Paper Trails Podcast

Welcome to Paper Trails, a podcast by Inspyre UK, where we explore the stories and ideas that connect people through books, culture, and creativity.In this episode, Mohamed and Sharmarke sit down with D.D. Armstrong — author of Ugly Dogs Don’t Cry. D.D. shares how his love for literature was born during his time incarcerated, and how reading became a tool for reflection, rebuilding, and ultimately, transformation.Now an author, mentor, and community advocate, D.D. opens up about the power of storytelling to change lives and how he’s using his platform to give back to the communities that shaped him. It’s a conversation about redemption, creativity, and the generational impact of accessible literature.🎟️ Get your tickets for Inspyre Nights: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/inspyreuk/1886687📚 Learn more about D.D. Armstrong Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ddarmstrongauthor Book: Ugly Dogs Don’t Cry🔗 Stay in the loop: Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://inspyreuk.substack.com/🌐 Follow Inspyre UK Website: inspyreuk.carrd.co Instagram: @inspyreuk TikTok: @inspyreuk YouTube: Inspyre UK

Welcome to Paper Trails, a podcast by Inspyre UK, where we explore the stories and ideas that connect people through books, culture, and creativity.In this episode, Mohamed and Sharmarke sit down with Sofia Akel - academic, activist, and founder of the Free Books Campaign. What began as a mission to get books into the hands of people who need them most has grown into a movement that’s reshaping access to reading across the UK and beyond.Sofia shares how the campaign was born, what it takes to build something with purpose, and how the initiative went on to fund and build a school in Senegal. It’s a conversation about community, education, and the incredible ripple effect that stories can have when shared freely.🎟️ Get your tickets for Inspyre Nights: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/inspyreuk/1886687📚 Learn more about Sofia and the Free Books CampaignWebsite: https://freebookscampaign.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/sofiaakel🔗 Stay in the loop: Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://inspyreuk.substack.com/🌐 Follow Inspyre UK Website: inspyreuk.carrd.co Instagram: @inspyreuk TikTok: @inspyreuk YouTube: Inspyre UK

Welcome to Paper Trails, a podcast by Inspyre UK, where we explore the stories and ideas that connect people through books, culture, and creativity.In this episode, Mohamed and Sharmarke reflect on Inspyre UK’s first-ever public speaking appearance at the Riyo Consultancy Creativity and Innovation Conference 2025 in Cardiff. We shared what it felt like to represent the brand on a professional stage for the first time, the lessons learned, and the moments that stuck with us.We also dive into our biggest event yet, Inspyre Nights, happening this December at the Rich Mix theatre in London unpacking what inspired it, what people can expect, and how it ties back to the heart of Inspyre: storytelling, community, and hope.It’s an episode about stepping into new spaces, building creative confidence, and daring to make your ideas real.🎟️ Get your tickets for Inspyre Nights: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/inspyreuk/1886687Go support Riyo: https://www.instagram.com/riyoconsultancy/🔗 Stay in the loop: Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://inspyreuk.substack.com/🌐 Follow Inspyre UK Website: inspyreuk.carrd.co Instagram: @inspyreuk TikTok: @inspyreuk YouTube: Inspyre UK

Welcome to Paper Trails, a podcast by Inspyre UK, where we explore the profound stories and ideas that connect people through books, culture, and creativity.In this episode, Sharkz and Sharmarke sit down again with Mohamed Mohamud, founder of Somali Sideways and writer of the new play Between 2 Worlds. He shares what inspired the story, how it captures the experience of living between cultures, and the lessons he has learned from telling Somali stories across the globe.From the origins of the Between 2 Worlds Play, to the wildest and most unexpected places he has met Somalis. Mohamed reflects on identity, storytelling, and the importance of representing your people with honesty and heart.It is a conversation about creativity, belonging, and how powerful stories can connect communities no matter where in the world they are told.Go check out Mohamed and support him:Between 2 Worlds TicketsSomali SidewaysMohamed's personal page🔗 How to find out about our eventsSubscribe to our Newsletter: https://inspyreuk.substack.com/Go buy our Big December Event Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/inspyreuk/1886687🌐 Follow Inspyre UKWebsite: inspyreuk.carrd.coInstagram: @inspyreukTikTok: @inspyreukYouTube: Inspyre UK

Welcome to Paper Trails, a podcast by Inspyre UK, where we explore the profound stories and ideas that connect people through books, culture, and creativity.In this episode, Sharmarke and Mohamed pull back the curtain on how to run one of the most in-demand new book clubs in London and what it really takes to make it all work. From curating the perfect book list to building community through story telling and keeping every detail intentional. We share the behind the scenes processes that make The Inspyre Book Club feel premium, purposeful, and people first.It is an honest and insightful conversation about teamwork, storytelling, and the quiet precision that goes into creating something that feels effortless. 🔗 How to find out about our eventsSubscribe to our Newsletter: https://inspyreuk.substack.com/ Go buy our Big December Event Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/inspyreuk/1886687 🌐 Follow Inspyre UKWebsite: inspyreuk.carrd.coInstagram: @inspyreukTikTok: @inspyreukYouTube: Inspyre UK

