Lending Voices

In this episode of Lending Voices, we sit down with former broadcast journalist Fiona Pagett, who shares her journey from breaking into radio to becoming a trusted voice in meaningful storytelling. With over 5,000 interviews spanning celebrities, everyday heroes, and deeply personal narratives, Fiona discusses the art of connecting authentically, managing nerves, and fostering trust with her guests. Tune in to hear Fiona’s insights on the power of shared human stories, the impact of podcasting in today’s media landscape, and how her own show, Taking Control: Mind, Body, and Soul, aims to inspire and empower listeners in uncertain times.Find Fiona on Facebook hereFind Fiona's Podcast "Taking Control: Mind/Body/Soul" here

In this episode, we sit down with Eleanor Gibson, an experienced mindfulness practitioner, to explore the transformative power of mindfulness in our daily lives. Eleanor shares insights into cultivating presence, managing stress, and finding inner calm amidst a busy world. Whether you're new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your practice, this conversation offers valuable tools for enhancing well-being and fostering a balanced, mindful approach to life.

In this special Halloween episode of Lending Voices, we present a spine-chilling reading of Tom Hirons' poem "Sometimes a Wild God," complete with immersive sound effects to amplify its eerie atmosphere. This haunting work draws listeners into the unsettling world where the mundane meets the mythical, as a wild, god-like being enters and disrupts reality, embodying ancient, untamed forces that evoke both fear and fascination. Tune in and let the vivid imagery and haunting audio transport you to a place where the boundaries between the civilized and the primal blur, perfect for the season’s spooky ambiance.Check out the work of poet and writer Tom Hirons Here

Join us for an inspiring and insightful talk by Martin Stepek, recorded live at the Hamilton Town House as part of the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival. In this session, Martin explores the remarkable history of his father, Jan Stepek, whose journey from Poland to Glasgow is a story of resilience, survival, and the profound impact of historical trauma. Drawing parallels to today's global events, Martin also delves into the concept of epigenetics—how the trauma of one generation can affect the next.https://www.mhfestival.comhttps://www.tenforzen.co.uk

Join us for Glasgow Boys: A Student-Led Conversation, where Julia & Caite-Faith from St Andrew’s and St Bride’s High School interview Margaret McDonald about her writing journey. They explore her inspirations, experiences with editing, navigating the publishing world, and dive into the themes and characters of Glasgow Boys. With contributions from St Louise Primary students, this insightful session offers aspiring writers and book lovers a unique look into the mind of a recently published, critically acclaimed, local author.Margaret read her favourite poem, "A Lasting Sickness" by James Davis May

This episode features a series of engaging conversations recorded live at the Youth Libraries Conference, focusing on the theme of "Reading for Wellness." We spoke with a range of contributors, including publishers, industry vendors, and library professionals, who shared their thoughts on how literature can promote mental health and wellbeing. Listen in as our guests discuss trends in therapeutic reading, highlight new titles designed to support emotional resilience, and explore how partnerships between libraries and the publishing industry are shaping the future of wellness-focused collections. Dive into this snapshot of diverse perspectives on the power of books to comfort, heal, and connect.Youth Libraries Group