Hard Pressed
CulturewordMainstream publishing has a problem and Mancunians aren’t having any of it. Meet the radical writers and DIY-publishers who transformed the literary scene of Manchester from 1977-2010, providing a platform to marginalised writers whose stories were being perpetually overlooked. The Hard Pressed podcast features interviews with creatives that shaped a lively spoken word and print scene, plus striki... more
| Publishes | Daily | Episodes | 12 | Founded | 5 months ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Categories | BooksDocumentarySociety & CultureArts | ||||
Listen to this Podcast
Latest Episodes
Panshine Press was set-up in the late 1990s by Jan Whalen and Suzanne Batty who wanted to address the poor representation of women in poetry publications – both on the editorial and writing side. In this episode you’ll hear what contemporary Manchest... more
The 1948 British Nationality Act gave the status of Citizen to people residing in the Commonwealth countries, encouraging many to move to the UK, seeking a better life. Just Lately, I Realised, published by Gatehouse Books in 1985, captures stories o... more
A first-hand account of the profound impact that indie presses have. Writer Neil Campbell went from browsing magazine’s in Manchester’s Central Library to a decades long writing career – all catalysed by the city’s small presses. This episode is a fr... more
‘Annoy the people who should be annoyed, inspire the people who should be inspired’
John G Hall, one of the founders of Citizen 32 magazine, is passionate about politically conscious literature. In this episode you’ll hear John speaking on the ori... more
Hear from the quintessential Manc Mike Garry about his poetic origins and how he started his press Cheers Ta in the early 2000s, publishing poetry with a distinctly live feel.
Mike was in conversation with Cultureword’s Pete Kalu in February 2025.... more
Being seen, being heard, being visible. Nailah writing group and magazine was formed in the 1980s by a group of women in Moss Side searching for a place to express themselves and heal from the struggles facing their community. In this episode you’ll ... more
We got contemporary writers to respond to the work in Manchester's radical presses. Here Sujata Pillai finds unlikely inspiration in the doyenne of Manchester's queer and spoken word scenes - Chloe Poems. Hosted by Heena Patel
Episode credits: Titl... more
We got contemporary writers to respond to the work in Manchester's radical presses. Poet Abhijeet Singh talks to Peter Kalu about the inspiration for his new pieces 'Remnant', 'Aubade' and 'Précis'. Hosted by Heena Patel.
Follow Abhijeet: ww... more
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Apple Podcasts | #184 |  United Kingdom/Society & Culture/Documentary |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hard Pressed
What is Hard Pressed about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Focusing on the vibrant literary scene of Manchester, the content explores how radical writers and DIY-publishers fostered a community for marginalized voices from 1977 to 2010. Themes of identity, cultural heritage, and community activism are central, with the podcast featuring discussions and readings that highlight the significant contributions of local poets, writers, and editors. Listeners can expect engaging conversations that unveil the personal and political narratives shaping the literary landscape, emphasizing the importance of diversity and accessibility in literature. This unique blend of interviews and performance captures the essence of Manchester's people and stories, making it a compelling listen for those interested in lite... more
Where can I find podcast stats for Hard Pressed?
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How many listeners does Hard Pressed get?
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What are the audience demographics for Hard Pressed?
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How many subscribers and views does Hard Pressed have?
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How many episodes of Hard Pressed are there?
Hard Pressed launched 5 months ago and published 12 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Hard Pressed?
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What guests have appeared on Hard Pressed?
Recent guests on Hard Pressed include:
1. John G Hall
2. Dr. Anna Percy
3. Sujata Pillai
4. Abhijeet Singh
5. Peter Kalu
6. Martin De Mello
7. Greg Wilkinson
8. Diké Omeje
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.