Podcast appearances and mentions of mark heywood

Some African leaders regard United States President Donald Trump's decision to halt aid to the continent as an opportunity to foster self-reliance. They have already initiated plans to mobilise the necessary resources to reshape Africa's aid landscape. “Trade, not aid, is now the pillar of our policy in Africa,” said United States ambassador Troy Fitrell, from the Bureau of African Affairs, in a speech on 14 May at business summit in Abidjan.The declaration settles any doubts over the Trump administration's position on aid towards Africa. The US – the world single largest aid donor in the world, according to the United Nations – no longer wants to disburse billions in foreign aid, despite the fact that it represents a small percentage of its entire budget.In 2023, the US spent $71.9 billion in foreign aid, which amounts to 1.2 percent of its entire budget for that fiscal year.President Donald Trump repeatedly stated that aid is a waste. For years, Africa has been the region receiving more funding from the United States than any other.Across the African continent, Trump's executive orders were initially met with shock, anger, and despair — but also with a renewed determination to change course and place African resources at the heart of African healthcare.In February, at an African Union summit, Rwandan President Paul Kagame announced that the AU's health institutions, including the Centres for Disease Control, would take the lead in seeking alternatives to US funding.“Africa now finds itself at a crossroads. The health financing landscape has shifted dramatically.“I propose that, over the next year, we work together to define new mechanisms for concrete collaboration on healthcare among governments, businesses, and philanthropies,” he told African leaders.“The work of building our continent, including our healthcare systems, cannot be outsourced to anyone else.” To untangle what is going on, for this edition of Interntional Report, RFI interviewed Eric Olander, editor-in-chief of the China-Global South Project; Chris Milligan, former foreign service officer at USAID, in Washington; Mark Heywood, human rights and social justice activist in South Africa, co-founder of the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC); Onikepe Owolabi, vice president of International research at the Guttmacher institute in New York; Monica Oguttu, founding executive director of KMET, Kisumu Medical and Education Trust, in Kenya.

Have you been waiting for weeks for a pothole to be repaired? Or are your streetlights faulty? Lester Kiewit speaks to human rights and social justice activist Mark Heywood about FixLocal, a service which is accessible via the web (fixlocal.org.za) and WhatsApp (060611111) (with an app in development) and enables active citizens to get things done by engaging effectively with authorities or holding them to account. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don’t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily. Listen out for #LesterInYourLounge which is an outside broadcast – from the home of a listener in a different part of Cape Town - on the first Wednesday of every month. This show introduces you to interesting Capetonians as well as their favourite communities, habits, local personalities and neighbourhood news. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Good Morning CapeTalk with Lester Kiewit broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/xGkqLbT or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/f9Eeb7i Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nosipho Radebe is in conversations with Development Economist, Matthew Townshend, Joburg Crisis Alliance Steering Committee Member, Mark Heywood as well as Zamo Gwala, Portfolio Head for Economic Development & Investments at South African Local Government Association (SALGA)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior researcher and Adjunct Professor at University of Cape Town, Mark Heywood on what to make of the state of South Africans suffering from food insecurity, of which a recent report found that 15 million South Africans don’t get enough to eat every day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Movement Launched to Fight “Crime of Hunger” in South Africa - Activist Mark Heywood by Radio Islam

The Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD) is reported to be in a state of shambles. The streets are said to be filled with potholes, and waste/ garbage not collected which may lead to health hazards. Some of the buildings are reported to remain hijacked and dilapidated where occupants allegedly don't pay for services. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to SABC reporter Hasina Gori and a Member of the Steering Committee of the Joburg Crisis Alliance Mark Heywood

Stephen Grootes speaks to Mark Heywood, Social justice activist, writer & Board member of the TAC about the uncertainty surrounding PEPFAR in South Africa, following the Trump administration's freeze on foreign aid and the subsequent limited waiver for "emergency humanitarian assistance". In other interviews, John Manyike, Head of Financial Education at Old Mutual, talks about practical strategies for navigating the rising cost of living and achieving financial stability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Grootes speaks to Mark Heywood, social justice activist, writer & board member of the TAC, about the uncertainty surrounding PEPFAR in South Africa, following the Trump administration's freeze on foreign aid and the subsequent limited waiver for "emergency humanitarian assistance".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Treatment Action Campaign says more than 20,000 South African healthcare workers face potential job losses following the US government's cuts to aid funding for international development. The Community-led HIV and TB organization says US President Donald Trump's administration cut ties with NPOs after historically providing over R6.5 billion in aid in the fight against HIV, TB, and other diseases. For a look at how this decision will impact NPOs across South Africa, Elvis Presslin spoke to Treatment Action Campaign Director, Mark Heywood

