In this episode we speak to Richard Stephenson, leader of Dreading Slam Poets. We discuss what it takes to promote a local group and the importance of embracing a hobby.

Time codes

00:25 Welcome

01:05 What Richard likes about Reading

01:51 Richard's background

02:28 More on the Dreading Slam poetry group

03:46 The benefits of a group structure

04:45 The challenges in leading the group & what has worked

09:01 What has worked for Richard on social media

11:02 Rising Sun Arts centre festival (Here Comes the Sun)

12:50 Why it's important to publicise a local group

13:19 Richard's poetry reading (published in Reading Today)

15:30 Background of the poem

16:36 Why is poetry important

18:34 How communication has changed

19:54 How you can get started in poetry

21:09 One key takeaway