Explore every episode of the podcast The Reader
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What We Know About Shared Reading | 30 Aug 2024 | 01:14:46 | |
What is this thing we call Shared Reading? How does it work? Who is it for? What has changed in over two decades of The Reader’s Shared Reading? To help answer these questions, we spoke to a group of people who have led Shared Reading groups over many years in a variety of settings. Listen in for their honest, thoughtful and moving reflections. It’s a bumper episode - see below for time stamps to help you navigate it: 0.00 - 12.22: Introductions to the speakers 12.23 - 51.07: The nuts and bolts of Shared Reading – how it works 51.30 - 1.02.00 The rewards of Shared Reading – who it’s for 1.02.17 - 1.12.22 How Shared Reading has changed (or how it hasn’t)
Links: The International Shared Reading Conference at Calderstones Find out more about Shared Reading | |||
| 'What We Have Loved' - The Wordsworth Shared Reading Group | 26 Jul 2024 | 00:57:37 | |
The founder of The Reader, Jane Davis, leads an online Shared Reading group who have met on Zoom every week for over two years to read The Prelude, a long, autobiographical poem by William Wordsworth. In this episode, members of the group explain how they came to be part of this special shared endeavour and what the experience has meant to them. We’ll hear about the early days of The Reader, and gain insight into how Shared Reading can create fellowship, powerful thoughts and feelings, and a shared sense of deeper meaning. The Prelude by William Wordsworth (online text) The Prelude by William Wordsworth (buy a copy) | |||
| The Reader Bookshelf | 28 Jun 2024 | 00:46:41 | |
The Reader Bookshelf is a carefully curated collection of literature for adults and children, exploring a different theme each year. The Bookshelf includes a diverse range of stories, plays and poems which are shared across our Shared Reading movement. We join a Shared Reading group at Calderstones reading from Jhumpa Lahiri’s short story collection Interpreter of Maladies, a popular choice from last year’s Reader Bookshelf. And The Reader’s Director of Literature, Katie Clark, introduces our new Bookshelf for 2024-25, and this year’s theme of ‘Wonder’. The Reader Bookshelf at Bookshop.org Find a Shared Reading group near you | |||
| Among the Trees of Calderstones Park | 28 May 2024 | 00:30:23 | |
In this episode we learn about the secret histories of various species of trees from around the world which now, like The Reader, thrive in Calderstones Park in Liverpool. We’ll hear from representatives of Liverpool-based groups Chinese Wellbeing and Japan Society North West about the cultural significance of species such as cherry blossom and pine, and listen to poetry which unlocks the wonder and mystery of these trees. The episode is part of our heritage project, Making Meaning at Calderstones, which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. 170 Chinese Poems, translated by Arthur Waley The Pillow Book by Sei Shōnagon
| |||
| Shakespeare North Playhouse | 23 Apr 2024 | 00:27:53 | |
The Reader Podcast visits the new Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot in Merseyside to join one of the two Shared Reading groups that take place there every week. We listened in to the group reading an extract from King Lear together, had a tour of the theatre, and Reader Leader Emily Parr told us what Shared Reading brings to this unique community space. The Shakespeare North Playhouse The history of Shakespeare North Playhouse – an interview with architect Dr Nicholas Helm | |||
| The Garden Theatre | 27 Mar 2024 | 00:33:13 | |
In this episode we return to The Reader's project uncovering the heritage of Calderstones, our home in Liverpool. We’ll be visiting a very special part of Calderstones - the Garden Theatre, an outdoor stage added to the Mansion House by Liverpool Council in the 1940s. We’ll hear from audience members who have enjoyed shows on this stage, both past and present, and learn why the Garden Theatre’s long association with Shakespeare makes Calderstones the perfect home for The Reader. With thanks to The Reader’s heritage volunteers, all the local residents who shared their memories with us, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Reader’s 2024 Summer Season at the Garden Theatre ‘After a Play’ by Elizabeth Jennings, from The Collected Poems (Carcanet) | |||
| The Reader's Storybarn | 18 Mar 2024 | 00:46:39 | |
The Storybarn is a one-of-a-kind reading retreat for children and their grown-ups. Little ones can let their imaginations run wild, discovering new stories to share, and taking part in unique experiences, alongside arts and crafts. In this episode we visit a Tiny Acorns session, a group where parents and carers spend time at The Storybarn with their newborns, picking up handy tips on reading with their little ones and enjoying Shared Reading together. We hear from the parents who attend these groups, as well as the Storybarn staff themselves, who give an insight into how the magic is made. | |||
| Now We Sit With It | 29 Feb 2024 | 00:37:50 | |
