We are thrilled to announce the first series of a new podcast which will explore and celebrate writing in and around Wales. With support from The Rhys Davies Trust, the podcast will feature well-known authors, editors, academics and influencers in Welsh literature, taking part in interviews, readings and exclusive conversations.
The theme of the inaugural series is Queer Welsh Writing, and will include five varied episodes highlighting the past, present and future of LGBTQ+ writing in Wales. Guests and hosts will include John Sam Jones, Daryl Leeworthy, Jeffrey Weeks, Taylor Edmonds, Dylan Huw, Sarah Broughton, Kirsti Bohata and more.
Episode One will launch The Parthian Podcast on 1st April with a captivating conversation between writer-historians Daryl Leeworthy and Jeffrey Weeks. Weeks’ memoir Between Worlds: A Queer Boy from the Valleys is officially released the same day, detailing his incredible life as a gay activist, historian, sociologist and writer, always at the front of LGBTQ+ rights movements in the UK.
“A podcast on writers, by writers, and just the kind of intellectual stimulus package Wales needs.” Daryl Leeworthy (Ep. 1 Podcast Host)
A podcast is something Parthian have been hoping to develop for a number of years now – with such a vibrant network of voices around us, it seemed almost mad not to try to bring them together in some way – and with our recent foray into more digital media, as well as an increasing popularity for audio content, there seemed no better time than now. We also felt we had a clear theme for our first series – one which presented itself to us quite naturally from the books being published, and conversations being had, in Wales this year.
“Working on this project has been truly exciting. I’ve really enjoyed the freedom to not only focus on our own titles, but on the wider scope of Welsh writing right now – and on the people who are really in the thick of that.” Kathryn Tann, Reading Engagement Editor (Podcast Producer)
We’d like to thank The Rhys Davies Trust – without their financial support The Parthian Podcast would have remained a fond pipe-dream for the foreseeable future! Thanks also to all our brilliant guests and hosts who have taken part in production so far.
We can’t wait to share this first series of fantastic interviews with you. The podcast will be available on the majority of the usual podcast-streaming platforms, as well as our ParthianCarnival YouTube channel, and shared across our social media. So keep an eye out – and be sure to tune in on 1st April!