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Apples and Snakes is England's leading spoken word poetry organisation, with artists at its heart. Spoken word trailblazers, we exist to champion the development of extraordinary artists, amplify ignored voices and to challenge expectations of what poetry is and can be.
Our latest audio project – Apples and Snakes: The Podcast, explores what it means to be Black, British and a poet or spoken word artist.
Apples and Snakes: The Podcast was produced by Natalie Fiawoo, with audio production by Drew Horley for The Lab Studios. The Podcast will be available to listen to and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and all other podcast platforms.
Episodes
Oct 18, 2023
Oct 18, 2023
44 min
In this week's episode, Yomi and Tolu talk about the various pressures, obstacles and communities they have encountered over the years. They discuss the late writing nights, juggling work and writing and the complexity of trusting your voice.
Tolu shares her poem ‘Things I can't say’
Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Nov 14, 2023
Nov 14, 2023
52 min
This week Yomi speaks with Ty’rone Haugton, founder and artistic director of Literati Arts,a non profit that promotes the art of poetry / spoken word and its role in community organising and healing. Ty’rone explores the sacrifices he has made to follow his path in poetry, the impact of Tupac and how the way poetry is taught in school kept him silent for 5 years.
He reads his poem ‘Daddy don’t dance’
Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Nov 29, 2023
Nov 29, 2023
52 min
In this episode, Yomi speaks to T.S Eliot prize winning Anthony Joseph on what it means to be a poet and the various transitions through that journey. Anthony touches on the different landscapes he’s encountered, from firstly being on stage in a rock band in the 80s to traveling the world and the surprising pleasures along the way.
Anthony reads his poem ‘Elbows of the land’
Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Jan 17, 2024
Jan 17, 2024
52 min
Yomi speaks to PA Bitez on the power of the alter ego and being able enter the scene saying it all. They discuss the various entry points encountered, taking them into poetry and how cultures have impacted the vitality of their writing.
PA Bitez reads her poem ‘Thunder Music’
Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Jan 31, 2024
Jan 31, 2024
50 min
In this episode, Yomi and Roy recognise the people and the environments that have created the poetry scene today. They talk on the process of publishing and how to maintain your voice and access rawness as you progress.
Roy reads his poem ‘To the Heron who stood with me in the ruins of another Black mans life, After Gwendolyn Brookes and Gill Scott Heron’
Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Feb 14, 2024
Feb 14, 2024
49 min
This week, Yomi and Joshua discuss the “urgency” of writing. Joshua explores the impactful moments in his artistic career. Reminiscing on the integral people he’s met along the way, from poetry nights to performing to the King of Sweden on national television.
Joshua reads his poem ‘Its closing time’
Apples and Snakes: The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Feb 28, 2024
Feb 28, 2024
53 min
Yomi talks to Ryan about the power of community and the importance of supporting young people. Ryan plays homage to those who have fed into finding his purpose, whilst also speaking on the frustrations he experienced that have fuelled him towards his path.
Ryan reads his poem ‘Don't let the ends be the end’
Apples and Snakes: The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Mar 13, 2024
Mar 13, 2024
46 min
In this week's episode Yomi and Miss Jacqui discuss social influences, being a multidisciplinary artist and accessibility in the industry. Miss Jacqui talks about being human and how her work highlights the emotions that we all feel but don’t know how to articulate.
Miss Jacqui reads the poem version of her song ‘Body Beautiful’
Mar 27, 2024
Mar 27, 2024
50 min
In our latest episode Yomi talks with Breis about balancing his life as a poet, author, hip hop educator and MC. They discuss business in poetry and Breis reflects on some of his proudest moments and how his work and outlook have evolved over time.
Breis shares his poem ‘Only Human’
Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
May 15, 2024
May 15, 2024
55 min
In this week’s episode, Yomi speaks to Roger about his experience in different poetry scenes. They talk on the different dynamic talent that Roger has encountered and how it has highlighted the value of individuality. Roger discusses his relationship with music and how balancing different crafts feeds into his creativity.
Roger shares his poem ‘Janet Kay sings ‘Silly Games’ live on Top of the Pops, 1979’
Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.