A new interview podcast focused on language, literature and storytelling is launching with novelist Elif Shafak as its first guest.
Wodcast is a long form interview series created by Benjamin Aston and Mabel Evans, who describe it as a “Desert Island Discs for words”.
The show brings together conversations centred on the words that have influenced people working across culture, creativity and public life.
The project grew out of Benjamin Aston’s word of the day initiative on Instagram, which began in 2023 and developed an audience of more than 1.6 million people.
After meeting activist and film producer Mabel Evans, the pair developed Wodcast around their shared interest in literature, language and storytelling.
The first season features guests including Tim Rice, Stephen Fry, David Larbi, Professor David Nutt, Waad Al-Kateab, Nick Mulvey, Remi Olayjoyegbe and Hak Baker, alongside the opening interview with Elif Shafak.
According to its creators, the podcast focuses on intimate conversations that explore the words shaping people who are influencing culture.
The wider Wodcast project also includes events across Europe inspired by selected words, ranging from writing supper clubs to creative gatherings designed to encourage discussion and participation.
Mabel Evans said: “Releasing the first episode of the Wodcast feels like reaching the end of a long, meandering river and finding ourselves at the edge of the ocean.
“Ben and I have spent 9 months immersed in conversations that have inspired, challenged, and shifted the way we see the world.
“We share them because we believe there is value in the words and perspectives our guests bring. We hope our listeners find them as thought-provoking and transformative as we have.”
Benjamin Aston added: “Just the knowledge that we made something we believe in, and have the courage to find out what the world thinks, is exciting to me.”
Find out more by visiting wodcast.co.uk.
