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'Under The Covers' 
From Westminster Libraries

'Under The Covers' From Westminster Libraries

By Westminster Libraries

Every month a guest will reveal what books are sitting on their bedside table. There will be animated discussion and recommendations, but so much more. That's just the start of the conversation. What life choices have they made, what are their passions and inspirations? Each one's personal story is as vivid and important as any work on the library shelves.
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'Celebration!': Episode 12 - Season 1 Round Up

'Under The Covers' From Westminster LibrariesMay 02, 2022

00:00
23:12
Paul Minter and the 'Head Up' charity

Paul Minter and the 'Head Up' charity

In this episode we meet Army Veteran Paul Minter who is talking about the work of the Armed Forces charity ‘Head Up’. It aims to improve the mental health of service people – current and retired. A particular focus is on suicide prevention. Paul also talks about his own traumatic experiences and how his book choices played a vital role in improving his mind set. Warning: This episode contains references to suicide


Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander on freemusicarchive


Feb 09, 202424:11
David Wilkins' Westminster Smart City

David Wilkins' Westminster Smart City

With us this month is David Wilkins, who is Head of Smart City Programmes for Westminster City Council. In his time in the role, David's aim has been to make sure everyone in, and visiting, Westminster is 'fantastically' connected. And that has included measures such as providing free, seamless WiFi and tackling data poverty. In his book choices, David talks about being inspired to achieve a work-life balance,  including how to live healthily until 100!  And how voice recognition technology is more likely to understand a male voice.


Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander and is available at freemusicarchive



Dec 04, 202318:20
Black History Month with Sara Ashbourne

Black History Month with Sara Ashbourne

In this episode we're focusing on Black History Month. Librarian Sara Ashbourne actually helped launch Under the Covers, by being the very first guest, more than two years ago. Sara is speaking about women who inspired her, and how she strives to inspire others.


Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander and is available at freemusicarchive

Oct 16, 202319:24
Hamza Taouzzale, Youngest Lord Mayor of Westminster

Hamza Taouzzale, Youngest Lord Mayor of Westminster

Hamza Taouzzale became the youngest ever Lord Mayor of Westminster at the age of 22. During his term, which ended in May this year, he found himself taking part in internationally high profile events while carrying out an important agenda to support his local community. He also strove to support young people and encouraged them to see the value of getting involved in politics at an early age.


Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander and is available at freemusicarchive

Aug 31, 202321:28
Esther Stanhope, the Impact Guru

Esther Stanhope, the Impact Guru

What is Glossophobia? It's the fear of public speaking. Our guest, Esther Stanhope, travels the world helping people to confidently express themselves whether they're performing a business pitch or a wedding speech. Esther knows what it's like to be sick with nerves, and she knows how overcome it. In this episode she gives details of how to get a free audio version of her book, 'Goodbye Glossophobia'.

Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander on freemusicarchive

Jul 06, 202320:23
Nick Ross: Broadcaster, Journalist, Campaigner.

Nick Ross: Broadcaster, Journalist, Campaigner.

In this episode, Nick Ross talks crime: the TV programme, 'Crimewatch', the Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science, and his book on the subject. He also describes the fascinating history of his neighbourhood. And speaks of the personal history that inspired him to take out German citizenship.

Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander and can be found on freemusicarchive

Jun 05, 202324:55
Bhushan Kumar: Digital Creative

Bhushan Kumar: Digital Creative

In this episode we hear from Bhushan Kumar whose social media side line has boosted his career and his confidence. Bhushan also speaks about his passion for reading and his formative experiences of libraries, in particular Paddington Children's Library. And he shares some long-loved books.

Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander and is available on the freemusicarchive.

Apr 11, 202321:40
Sarah Newman: Embracing Challenge

Sarah Newman: Embracing Challenge

March 2023 is Women's History Month. In this episode we hear from a woman who's risen to challenges and faced them down. Sarah Newman credits the love and support of her family. She is Executive Director of Children's Services for Westminster City Council and Kensington and Chelsea Council. Her message to young people is: 'take up opportunities to be creative and ambitious and really believe you can be anything.'

Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander which is available on the freemusicarchive

Mar 13, 202318:01
Maida Vale: The Iconic Music Studios. Season 2, Episode 6

Maida Vale: The Iconic Music Studios. Season 2, Episode 6

The BBC has put Maida Vale up for sale and will move to a new site. Andy Rogers, senior producer at Radio 1, takes us on a magical mystery tour of the cherished Studios. Andy says they have had more famous artistes through their doors than anywhere else in the world. And he should know. He's worked there for thirty years and has collaborated with the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Beyonce, Bjork, Stormzy and the Foo Fighters. And the best thing about Maida Vale? Everyone is equal - from the biggest bands to those just starting out. 

Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander and is available on the freemusicarchive

Feb 13, 202321:03
Loy Phillips: Champion. Season 2, Episode 5

Loy Phillips: Champion. Season 2, Episode 5

We're marking the achievements of Loy Phillips. She brought passion and drive to celebrating the Windrush Generation. And after the murder of George Floyd, Loy used her experience of the legal world to launch several projects, including working with the Met to produce 'Policing Know Your Rights'. She's made films and written fiction. And Loy speaks of a childhood accident that left her seeing life quite differently.

Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander from the freemusicarchive

Jan 09, 202320:38
Becky Laxton-Bass: 'Women of London'. Season 2, Episode 4

Becky Laxton-Bass: 'Women of London'. Season 2, Episode 4

With her company, 'Women of London', Becky Laxton-Bass conducts walking tours which follow in the footsteps of famous and not so famous women who have made a mark on history. Among the trips are Women of Westminster, of Bloomsbury and of The East End. There's even a limited edition one exploring Covent Garden and revealing historical links between women and gin. 

Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander and is available at freemusicarchive

Dec 05, 202221:04
Danger Zones and Long Lost Family: BBC Journalist, Caroline Wyatt. Season 2, Episode 3

Danger Zones and Long Lost Family: BBC Journalist, Caroline Wyatt. Season 2, Episode 3

In a distinguished journalistic career, Caroline Wyatt has held a number of posts: Foreign Correspondent, Presenter and War Reporter. She recalls the moment she could no longer do danger zones. There's also a reunion which, Caroline says, was 'the most incredible story I think I ever lived through'. And inspiringly, she tells how she's done all this while living with Multiple Sclerosis, or MS.  Caroline also has three wonderful book recommendations.

Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander, and can be found on freemusicarchive

Oct 03, 202222:17
The Actors' Church with the Reverend Simon Grigg: Season 2, Episode 2

The Actors' Church with the Reverend Simon Grigg: Season 2, Episode 2

St Paul’s Church, Covent Garden is nicknamed 'The Actors' Church', due to its centuries' old connection with the Theatre World. Its Rector, The Reverend Simon Grigg, speaks of how it supported theatre workers in the pandemic. Father Simon also describes its commitment to the ‘Inclusive Church’ initiative. And he recalls a trip to the pub with Hollywood Star, Matt Damon.

Our music is 'Smile from the Mirror' by Crowander and can be found on freemusicarchive

Sep 05, 202220:24
The Cartoon Museum: Steve Marchant opens the doors. Season 2 Episode 1

The Cartoon Museum: Steve Marchant opens the doors. Season 2 Episode 1

Steve Marchant conducts a walk-through of the fascinating venue, the Cartoon Museum, located in Westminster's Fitzrovia. And he speaks of how he created a graphic magazine called 'Life Under Lockdown' to help children process their feelings about the effects of the pandemic. Steve talks warmly about the enduring appeal of 'The Beano'. And how some comics can sell for millions.

Our music is 'Smile From The Mirror' by Crowander and can be found on freemusicarchive

Aug 01, 202220:42
'Celebration!': Episode 12 - Season 1 Round Up

'Celebration!': Episode 12 - Season 1 Round Up

This month marks a year since the podcast was launched and we're celebrating the amazing contributions we've had. This episode features something from each of the 12 guests. Huge thanks to them. And thank you for following 'Under the Covers'. We hope this is a happy reminder. For new listeners, perhaps it's an engaging taster to tempt you to subscribe! 

The music is 'Smile From The Mirror' by Crowander and can be found on freemusicarchive  

May 02, 202223:12
The Campaign To End Loneliness: Episode 11

The Campaign To End Loneliness: Episode 11

There are nine million lonely people in the United Kingdom, with a social cost running into billions of pounds. This month we’re hearing from Robin Hewings of the Campaign to End Loneliness. The group brings charities, policy makers and government bodies together to try to tackle the emotional and physical pain of the ‘epidemic of loneliness’.

Our music is 'Smile From The Mirror' by Crowander and can be found on freemusicarchive


Apr 04, 202220:17
'She Is You' with Caroline Odogwu. Episode 10

'She Is You' with Caroline Odogwu. Episode 10

Caroline Odogwu co-founded 'She Is You' to help young women from diverse backgrounds to achieve professionally and personally. Caroline describes how it came about after an University experience where she initially struggled to 'find her tribe'. She also talks about supporting Apprentices in her 'day job' at Westminster City Council. And in this, Women's History Month, Caroline has an inspirational book recommendation. 

