In October, the women at National Prison Radio in HMP Styal took part in a special storytelling workshop led by Phoebe McIndoe, in partnership with Audible. The day focused on developing documentary-making skills and learning how to create a long-form audio piece as a team – moving away from individual projects and towards collaborative storytelling.
The session began with one of Phoebe’s signature exercises: “the object workshop.” Each participant was asked to choose an everyday object and explore the stories, memories, and emotions connected to it. The group chose something simple but rich with meaning – a tomato.
From there, the women set out across the prison with microphones in hand, gathering vox pops and personal reflections. People shared their first memories of eating tomatoes and the feelings and associations of that memory, sparking a range of creative responses.
Inspired by these conversations, one participant went on to create a radio drama centred around the tomato, showcasing the creativity and imagination that emerged during the workshop.
Joining Phoebe was Nick from Audible, who brought his expertise in radio drama and comedy podcasting. He shared tips on how to weave humour into audio storytelling. Together, Phoebe and Nick encouraged the group to experiment with different formats, blending documentary, drama, and comedy to tell stories in new and engaging ways.
The workshop provided an inspiring opportunity for the women housed at HMP Styal to develop new creative and technical skills, while also gaining confidence in their ability to tell powerful, original stories.
Phoebe reflected positively on the day:
“It was such a fantastic day – I was so impressed with all the attendees and how enthusiastic they were about the workshop. Can’t wait to hear the recordings!“
A huge thank you to Audible for partnering with National Prison Radio and to both Phoebe and Nick for leading an engaging and uplifting day of creativity, collaboration, and laughter.
Read more about how Audible support our work with women housed at HMP Styal: https://prison.radio/our-work-with-audible/
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The Prison Radio Association is a registered charity. We work with women at HMPYOI Styal and men at HMP Brixton to create award-winning, rehabilitative radio, while supporting them to build confidence, skills and networks that can pave pathways into better futures beyond bars.
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