In this episode renowned storyteller Jan Blake recounts her journey into storytelling as a young woman growing up in Manchester. Jan has been performing worldwide for over twenty-five years, specialising in stories from Africa, the Caribbean and Arabia; she is both dynamic and generous in her storytelling. Both Jan and Martin have spent decades honing their craft and have learnt over time what it means to be true masters. They ask at what point do you call yourself a storyteller? Everyone can tell a story but what makes one an expert? Jan explains that there is a responsibility to storytelling and that one must 'recognise the responsibility to stand in true authenticity' before an audience.

Get 30% off Martin’s new book Smoke Hole at chelseagreen.co.uk using the code SHS30

Find Martin Shaw on insta @drmartinshaw; facebook @Martin Shaw; www.drmartinshaw.com

Find Jan Blake on twitter @janstoriesUK; facebook @janblakestoryteller; www.janblakestories.co.uk

A huge thanks to Ben Addicott for helping to produce this podcast

Violin music by John Matthias

Smoke Hole is published by Chelsea Green Publishing UK