Apples and Snakes: The Podcast
Arts & Culture Podcasts
Apples and Snakes is England's leading spoken word poetry organisation, with artists at its heart. Spoken word trailblazers, we exist to champion the development of extraordinary artists, amplify ignored voices and to challenge expectations of what poetry is and can be. Our latest audio project – Apples and Snakes: The Podcast, explores what it means to be Black, British and a poet or spoken word artist. Apples and Snakes: The Podcast was produced by Natalie Fiawoo, with audio production by Drew Horley for The Lab Studios. The Podcast will be available to listen to and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and all other podcast platforms.
Location:
United Kingdom
Genres:
Arts & Culture Podcasts
Description:
Apples and Snakes is England's leading spoken word poetry organisation, with artists at its heart. Spoken word trailblazers, we exist to champion the development of extraordinary artists, amplify ignored voices and to challenge expectations of what poetry is and can be. Our latest audio project – Apples and Snakes: The Podcast, explores what it means to be Black, British and a poet or spoken word artist. Apples and Snakes: The Podcast was produced by Natalie Fiawoo, with audio production by Drew Horley for The Lab Studios. The Podcast will be available to listen to and subscribe on Apple Podcasts and all other podcast platforms.
Twitter:
@applesandsnakes
Language:
English
Contact:
02084656140
Website:
https://applesandsnakes.org/
Episodes
S3 EP20 | Amen Noir - Maintaining Presence
4/23/2025
In the final episode of the season, Amen Noir and Yomi talk on the spoken word scene over the years and what gives strength to presence on stage, they touch on music and the power of harnessing your vulnerability. They discuss the importance of archiving in documenting the Black British cultural journey within the scene.
Apples and Snakes: The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Duration:01:04:39
S3 EP19 | Belinda Zhawi - Connecting to your voice
4/16/2025
Yomi is joined by Belinda Zhawi where they delve into how Belinda uses sound and voice in her work to transport audiences. They discuss the influences that fed into their craft and the legacies and contexts that come into storytelling.
Belinda shares her poem ‘Sin Blue Note’
Apples and Snakes: The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Duration:01:00:00
S3 EP18 | Asmaa Jama - Honour your words
4/9/2025
In this episode, Yomi is joined by Asmaa Jama. They talk about the interdependencies that writing and visuals have had on Asmaa’s work and creative journey. They discuss the importance of embodying and honouring your words through your work, allowing yourself to take up space and reach audiences.
Asmaa shares her poem ‘Sympathy for Ishaq, after Ladan Osman’
Apples and Snakes: The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Duration:00:49:20
S3 EP17 | Emmanuel Sugo - 'Its a natural language'
4/2/2025
Join Yomi and Emanuel Sugo as they discuss the intersection of poetry, fitness, and cultural storytelling and the many other doors that poetry has opened for them.
Emmanuel shares his poem ‘Diamonds Are Forever remixed by A Series of Unfortunate Events known as Kim Kardashian.’
Apples and Snakes: The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Duration:00:52:45
S3 EP16 | Vanessa Kisuule - The power of performance
11/6/2024
This week, Yomi speaks to Vanessa Kisuule where they talk on the transformative power of performance. This episode delves into evolution of craft, the balance between page and stage and the profound impact of community and collaboration, discussing the richness of voices that are reshaping the poetry landscape.
Vanessa shares her poem ‘Daffodil’
Apples and Snakes: The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Duration:00:58:52
S3 EP15 | Muneera Pilgrim - Witness your journey
9/25/2024
In this week's episode, Muneera Pilgrim joins Yomi in discussing her experience as a poet, coming from a hip hop background. They touch on the journey you take in seeing your worth and believing in yourself and how they were able to embody that.
Muneera shares her poem 'Dear Boy’
Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Duration:00:55:46
S3 EP14 | Jeremiah Brown - Its a journey
6/19/2024
In our latest episode, Yomi speaks to Jeremiah about his poetry journey, touching on the various mediums that Jeremiah has experimented with through his work. They talk on exploring poetry commercially, navigating poetry as a multidisciplinary artist and how you find yourself through these transitions.
Jeremiah shares his poem 'On my paternal and maternal uncles, after Jennifer Chang'
Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Duration:00:59:57
S3 EP13 | Courtney Conrad - Keeping the faith
6/5/2024
This week, Courtney joins Yomi in discussing what keeps them going. They touch on the value of community, taking things at your own pace and not limiting yourself. Courtney walks through different moments that have been pivotal, exploring religion, culture and other elements that feed into your authenticity.
Courtney shares her poem ‘Extradition of Druglord Dudus Coke: Barbican Girl Dash Weh Tivoli Boy’.
Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Duration:00:58:53
S3 EP12 | Roger Robinson on being unapologetically you
5/15/2024
In this week’s episode, Yomi speaks to Roger about his experience in different poetry scenes. They talk on the different dynamic talent that Roger has encountered and how it has highlighted the value of individuality. Roger discusses his relationship with music and how balancing different crafts feeds into his creativity.
Roger shares his poem ‘Janet Kay sings ‘Silly Games’ live on Top of the Pops, 1979’
Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Duration:00:55:03
S3 EP11 | BREIS - Its important to feel seen
3/27/2024
In our latest episode Yomi talks with Breis about balancing his life as a poet, author, hip hop educator and MC. They discuss business in poetry and Breis reflects on some of his proudest moments and how his work and outlook have evolved over time.
Breis shares his poem ‘Only Human’
Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Duration:00:50:37
S3 EP10 | Miss Jacqui - It takes a lot of heart
3/13/2024
In this week's episode Yomi and Miss Jacqui discuss social influences, being a multidisciplinary artist and accessibility in the industry. Miss Jacqui talks about being human and how her work highlights the emotions that we all feel but don’t know how to articulate.
Miss Jacqui reads the poem version of her song ‘Body Beautiful’
Duration:00:46:17
S3 EP09 | Ragz CV - It's all about the community
2/28/2024
Yomi talks to Ryan about the power of community and the importance of supporting young people. Ryan plays homage to those who have fed into finding his purpose, whilst also speaking on the frustrations he experienced that have fuelled him towards his path.
Ryan reads his poem ‘Don't let the ends be the end’
Apples and Snakes: The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Duration:00:53:01
S3 EP08 | Joshua Idehen - You gotta get your hands dirty
2/14/2024
This week, Yomi and Joshua discuss the “urgency” of writing. Joshua explores the impactful moments in his artistic career. Reminiscing on the integral people he’s met along the way, from poetry nights to performing to the King of Sweden on national television.
Joshua reads his poem ‘Its closing time’
Apples and Snakes: The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Duration:00:49:44
S3 EP07 | Roy McFarlane - You've got to speak your truth
1/31/2024
In this episode, Yomi and Roy recognise the people and the environments that have created the poetry scene today. They talk on the process of publishing and how to maintain your voice and access rawness as you progress.
Roy reads his poem ‘To the Heron who stood with me in the ruins of another Black mans life, After Gwendolyn Brookes and Gill Scott Heron’
Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Duration:00:50:37
S3 EP06 | Showing up with PA Bitez
1/17/2024
Yomi speaks to PA Bitez on the power of the alter ego and being able enter the scene saying it all. They discuss the various entry points encountered, taking them into poetry and how cultures have impacted the vitality of their writing.
PA Bitez reads her poem ‘Thunder Music’
Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Duration:00:52:55
S3 EP05 | Anthony Joseph - When you say ”I’m a poet” it’s a huge thing
11/29/2023
In this episode, Yomi speaks to T.S Eliot prize winning Anthony Joseph on what it means to be a poet and the various transitions through that journey. Anthony touches on the different landscapes he’s encountered, from firstly being on stage in a rock band in the 80s to traveling the world and the surprising pleasures along the way.
Anthony reads his poem ‘Elbows of the land’
Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Duration:00:52:41
S3 EP04 | Ty’rone Haughton - I’m not owed an audience
11/14/2023
This week Yomi speaks with Ty’rone Haugton, founder and artistic director of Literati Arts,a non profit that promotes the art of poetry / spoken word and its role in community organising and healing. Ty’rone explores the sacrifices he has made to follow his path in poetry, the impact of Tupac and how the way poetry is taught in school kept him silent for 5 years.
He reads his poem ‘Daddy don’t dance’
Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Duration:00:52:16
S3 EP03 | Tolu Agbelusi - Sometimes, we just have to get it done.
10/18/2023
In this week's episode, Yomi and Tolu talk about the various pressures, obstacles and communities they have encountered over the years. They discuss the late writing nights, juggling work and writing and the complexity of trusting your voice.
Tolu shares her poem ‘Things I can't say’
Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Duration:00:44:55
S3 SP02 | At risk of being excellent with Shirley May
10/4/2023
In this week's episode, Yomi and Shirley discuss Shirley's journey to poetry. From freestyling to crafting poems and how poets that she had poured so much into, finally helped her layout and push her own collection.
Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Duration:00:47:04
S3 EP 01| Malika Booker - Live and Direct from The Roundhouse
9/20/2023
For our first episode of this brand new season, Yomi talks live with Malika Booker as part of our 40th Birthday Celebrations at Roundhouse.
Yomi and Malika talk about poetry, lessons and the rituals that have formed a big part of their lives and writing journey.
Malika shares her poem ‘Jesus in the wilderness’
Apples and Snakes:The Podcast is hosted by Yomi Sode with Sound production by Drew at Lab Studios.
Duration:00:41:12