Paper Trails Podcast

Welcome to Paper Trails, a podcast by Inspyre, where we explore the stories and ideas that connect people through culture, creativity, and lived experience.

In this episode, we reflect on our recent Refugee Week event and the conversations that stayed with us long after it ended.

We discuss the power of storytelling, what it means to belong, and why we wanted to create a space where people could share their journeys beyond the labels often placed upon them. We also talk about organising the event, the lessons we learned, and the importance of building genuine community through conversation.

This isn't just a reflection on one evening. It's a conversation about empathy, identity, and why everyone's story deserves to be heard.

Big shout out to our sponsor:

https://www.concreteculturestudios.com/

🔗 Stay in the loop:

Subscribe to our Newsletter:

https://inspyreuk.substack.com/

🌐 Follow Inspyre

Website: www.inspyreent.com

Instagram: @inspyreuk

TikTok: @inspyreuk

YouTube: Inspyre UK

#papertrailspodcast #refugeeweek #storytelling #community #culture #belonging #podcast #inspyre #somali #somalipodcast

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Welcome to Paper Trails, a podcast by Inspyre, where we explore the stories and ideas that connect people through culture, creativity, and lived experience.

This episode is a little different. No guest, no interview. Just the two of us catching up.

As we continue our theme of exploration, we reflect on where we are in life, what success looks like now, and how our ambitions have changed over the years.

Mohamed opens up about his decision to return to a 9–5, why he's no longer chasing the idea of "making it" as quickly as possible, and how redefining success has brought him a greater sense of peace. We also discuss the pressure creatives put on themselves, balancing work with passion projects, and why exploration often means letting go of old expectations.

Along the way, we also chat about:

• Our creative goals for this season
• Burnout and protecting your mental health
• Learning to enjoy the process instead of chasing outcomes
• Building Inspyre for the long term
• Storytelling, vulnerability, and documenting your journey
• Why your definition of success changes with time

Whether you're navigating a career change, building something on the side, or simply trying to figure out your next chapter, we hope this conversation reminds you that not every path has to be linear.

🔗 Stay in the loop:

Subscribe to our Newsletter:

https://inspyreuk.substack.com/

🌐 Follow Inspyre

Website: www.inspyreent.com

Instagram: @inspyreuk

TikTok: @inspyreuk

YouTube: Inspyre UK

#podcast #creativity #careers #mentalhealth #storytelling #selfdevelopment #exploration #somali #somalipodcast #inspyre

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Welcome to Paper Trails, a podcast by Inspyre, where we explore the stories and ideas that connect people through culture, creativity, and lived experience.

In this episode, we sit down with Dutch animator and creator Saberoh, who has built an audience of more than 1 million followers across social media while working with major brands and developing his own creative projects.

We explore why he never subscribed to the idea of being a "struggling artist," how he approached creativity with a business mindset from the very beginning, and what it takes to build a sustainable career as a creator.

We also discuss:

• Growing an audience through animation and storytelling

• Landing recurring brand deals

• Treating creativity like a business

• Building his board game, Dulmi

• The lessons he's learned from years of creating online

Whether you're an artist, content creator, entrepreneur, or someone trying to turn your passion into a career, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest reflections on building something that lasts.

🎨 Follow Saberoh

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@saberoh_

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SaberOH_

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saberoh_/

🎲 Check out Dulmi

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GPS46QKT

🔗 Stay in the loop:

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://inspyreuk.substack.com/

🌐 Follow Inspyre

Website: www.inspyreent.com

Instagram: @inspyreuk

TikTok: @inspyreuk

YouTube: Inspyre UK

#somali #somalicommunity #somalipodcast #somalipodcastuk

#comedian #somalicomedian #somalicomedy

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Welcome to Paper Trails, a podcast by Inspyre UK, where we explore the stories and ideas that connect people through culture, creativity, and lived experience.

In our 2nd episode of the season, Mohamed and Sharmarke go through some juicy Q&As

Big shout out to our sponsor:

@concreteculturestudio - Get 10% off your first booking by using code INSPYRE10

🔗 Stay in the loop:

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://inspyreuk.substack.com/

🌐 Follow Inspyre UK

Website: www.inspyreent.com

Instagram: @inspyreuk

TikTok: @inspyreuk

YouTube: Inspyre UK

#somali #somalicommunity #somalipodcast #somalipodcastuk

#comedian #somalicomedian #somalicomedy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Paper Trails, a podcast by Inspyre UK, where we explore the stories and ideas that connect people through culture, creativity, and lived experience.

In our first episode of the season, Mohamed and Sharmarke sit down to talk about our big ambitions for the year and announce some things that might catch your interest! Regular ramblings definitely also occurred.

Big shout out to our sponsor:

@concreteculturestudio - Get 10% off your first booking by using code INSPYRE10

🔗 Stay in the loop:

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://inspyreuk.substack.com/

🌐 Follow Inspyre UK

Website: www.inspyreent.com

Instagram: @inspyreuk

TikTok: @inspyreuk

YouTube: Inspyre UK

#somali #somalicommunity #somalipodcast #somalipodcastuk

#comedian #somalicomedian #somalicomedy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025 has been a year we’ll never forget. From selling out our first 150+ show, to launching a monthly book club, and consistently putting out Inspyre Bytes while juggling full-time jobs, this year has been full of risks, growth, late nights, and moments that reminded us why we started Inspyre in the first place.