Our music is 'Smile From The Mirror' by Crowander and can be found on freemusicarchive

Mar 07, 202220:02
Ashlee Barnard: Episode 9

Ashlee Barnard: Episode 9

In February's edition we hear from Ashlee Barnard who helps IT and other council departments to connect and really understand each other, as an IT Strategic Business Partner for Westminster City Council.

As with so many people, Ashlee hasn't been able to visit her family overseas for two years, and she speaks about how she's managed that.

And she also has a novel way to tackle those really big books.

Our music is "Smile From The Mirror" by Crowander, and can be found on freemusicarchive

Feb 01, 202221:33
Sara Nisha Adams, Author of 'The Reading List': Episode 8

Sara Nisha Adams, Author of 'The Reading List': Episode 8

Sara Nisha Adams talks about her debut novel, ‘The Reading List’, a finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards. It celebrates the healing nature of reading and the human connections made in libraries. Sara shares how having success with her first book was exciting, but terrifying. She also works as an Editorial Director for a publishing house and describes the 'magic' of bringing a work from word document to book. And she speaks movingly about making connections with her Grandparents although she couldn't speak their first language, Gujarati. 

Our music is "Smile From The Mirror" by Crowander, and can be found on freemusicarchive


Jan 03, 202221:26
Silver Stories: Shared Reading: Banishing Loneliness. Episode 7

Silver Stories: Shared Reading: Banishing Loneliness. Episode 7

We hear how lonely elders are gaining a new lease of life when children read to them on the phone. Elisabeth and David Carney-Haworth (both OBEs) talk about their simple, yet genius idea: helping the elderly and improving kids’ fluency of reading. It is forging beautiful intergenerational relationships. They also speak about ‘Operation Encompass’: their pioneering work helping youngsters caught up in instances of domestic abuse. And there’s a book choice that may surprise!

Our music is "Smile From The Mirror" by Crowander, and can be found on freemusicarchive

Dec 06, 202122:21
Supporting Inclusion, Kelly Van Roy: Episode 6

Supporting Inclusion, Kelly Van Roy: Episode 6

Kelly Van Roy speaks about volunteering with Youmanity, a charity celebrating social inclusion, equality and human rights. Kelly, a postgraduate student, talks about her interest in LGBT culture and the politics of identity, and describes how food can be a ‘social force for good.’ She describes how her Forces’ family moved every three years and how she learned to adapt: 'While it was difficult to say goodbye, the next phase was just hello.' Her book recommendations include “Home Going” by Yaa Gyasi and “The Witch Boy” by Molly Knox Ostertag.

Our music is "Smile From The Mirror" by Crowander, and can be found on freemusicarchive

Nov 01, 202119:45
Louisa Augustine - Women Build Bridges Too: Episode 5

Louisa Augustine - Women Build Bridges Too: Episode 5

What does Black History Month mean to Louisa Augustine, Bridge Engineer at Westminster City Council? Louisa also talks about choosing her career in engineering and her role as a STEM Ambassador: going into schools to encourage children to consider careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Louisa has reading choices to comfort and inspire. And in addition, references 'Black Tudors' by Miranda Kaufmann and 'Black and British' by David Olusoga. This is an updated episode with some extra material.

Our music is "Smile From The Mirror" by Crowander, and can be found on freemusicarchive


Oct 03, 202119:07
'Grow the Pie' - in conversation with Alex Edmans: Episode 4

'Grow the Pie' - in conversation with Alex Edmans: Episode 4

Alex Edmans’ book ‘Grow The Pie’, a 'Financial Times Best Books of 2020’, shows how companies can make profits AND serve society. The Professor of Finance also speaks of how service dogs help people living with PTSD, talks about holistic education and reveals a life-long affection for Agatha Christie novels. His book recommendations are: 'Endless Night' by Agatha Christie and ‘Until Tuesday’ by Luis Carlos Montalvan with Bret Witter.

Our music is "Smile From The Mirror" by Crowander, and can be found on freemusicarchive


Sep 06, 202120:22
Peter Curran, Broadcaster: Episode 3
Aug 02, 202120:49
Susie Johns, Therapist: Episode 2
Jul 05, 202121:04
Head to Head with a Library Officer. Episode 1
Jun 07, 202120:46