-hand account of the profound impact that indie presses have. Writer Neil Campbell went from browsing magazine’s in Manchester’s Central Library to a decades long writing career – all catalysed by the city’s small presses. This episode is a frank discussion between Neil and Cultureword’s Pete Kalu.

Warning: Contains strong language.

Episode credits: Hosted by Radhaika Kapur. Title music by Jowonio

The Hard Pressed heritage project is funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks To National Lottery Players