'under the covers' from westminster libraries by Westminster Libraries

Emma Brankin's debut collection of short stories, 'Attention Seekers', has had a great reception . Among other accolades, it was also a contender for the prestigious Edge Hill Prize. In this episode Emma talks about her creative journey and shares a wealth of tips on developing writing skills.

June 2025 brings the results of the Jhalak Prize which celebrates writers of colour. There will be three recipients: for Prose, for Young Adult/Children's, and for Poetry. Our guest is the founder of the award, Professor Sunny Singh who describes how it came to be. She also talks about decolonisation and the essential importance of love.

Wendy Andrew is passionate about helping pet owners who are suffering 'disenfranchised grief' where their sadness at the loss of a companion animal is not recognised by society. She founded the Scottish PetBereavement Counselling Service to provide support, offering a range of therapies: talking, meditation and journaling. Having suffered the death of abeloved dog at a young age, Wendy is particularly keen to see children guided through this often momentous event.

Wendy Andrew is passionate about helping pet owners who are suffering 'disenfranchised grief' where their sadness at the loss of a companion animal is not recognised by society. She founded the Scottish Pet Bereavement Counselling Service to provide support, offering a range of therapies: talking, meditation and journaling. Having suffered the death of a beloved dog at a young age, Wendy is particularly keen to see children guided through this often momentous event.

International Migrants Day is upon us. And to mark this event we're speaking with Cultural Historian Professor Panikos Panayi. The Migrant experience is at the heart of his work and the many books he has published. Summing up its effect on the British capital, Dr Panayi says 'No Migrants, No Migration, No London.

Season 3, Episode 9

Helen Bailey speaks about childhood ambitions coming to fruition via a most extraordinarily varied career. And when she got there, how she "was so excited about the possibilities".

Our guest is Christie Junor-Sheppard, the Head of Registration Services at Westminster Council. From presiding over celebrity weddings at the magical Old Marylebone Town Hall to welcoming people into British Citizenship, it's an extraordinary role. Christie says it's the best job she's ever done. And she reveals details of two exciting anniversary events happening this year.

In this episode we meet Army Veteran Paul Minter who is talking about the work of the Armed Forces charity ‘Head Up’. It aims to improve the mental health of service people – current and retired. A particular focus is on suicide prevention. Paul also talks about his own traumatic experiences and how his book choices played a vital role in improving his mind set. Warning: This episode contains references to suicide

With us this month is David Wilkins, who is Head of Smart City Programmes for Westminster City Council. In his time in the role, David's aim has been to make sure everyone in, and visiting, Westminster is 'fantastically' connected. And that has included measures such as providing free, seamless WiFi and tackling data poverty. In his book choices, David talks about being inspired to achieve a work-life balance,  including how to live healthily until 100!  And how voice recognition technology is more likely to understand a male voice.

In this episode we're focusing on Black History Month. Librarian Sara Ashbourne actually helped launch Under the Covers, by being the very first guest, more than two years ago. Sara is speaking about women who inspired her, and how she strives to inspire others.

Hamza Taouzzale became the youngest ever Lord Mayor of Westminster at the age of 22. During his term, which ended in May this year, he found himself taking part in internationally high profile events while carrying out an important agenda to support his local community. He also strove to support young people and encouraged them to see the value of getting involved in politics at an early age.

What is Glossophobia? It's the fear of public speaking. Our guest, Esther Stanhope, travels the world helping people to confidently express themselves whether they're performing a business pitch or a wedding speech. Esther knows what it's like to be sick with nerves, and she knows how overcome it. In this episode she gives details of how to get a free audio version of her book, 'Goodbye Glossophobia'.

In this episode, Nick Ross talks crime: the TV programme, 'Crimewatch', the Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science, and his book on the subject. He also describes the fascinating history of his neighbourhood. And speaks of the personal history that inspired him to take out German citizenship.

In this episode we hear from Bhushan Kumar whose social media side line has boosted his career and his confidence. Bhushan also speaks about his passion for reading and his formative experiences of libraries, in particular Paddington Children's Library. And he shares some long-loved books.

March 2023 is Women's History Month. In this episode we hear from a woman who's risen to challenges and faced them down. Sarah Newman credits the love and support of her family. She is Executive Director of Children's Services for Westminster City Council and Kensington and Chelsea Council. Her message to young people is: 'take up opportunities to be creative and ambitious and really believe you can be anything.'

The BBC has put Maida Vale up for sale and will move to a new site. Andy Rogers, senior producer at Radio 1, takes us on a magical mystery tour of the cherished Studios. Andy says they have had more famous artistes through their doors than anywhere else in the world. And he should know. He's worked there for thirty years and has collaborated with the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Beyonce, Bjork, Stormzy and the Foo Fighters. And the best thing about Maida Vale? Everyone is equal - from the biggest bands to those just starting out. 

We're marking the achievements of Loy Phillips. She brought passion and drive to celebrating the Windrush Generation. And after the murder of George Floyd, Loy used her experience of the legal world to launch several projects, including working with the Met to produce 'Policing Know Your Rights'. She's made films and written fiction. And Loy speaks of a childhood accident that left her seeing life quite differently.

With her company, 'Women of London', Becky Laxton-Bass conducts walking tours which follow in the footsteps of famous and not so famous women who have made a mark on history. Among the trips are Women of Westminster, of Bloomsbury and of The East End. There's even a limited edition one exploring Covent Garden and revealing historical links between women and gin. 