“Under the most oppressive circumstances, where the intent is to not only end their lives, but end almost any evidence of their existence or their humanity on the planet, people make art. They lean into making art.”~Amber Massie-Blomfield Art can change the world. Whether it's the work of painters, writers, dancers or musicians, throughout history art has made a real difference in upending the status quo and fighting back against injustice. Acts of Resistance is a new book which highlights some of the times creators have used their art to transform history. Author Amber Massie-Blomfield has collected a variety of compelling stories to showcase the power of art - a must listen for any artist wondering if their work truly means anything. During this conversation Amber explains why she felt this book was necessary, and why the journey of discovering these stories was so powerful. She highlights some of the individuals who feature in the book, who fought to make a difference. And she explains why, amid the many global emergencies we face, art is needed now more than ever. In this episode, you will learn: Why art cuts through when all other forms of messaging fail How every small contribution makes a difference Why you should let your ideas take you on a journey of discovery Find out more about Amber here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. Follow inkjockey on Substack here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“Having the darkness makes the lighter bits… light. And when there is that happy end, you feel like they've earnt it. And it's all the brighter for the trauma that they've been through” ~Helen Hawkins A traditional Hallmark book or film has a very clear path - a tried and true narrative loved by audiences. But this is a Christmas love story that hits a depth of emotion rarely covered by the typical novel in this genre. A Concert For Christmas is the debut novel from Helen Hawkins and brings us the beauty of a memorable festive love story, while also taking us on a journey through real trauma, turmoil and darkness. And it does it all while remaining a cost, fireside companion for anyone nestling down for the winter. During this conversation Helen and Mark discuss the jumping off point for the book and Helen's love of the Hallmark genre. They explore the business of writing and what it really takes to go from writer to published author. They examine the psychology of reviews and why they shouldn't always be taken to heart. And they explore the importance of injecting a bit of darkness into a romance novel like this. In this episode, you will learn: Why it's crucial to look for a twist on conventional narratives The benefits of finding a community to enhance your writing How to see reviews of your work differently Find out more about Helen here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. Follow inkjockey on Substack here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“It's that juxtaposition of very grand figures from history and the very bog standard person. They're also two boys who are overlooked by life, and I think that connected them.” ~Louise Kulup Little is known about Hamnet Shakespeare, the son of the Bard himself, who died aged 11. But it's thought his death shaped much of Shakespeare's late works, including the famously melancholy King John. But now Hamnet has been brought to life in an unique and exciting way. Louise Kulup is the author of ‘Bard Boy', which sees Hamnet return from the grave to haunt (and mentor) a 13 year old London schoolboy called Ben. Aimed at a middle-grade audience, the novel blends history, humour and supernatural elements. During this conversation Louise and Mark discuss the intriguing genesis of the book, which is surprisingly autobiographical given its supernatural twist. They explore the ups and downs of Louise's writing journey, and how it saved her from a dark time in her life. And they tap into Louise's career as an editor and publisher, to share useful advice and common writing pitfalls to avoid. In this episode, you will learn: Why you shouldn't be afraid of self-publishing To embrace the joy of writing and the comfort it brings The challenges that come with writing for children  Find out more about Louise here and here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. Follow inkjockey on Substack here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“It really caught my attention in 2016, when there was the first ever case in Canada where two platonic female friends were granted the right to be co-mothers on a birth certificate. And I thought, how astonishing is that?” ~Ellen Wiles We've all heard the pact two platonic friends make, that if they're both single by 40 they'll get married. But what about making that same pact about having children instead? Would you raise a baby with your best friend? Ellen Wiles is the author of The Unexpected, a novel which explores exactly this situation, as platonic female friends Robin and Kessie make the unconventional decision to become co-parents. The book challenges the notion of what's ‘acceptable' or ‘correct' in both the eyes of the law and of society - and how our understanding of family structure is evolving with time. During this conversation Ellen and Mark chat about what it means to be a modern woman, examining the untold number of pressures put on them by societal expectation. They explore how the legal system governs much of what we believe is right, and how it so often struggles to keep up with evolving cultural norms. And they look at the many ways different societies around the world, and the animal kingdom, parent their children. In this episode, you will learn: What's conventional may not be right - find success your way. That we can't expect the legal system to also be our moral compass. Why we need to stop putting so much pressure on women, in all aspects of life.  Find out more about Ellen here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. Follow inkjockey on Substack here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“We had the tapes and I was just giving them out. And by me giving the tapes out, it spread all across the country - the world!” ~Kamal Ahmed The Jerky Boys were a global phenomenon in the 90s - a comedy duo who rose to fame by prank calling unsuspecting recipients, and selling the recordings on comedy albums. Now, Kamal Ahemd, one side of that duo, is using the very tactics that jumpstarted his career decades ago to get his latest project off the ground. Since leaving The Jerky Boys in 2000, Kamal has directed 8 full-length films and most recently a TV mini series. That series is Crash The System, a sci-fi thriller focussing on the story of Tim Lonergan, who becomes a pawn to the weapons tech industry and decides to fight against it. Take a trip down memory lane as Kamal discusses his early days with The Jerky Boys. Hear as he discusses the current state of satire in the modern entertainment landscape - and why it's become much harder to get right. And learn all about the genesis of Crash The System and what he's set out to achieve. In this episode, you will learn: Why bootstrapping can be a great way of getting your idea off ground. Why you sometimes need to deviate from the “master plan”. How to bring your authentic self to your writing and art. Find out more about Kamal here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. Follow inkjockey on Substack here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“Every single thing I ever wrote was rejected by myself. I burnt nearly everything I wrote throughout my twenties because I was so ashamed of how bad it was.” ~Donal Ryan Donal Ryan is an author who's not only dealt with rejection, but has flourished despite it - winning awards, writing bestsellers and becoming one of Ireland's best loved authors. But what did it take for him to succeed against the odds? Donal's latest novel, Heart, Be At Peace reintroduces us to the original cast of characters from his 2013 book The Spinning Heart. Meeting the inhabitants of this small Irish town 10 years later, we get to see how they've changed and grown - now dealing with a new demon… drugs! Discussing the book and his fascinating approach to writing, Donal explains why he chose to tell this story through so many voices - taking on a polyphonic approach. He explores the way he manipulates and plays with time, creating a beautiful rhythm to his writing. And, as someone who experienced a lot of rejection early in his career, he describes how he pushed through. In this episode, you will learn: Why it's our job as writers to shine a light on darkness.  