In an earlier episode, we met the founder of the new Sunderland Lit and Phil Society, Auburn Langley. This group now host monthly panel discussions - talking about issues and challenges that affect people in Sunderland across a range of sectors. From now onwards, they’re in Pop Recs, but we were there for last month’s Lit and Phil in the place where the original society used to meet - the Abject Gallery upstairs in the Athenaeum building.
With a focus on publishing, last month’s panel discussed the challenges facing the publishing industry, as it continues to evolve, and how other arts and cultural organisations are beginning to explore small-scale publishing as they grow - along with useful resources to help writers, poets, and authors along the way.

Release Date: Tuesday 22nd April 2025
Voices featured in the episode:
Auburn Langley - Founder, Sunderland Lit & Phil Society
Liz Dean - Freelance Author, Editorial Consultant, & Poet
Kym Deyn - Poet, Speculative Fiction Writer, Founder of The Braag CIC
Dr. Alexandra Collinson - Fundraising Director, Sunderland Literacy Aid
Helen Wilkinson - Poet, Director of King Ink CIC
Gerard Purvis - Director, Harbour Printworks CIC
A Jay Sykes Media podcast