Paralysed and Podcasting about Books

Silence enveloped the room, occasionally disrupted by the soft splutter of a cough. Mostly, it was my inner turmoil, urging me to break the silence with words—any words. This was the daunting experience of public speaking, an unconventional beginning for a podcast centred on mental wellbeing and life skills. One night, after a decade of relentless pursuit of productivity, the podcast’s name was born.

By then, I had engaged in countless heart-to-heart discussions about self-help with coaches, therapists, and anyone with a remote interest in the subject. One phrase echoed consistently: “We are human BEings, not human DOings.” From this seed of thought, the concept for “How To Be…” was conceived. The evolution of the How To Be Books Podcast was, without a doubt, an organic journey.

An entirely different episode unfolded in my life when I spent the entirety of 2017 confined to my bed, grappling with a disability. To pass the time, I revisited the comforting habit of reading, devouring precisely one book a day. This feat was made possible through the magic of audiobooks since my hands and right leg were immobilised due to my Hereditary Neuropathy with Liability to Pressure Palsies diagnosis.

As if by fate, “The Girl on the Train” audiobook found its way into my life, and from that point on, everything changed. Suddenly, my life regained purpose, prompting me to make the most of the cards I’d been dealt and venture far beyond my comfort zone. The activist within me, dormant for almost 15 years behind a buttoned shirt and a three-piece suit, resurfaced.

Oddly, despite my 17-year career in journalism, speaking in front of a camera remained a daunting task. The saving grace was that, in this case, I couldn’t see the audience—just my microphone, and even that posed its challenges. Much like my current struggle to string sentences together, I could only manage one line at a time, often accompanied by hyperventilation. 

The first episode was a patchwork of these phrases, cobbled together with free software and a pair of worn-out earphones sporting a built-in microphone. I soon realised that the only way to produce an episode was to incorporate other people’s voices into the mix. Thus began my weekly requests for collaborations with fellow Twitter users. I relied heavily on my journalistic skills—editing, researching, and writing—to overcome the initial disaster of episodes.

What may have seemed like a haphazard approach to podcasting turned out to be a marvellous way to cultivate a community with shared interests in resilience, confidence, assertiveness, and advocacy for marginalised communities. Our Twitter Spaces and Clubhouse forums allowed for genuine two-way dialogue with the audience, rather than just a one-sided lecture. The mission became clear: exploring how books can delve into topics related to mental wellbeing, society, and polarising ideas.

Many people wonder why I embarked on this journey. As a devoted activist, I had spent nearly 15 years working on various campaigns, from combating violence against women and misogyny on university campuses to supporting organisations like Million Women Rise, Beat UK’s national eating disorder charity, and Wheels for Wellbeing, a disabled cycling charity. I needed an outlet to continue my work without leaving my home. As each day made it increasingly difficult to move, I had to find new ways to align my life with my passions.

The impact of podcasting on my life was beyond belief. The moment I spoke with Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Shirin Ebadi about freedom and Iran, I felt my heart swell with pride, akin to the feeling of receiving a long-awaited dream job. Certain discussions even altered my personal habits. For instance, Professor Tim Spector OBE, one of the top 100 cited scientists, advised me to steer clear of gluten-free products for my gut issues and opt for small quantities of the real thing—an absolute game-changer. Chats with authors like Poorna Bell, who wrote “Stronger,” opened my eyes to the physical, not just emotional, strength of women and the remarkable resilience of our bodies. The podcast had truly come to life, not only helping me digest information for others but also guiding me toward personal growth.

So, when I was informed of my nomination for the International Women’s Podcast Award within the first year of launching, I was overjoyed. But it didn’t stop there; I soon received nominations for two Sonic Bloom Awards, a People’s Choice Podcast Award, and most recently, the Independent Podcast Award, alongside remarkable individuals with substantial teams. It’s humbling to think that my one-person team, despite my intermittent paralysis, is competing with the likes of BBC presenters and even Foreign Policy. It serves as a reminder that there are people out there who need to hear about these vital issues, and they are not alone.

For this reason, I expanded my efforts further by creating the How To Be Books site, which explores the intersection of literature and society. Our world faces numerous threats to artistic pursuits, including the rise of artificial intelligence, extremist book banning, and sustainability challenges. My goal is to continue challenging these ideas and safeguarding our right to free expression. Although I may not be able to move as freely as before, my voice remains a powerful tool to contribute to important exchanges. The recognition and nominations received along the way serve as a reminder that meaningful conversations can break barriers and connect us all. https://www.howtobe247.com/

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Podcast: How To Be…Books Podcast

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Suswati Basu is an editor, journalist and founder of the five-time award-nominated How To Be Books Podcast and website. Shortlisted for the Guardian Mary Stott Prize and longlisted for the Guardian International Development Award, she writes regularly on issues related to social affairs, literature, and mental health.

 

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: Contemporary Women Writers, On Writing