How to approach writing the second in a series of novels. Why you sometimes need to take your art into your own hands! Find out more about Donal here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“If we're not on the same page as the underlying storyline, then we have fragmentation. And that fragmentation is really, very dangerous. It's what's breaking apart the world.” ~Peter Garrett Humanity's story has become fragmented and our understanding of one another disconnected. And when we no longer share a common story, cracks start to show in every area of life.  Peter Garrett, author of A New Kind of Dialogue, explores this concept in his book - he calls it the fragmentation in consciousness. And through the book he proposes Dialogue as the solution - a way of reestablishing a common understanding with each other. Peter discusses the impact of Dialogue in deepening human connection and how he uses it in organisations where fragmentation is pervasive. He explains why he chose to tell the story of Dialogue through a series of first hand stories. And he explores his childhood growing up in the bush in Africa, where much of his learnings began. In this episode, you will learn: How there are more to conversations than simply the words we say.  Why writers must think about the overarching vision they want people to buy into. How everything we experience in life is the product of a story, Find out more about Peter here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“I saw someone with my book on holiday. I think we both ended up having a tear because it was just so lovely. That's the goal, to see somebody out there reading your words!” ~Helen McGinn Once an author releases her fourth book in as many years, she learns a thing or two about writing a good novel - reflections become lessons, confidence builds and goals become clearer. Helen McGinn is an award-winning wine expert and author. The Knackered Mother's Wine Guide is her first book, but her foray into fiction began during lockdown. In the early days of Behind The Spine we spoke to her about the launch of ‘This Changes Everything', and since then she's released another three books, with a fifth on the way. So what can we take away from the experiences of someone who's managed to release a book a year while maintaining a high quality in her work? Helen shares the secrets of her success and how she juggles a busy work and personal life with writing. She explores lessons learnt along the way - like how she digs herself out of a writing rut. And there's plenty of chat about wine too, of course. In this episode you will learn: Why taking time off to write might not be as effective as you'd think. To pay attention to your descriptions - without overdoing it. How to bring your passions to your writing. Find out more about Helen here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“It felt so powerful a moment of realisation to me, that the sum of who I am may be, in some significant way, measured in dollars.” ~Rumaan Alam Money controls us all, whether we have a lot of it, or not enough. And exposure to money can force people to do questionable things - and even stray from their morals and beliefs. Rumaan Alam is the New York Times bestselling author of Leave the World Behind, which was adapted for the screen by Netflix. His new book ‘Entitlement' follows protagonist Brooke, a middle-class woman who finds herself transformed by her new job and proximity to extreme wealth. Tasked with dishing out the fortune of one billionaire philanthropist, Brooke's story takes us on a journey through many themes - of race, privilege, legacy, entitlement, morality and class. In this episode Rumaan explains why money became the central point of this novel, how he used dramatic irony and sensory writing to enhance the reader's experience, and what it was like to achieve such success with his previous book. In this episode you will learn: Why the parallels you want to draw through your narrative aren't always obvious. A helpful way of coming up with an ending for your book. Why you need to throw perfectionism out of the window! Find out more about Rumaan here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“It looked like the club was going to just disappear completely. And then luckily, it was rescued by a tech millionaire, basically. It sounds like something that would happen far, far higher up the food chain.” ~Graham Sibley Worldwide cancellations and small clubs on the brink of extinction—COVID-19 turned the football world upside down. Though life is back to normal, there's plenty about football that has been changed forever. Graham Sibley, host of the Sound of Football podcast, explores how the game has evolved post-COVID. From the fate of small non-league clubs to the European Super League, TV revenue drying up and the ongoing trials and tribulations of VAR. Returning to Behind The Spine after appearing in the first-ever series of the podcast, Graham fills us in on the many trials faced by his favourite non-league team, Whyteleafe FC. He shares his thoughts on the rise of the Lionesses and the mainstreaming of women's football. He discusses much more, including England's brand new interim manager and the ongoing success of his podcast. In this episode you will learn: How there are compelling stories to tell about even the smallest players in football, or any industry. Not to fear AI - why people will always crave a human touch Why you should consider expanding your personal brand by selling merch. Find out more about Graham here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Monthla Ngobeni, a mother who's life has been turned upside down after she contracted listeriosis. Bongani also hears from Mark Heywood, Maverick Citizen editor & Dr Kabo Ijane from the urology hospital. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I love finding out people's back stories. It's the grittier, it's the weirder, it's the bits where people's lives go wrong that shines a light on their glories later on.” ~Alice Loxton History's most famous figures are remembered only for their great deeds and achievements, but rarely for their lives before. What were the likes of Empress Matilda, Richard Burton or Chaucer like when they were teenagers - when they were just 18? Alice Loxton, one of Britain's most exciting young historians, explores this in her new book Eighteen: A History of Britain in 18 Young Lives. You may have spotted Alice on social media where she has more than 2 million followers. She's also the author of Uproar: Satire, Scandal and Printmakers in Georgian London. Alice explores how, despite narrow curriculums and stuffy history shows on TV, social media is changing how we perceive history, making it more compelling for a wider and younger audience. She explains why she felt it would be so powerful to tell the stories of the 18 year old versions of history's greatest names. And she shares fascinating insights into their lives, highlighting the strange paths many walked before finding fame. In this episode you will learn: How some figures from history are still waiting for their stories to be told. The importance of giving your characters histories and backstories of their own. Why it might be worth your while starting a social media channel. Find out more about Alice here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“I had a friend who read an early version of the book, and she just said, well, I mean, it's a bit far fetched though, isn't it? And I was like, no, no, no, this did happen.” ~Josie Ferguson Being separated from a loved one, never sure when you might be reunited again - a familiar feeling for many of us, having lived through the COVID lockdowns. But for Berlin residents alive in 1961, when the Berlin Wall was put up almost overnight, this happened on a devastating scale. Josie Ferguson is the debut novelist of The Silence in Between, a dual-timeline historical story that follows Lisette, a mother separated from her newborn baby when the wall slices the city in two. The book follows her journey to escape East Berlin to be reunited with her child - but it also takes us back to Lisette's childhood, during World War 2. Josie explores the genesis of the book - her experience of being separated from her own family during covid, shortly after the birth of her child. She explores the connection between the atrocities of World War 2 and Russia's war on Ukraine that still rages on. And she explores the long road as an unpublished author that led her to this moment. In this episode you will learn: How familiar events of the past still have new stories to tell  Why it is vital we continue to write about the tragedies of wartime Why determination in the face of failure is essential as a writer Find out more about Josie here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

