I’ve recently decided to start listening to podcasts after realising I need something to distract myself without having to concentrate. Plus, they’re free to listen to!
I know I’m late to the party, but with a lack of time to read a book these days, I wanted to try and find something that would entertain me (and maybe even educate me). I really enjoy listening to people converse, so I decided on podcasts instead of an audio book (although listening to Stephen Fry read Harry Potter is a real treat if you get the chance).
But where do I start? Do I go with current affairs or comedy? Crime or sci-fi? In the end, I decided on a subject close to my heart – LGBTQ+ – and found Homo Sapiens with singer and actor Will Young, and film maker Chris Sweeney. Branded as the “LGBTQ+ version of Woman’s Hour”, I was excited to give this a go.
Switching off
Prior to finding Homo Sapiens, I began listening to a couple of podcasts by well-known bloggers and influencers. I wanted to see if their podcast was a continuation of their writing. However, very quickly, I felt under-represented when it came to their subject matter as well as their choice of guests. Whilst I had some things in common with them, the language was often very heteronormative and guests weren’t very diverse. So I switched off very quickly.
But then I found Will Young and Chris Sweeney.
I hadn’t really heard of Homo Sapiens prior to pressing play. I wasn’t (yet) following Chris or Will on social media, and being a newbie to the podcast world I hadn’t had any recommendations yet. Thankfully, they were one of the first to pop up when I searched for ‘LGBTQ’. I’m so delighted that they did.
As soon as you press play you’re greeted by Will and Chris with sound quality that makes you feel like you’re sat in their kitchen. This is amplified by the sound of little barks from Will’s dogs or the doorbell when they’ve ordered from Just Eat. It really sets you up for a good natter.
What follows though is episode after episode of thought provoking conversation, honesty, and emotive subjects that get you hooked from the very beginning. It’s not all serious talk though, in between frank conversations are a lot of laughs (I’m somewhat in love with Will’s cackle). It really is a joy to listen to and I only wish I’d started listening sooner.
An honest insight into LGBTQ+ culture
It goes without saying that this podcast is an LGBTQ+ podcast. It talks about topics that affect our community, from chemsex to our mental health to LGBTQ+ icons, but not in a way that Will and Chris are trying to educate those outside of our community. It’s so real and, at times, raw – you’re sometimes left feeling quite emotional.
It’s made with LGBTQ+ people in mind, which means you delve straight into the topic at hand without an introduction or explanation beforehand (and my goodness am I grateful for that).
People outside of our community are obviously welcome – encouraged, in fact – to listen, but for once, we as a community take centre stage and lead the conversation.
Mental health
Looking at the episode list, which details who their guest is that week, I was so excited about what I was about to embark on. But what I didn’t expect were the extra conversations in between the interviews and discussions. Sometimes, I was gripped more by the stuff prior to the interview than the actual interview!
Right from the start, Chris and Will are open about their struggles with their mental health – even going as far as referring to Will’s therapy sessions and occasionally going ‘off the grid’. I really welcomed this and it was refreshing to hear two men talking openly about their mental health.
Since accepting that my mental health is very much a part of me, I’ve always spoken openly about it and how I also often struggle, but this is not always the case for everyone else. Certainly not famous people, and especially not men. Chris and Will, however, deconstruct the stigma and the negative connotations and, instead, are incredibly candid about the subject. They also have several guests who are equally unreserved. People like Jack Monroe, John Grant, and Alan Cumming.
My favourite episodes
Trying to decide which episode is my favourite is like trying to decide what my favourite cake is. They’re all delicious, with each one carrying their own qualities and style. There are a few that after listening I didn’t quite warm to, but they’re all worthy of a taste. No matter what, you will always end up finishing it.
By the way, mine is carrot cake. I know, divisive!
Here are my favourites, and why…
Episode 1: Owen Jones
EMBED: https://play.prx.org/e?uf=https:%2F%2Fhomosapiens.libsyn.com%2Frss&ge=6c2ea0c8-7db0-44ae-b078-ab1365d84841
The very first episode and an absolute corker to get the series and the podcast going. It really sets the tone and I finished wanting more. Owen talks about coming out and changing attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community.
Episode 10: James Wharton
EMBED: https://play.prx.org/e?uf=https:%2F%2Fhomosapiens.libsyn.com%2Frss&ge=db72491d-817c-4a79-8ef3-3595870cedf4
James Wharton is a former soldier, and one of the first openly gay soldiers in the British Army. He tells his story about coming out, homophobia in the army, and how Prince Harry saved him. It’s a truly fascinating listen.
Episode 16: LGBTQ+ inclusivity in schools
EMBED: https://play.prx.org/e?uf=https:%2F%2Fhomosapiens.libsyn.com%2Frss&ge=5d587f6e-9bd4-4d7f-b0a4-364aaea59d72
There was no way I wasn’t going to mention this incredible episode with Andrew Moffatt. Talking about the makings of the No Outsiders project, he reveals what it’s been like through the complaints and protests. I’ve listened to this episode twice already and I’ll no doubt listen to it again. Andrew is a wonderful person to listen to, so much so that I wish there was an extended version of him just talking about his life.
Episode 29: Skin
EMBED: https://play.prx.org/e?uf=https:%2F%2Fhomosapiens.libsyn.com%2Frss&ge=b3076445a760421c8bbc7fdb4bb6c080
As someone who grew up listening to Skunk Anansie, when I saw that Skin was going to be featured I gave a little squeal in delight.
As a Black bisexual woman, Skin talks openly about arriving into the music industry and how people treated her during Skunk Anansie’s career, talking about casual racism and ridiculous questions she’s had put to her from music journalists.
Proud
I absolutely adore Homo Sapiens and how unapologetic Chris and Will are. It’s the podcast I wish I’d had when I was growing up as a young member of the LGBTQ+ community, and it’s one I would recommend everyone to listen to – especially the LGBTQ+ community!
I finish every episode feeling proud of my community and more connected.
You won’t find a more raw and honest insight into our community, our activism, and how far we still have to go. I, therefore, urge you to give it a listen.
Have you listened to Homo Sapiens? What are your thoughts? Which episodes were your favourite? Let us know!
1 comment
I LOVE THEM
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