Have A Kind Word With: Mohamed Saloo

Have A Kind Word With: Mohamed Saloo

“When you’ve got no one else to talk to, paper is a good listener.” This week I speak with the incredible writer, Mohamed Saloo. The words above make up title of one of his poems … and these words leapt out for me in our discussion.  Among his many accolades, he is the co-founder of Batley Poets, and has published several poetry collections. In this wonderfully insightful chat, Mohamed also discusses writing process, the impact of poetry on his life, and his dreams for a kinder, more inclusive society. He advocates for the transformative power of a smile and - for all poets out there - he advises letting poems lead you! @saloomohamed    @batleypoets Mohamed Saloo: https://mohamedsaloo.co.uk/ [https://mohamedsaloo.co.uk/]  Batley Poets: https://batleypoets.co.uk/ [https://batleypoets.co.uk/]  Young Poet Laureate: https://nationalpoetrycentre.org.uk/projects/young-poet-laureate/ [https://nationalpoetrycentre.org.uk/projects/young-poet-laureate/]    Rose’s website: www.rosecondo.net [http://www.rosecondo.net]  Rose’s website artwork is by Niamh Wood: www.etsy.com/shop/LittleBadgerArts [http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleBadgerArts]  Have A Kind Word With Yourself podcast music was composed and recorded by Eleonora Rosca: www.instagram.com/eleonorarosca [http://www.instagram.com/eleonorarosca]

Have A Kind Word With: Justin Deeley

“The world needs more Canada right now.” This week I chat with fellow Winnipeg creative – and CBC content marketing producer – Justin Deeley. It’s a six hour time difference between Winnipeg and Manchester, so Justin had his Tim Horton’s coffee nearby for this chat! We talk about his background in theatre and comedy, and how storytelling, community, and kindness are meaningful components of his role in producing work across Canada. Justin celebrates music, food, and stories as key parts of human connection and the need for kindness in a divided world. We also touched on the political landscape in Manitoba, particularly the leadership of Wab Kinew, and the importance of Canada’s presence in the global landscape.   Justin Deeley: www.linkedin.com/in/justin-deeley-40704684/ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-deeley-40704684/]  The Rheostatics: https://rheostatics.ca/band.htm [https://rheostatics.ca/band.htm]  Chixdiggit: https://chixdiggit.com/ [https://chixdiggit.com/]  Theatre Projects Manitoba: https://theatreprojectsmanitoba.ca/ [https://theatreprojectsmanitoba.ca/]  CBC: https://www.cbc.ca/ [https://www.cbc.ca/]  Lascaux caves: https://archeologie.culture.gouv.fr/lascaux/en [https://archeologie.culture.gouv.fr/lascaux/en]    Rose’s website: www.rosecondo.net [http://www.rosecondo.net]  Rose’s website artwork is by Niamh Wood: www.etsy.com/shop/LittleBadgerArts [http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleBadgerArts]  Have A Kind Word With Yourself podcast music was composed and recorded by Eleonora Rosca: www.instagram.com/eleonorarosca [http://www.instagram.com/eleonorarosca]

Have A Kind Word With: Sairish Hussain

“Books have always been these magical things to me.” This was a truly uplifting chat with author Sairish Hussain. We talk about finding inspiration in everyday life, and the huge importance of self-compassion, curiosity, solitude, and rest. We share a huge love of books and how, as Sairish says, “You have to be a reader to be a writer.”   Instagram: @sairish.hussain [https://www.instagram.com/sairish.hussain/] Books: https://harpercollins.co.uk/blogs/authors/sairish-hussain [https://harpercollins.co.uk/blogs/authors/sairish-hussain]  Benjamin Zephaniah Poem 'Naked': https://lacuna.org.uk/equality/naked-benjamin-zephaniah-poem-text/ [https://lacuna.org.uk/equality/naked-benjamin-zephaniah-poem-text/] Benjamin Zephaniah Documentary ‘A Picture of Birmingham’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6SJDa4KkWU [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6SJDa4KkWU]  Elizabeth Day Podcast with Benjamin Zephaniah:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/2nURxPg3jHaR5ZCSrhhf1v [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2nURxPg3jHaR5ZCSrhhf1v] James Baldwin and Maya Angelou interview:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut-ZQMzEkpg&t=458s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut-ZQMzEkpg&t=458s]   How to Write a Novel course with Sairish: https://brontewritingcentre.uk/how-to-write-a-novel-and-get-it-published/ [https://brontewritingcentre.uk/how-to-write-a-novel-and-get-it-published/]    Rose’s website: www.rosecondo.net [http://www.rosecondo.net]  Rose’s website artwork is by Niamh Wood: www.etsy.com/shop/LittleBadgerArts [http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleBadgerArts]  Have A Kind Word With Yourself podcast music was composed and recorded by Eleonora Rosca: www.instagram.com/eleonorarosca [http://www.instagram.com/eleonorarosca]