Mark Heywood social justice activist and former Editor of Maverick Citizen weighs in on the investigation by the SIU into alleged fraudulent activity by businessman Robert Gumede over a PPE tender. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“That experience of going under the ground and feeling how alienating it feels down there. That feeds very nicely into the sort of gothic ideas that we're talking about here, that sense of the past is oppressive.” – Rosie Andrews Somewhere on the border between Wales and England, Miss Catherine Symonds arrives at the shadowy Locksley Abbey to take on the role of governess. She's traveling in disguise, because what she's really after is uncovering the circumstances surrounding her sister Emily's death. Emily was the previous governess.  In The Puzzle Wood, author Rosie Andrews delves into tales of Welsh mythology, forgotten childhood memories, and an unreliable narrator. With this second book, the bestselling author of The Leviathan offers us a classic piece of gothic literature.  This episode explores how Rosie Andrews managed to write a pure gothic novel, inspired by gothic legends like Robert Louis Stevenson and M. R. James, while simultaneously retaining her own style. Hear about her choice of including a crime in the plot, as well as the challenges of writing a second book after a successful one. In this episode, you will learn: Why you should leave your house to become a better writer. How settings and landscapes can become characters in your story. How to write that perfect twisty end to your mystery novel. Find out more about Rosie here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up for the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“Yes, there is oppression and hardship, but there's also culture and joy and beauty and love and friendship. I think sometimes even we forget that there is life, and life always finds a way, even under occupation.” – Sarah Agha What gives you a sense of identity and makes you feel connected to your community, your people? The narratives we build through art are at the heart of these identities. As we explore in this episode, getting them right is crucial, especially if you are Palestinian today.  The Arab Film Club showcases exceptional cinema from the Arab World. The first series of their new podcast, which launches today, focuses on five pioneering Palestinian directors and their multi-award-winning films. Over the years, Sarah Agha, the club's founder, has shared a great deal of her culture and expertise in the subject.  This episode explores some of the narratives built around Arab, and specifically Palestinian, lives, and who gets to tell those stories. It reminds us of the long history of Palestine, as Sarah recounts what it was like returning to the land where her father is from. And gives you recommendations on how to start your journey into the exciting world of Arab cinema.  In this episode, you will learn: Why you shouldn't be afraid of your own ignorance.  Why research is a central part of the writing process. Why there are no small stories. Find out more about Sarah Agha and the Arab Film Club here. You can listen to their brand new podcast here. You can listen to the episode of The End of the Line featuring Sarah here.  Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up for the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

