Shami's Speakeasy: Bespoken's new podcast for reflection and resistance

Where is the compassion? Reasoned argument? Nuance?

Why are the most pugnacious voices the only ones we hear?

If these are your thoughts when you listen to the news or scroll social media - please can I introduce you to our new podcast?

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Shami's Speakeasy - produced by Bespoken, and hosted by brilliant human rights lawyer and activist Shami Chakrabarti - is a response to darkening political times.

At a moment when debate is polarised and reduced to slogans, the Speakeasy opens its doors to honesty, doubt, and connection - as well as courage, conviction and resistance.

As Shami herself says, “In difficult times, reasonable debate is itself an act of resistance."

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In the Speakeasy, people tell us what drives them to act, how they keep going when things look bleak, and where they still find hope.

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It is a refuge; a place to pause, take stock, and hold conversations that go deeper than the daily news cycle allows. 

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We open our doors today with two episodes - one with former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon, and the other with journalist, author and academic Gary Younge.

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New guests step in to the Speakeasy weekly.

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In future episodes, there will be conversations with Baroness Doreen Lawrence, Darren McGarvey, "the spider woman" Baroness Brenda Hale, and many others.

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Bespoken are making the Speakeasy in collaboration with brilliant comms leader Mairi Clare Rodgers of Chaotic DoGooders.

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Each episode is accompanied by a Speakeasy Zine - with facts, figures, suggested reading and activities, and artwork by Dundee-based artist Josh Moir.

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These will be available in the days following each episode’s release on the Speakeasy’s website or directly to subscribers, who sign up for free at www.shamisspeakeasy.co.uk

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Shami’s Speakeasy is able in both video and audio formats. Enter the Speakeasy here https://podfollow.com/shamis-speakeasy

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The first episode - with former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon - is here. 

 Huge credit to the Bespoken team - particularly Ailish Hunter who has produced and edited the first series of Shami's Speakeasy.