Have A Kind Word With: Culain Wood

“Notice when people are being kind and they're acknowledging the importance of other creatives.” Football somehow keeps getting mentioned! But in this chat with acclaimed poet Culain Wood, it totally works. I speak with Culain about connections, community, and variety in his creative work. We talk about bigging up other artists (see the giant list of links below!) and celebrating those who have influenced us. Plus, we hear about upcoming projects, including a book collaboration with his sister Niamh and a house EP with Manchester producer, Blem. Also, be sure to check out Rhyming Words on the second Monday of every other month at the Rat & Pigeon in Manchester.    Culain Wood: www.instagram.com/culainwoodthepoet [https://www.instagram.com/culainwoodthepoet/] Dominic Berry: https://dominicberry.net [https://dominicberry.net/] Dave Viney: www.instagram.com/vineypoet [https://www.instagram.com/vineypoet/] Kieren King: www.instagram.com/kierenjking [https://www.instagram.com/kierenjking]  Biz Bond: www.instagram.com/bizm.s [https://www.instagram.com/bizm.s/?hl=en] Paul Robb: www.instagram.com/paulospictures [http://www.instagram.com/paulospictures/] Mike Garry: www.mikegarry.co.uk [https://www.mikegarry.co.uk/] Stephen Bundy: www.instagram.com/twistedillustration [http://www.instagram.com/twistedillustration/] Poets Palace:  www.instagram.com/poets_palace [http://www.instagram.com/poets_palace/] Verbose: www.verbosemcr.co.uk [http://www.verbosemcr.co.uk]  Becky May: www.beckymaywriter.com [http://www.beckymaywriter.com]  Ilaria the Storyteller: https://ilariathestoryteller.com/ [https://ilariathestoryteller.com/]  Blem: www.instagram.com/p/DXb5YF9ikn_ [http://www.instagram.com/p/DXb5YF9ikn_]  Which Way The Words Grow: www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6hVVNrtjZI [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6hVVNrtjZI]    Eric Cantona’s speech at Together for Palestine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMaFTik59NE [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMaFTik59NE]  The Man Who Planted Trees: www.puppetstate.com/shows/the-man-who-planted-trees [http://www.puppetstate.com/shows/the-man-who-planted-trees]  Nuts and Bolts: www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/2025/10/31/throwback-festive-snack [http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/arts-and-life/2025/10/31/throwback-festive-snack]    Rose’s website: www.rosecondo.net [http://www.rosecondo.net]  Rose’s website artwork is by Niamh Wood: www.etsy.com/shop/LittleBadgerArts [http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleBadgerArts]  Have A Kind Word With Yourself podcast music was composed and recorded by Eleonora Rosca: www.instagram.com/eleonorarosca [http://www.instagram.com/eleonorarosca]

Have A Kind Word With: Joelle Taylor

“Do the thing that’s instinctive to you.” I chat with TS Eliot Prize winning poet and author Joelle Taylor. Our discussion goes on the most brilliant tangents and tributaries about analog creativity, empathy, lesbian representation - particularly on her current tour of her stunning collection “Maryville” - and the deep, lasting value of friendships. There is some mature language in our chat, so a heads up in case there are sensitive ears nearby.   Joelle Taylor: https://joelletaylor.co.uk/ [https://joelletaylor.co.uk/]  Maryville:  https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/maryville-9781526680495/ [https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/maryville-9781526680495/]  Poetry Pharmacy: https://poetrypharmacy.co.uk/ [https://poetrypharmacy.co.uk/]  Slambassadors: https://slam.poetrysociety.org.uk/ [https://slam.poetrysociety.org.uk/]  Book Slam: https://bookslam.com/ [https://bookslam.com/]    “The Feed is Fake” - Vulture article by Lane Brown https://www.vulture.com/article/social-media-feeds-chaotic-good-projects-clipping.html [https://www.vulture.com/article/social-media-feeds-chaotic-good-projects-clipping.html]    Rose’s website: www.rosecondo.net [http://www.rosecondo.net]  Rose’s website artwork is by Niamh Wood: www.etsy.com/shop/LittleBadgerArts [http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleBadgerArts]  Have A Kind Word With Yourself podcast music was composed and recorded by Eleonora Rosca: www.instagram.com/eleonorarosca [http://www.instagram.com/eleonorarosca]