Paper Trails Podcast

2025 has been a year we’ll never forget. From selling out our first 150+ show, to launching a monthly book club, and consistently putting out Inspyre Bytes while juggling full-time jobs, this year has been full of risks, growth, late nights, and moments that reminded us why we started Inspyre in the first place.In this episode, we take a deep dive into our year:The moments that challenged us, pushed us, and nearly made us give upThe wins — big and small — that showed us we were on the right pathLessons we’ve learned about creativity, consistency, and building a communityBehind-the-scenes stories and fun moments no one sawHow Inspyre has grown from an idea into a space for creatives to explore, learn, and be inspiredWe also reflect on what this year has taught us personally, how we’ve grown as a team, and the vision we have for the future. Whether you’ve been following from the start or just discovering Inspyre, this is a chance to look back, laugh a little, and be inspired to create in your own life.✨ What you’ll get from this episode:Honest reflections on a year of building something meaningfulFun behind-the-scenes moments that didn’t make the postsInsights on staying motivated while balancing real life and creativityInspiration for your own creative journey in 2026If you’ve ever felt like pursuing your creative dreams is too hard, too messy, or impossible alongside life’s responsibilities — this episode is for you.📌 Subscribe to Inspyre for more stories, creative insights, and ways to keep your inspiration alive. And don’t forget to check out our book club, Bytes, and other projects from the year!

Welcome to Paper Trails, a podcast by Inspyre UK, where we explore the stories and ideas that connect people through culture, creativity, and lived experience.In our final episode of the season, Mohamed and Sharmarke sit down with Maryamah, our first ever big Storytelling show competition winner. We talked about how our show went and Maryamah's experience before and at the show. 🎤 Go support Maryamah!Instagram: @maryamain7kBig shout out to our sponsors:https://ibsprays.co.uk/ - for the incredible perfume for the winner!@justcravingsofficial - for the amazing cakes on the night, catered for 150 people and they all loved it!@__elevateco_ - for helping to organise the event along with the banners and boards bringing the event to life@concreteculturestudio - for providing the equipment and expertise to help us document the whole show!🔗 Stay in the loop:Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://inspyreuk.substack.com/🌐 Follow Inspyre UKWebsite: inspyreuk.carrd.coInstagram: @inspyreukTikTok: @inspyreukYouTube: Inspyre UK#somali #somalicommunity #somalipodcast #somalipodcastuk #comedian #somalicomedian #somalicomedy

Welcome to Paper Trails, a podcast by Inspyre UK, where we explore the stories and ideas that connect people through culture, creativity, and lived experience.In this episode, Mohamed and Sharmarke sit down with Fathiya Saleh, a UK-based comedian whose sharp wit and fearless storytelling have made her one of the most exciting voices on the comedy circuit right now. Fathiya reflects on her journey into comedy, the moments that shaped her humour, and how lived experience fuels her perspective on stage.With honesty, humour, and warmth, Fathiya opens up about navigating identity, finding confidence through comedy, and using laughter as a way to connect, challenge, and heal. It’s a conversation about finding your voice, owning your story, and the power of humour to say the things that often go unsaid.🎟️ Get your tickets for Fathiya's Event:Fathiya Saleh - Work in Progress Comedy Night🎤 Go support Fathiya!Instagram: @fathiyasaleh🔗 Stay in the loop:Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://inspyreuk.substack.com/🌐 Follow Inspyre UKWebsite: inspyreuk.carrd.coInstagram: @inspyreukTikTok: @inspyreukYouTube: 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 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