  Thabo Shole-Mashao in for Clement Manyathela is hanging out with Mark Heywood, a social justice activist and one of the founders of the Treatment Action Campaign about his life of activism and how he chooses which causes to support.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I've certainly met men like Cole and you are fooled by them because they're fooling themselves. They're so dangerous and insidious for that reason, because you are actually sucked in a bit” - Araminta Hall Are you “one of the good guys”, supportive of women's rights and equality and opposed to gender injustice? This episode will make you think twice. Cole has escaped to the coast after his marriage imploded, and finds himself caught up in a media firestorm after two feminist activists go missing in the area. One of the Good Guys is the sixth book from established author Araminta Hall and is an exploration of how women are treated in the modern world. Written in three distinct parts, we first see life through the eyes of “good guy” Cole. The story is then told through the eyes of his ex-wife, and that's when we begin to see his perception of himself unravel. And in part three we're caught up in the social and mainstream media reaction to what happens to Cole. This episode explores the abuse women still have to put up with in a post #MeToo era, and the fear they still feel simply walking the streets alone. It looks into the insidious nature of patriarchal power. And it ventures into the territory of social media, and how damaging our obsession with “the truth” can be. In this episode, you will learn: Why stories about minorities facing injustice don't need to be victim stories. Why characters that believe they are good are more frightening than those that are pure evil. To examine your own ideas about being “one of the good guys”. Find out more about Araminta Hall here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up for the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“This senior copper said to me, Well, you have to remember we're dealing with criminals who know no restraints at all, who are just absolutely hard bastards with no emotion and no compassion. We have to have a few of them in our ranks to balance it out.” - Alan Johnson Alan Johnson is a well-known name in British politics, having held a range of cabinet positions in both Blair and Brown governments, including Home Secretary and Secretary of State for Health. Utilising his insider knowledge, he's created a compelling, authentic and truly immersive series of crime books. The Mangan Series stars detective constable Louise Mangan. In the latest, Death On The Thames, we're taken back to 1999 as she follows a lead that takes her to Tagg Island, a community of houseboats near Hampton Court in London. We're then brought to the present, where trouble rises from that same island. This episode explores Alan's intimate knowledge of politics and the police and how that has influenced much of his fiction writing career. We discuss the misogyny faced by our protagonist throughout the novel and hear why Alan decided to pay homage to murdered TV personality Jill Dando. In this episode, you will learn: Why it can be useful to write fictional stories in real places. That there isn't one single way to do a dual-timeline narrative. To always keep your audience in mind when you're thinking of moving onto the next big idea. Find out more about Alan Johnson here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up for the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“I didn't get to see my family or Georgia for 17 years. So when I did go back, I found it really strange, really surreal. That was very emotional for me. So I started writing it really trying to make sense of it in my own head.” -Leo Vardiashvili Inspired by his own estrangement from his homeland, Leo Vardiashvili tells the story of a family torn apart as they wrestle with the events of the past. Hard By A Great Forest is told through the eyes of Saba, who is forced to leave London and return to Georgia, in search of his missing father and brother, 18 years after they fled the war-torn country. Saba follows breadcrumb clues left behind by his brother, whilst guided on his journey by strangers and old ghosts. This episode explores Leo's own experiences leaving Georgia, only to return to the country as a stranger. We hear about the history of the Georgian Civil War which is weaved throughout this novel, and about the culture and the people of Georgia. And we learn what Leo had to give up in order to write the book. In this episode, you will learn: How to use the inspiration of your own life experiences in your writing. Why minor characters must be furnished with a complete set of complex characteristics. If your novel seems like a dead-end, it may simply be missing one crucial ingredient you haven't thought of yet. Find out more about Leo Vardiashvili here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up for the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“I am probably the consumer from hell when it comes to this stuff, and I do like to believe that I'm fighting on behalf of other people. Some sort of consumer rights, compliance vigilante.” -Christian Hunt If you've ever spotted a road sign that makes no sense at all, or been sent round in circles trying to cancel a TV subscription, you're not alone. Society relies on us complying with rules on a daily basis, but sometimes the rules laid out for us are confusing.  Christian Hunt is an expert in compliance and risk management, and the author of Humanizing Rules: Bringing Behavioural Science to Ethics and Compliance. From the funny to the deadly, he's been analysing many of these peculiar rules through his Compliance in the Wild series on social media, spurring his fans to send in examples of their own. This episode explores the impact these compliance faux pas have on consumers and the general public, and why we should make it our duty to call businesses out on this stuff. We hear how Christian's method of crowdsourcing content allows him to take bigger creative risks and evolve his message. And we explore some of the challenges writers face and how Christian is dealing with them. In this episode, you will learn: How to evolve and adapt your message after your book has been written. How to deal with criticism and stop overthinking failure. Why audience connection is so valuable to a creator. Find out more about Christian Hunt here. Hear Mark interviewing Christian about his book on his own podcast, Human Risk. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up for the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“There are many, many ways to be a deaf person, but the important thing is to think about the ways in which you embrace it” -Sarah Marsh The word ‘deaf' encompasses so many different lived experiences. And by its very nature it's hard to communicate what it means - what it feels like - to be deaf. But through writing, anything is possible. Sarah Marsh is the author of A Sign of Her Own: The vivid historical novel of a Deaf woman's role in the invention of the telephone. Through the novel's protagonist, Ellen Lark, we get a glimpse into what it must be like to be deaf, beautifully put in her shoes as she constantly struggles to both understand and be understood. This novel also teaches us about deaf history. Hear the lesser known story of telephone inventor Alexander Graham Bell, and the role he played in the deaf community, from teaching a method called Visible Speech, to his oppressive views about sign language. In this episode, you will learn: About the huge variety in the deaf experience How history doesn't remember everything in equal measure To never stop searching for ways to bring your lived experience to life through writing. Find out more about Sarah Marsh here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up for the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“What we want is people in extreme situations. We enjoy watching people pushed to their emotional limits.” - L.D. Smithson Have you ever watched a reality TV show and thought ‘I could do that'? It's one thing watching the events unfold on-screen. It's another thing entirely being in the thick of it, watching the essence of your personality unravel under the pressure. Now imagine the stakes were much higher. A game where death is a very real threat. The Escape Room is the latest novel from Leona Deakin, writing under the pseudonym L.D. Smithson. The novel follows a cast of 8 characters through the eyes of Bonnie, our protagonist, as they compete for cash in a reality TV show of puzzles and games. But when the first contestant winds up dead, they soon realise the only way out alive… is to win. Hear how L.D. Smithson drew inspiration from our fascination and love of reality shows like The Traitors and Big Brother. Discover how she leans into her background as a psychologist to give us an insight into the human psyche under pressure. And learn how she used a mixed-media narrative to bring this story to life in many unique ways. In this episode, you will learn: How to use podcasts as a narrative vehicle within a novel. The confidence you can gain from a pseudonym. And the importance of a good editor. Find out more about L.D. Smithson here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up for the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“She felt she had a duty to protect all these people. And the Villa very much became, for Iris, a refuge for everybody” - Fiona Valpy In the past, a wartime heroine shelters people from the ravages of war. In the modern era, the villa once used for refuge is up for demolition, and its extraordinary past may be the only thing that can save it. The Cypress Maze is the latest novel from prolific writer Fiona Valpy. As a dual-timeline novel, we spend time in both 1943 and 2015, at the Villa delle Colombe. Moving from an Italy in the midst of World War II and in the throes of civil war, to a more peaceful point in Italy's history, but one that is turbulent for the villa's characters Beatrice and Tess. Hear how each timeline was inspired by two incredible, real-life stories of determination and bravery. Delve into issues of grief and suffering, in a novel that illuminates how we all experience these emotions differently. And learn how to do dual-timeline narratives the right way. In this episode, you will learn: Why you must find an anchor for your story when writing dual-timeline fiction. The importance of empathy as a writer. Why your writing should include both the shadow and the light. Find out more about Fiona here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up for the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“They're kind of flags mounted in occupied territory. That's the idea of a tattoo on the female form. Because the female form is a political space. It's a space of contention and conflict.” - Joelle Taylor A tattoo can tell the most profound story. Many have deep meanings to the people who wear them, and all of them serve as time capsules, allowing a person to revisit a moment in time again and again. Accomplished poet and playwright Joelle Taylor's debut novel The Night Alphabet introduces us to the heavily tattooed Jones, who regales us with the stories behind the ink that adorns her body. Flitting between past and future, the book takes us on a journey through time, tackling hard subjects like violence against women and generational trauma. Hear how Joelle navigated the move from poetry to prose, why she chose to tell such important stories through the art form of tattoos and hear the inspirational story of the impact her work has had on marginalised female communities. In this episode, you will learn: Why you should write stories about the issues you feel enraged by.  How to get creative when choosing how to tell your story. And how different stories demand different forms. Find out more about Joelle here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up for the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“What a great idea if, through this grieving process both of them could heal - could come to understand the other through the vehicle of poetry” - Diana Janney Poetry and philosophy bring together two fractured souls, 12 year old Rufus Ellerton whose parents have died, and his grandfather Horatio who's now tasked with raising him. Diana Janney's latest novel is a beautiful, musical piece of writing, which weaves poetry and philosophical musings into the prose. A Man of Understanding follows the story of Rufus (Blue) as he moves to a finca in Majorca with his grandfather. Hear as Diana explores her motivations for writing a novel like this, in this way. How her musical background inspires her writing style - even if she doesn't realise it. And what kind of writer Diana is, gardener or architect. In this episode you will learn: How to weave poetry and philosophy into a novel Why you should hold onto those characters you abandoned in the past. The benefits of bringing all parts of yourself to your writing. Find out more about Diana here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