Episode 17 - Now We Sit With It The title of this episode is taken from a new painting created for permanent display in Calderstones Mansion House by Liverpool-based artist Sumuyya Khader. The artwork responds to new research by a historian and Reader heritage volunteers into links between the Mansion House, its owners and the transatlantic slave economy. In this episode we speak to Robert, one of the volunteer researchers, and to Sumuyya Khader, to hear about the process of uncovering and responding to this research. This episode has been funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of ‘Making Meaning at Calderstones’ – The Reader’s two-year project to uncover and celebrate the unique stories of our reading home. More information about ‘Now We Sit With It’ Calderstones links to transatlantic slavery – what we know (The Reader website) ‘The White Man’s Guilt’ by James Baldwin in Dark Days (Penguin) | |||
| A Song for New Year’s Eve: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 31 Dec 2023 | 00:04:08 | |
Today's poem is 'A Song for New Year's Eve' by William Cullen Bryant. It's read by Jemma Guerrier from The Reader. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| Ring Out, Wild Bells: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 30 Dec 2023 | 00:04:30 | |
Today's poem is 'Ring Out, Wild Bells' by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. It's read by Chris Lynn from The Reader. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| A January Dandelion: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 29 Dec 2023 | 00:03:00 | |
Today's poem is 'A January Dandelion' by George Marion McClellan. It's read by Alex McCarten from The Reader. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| The Old Year: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 28 Dec 2023 | 00:03:43 | |
Today's poem is 'The Old Year' by John Clare. It's read by Jamie Barton from The Reader. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| The Burning of the Leaves: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 27 Dec 2023 | 00:05:06 | |
Today's poem is 'The Burning of the Leaves' by Laurence Binyon. It's read by Clare Ellis from The Reader. | |||
| Snow in the Suburbs: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 26 Dec 2023 | 00:03:15 | |
Today's poem is 'Snow in the Suburbs' by Thomas Hardy. It's read by Sue Highfield from The Reader. | |||
| Winter Stars: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 25 Dec 2023 | 00:03:06 | |
Merry Christmas! Today's poem is 'Winter Stars' by Sara Teasdale. It's read by Sami Wilson from The Reader. | |||
| Winter Trees: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 24 Dec 2023 | 00:02:29 | |
Today's poem is 'Winter Trees' by William Carlos Williams. It's read by George Hawkins from The Reader. From 'The Collected Poems Vol.1: 1909-1939' by William Carlos Williams (Carcanet, 2018). Permission requested. | |||
| Winter Days: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 23 Dec 2023 | 00:02:49 | |
Today's poem is 'Winter Days' by Gareth Owen. It's read by Carole Simms from The Reader. From 'Collected Poems' by Gareth Owen (Macmillan, 2000) Permission requested. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| The Faint Shadow of the Morning Moon: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 22 Dec 2023 | 00:02:24 | |
Today's poem is 'The Faint Shadow of the Morning Moon' by Yone Noguchi. It's read by Sophie Envis from The Reader. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| The Shortest Day: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 21 Dec 2023 | 00:03:15 | |
Today's poem is 'The Shortest Day' by Susan Cooper. It's read by Jan Heron from The Reader. 'The Shortest Day' is published as a picture book, illustrated by Carson Ellis, by Walker Books (2020). Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| The Prelude: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 20 Dec 2023 | 00:03:56 | |
Today's poem is an extract from 'The Prelude' by William Wordsworth. It's read by Andrew Forster from The Reader. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| Rima 23: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 19 Dec 2023 | 00:02:36 | |
Today's poem is 'Rima 23' by Gustavo Adolfo Becquer. It's read by Jess Alvarez from The Reader. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| Snow: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 18 Dec 2023 | 00:03:08 | |
Today's poem is 'Snow' by Gillian Clarke. It's read by Sean Perry from The Reader. From 'Collected Poems' by Gillian Clarke (Carcanet, 1997). Permission requested. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| Sonnet 97: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 17 Dec 2023 | 00:03:05 | |
Today's poem is Sonnet 97 by William Shakespeare. It's read by Peter Doran from The Reader. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| Christmas Light: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 16 Dec 2023 | 00:02:58 | |
Today's poem is 'Christmas Light' by May Sarton. It's read by Kara Orford from The Reader. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| I Heard a Bird Sing: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 15 Dec 2023 | 00:02:22 | |
Today's poem is 'I Heard a Bird Sing' by Oliver Herford. It's read by Linda Flynn from The Reader. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| A Fallow Deer At the Lonely House: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 14 Dec 2023 | 00:02:40 | |
