I’m back with a new podcast!

18 months after closing down my previous show Ctrl Alt Delete, I’m back in a different way.

I’m starting from scratch, which may surprise some people. Why not launch my new podcast to an existing RSS feed that over the years reached thirteen million people?

Because I’m not interested in reaching as many people as possible— I’m interested in building this community here on Substack, as organically as possible. I’m interested in sharing honest conversations, making something a bit rougher round the edges; less of a formal interview, less of a script/schedule and just embracing more of an open dialogue on how we make creative work in this economy. (You know everything I wrote in my book The Success Myth about my definitions of success changing… I meant it.)

This new podcast will be for Hyphen paid subscribers only. Even the most basic of podcasts usually require some upfront investment (artwork design, illustration, editing services, music license, occasional travel expenses for guests etc) so your support is how this newsletter keeps its lights on (thank you!) The illustration is the work of Natalie Harney and the design is by Paul Storrie.

The new podcast is called Creative Coffee because that’s simply what it is: I will be talking to my guests about creativity as though we are having a coffee together. It’s all about the big and small things that make up a creative life. You can listen to the trailer here and the first episode will be shared on Sunday.

(If you want to receive and listen to the first episode — sign up as a member to The Hyphen now.)

This is a laid back, honest, no-frills podcast with fellow creatives/writers— simply an extension of this newsletter on the themes of The Hyphen: creativity, wellbeing, work, how to live a fulfilling and content life.

Writing is my number one love and my creative priority — but it’s also pretty solitary being a writer and can be a bit lonely at times when you’re in the middle of a difficult project, so it’s really nice to chat away with a fellow writer over a coffee — and it turns out I don’t want to leave podcasting behind completely.

The first episode will be available on Sunday. It was recorded live on stage with writer and former editor-in-chief Farrah Storr — with many brilliant Hyphen readers in attendance. It was a really special evening, so thank you to everyone who came along. We recorded it in a beautiful library room at Conway Hall in central London. It’s been a while since I’ve done something of that nature, and everyone was so kind and welcoming. A friend produced it, who recorded my first ever live episode of Ctrl Alt Delete in the basement of Tottenham Court Road Waterstones back in 2016. I’m so lucky to have amazing friends who I’ve met along the way, who I am so grateful for. It’s all a bit full circle, really.

Now — some housekeeping! Do you want to receive each new episode as a standalone post in your inbox — or would you just prefer me to tell you about new episodes in my Sunday Scroll round-ups (i.e less emails for you). I’ll go with the most popular vote:

Excited to bring you this! ♡

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thehyphen.substack.com/subscribe