“No one wakes up a horrible person. It's something that takes hold over time. It's about worldview, formative experiences, and what you were told growing up as a kid. And I try very hard to think about that stuff because… you can feel it.” - Tom Hindle In the idyllic setting of Italy's largest lake, Lake Garda, the illustrious Heywood family gather for a wedding when horror strikes. Someone has been murdered… but who is the killer? And will they strike again? Tom Hindle is making quite the name for himself in the whodunit genre, with the releases of  A Fatal Crossing, The Murder Game and now Murder on Lake Garda. Meshing the pacey excitement of a detective novel with the gritty realism of well fleshed out characters, his books have a hint of thriller, and his latest is no different.  Tune in as Tom tells us about the rotten Heywood family and their unsavoury past, how he came to set a murder mystery in such a place of serene beauty, and why the beat “People lie, facts don't” runs so consistently throughout his novel. In this episode you will learn: Why you should think of your scenes as elastic bands if tension is your goal How to avoid creating 2-dimensional characters. That everyone is the hero of their own story, and believes what they're doing is right. Find out more about Tom here. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

After her recent break-up, Sally has had a difficult Christmas.  The last thing she needs is stranger danger in the form of Christmas past, present, and future.    Carol was played by Isaura Barbé-Brown. Holly was played by Laura Bay. Mary was played by Polly Kemp. The train manager was played by Kwame Darko. Sally was played by Zara Day. The episode was written and directed by Mark Heywood.