Welcome to Paper Trails, a podcast by Inspyre UK, where we explore the profound stories and themes woven into our favourite books, shows, and movies.In this episode, Sharkz and Mohamed sit down with Adiwahab Abdisalam, author of Can I Ask You a Question?, a book that has sparked deep conversations about love, faith, and meaningful connection. Together, they explore how intentional questions can shape relationships, how faith can ground emotional connection, and why curiosity is one of the most powerful tools in love.Adiwahab opens up about the inspiration behind his book, the art of asking the right questions, and how communication can transform how we approach marriage and partnership — whether you’re single, in the talking stage, or years into a commitment.It’s an honest, thought-provoking conversation about vulnerability, purpose, and the courage to truly know someone beyond the surface.🔗 Links & Resources📚 Buy the BookPaperback: Amazon UK – Can I Ask You a Question?eBook: Stan.store – Can I Ask You a Question? (eBook version)👤 Connect with AdiwahabInstagram: @adiwahabh🌐 Follow Inspyre UKWebsite: inspyreuk.carrd.coInstagram: @inspyreukTikTok: @inspyreukYouTube: Inspyre UK

Welcome to Paper Trails, a podcast by Inspyre UK where we explore the profound stories and themes woven into our favourite books, shows, and movies.In this episode, Sharkz and Mohamed flip the script — and the covers. Armed with curiosity (and a bit of judgment), they pick random books purely based on their covers and first impressions. No blurbs, no reviews, no recommendations — just bold titles, eye-catching artwork, and gut instincts.What makes a book cover stand out? Can you really judge a story by its sleeve? And what unexpected gems (or disasters) are hiding behind beautiful design? With humour, hot takes, and honest reactions, this episode is a love letter to the first thing we notice about a book — its face.Whether you’re a reader who buys books for the aesthetic or someone who judges in silence, this fun and unpredictable episode celebrates the power of visual storytelling and first impressions in the book world.Don’t miss this light-hearted episode of Paper Trails. Subscribe now on your favourite podcast platform!🔗 Socials:Website - https://inspyreuk.carrd.co/ Instagram - https://instagram.com/inspyreukTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inspyreukYouTube - https://youtube.com/@InspyreUK📚 Hashtags:#BookCovers #JudgingBooksByTheirCovers #CoverDesign #BookTok #FunnyBookTakes #BookAesthetics #PaperTrailsPodcast #InspyreUK #BookDiscussion #BookTube

Welcome to Paper Trails, a podcast by Inspyre UK where we explore the profound stories and themes woven into our favourite books, shows, and movies.In this episode, we sit down with British-Somali author Salma Ibrahim to discuss her powerful debut novel, Salutation Road. Set between South London and an alternate present-day Mogadishu, the novel follows 23-year-old Sirad Ali, who is transported into a parallel reality where she meets the version of herself that could have been, had her family never fled Somalia during the civil war.We explore themes of identity, migration, belonging, and the emotional complexities of diaspora life. Salma shares insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind the speculative elements of the story, and the importance of representing underrepresented voices in literature.Whether you're a writer, reader, or someone interested in stories that navigate the intersections of culture and self-discovery, this conversation offers a deep dive into the making of a compelling literary debut.Don't miss this enlightening episode of Paper Trails. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform!Find Salma here and buy her book!https://www.instagram.com/salma.s.ibrahim/ Buy the book: https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/salma-ibrahim/salutation-road/9781035044344📚 Learn more about Salutation Road:Pan Macmillan: https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/salma-ibrahim/salutation-road/9781035044344Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210346097-salutation-road🎧 Listen to Salma Ibrahim discuss Salutation Road:Confessions of a Debut Novelist: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5v0jXt3phbdrl1RpPmLKirThe Diverse Bookshelf: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/salma-ibrahim-on-the-lives-we-could-have-lived/id1635376042?i=1000693315388🔗 Socials:Instagram - https://instagram.com/inspyreukTikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inspyreukYouTube - https://youtube.com/@InspyreUK#SalmaIbrahim #SalutationRoad #DiasporaStories #SpeculativeFiction #BritishSomaliAuthor #PaperTrailsPodcast #InspyreUK #AuthorInterview #LiteraryDebut #IdentityAndBelonging

Welcome to Paper Trails, a podcast by Inspyre UK where we explore the profound stories and themes woven into our favourite books, shows, and movies.In this episode, we dive into the dark side of storytelling — villains. We explore what makes a truly great antagonist, why every memorable story needs one, and how to create compelling villains that challenge the hero and captivate the audience. From chaotic masterminds to tragic anti-heroes, we unpack the psychology, structure, and power behind unforgettable villains like The Joker, Killmonger, Louis Litt, and even Team Rocket.Whether you're a writer, storyteller, or just love great character dynamics, this episode offers a deep look at the importance of conflict, character depth, and thematic opposition in fiction.Don't miss this must-listen episode of Paper Trails as we explore how the best villains reveal the truth about heroes — and ourselves. Subscribe now on your favourite podcast platform!🔗 Socials:Twitter - https://twitter.com/inspyreuk Instagram - https://instagram.com/inspyreuk TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@inspyreuk YouTube - https://youtube.com/@InspyreUK