New episode of A Shared Reading Podcast

A new episode of A Shared Reading Podcast by Derby Book Festival is now live.

Derby Book Festival’s Shared Reading community programme has released a new episode of A Shared Reading Podcast, a series celebrating the joy of reading and the conversations it sparks. Hosted by Shared Reading volunteers, Ellie and Steve, the podcast brings together local voices from across Derby and the East Midlands, inviting listeners to pause, reflect, and feel part of something shared.

Episode 3 is all about Friendship. As usual it's hosted by our Shared Reading volunteers Ellie and Steve and features two special guests:

• Sam Warburton (local author/illustrator & sketchnote artist)
• Lucy Prior (Shared Reading volunteer)

Together they explore the theme of Friendship through a mini Shared Reading-style discussion, sparked by two readings from Sam’s debut illustrated book - The Dog, The Bird, The Book.

Listen to Episode 3 here (also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you usually get your podcasts)

Download Chapters 4 & 5 (PDF)

Sam has kindly given permission for listeners to download the two chapters she reads in the episode, so you can enjoy the text and the beautiful illustrations: download here

A quick favour:

If you enjoy the episode, please could you:

•  Subscribe/follow the podcast (so you don’t miss future episodes)
• Download the episode (it helps our visibility on platforms)
• Share it with your networks (a quick forward, repost, or newsletter mention makes a huge difference)

We’re looking for sponsorship to keep the series going

We love making the podcast but to sustain it (and grow it), we’re actively exploring sponsorship opportunities. If you or your organisation would be interested in sponsoring an episode or a season, we'd love to hear from you! Please email katie@derbybookfestival.co.uk

Want to be involved in a future episode?

We’re also looking for:

• Local writers with short pieces of writing (poems, flash fiction, micro-memoir, reflections) that work well when read aloud
• Shared Reading participants and volunteers who might like to come on the podcast as a guest and share their experience

 Submit writing / express guest interest here or email us: shared.reading@derbybookfestival.co.uk

Thank you for supporting and we hope you love our new episode!