This Is Spoke

Communities are all around us, at work, college, schools and most importantly, where we live. They are the catalysts in the growth of music, culture and our identity. However, day by day, councils are making massive cuts to youth services, resulting in closed youth centres and safe spaces for many young people around the country. In this episode, Fenn and Zuu discuss the importance of community and how we can help keep them strong in trying times. Joined by music maker and producer, Novelist and Drill artist and ‘most hated’ guy, S1. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

According to recent data, the happiness of 16-25-year-olds is dropping compared to those of teens from previous decades. But with people constantly documenting their lives on social media, is there any wonder anxiety and depression is on the rise? In this episode, Fenn and Zuu explore whether we are an unhappy generation and the different ways we can all become happier. Joined by the CEO of Strawberries and Creem Fest and winner of Shipwrecked 2019, Chris Jammer, and Radio 1Xtra DJ and documentary filmmaker, Mim Shaikh. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Trapping drugs has been glorified through music which, in turn, arguably perpetuates the cycle of young people, especially young men of colour, entering the world of dealing – often to a white middle-class clientele. In this episode, Fenn and Zuu are joined by television and radio presenter, Remel London and podcaster and cultural commentator, Lippy Lickshot as they explore the link between drugs and anti-social behaviour, and question why the UK is still yet to legalise cannabis. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The concept of beauty has always morphed throughout time, as society's perception of what is beautiful is influenced by broader cultural factors. However, one narrative often left out of the debate are the pressures that men also face. In this episode, Fenn and Zuu are joined by stylist and photographer Naomi Richardson, aka Naysap, and photographer and director Mahaneela as they explore rigid beauty expectations for all genders, and the media's responsibility in perpetuating stereotypes of what is beautiful. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The 1969 Stonewall Riots were a pivotal moment in LGBT history, galvanising people across the world to fight for change. Today, although there's been a dramatic improvement in the treatment of LGBTQI+ people, there still is a long way to go. In this episode, journalist and DJ Aisha Mirza and BBC presenter and journalist Ben Hunte join Fenn and Zuu to discuss what has changed in the 50 years after Stonewall, and together they delve into the experiences of LGBTQI+ people of colour and explore the safe spaces are available to this community. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

From crystal healing methods to J Hus and Skepta referring to black magic in their tunes, young people in the UK are increasingly moving away from religious practices and towards spirituality and alternative beliefs. In this episode, Fenn and Zuu are joined by musician J Lucia and DJ and broadcaster Dobby, as they explore magic and spirituality and question why more young people are identifying as spiritual rather than religious. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Fenn and Zuu talk MONEY and how you can make your money work better for you! Joined by personal finance guru Bola Sol and Entrepreneur Amani Simpson, the team drop some gems that can help you get savvier with your P! Everything from ISA’s, credits cards, leveraging debt, and just better talking about money with your family and friends. So listen up and get yourself knowledgeable! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week Fenn and Zuu explore the intricacies of coming from a mixed heritage background, staying true to your identity and navigating your way through different cultures. In the UK, people of mixed heritage are the fastest-growing ethnic group, and an exploration of race, identity and belonging is permeating conversations around the country. This is a big one, so listen in and join the conversation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

#Merky Books Special: On this week’s episode Big Zuu and Fenn explore what it means to be a black girl in the university system with Chelsea and Ore, the authors of Taking Up Space: A Black Girl’s Manifesto for Change. Chelsea and Ore came through to discuss the importance of #Merky Books, delve into their experiences at Cambridge and the process of creating Taking Up Space: The Black Girl’s Manifesto for Change - the flagship release from #Merky Books. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week's episode is packed full of inspiration as Big Zuu and Fenn discuss what it takes to make it when the odds are stacked against you. Joined by BBC The Rap UK star Ransom FA (@ransom_fa) and model and artist Bashir Aziz (@bxsqvi), two amazing individuals who have broken down barriers and made it in their industries. From growing up in Scotland and wanting to make it in the Grime scene, to being born with Vitiligo and making it as a model & artist, and living an extraordinary life. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, Fenn and Zuu are talking all things sex, dating, porn and DM's as they get to grips with the Art of Chirpsing featuring TV and radio presenter @snoohchieshy and dad, presenter and influencer @poetscorneruk. Confidence is key when it comes to talking about sex and relationships, but can too much confidence get you in trouble, and is that right? Plus if you listen to the end, you'll hear our '5 Rules to the Art of Chirpsing'. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Did you go to university and was it worth it? Fenn and Big Zuu are chopping up this big question with comedian and BBC Radio 1Xtra presenter @sidemanallday and London based violinist @jhopestrings. Whether to ‘Learn or Earn’ is a hard decision a lot of people go through when they hit the age of 18. They are met with the crossroads of whether to go off to university and get a degree, or whether to join the working world and build up their CVs to earn that P. There are pros and cons to both choices, so let's get into it!! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

NEW hosts, NEW topics, NEW season. THIS IS SPOKE is back, MON 16TH SEPT! Tell your mum, friends, dad, son, daughter, cousin, auntie, uncle, teacher, manager, pet, bossman in the shop... TELL EVERYONE! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode recorded at our first This Is Spoke live event in Peckham, we discuss diversity, representation and the dangers that we will face if we don’t come through and represent! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week we're talking activism and what it means to be an activist? As we attempt to show you that no matter the obstacle, no matter your age, you can make a definite change to the world around you! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Inspired by Becoming by Michelle Obama, in this episode, we talk about the struggles, the triumphs and the never-ending journey of finding out who you are. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, we discuss sexuality and how it affects your identity as an artist when you 'come out'. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode, we discuss social media, creativity and the pressures of being self-made for a generation who can create careers using social media. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week we discuss fallen icons in the wake of #metoo and the problems you face as a fan when separating art from the artist. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week on This Is Spoke, we're joined by presenter and activist Amelia Dimoldenberg and filmmaker and producer Arnold Jorge to discuss community, activism and the ever-increasing divide between ‘us’ and ‘them’. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week on This is Spoke, Suli and The Slumflower are joined by film director Femi Oyeniran and Singer-songwriter Maverick Sabre, to discuss sex, violence, censorship, and the obscene in art. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week on This is Spoke, Suli and The Slumflower are joined by photographer and director, Olivia Rose and rapper Nadia Rose, to discuss women in the creative industry and how they can progress without playing into the women vs woman narrative. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week on This Is Spoke, The Slumflower and Suli Breaks are joined by photographer and filmaker Iggy London and Poet and performer Yomi Sode, to talk about microaggressions and the subtle ways racism permeates British society. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week on This Is Spoke, The Slumflower and Suli Breaks are joined by Singer songwriter Caitlyn Scarlet and Poet Caleb Femi to talk about the political and moral responsibilities of artist and the ways in which art should be used. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week on This Is Spoke, The Slumflower and Suli Breaks are joined by Model and activist Munroe Bergdorf and Singer songwriter Poppy Ajudha to talk about mental health, activist fatigue and ways to avoid burning yourself out. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.