Explore every episode of the podcast The Tolka Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode Eight | Wendy Erskine | 08 May 2026 | 00:54:48 | |
In this episode, Wendy Erskine joins us to talk about her essay, 'Clobber' (published in Tolka Issue Ten). Wendy, a fashion icon, discusses the relationship between clothes, creativity and how stories get made, as well as her novel, The Benefactors (2025). Music by Lemzly Dale. | |||
| Episode Seven | John Patrick McHugh | 17 Feb 2026 | 00:51:10 | |
In this episode, we sit down with John Patrick McHugh, who reads an excerpt from his piece "Voice, voice, voice" (Tolka, Issue Ten). Ā We discuss self-esteem, the negotiation between voice and style,Ā and what your position in football says about your literary instincts. Ā Music by Lemzly Dale | |||
| Episode Six | Caelainn Hogan | 26 Jan 2026 | 01:09:09 | |
In this episode, we chat with Caelainn Hogan to read her piece "House Share" (published in Tolka, Issue Nine). We discuss the commodification of housing, the institutionalisation of women in Irish history , and her bad history with birds. Music by Lemzly Dale | |||
| Episode Five | Kimberly Campanello | 02 Dec 2025 | 01:06:15 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Kimberly Campanello to read her piece Tachyphylaxis (published in Tolka, Issue Seven). We discuss bodybuilding, the influence of music and poetry on form, and the discipline and precision involved in being deliberately imprecise. Music by Lemzly Dale | |||
| Episode Four | Noreen Masud | 19 May 2025 | 01:07:15 | |
In this episode, we speak with Noreen Masud about her essay Quietly the World Shifts (published in Tolka, Issue Eight). We discuss the work of Fossil Free Books in support of Palestine, the colonial logic behind endless calls for debate, and the politics of contemporary literary festivals. Later we dive into our latest cultural recommendations which might all be summarised by the holy trinity of 'beach, sex, sun.' | |||
| Episode Three | Declan Toohey | 25 Mar 2025 | 00:52:15 | |
In this episode, Maddie and Liam speak with Declan Toohey about his hybrid essay Bomb's Away: Blitzkrieg Notes on Gravity's Rainbow (published in Issue Eight of Tolka). We discuss the Wonderful World of Thomas Pynchon, absurdism, and the surprising parallels between Declan's piece and Puss in Boots 2. Music by Lemzly Dale | |||
| Episode Two | Tim MacGabhann | 26 Feb 2025 | 00:54:14 | |
In this episode, hosts Maddie and Liam speak with Tim MacGabhann about his piece The Intransitive (published in Issue Seven of Tolka). Ā We discuss his insatiable reading and writing, Victor Serge, and the golden age of ape cinema. Ā For those curious about Tim's stellar playlist you can treat your ears to the mammoth Pan-African Conversation Pit playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6iamL1CQql9odQE5lHBKzc?si=ee214feb9fb64b19 Music by Lemzly Dale | |||
| Episode One | Niamh Campbell | 30 Jan 2025 | 00:59:39 | |
In this first episode of The Tolka Podcast, hosts Madeline Arkins and Liam Harrison speak with Niamh Campbell about her piece Birth Story (published in Issue Seven of Tolka) and How They Met Themselves (from Issue Two). We discuss shame, Beckett, a literary brat summer, and being poor in time but rich in sandwiches. CW: This episode touches on themes of pregnancy and sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised. Music by Lemzly Dale | |||