In this episode, we speak with Noreen Masud about her essay Quietly the World Shifts (published in Tolka, Issue Eight).

We discuss the work of Fossil Free Books in support of Palestine, the colonial logic behind endless calls for debate, and the politics of contemporary literary festivals. Later we dive into our latest cultural recommendations which might all be summarised by the holy trinity of 'beach, sex, sun.'

In this episode, Maddie and Liam speak with Declan Toohey about his hybrid essay Bomb's Away: Blitzkrieg Notes on Gravity's Rainbow (published in Issue Eight of Tolka).

We discuss the Wonderful World of Thomas Pynchon, absurdism, and the surprising parallels between Declan's piece and Puss in Boots 2.

In this episode, hosts Maddie and Liam speak with Tim MacGabhann about his piece The Intransitive (published in Issue Seven of Tolka).

We discuss his insatiable reading and writing, Victor Serge, and the golden age of ape cinema.

For those curious about Tim's stellar playlist you can treat your ears to the mammoth Pan-African Conversation Pit playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6iamL1CQql9odQE5lHBKzc?si=ee214feb9fb64b19

Music by Lemzly Dale

In this first episode of The Tolka Podcast, hosts Madeline Arkins and Liam Harrison speak with Niamh Campbell about her piece Birth Story (published in Issue Seven of Tolka) and How They Met Themselves (from Issue Two).

We discuss shame, Beckett, a literary brat summer, and being poor in time but rich in sandwiches.

CW: This episode touches on themes of pregnancy and sexual assault. Listener discretion is advised.

Music by Lemzly Dale