ByGandhinagar: The BBC Sounds Audio Lab is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to nurturing the next generation of audio creatives. This podcast accelerator program, with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, focuses on amplifying underrepresented voices and turning innovative ideas into captivating podcasts for a wide audience.
Applications for the 2025 program are currently open and will close on February 11th, 2025. Aspiring podcasters are invited to join a webinar on January 20th, 2025, at 6pm to learn more about the application process and get answers to their questions. Registration details for the webinar are available on the BBC Sounds Audio Lab website.
Insights from Previous Audio Lab Creators
The BBC Sounds Audio Lab has a proven track record of supporting talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. Previous participants have shared their perspectives on how the program helped them shape their creative visions and bring their podcasting dreams to life.
BBC Audiolab creators by Pod Mirror- Taqwa Sadiq, a 2023 creator, is a firm believer in the power of storytelling to bridge divides and foster understanding. With a background in Middle Eastern studies, Taqwa’s work spans audio, film, and art, often drawing inspiration from her cultural heritage.
Her podcast, “Sacred Money“, delves into the concept of money from a unique perspective, exploring whether it can be sacred and how the Islamic tradition of Zakat can inspire a more compassionate approach to wealth and community. Notably, Taqwa’s audio creation “Breathing Lyrical” won the prestigious Charles Parker Prize and was broadcast on BBC Radio 4, highlighting her talent and the impact of the Audio Lab program. - George Powell, another 2023 creator, developed a passion for radio production at a young age. Fascinated by the interplay between people and their environments, George’s podcast, “Black Gold“, investigates the historical impact of the Stanlow Oil Refinery on the surrounding community and the UK’s industrial landscape.
Driven by a desire to uncover the multifaceted story of Stanlow, George’s podcast explores the refinery’s role in the community, marking its centenary in 2024. - Anouska Lewis, a 2023 participant, is passionate about the power of shared history to forge connections between individuals and their surroundings. Her podcast, “Hometown Boring?“, challenges the often-overlooked narratives of disregarded towns and cities across the UK.
Anouska’s personal experience of feeling embarrassed about her hometown, Milton Keynes, fueled her desire to celebrate the hidden histories and contributions of these often-misjudged places. Her podcast aims to transform feelings of deflation into a sense of pride and appreciation for the unique stories these towns hold. - May Robson, a creator from the 2023 program, is driven by a fascination with the everyday revolutionaries who shape our world. Her work as a producer and journalist focuses on amplifying the voices of individuals whose actions and aspirations demonstrate the potential for positive change.
May’s podcast, “Now Here“, takes listeners on a journey across the UK, from the Scottish Highlands to the Southern borders of England, showcasing communities actively engaged in transforming their ways of living, working, and interacting with their environment. The podcast highlights the inspiring stories of people coming together to address neighborhood decline and create a better future. - Seun Matiluko, a 2023 participant and a journalist with a passion for uplifting marginalized voices, explores themes of fashion, politics, pop culture, race, and 20th-century history in her work.
Her podcast, “Seun’s Talking Drum: British AND West African“, delves into the history and experiences of the UK’s largest Black African group, seeking to uncover valuable lessons from the past that can inform our understanding of the present.
The BBC Sounds Audio Lab stands as an opportunity for aspiring podcasters, particularly those from underrepresented communities. The program’s commitment to nurturing diverse voices ensures that the rich tapestry of human experiences finds expression in the ever-evolving world of audio storytelling.
Through funding, training, mentoring, production expertise, and promotional support, the Audio Lab empowers creators to develop their skills and share their unique perspectives with the world. As the 2025 program commences, it holds immense promise for discovering and amplifying the voices of the next generation of audio storytellers.