Mark Heywood is a prominent social activist and he joins John to explain his decision to join Roger Jardine's Change Starts Now political party. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Height of the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis had happened just a year before. The last thing you want is to show the world's superpower to be so incompetent that they shot their own president. And you can understand why they would cover that up and try to hide it.”  In memory of US President John F Kennedy, and to mark the 60th anniversary of his assassination, we peer beyond the conspiracy theories to find out what really happened on the fateful day. Did Lee Harvey Oswald really fire all three shots, as the official reports suggest? Mark Taylor is an imagery analyst, holds a degree in psychology and has been an avid target shooter since the age of 11. With this unique skill set, he's analysed the evidence in a level-headed and expert way. Examining footage like the Zapruder and Bronson films, images of the bullets, photos of the motorcade and the grassy knoll, Mark concludes the fatal third bullet came from another gun. In this episode we dig deep to find out who pulled the trigger on that final shot, and how Mark reached his conclusion. You can also watch the full episode on YouTube here. A word of caution, we're discussing a murder, and will be showing video footage captured on the day of the assassination. As such, the content of this production may be emotionally challenging. If this is not for you, skip this episode, and join us next year for series 9. Otherwise, please take care while watching or listening. See Mark's full analysis here, in a presentation titled The JFK Assassination - The Real Nightmare On Elm Street. Your host is inkjockey founder Mark Heywood. Behind The Spine is an inkjockey production, and the audio accompaniment to The Writing Salon. Sign up to the newsletter here. You can buy copies of our anthology series here.  You can view the full transcript here. Connect with the show: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/behindthespinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BehindTheSpine Twitter: https://twitter.com/BehindTheSpine Website: www.behindthespine.co.uk