Today's poem is 'A Fallow Deer at the Lonely House' by Thomas Hardy. It's read by Jess Harrison from The Reader. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| After the Winter: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 13 Dec 2023 | 00:02:58 | |
Today's poem is 'After the Winter' by Claude McKay. It's read by Nicola Williams from The Reader. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 12 Dec 2023 | 00:02:54 | |
Today's poem is 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening' by Robert Frost. It's read by Mary Crotty from The Reader. From 'The Collected Poems' by Robert Frost (Vintage Classics, 2013). Permission requested. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| A Little More: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 11 Dec 2023 | 00:03:21 | |
Today's poem is 'A Little More' by Elizabeth Jennings. It's read by Lisa Spurgin from The Reader. From 'Collected Poems' by Elizabeth Jennings (Carcanet, 2002) Permission requested. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| It Sifts from Leaden Sieves: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 10 Dec 2023 | 00:03:01 | |
Today's poem is 'It Sifts from Leaden Sieves' by Emily Dickinson. It's read by Eve Fineburg. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| In Memoriam: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 09 Dec 2023 | 00:03:25 | |
Today's poem is from 'In Memoriam' by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. It's read by Frances Macmillan from The Reader. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| A Winter’s Tale: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 08 Dec 2023 | 00:02:58 | |
Today's poem is 'A Winter's Tale' by D.H. Lawrence. It's read by Julia Youngman from The Reader. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| Ice Storm: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 07 Dec 2023 | 00:02:58 | |
Today's poem is 'Ice Storm' by Robert Hayden. It's read by Jane Davis from The Reader. From 'Collected Poems' by Robert Hayden (Norton, 2013). Permission requested. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| Frost At Midnight: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 06 Dec 2023 | 00:07:07 | |
Today's poem is 'Frost at Midnight' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It's read by Sami Wilson from The Reader. | |||
| Holly: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 05 Dec 2023 | 00:02:52 | |
Today's poem is 'Holly' by Seamus Heaney. It's read by Kath Dodd from The Reader. From New Selected Poems 1967-1997 by Seamus Heaney (Faber,2014). Permission requested. | |||
| A Winter’s Night: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 04 Dec 2023 | 00:03:01 | |
Today's poem is 'A Winter's Night' by William Barnes. It's read by Frances Macmillan from The Reader. | |||
| After Rain: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 03 Dec 2023 | 00:03:24 | |
Today's poem is 'After Rain' by Edward Thomas. It's read by Abi Blackburn from The Reader. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson. | |||
| Bleak Weather: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 02 Dec 2023 | 00:04:01 | |
Today's poem is 'Bleak Weather' by Ella Wheeler Wilcox. It's read by Jen Jarman from The Reader. | |||
| Under This Sky: Festive Poetry Calendar 2023 | 01 Dec 2023 | 00:04:46 | |
Today's poem is 'Under This Sky' by Zia Hyder translated from Bengali by Bhabani Sengupta and Naomi Shihab Nye. It's read by Rachael Elliott from The Reader. From 'Under This Sky: A Collection of Poems from Around the World' ed.Naomi Shihab Nye. Production by Chris Lynn. Music by Chris Lynn & Frank Johnson | |||
| The Reader Festive Calendar - Coming Soon! | 17 Nov 2023 | 00:02:12 | |
| Rob Trimble and Bromley by Bow | 10 Oct 2023 | 01:08:17 | |
The Bromley by Bow Centre in London is a unique community centre, charity and community research project that seeks to offer people a wide variety of services based on their individual needs – from medical help, to job support, meeting people or learning a new skill. The centre was a model and inspiration for The Reader’s own headquarters at Calderstones Mansion House in Liverpool. Rob Trimble is a patron of The Reader and was until recently the Chief Executive of Bromley by Bow, and he joins The Reader’s George Hawkins to talk about how we can create spaces for human beings to find meaning, connection and hope. The Bromley by Bow Centre website Bromley by Bow featured on ‘The Truth About... Improving Your Mental Health’ on BBC One | |||
| Ep. 15 Reading Aloud | 14 Sep 2023 | 00:49:17 | |
On 14th September 2023 Batsford Books will publish an handsome new anthology, A Poem to Read Aloud Every Day of the Year. This anthology has been compiled by Liz Ison who has volunteered or worked for The Reader for many years, running a variety of Shared Reading groups both in person and online. The Reader’s Director of Literature, Katie Clark, spoke to Liz about her reading life, how that’s been influenced by Shared Reading, and the genesis of this anthology. During their chat they read aloud from the collection and delve into the mysteries and magic of reading aloud. A Poem to Read Aloud Every Day of the Year at Bookshop.org | |||