In a distinguished journalistic career, Caroline Wyatt has held a number of posts: Foreign Correspondent, Presenter and War Reporter. She recalls the moment she could no longer do danger zones. There's also a reunion which, Caroline says, was 'the most incredible story I think I ever lived through'. And inspiringly, she tells how she's done all this while living with Multiple Sclerosis, or MS.  Caroline also has three wonderful book recommendations.

St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden is nicknamed 'The Actors' Church', due to its centuries' old connection with the Theatre World. Its Rector, The Reverend Simon Grigg, speaks of how it supported theatre workers in the pandemic. Father Simon also describes its commitment to the ‘Inclusive Church’ initiative. And he recalls a trip to the pub with Hollywood Star, Matt Damon.

Steve Marchant conducts a walk-through of the fascinating venue, the Cartoon Museum, located in Westminster's Fitzrovia. And he speaks of how he created a graphic magazine called 'Life Under Lockdown' to help children process their feelings about the effects of the pandemic. Steve talks warmly about the enduring appeal of 'The Beano'. And how some comics can sell for millions.

This month marks a year since the podcast was launched and we're celebrating the amazing contributions we've had. This episode features something from each of the 12 guests. Huge thanks to them. And thank you for following 'Under the Covers'. We hope this is a happy reminder. For new listeners, perhaps it's an engaging taster to tempt you to subscribe! 

There are nine million lonely people in the United Kingdom, with a social cost running into billions of pounds. This month we’re hearing from Robin Hewings of the Campaign to End Loneliness. The group brings charities, policy makers and government bodies together to try to tackle the emotional and physical pain of the ‘epidemic of loneliness’.

Caroline Odogwu co-founded 'She Is You' to help young women from diverse backgrounds to achieve professionally and personally. Caroline describes how it came about after an University experience where she initially struggled to 'find her tribe'. She also talks about supporting Apprentices in her 'day job' at Westminster City Council. And in this, Women's History Month, Caroline has an inspirational book recommendation. 

In February's edition we hear from Ashlee Barnard who helps IT and other council departments to connect and really understand each other, as an IT Strategic Business Partner for Westminster City Council.

Sara Nisha Adams talks about her debut novel, ‘The Reading List’, a finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards. It celebrates the healing nature of reading and the human connections made in libraries. Sara shares how having success with her first book was exciting, but terrifying. She also works as an Editorial Director for a publishing house and describes the 'magic' of bringing a work from word document to book. And she speaks movingly about making connections with her Grandparents although she couldn't speak their first language, Gujarati. 

We hear how lonely elders are gaining a new lease of life when children read to them on the phone. Elisabeth and David Carney-Haworth (both OBEs) talk about their simple, yet genius idea: helping the elderly and improving kids’ fluency of reading. It is forging beautiful intergenerational relationships. They also speak about ‘Operation Encompass’: their pioneering work helping youngsters caught up in instances of domestic abuse. And there’s a book choice that may surprise!

Kelly Van Roy speaks about volunteering with Youmanity, a charity celebrating social inclusion, equality and human rights. Kelly, a postgraduate student, talks about her interest in LGBT culture and the politics of identity, and describes how food can be a ‘social force for good.’ She describes how her Forces’ family moved every three years and how she learned to adapt: 'While it was difficult to say goodbye, the next phase was just hello.' Her book recommendations include “Home Going” by Yaa Gyasi and “The Witch Boy” by Molly Knox Ostertag.

What does Black History Month mean to Louisa Augustine, Bridge Engineer at Westminster City Council? Louisa also talks about choosing her career in engineering and her role as a STEM Ambassador: going into schools to encourage children to consider careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Louisa has reading choices to comfort and inspire. And in addition, references 'Black Tudors' by Miranda Kaufmann and 'Black and British' by David Olusoga. This is an updated episode with some extra material.

Alex Edmans’ book ‘Grow The Pie’, a 'Financial Times Best Books of 2020’, shows how companies can make profits AND serve society. The Professor of Finance also speaks of how service dogs help people living with PTSD, talks about holistic education and reveals a life-long affection for Agatha Christie novels. His book recommendations are: 'Endless Night' by Agatha Christie and ‘Until Tuesday’ by Luis Carlos Montalvan with Bret Witter.

Peter Curran, broadcaster and documentary-maker shares his reading choices and more. He speaks of finding ‘a treasure trove’ in the mobile library of his Belfast childhood, the Soho and Fitzrovia communities, interviewing his heroes, and the power of music. He also talks about 'Bunk Bed', the BBC Radio 4 series he co-created with Patrick Marber, to much acclaim. Peter's book recommendations are 'Mayflies' by Andrew O'Hagan and Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations'.

Susie Johns is an author and therapist. She describes how Emotional Freedom Technique, (EFT or tapping) can ease stress and phobias - including fear of pigeons! Susie also talks about Tarot and Astrology in the 21st century and the Body-Mind connection. For a book choice, she enthusiastically recommends 'We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves' by Karen Joy Fowler.

This is the launch of a new podcast. The first episode features Sara Ashbourne who works in a Westminster library. She’s speaking about books she loves and so much more: her experience of stereotyping, finding the right career path, BAME heritage, writing her own poetry and help for people living with dementia.