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