| Ep. 14 Heritage | 05 Apr 2023 | 00:44:08 | |
Episode 14 – Heritage and Literature In this episode, staff from The Reader take us on an audio tour of The Reader’s Liverpool home, Calderstones Mansion House in Calderstones Park. We learn a little about the history of the Mansion and the ancient monument that gives the house and park its name, and listen to literature that brings those spaces and their former inhabitants to life. This episode is the first of several about The Reader’s two-year heritage project, Making Meaning at Calderstones, funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, during which we are uncovering and telling the stories of Calderstones as a significant place of meaning-making. Read more about Calderstones Mansion House An interactive map of Calderstones Park Making Meaning at Calderstones: The Reader’s Heritage project Time Traveller’s Shared Reading group The Silence Living in Houses by Esther Morgan ‘A Muse in Livery’ by Robert Dodsley | |||
| Ep. 13 Neil Griffiths | 06 Mar 2023 | 00:38:46 | |
Isobel from The Reader meets Neil Griffiths, educational consultant, author and storyteller. Their conversation ranged over Neil’s childhood, growing up with a father who read bedtime stories every night, to his time as a head-teacher working hard to engage parents and teachers, and on to advising governments on education and the importance of reading. What shines through all is Neil’s passionate belief in the benefits of reading aloud to children. Purchase Issue 76 of The Reader magazine from our online shop The Reader’s interactive story space in Liverpool Collected Poems by Elizabeth Jennings
| |||
| Ep 12. Katherine May | 13 Dec 2022 | 00:45:22 | |
This episode will be released on 13th December, which is celebrated by some as St Lucy’s Day, a festival of light. On our ‘Light and Darkness’-themed Reader bookshelf this year is Katherine May’s Wintering, a compassionate, curious, wide-ranging book which describes a phase of life that comes to us all at some point, and shows what respite and renewal can be found even through the darkest times. Katherine May was our guest at Gravity festival in October, speaking to Melissa Chapple and Philip Davis about Wintering, and also about her first book, The Electricity of Every Living Thing. We also hear how Wintering resonated with audience members at Gravity, and listen to the John Donne poem ‘A Nocturnal Upon St Lucy’s Day’. The Reader ‘Bookshelf in a Box’ - Wintering edition More about Katherine May and her books Melissa’s research paper on reading and autism | |||
| Ep 11. Tony Schumacher and Chris Dowrick | 30 Nov 2022 | 00:58:06 | |
**This episode contains explicit language (swearing) and discussion of suicide throughout which some listeners may find distressing.** In this episode we’ll hear from two events at Gravity and two different guests linked by their experiences of being on the frontline in responding to fellow humans in moments of crisis. Tony Schumacher grew up in Huyton in Liverpool, and was a police officer for over a decade before the pressure of the job caused his mental health to fray. He eventually left the force and began writing, which he credits with saving his life. After publishing several novels, Tony wrote a TV script drawing on his experiences in the police, which became ‘The Responder’, a unique, uncompromising major drama series which aired on BBC1 in January 2022. Tony came to Gravity and discussed ‘The Responder’ and his life and career with Greg Jenkins, Young Person’s Mentor at The Reader. Chris Dowrick is a professor of primary medical care at the University of Liverpool and a practising GP. Chris is the author of the well-known book Beyond Depression, and, more recently, of Reading to Stay Alive: Tolstoy, Hopkins and the Dilemma of Existence. This book draws on case histories of Chris’ patients, Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy, and poems by Gerard Manley Hopkins to speak powerfully about moments of crisis and desperation. Chris talked via video link at Gravity festival to Philip Davis, Emeritus Professor of English literature at the University of Liverpool. The Responder on BBC iPlayer Greg Jenkins on The Reader Podcast (Episode 8) Reading to Stay Alive: Tolstoy, Hopkins and the Dilemma of Existence, published by Anthem Press Reading for Life by Philip Davis Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy ‘No worst, there is none’ by Gerard Manley Hopkins | |||
| Ep 10. Frank Cottrell-Boyce | 23 Nov 2022 | 00:26:27 | |
The author and screenwriter Frank Cottrell-Boyce has been a patron and supporter of The Reader for over a decade. During the summer, after his first post-Covid tour of schools around the UK to talk about his new children’s book, Noah’s Gold, Frank met with Jane Davis, Founder and Director of Literature at The Reader, to talk about the huge differences he saw in the children he met. When Frank came to Gravity, he continued to draw attention to the effects of the Covid lockdowns on children, and spoke with fellow author Lissa Evans, and The Reader’s Head of Children and Young People Kara Orford, about how books can help children cope with change by giving them the apparatus for happiness.
