Saturday Feb 21, 2026

Shared Reading Podcast - Episode 2

Local voices, shared stories, real connection - welcome back to the Shared Reading podcast from Derby Book Festival

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This episode is hosted by Shared Reading volunteers Ellie and Steve, and we’re joined by two wonderful guests:

  • Peter, a Shared Reading participant, who shares what his Shared Reading group means to him and what he enjoys most about taking part.

  • Cullen, a local poet, who wrote two brand new poems especially for this episode on our theme: Colour.

Together, we explore Cullen’s poems and take part in a mini Shared Reading-style session, sharing reflections, memories, images, and feelings that the words bring up, just like you’d experience in a real Shared Reading group.

Find out more:

If you'd like to find out more about Cullen Marshall and his poetry you can follow Cullen on Instagram

The Shared Reading group mentioned a few times in this episode is our Artcore Café group:
📍 Artcore Café, 8 Albert St, Osnabruck Square, Derby, DE1 2DS
🗓️ Every Thursday
⏰ 11:30-12:30
📌 Upstairs room

If you'd like to give Shared Reading a try you're very welcome to pop in and join us at Artcore (or any of our other groups), no need to book, just turn up.

A big thank you to Dubrek Studios for being incredibly helpful and supportive hosts during the recording of this episode.

Want to be involved in a future episode?

We’re currently looking for short pieces of writing and potential guests to feature in upcoming episodes. If you’re a writer with something to share we’d love to hear from you. 

If you're a writer, shorter pieces work particularly well, as we read them aloud on the podcast and explore the thoughts and feelings they inspire in conversation. If your work is selected, you’ll be invited to join us as a guest to talk about it.

To be considered, please complete this form. We’ll keep a bank of submissions and may be in touch if your piece fits one of our upcoming themes. This means you might not hear from us immediately, but that doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten you!

If you're a participant or volunteer at one of our Shared Reading groups and are interested in coming on the podcast as a guest to talk about your experiences we'd also love to hear from you, please drop us an email at the address below.

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Warm wishes,

The Shared Reading Team @ Derby Book Festival

📧 shared.reading@derbybookfestival.co.uk 

 

📑 Join a Shared Reading session near you, find out more here
📚 Volunteer with us, find out more and register your interest here
📰 Sign up to our Shared Reading newsletter here
 

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