  Clement is joined by Sizwe Pamla, Gauteng Premier's Spokesperson,  Mark Heywood, Human Rights Activists & Journalist at Daily Maverick, David Bruce, an independent researcher on policing and consultant at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and Chrispin Phiri, Spokesperson of Justice Minister looking at the role of the crime prevention wardens and whether they should be provided with firearms or not. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A shocking investigation by Daily Maverick has uncovered the distressing treatment of stoma patients in South Africa's public health sector. Due to shortages of colostomy pouches, some patients have been resorting to using plastic bags taped to their abdomens, causing great indignity and pain. The lack of access to specialist care and support exacerbates the challenges faced by ostomates, who often experience stigma and discrimination. Despite previous reports of shortages being resolved, the situation remains dire, leaving patients in anguish and despair. Corruption and mismanagement appear to contribute to the ongoing crisis, leaving ostomates without the proper care and compassion they deserve. We discuss these distressing findings with Mark Heywood, a senior journalist at the Daily Maverick and Editor for Maverick Citizen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the red carpet, in front of the world's press, Carly is asked an extremely intrusive question before seeking sanctuary in a toilet cubicle. Carly was played by Evan Walker. The episode was written by Helen Cattle and directed by Mark Heywood.

Helena tries to give some advice to a younger acupuncturist and ends up reflecting on her own decision about motherhood and all the patients she's helped to get pregnant. Helena was played by Olu Adaeze. The episode was written by Anna Bernard and directed by Mark Heywood.

As she waits for the results of her disciplinary hearing, police officer Roz reflects on how the decision will influence her ability to be a mother. Roz was played by Sarah Sharman. The episode was written by Dee Chilton and directed by Mark Heywood.

Ellie riffs on free school meals for hungry kids at a spoken word performance night. As she does she argues that whether you have kids or not, none of them should go hungry. Ellie was played by Lauryn Redding. The episode was written by Aoife Smyth and directed by Mark Heywood.

After an encounter with yet another internet troll, Juliana reflects on the reality of being a young white Afrikaner. Juliana was played by Saria Steyl. The episode was written and directed by Mark Heywood.

Why should we humanize rules? On this episode, your usual show host Christian Hunt is replaced by experienced podcaster and presenter Mark Heywood. That's becuase, the guest on today's episode is...Christian.Having just released a book called 'Humanizing Rules: Bringing Behavioural Science to Ethics & Compliance', he joins Mark to explore the complex world of human decision-making and the challenges of influencing compliance with rules. As well as talking about the book, we also provide personal reflections on risk, societal norms and how cultural context shapes behaviour.Hear how thoughtful and considerate design can improve compliance and prevent unintended consequences and why humanizing rules can lead to better outcomes.To hear Mark's podcast 'Behind The Spine'

As Human Rights Month comes to a close, Carte Blanche's Siniketiwe Hlanze and Maverick Citizen editor Mark Heywood look at everything from basic services, to our Constitution, to protests. We end things off with a wholesome discussion on the South African people's resilience and ability to transcend even the most trying times.

Thabo Shole-Mashao speaks to Human rights and social justice activist, Mark Heywood looking at the state of South Africa's health facilities in response to the recent report by Prof Malegapuru Makgoba relating the disturbing state of Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in Johannesburg. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.