In this episode, we take a deep dive into our year:

• The moments that challenged us, pushed us, and nearly made us give up
• The wins — big and small — that showed us we were on the right path
• Lessons we’ve learned about creativity, consistency, and building a community
• Behind-the-scenes stories and fun moments no one saw
• How Inspyre has grown from an idea into a space for creatives to explore, learn, and be inspired

We also reflect on what this year has taught us personally, how we’ve grown as a team, and the vision we have for the future. Whether you’ve been following from the start or just discovering Inspyre, this is a chance to look back, laugh a little, and be inspired to create in your own life.

✨ What you’ll get from this episode:

• Honest reflections on a year of building something meaningful
• Fun behind-the-scenes moments that didn’t make the posts
• Insights on staying motivated while balancing real life and creativity
• Inspiration for your own creative journey in 2026

If you’ve ever felt like pursuing your creative dreams is too hard, too messy, or impossible alongside life’s responsibilities — this episode is for you.

📌 Subscribe to Inspyre for more stories, creative insights, and ways to keep your inspiration alive. And don’t forget to check out our book club, Bytes, and other projects from the year!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Paper Trails, a podcast by Inspyre UK, where we explore the stories and ideas that connect people through culture, creativity, and lived experience.

In our final episode of the season, Mohamed and Sharmarke sit down with Maryamah, our first ever big Storytelling show competition winner. We talked about how our show went and Maryamah's experience before and at the show.

🎤 Go support Maryamah!

Instagram: @maryamain7k

Big shout out to our sponsors:

https://ibsprays.co.uk/ - for the incredible perfume for the winner!

@justcravingsofficial - for the amazing cakes on the night, catered for 150 people and they all loved it!

@__elevateco_ - for helping to organise the event along with the banners and boards bringing the event to life

@concreteculturestudio - for providing the equipment and expertise to help us document the whole show!

🔗 Stay in the loop:

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://inspyreuk.substack.com/

🌐 Follow Inspyre UK

Website: inspyreuk.carrd.co

Instagram: @inspyreuk

TikTok: @inspyreuk

YouTube: Inspyre UK

#somali #somalicommunity #somalipodcast #somalipodcastuk

#comedian #somalicomedian #somalicomedy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Paper Trails, a podcast by Inspyre UK, where we explore the stories and ideas that connect people through culture, creativity, and lived experience.

In this episode, Mohamed and Sharmarke sit down with Fathiya Saleh, a UK-based comedian whose sharp wit and fearless storytelling have made her one of the most exciting voices on the comedy circuit right now. Fathiya reflects on her journey into comedy, the moments that shaped her humour, and how lived experience fuels her perspective on stage.

With honesty, humour, and warmth, Fathiya opens up about navigating identity, finding confidence through comedy, and using laughter as a way to connect, challenge, and heal. It’s a conversation about finding your voice, owning your story, and the power of humour to say the things that often go unsaid.

🎟️ Get your tickets for Fathiya's Event:

Fathiya Saleh - Work in Progress Comedy Night

🎤 Go support Fathiya!

Instagram: @fathiyasaleh

🔗 Stay in the loop:

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://inspyreuk.substack.com/

🌐 Follow Inspyre UK

Website: inspyreuk.carrd.co

Instagram: @inspyreuk

TikTok: @inspyreuk

YouTube: Inspyre UK

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Paper Trails, a podcast by Inspyre UK, where we explore the stories and ideas that connect people through books, culture, and creativity.

In this episode, Mohamed and Sharmarke sit down with D.D. Armstrong — author of Ugly Dogs Don’t Cry. D.D. shares how his love for literature was born during his time incarcerated, and how reading became a tool for reflection, rebuilding, and ultimately, transformation.

Now an author, mentor, and community advocate, D.D. opens up about the power of storytelling to change lives and how he’s using his platform to give back to the communities that shaped him. It’s a conversation about redemption, creativity, and the generational impact of accessible literature.

🎟️ Get your tickets for Inspyre Nights:

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/inspyreuk/1886687

📚 Learn more about D.D. Armstrong

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ddarmstrongauthor

Book: Ugly Dogs Don’t Cry

🔗 Stay in the loop:

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://inspyreuk.substack.com/

🌐 Follow Inspyre UK

Website: inspyreuk.carrd.co

Instagram: @inspyreuk

TikTok: @inspyreuk

YouTube: Inspyre UK

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Welcome to Paper Trails, a podcast by Inspyre UK, where we explore the stories and ideas that connect people through books, culture, and creativity.

In this episode, Mohamed and Sharmarke sit down with Sofia Akel - academic, activist, and founder of the Free Books Campaign. What began as a mission to get books into the hands of people who need them most has grown into a movement that’s reshaping access to reading across the UK and beyond.

Sofia shares how the campaign was born, what it takes to build something with purpose, and how the initiative went on to fund and build a school in Senegal. It’s a conversation about community, education, and the incredible ripple effect that stories can have when shared freely.

🎟️ Get your tickets for Inspyre Nights:

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/inspyreuk/1886687

📚 Learn more about Sofia and the Free Books Campaign

Website: https://freebookscampaign.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/sofiaakel

🔗 Stay in the loop:

Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://inspyreuk.substack.com/

🌐 Follow Inspyre UK

Website: inspyreuk.carrd.co

Instagram: @inspyreuk

TikTok: @inspyreuk

YouTube: Inspyre UK

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