In this episode we examine how a woman's dream data, collected through an innocent sleep monitoring implant, becomes weaponised by government algorithms to detain her without cause. We unpack the Dream Hotel’s central warning: technology normalised today becomes tomorrow's tool of oppression.

We explore how smart glasses, social media monitoring, and surveillance systems operate with minimal accountability. We challenge why tech entrepreneurs hold unquestioned authority over our futures and discuss practical steps to reclaim personal data control.

In the latest episode, we discuss themes in the compelling collection of short stories, Manchester Happened by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi. The stories are a poignant exploration of migration, identity, and the complexities of cultural experiences faced by Ugandans in the diaspora. They are intricately woven, revealing the nuances of life as an immigrant and the challenges of reconciling one's past with their present.

If you’ve ever felt caught between two worlds, or you simply love a good story that tells it like it is, hit play. Drop us a comment, share the episode with #ManchesterHappened and keep the conversation rolling because the only thing better than a good book is a good debate.

We are kicking off the year by sharing our favourite reads from last year and having an honest chat about the quiet decline of reading culture, what still makes books magical, and how to make space for them again without pressure.

We talk about the books that surprised us, the ones we couldn’t put down, and what we’re hoping to read in 2026. More than that, we share simple, practical tips to help you fall back in love with reading (or finally get into it).

Whether you are a lifelong bookworm or someone who hasn’t finished a novel in years, this one’s for you.

Tune in for:

• Our top reads of the year (and why we loved them)

• Why reading feels harder now and how to make it easier

• How to build a reading habit that actually sticks

• What’s on our 2026 TBR pile

Grab a book. Or just hit play.

#TBR #ReadingHabits #BookLovers #NewYearNewBooks

In this episode, discuss the complexities of modern relationships through the lens of Diane Evans' novel, Ordinary People.

We explore how the characters' identities shift in the wake of their new roles as parents, the expectations placed upon them by society, and the impact of grief on their relationships.

We reflect on the ordinary moments that shape our lives, the dynamics of friendship, and how we process loss in a world that often demands we move on too quickly. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the complexities of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness.

#OrdinaryPeople

#DianeEvans

#Parenthood

#Grief

#Relationships

Join us for a thought-provoking exploration of ambition, greed, and the human condition as we dive into the intriguing world of Anansi's Gold - The Man Who Swindled the World by Yepoka Yeebo We explore the life of a master con artist whose charm and charisma allowed him to manipulate the wealthy and powerful. We unpack the complex layers of his character, examining how he blurred the lines between truth and deception, and the moral implications of his actions.

We reflect on the societal factors that enabled his schemes, from the idealistic investors who believed in his promises to the greedy opportunists who sought to profit from his lies.

#YepokaYeebo

#Anansi'sGold

In this episode, we dissect An African History of Africa by Zeinab Badawi, a sweeping narrative that spans from "the dawn of humanity to independence". We unpack the intricate layers of African history, highlighting the relationships and interactions between ancient civilisations, while also shedding light on the rich cultures and kingdoms such as Kongo, the Asante and the Amazingh that flourished across the continent prior to colonisation.

We explore the book's strengths, including its accessible style and the wealth of information it offers, even to those already familiar with African history.

Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of African history, its diverse cultures, and the importance of reclaiming these narratives.

#AfricanHistory

In this episode, we are joined Lauri Kubuitsile to discuss her novel, The Scattering, which intertwines the lives of two women from different backgrounds navigating the chaos of war. Set against the backdrop of the Herero genocide and the Second Anglo-Boer War, we explore the poignant stories of Tjipuka, a Herero woman, and Riette, an Afrikaner, as they confront the harsh realities of their respective histories.

We discuss the importance of women's voices in historical narratives, the emotional weight of writing about trauma, and the research that informed her work.

Join us for a rich conversation about the power of storytelling, the complexities of identity, and the necessity of empathy in understanding our shared past.

Don't forget to share your thoughts on the episode and the book with us!

Join us as we explore themes of identity, literature, class and sexuality in the Most Secret Memory of Men by Mohamed Mbougar Sarr.