| |||
| Ep 9: All I Want for Christmas | 15 Dec 2021 | 00:32:32 | |
‘Books make great gifts because they have whole worlds inside of them. And it's much cheaper to buy somebody a book than it is to buy them the whole world!’ Neil Gaiman
If you need inspiration for the perfect bookish gift for a particular person, give this episode a listen. Whether it’s for someone who loves the great outdoors, or for someone who has cared for you this year, or for some bright spark who is always making, doing and creating – Reader staff have recommendations of great books to suit them all. We also have recommendations from the Founder/Director of The Reader, Jane Davis, and from the writer and critic Tomiwa Owolade, who we’ll be hearing from again in a future episode of this podcast. And if you listen right to the end, there’s a festive poem for you. Merry Christmas to one and all!
Christmas Gift Guide 1: For the person who finds respite in nature Christmas Gift Guide 2: For the busy person who needs 15 minutes of calm Christmas Gift Guide 3: For the person who stands by when things get tough Christmas Gift Guide 4: For the person who teaches, encourages and tries to lead the way Christmas Gift Guide 5: For the person who writes, creates, experiments, and thinks differently
Buy the books from The Reader Shop at Bookshop.org.
More gift ideas from The Reader
The Reader magazine subscription offer
Read some of Tomiwa Owolade’s articles on Unherd.com
| |||
| Ep 8. Making Space | 08 Nov 2021 | 00:39:58 | |
When our Young Person’s Mentor Greg spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live on 30 September about Shared Reading, many listeners wrote in to say it was the most inspiring thing they’d ever heard on the radio. We caught up with Greg for an extended conversation about his role at The Reader and to hear more about how Shared Reading fits into this and into Greg’s own story so far. We’ll also hear from another Reader staff member, Sue, who reads a poem by Wordsworth and talks about the powerful and unexpected sense of calm that this old poem can create in her groups.
The Reader on BBC Radio 5 Live
BBC Radio 5 Live Word Matters project
Young Person’s Mentoring Scheme at The Reader
‘Love After Love’ by Derek Walcott from The Poetry of Derek Walcott 1948-2013 published by Faber & Faber. We have applied for permission of the publishers FSG to read this poem here.
‘Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802’ by William Wordsworth
‘Spiderweb’ by Kay Ryan Kay Ryan's poem 'Spiderweb' is from her collection Odd Blocks: New & Selected Poems published by Carcanet. We are grateful for the kind permission of the publishers to read it here. | |||
| Ep 7. What If? | 18 Oct 2021 | 00:31:23 | |
The Reader Podcast is back after an extended break with an episode about being bold, taking risks and keeping an eye out for the unexpected. Gill Smith worked at The Reader’s Storybarn, our interactive play space for children and young people, when it opened in 2016. Since then, Gill’s gone on to enjoy success as an illustrator – her first collaboration, a picture book of Victoria Hislop’s Maria’s Island, was released in June. Gill chatted with Annie from The Reader about reading, where she finds inspiration, and she shared some valuable advice for budding creatives out there.
Maria’s Island by Victoria Hislop, illustrated by Gill Smith, is available now from Walker Books.
We’ve been busy over the summer producing The Reader magazine and a new anthology for National Poetry Day, The Road Not Taken.
‘What If This Road’ by Sheenagh Pugh With thanks to Seren Books for permission to use the poem here and in the anthology The Road Not Taken.
Read the rest of the short story ‘The Lumber Room’ by Saki here.
| |||