Shami Chakrabarti Launches “Shami’s Speakeasy” Podcast | Honest Conversations for Divided Times
Renowned human rights campaigner Shami Chakrabarti has unveiled her newest venture — a weekly podcast titled “Shami’s Speakeasy”, produced by Bespoken Media Scotland. Recorded between London and Glasgow, the series aims to create a safe space for meaningful, nuanced dialogue in an era increasingly dominated by polarisation and outrage.
Drawing inspiration from the secret underground bars (or “speakeasies”) of the interwar years, the podcast invites guests from politics, arts, activism, and academia to step away from soundbites and social media noise — and instead, engage in honest, thought-provoking discussion.
“Shami’s Speakeasy”: Where Words Become Acts of Resistance
At the heart of the series lies a simple but powerful belief: conversation itself can be an act of courage.
“In difficult times, reasonable debate is itself an act of resistance. It can also be the spark for action,” says Shami Chakrabarti, introducing the series. “In our Speakeasy, we discuss what drives people, and how conversation can kindle the courage to do things differently.”
A Modern Speakeasy for the Mind
The metaphor of the “speakeasy” perfectly fits Chakrabarti’s vision. During the interwar years, speakeasies were secret gathering places — tucked away from censorship and conformity — where people shared ideas, music, and art freely.
Now, in 2025, Shami’s Speakeasy revives that same spirit for the digital age, offering a sanctuary for dialogue in a culture that too often rewards division over depth.
Each episode will explore personal motivation, resilience, and sources of hope, blending intimate conversation with intellectual exploration.
The Launch: A Double Episode Featuring Big Names
The podcast’s debut arrives with a powerful double-episode launch, setting the tone for what’s to come.
The first two guests are:
Nicola Sturgeon, former First Minister of Scotland, reflecting on leadership, loss, and lessons learned from public life.
Gary Younge, award-winning journalist and author, discussing truth-telling, activism, and the responsibility of storytelling in turbulent times.
These initial episodes establish “Shami’s Speakeasy” as both an intellectual space and a deeply personal one — where guests don’t just debate politics, but share the human stories behind their principles.
Future Guests: Diverse Voices and Lived Experience
The upcoming guest list reads like a who’s who of influential and compassionate thinkers:
Baroness Doreen Lawrence, tireless campaigner for justice and racial equality
Darren McGarvey, Scottish rapper and social commentator exploring poverty, politics, and empathy
Baroness Brenda Hale, former President of the UK Supreme Court, on law, leadership, and gender equality
Each episode promises a blend of personal reflection and public insight, reminding listeners that change begins with conversation.
The “Speakeasy Zine”: Extending the Dialogue Beyond Audio
To complement the podcast, the team has launched the Speakeasy Zine, a beautifully crafted digital and physical companion to the series. It offers:
In-depth resources: facts, figures, and reading lists connected to each week’s theme
Original artwork: illustrations from Josh Moir, a Dundee-based artist known for his expressive style
Interactive activities: prompts and challenges designed to encourage reflection and community engagement
Subscribers can access the Zine online or receive it directly for free, making it an inclusive resource for listeners who want to dive deeper.
Behind the Mic: Bespoken Media Scotland’s Creative Touch
The series is produced by Bespoken Media Scotland, a production house recognized for its authentic storytelling and focus on social impact.
Dave Howard, the company’s director, shared his vision for the project:
“It can feel like reasoned, compassionate voices are being drowned out in the present climate, both here in the UK and across the Atlantic. So I’m glad our Bespoken team can help bring Shami’s Speakeasy to life — as a place for nuance, compassion, and hope for the future.”
With a team dedicated to ethical journalism and creative excellence, the production quality reflects the sincerity of the message.
Why This Podcast Matters in 2025
We live in a time when social media outrage often overshadows thoughtful conversation. In this climate, Shami’s Speakeasy feels less like a podcast and more like a cultural intervention.
Here’s why it stands out:
Championing Civility: It restores value to respectful disagreement.
Encouraging Empathy: Listeners are invited to understand, not just argue.
Celebrating Humanity: By highlighting personal journeys, it reminds us that behind every opinion is a lived experience.
Shami Chakrabarti: A Life of Advocacy and Courage
For decades, Baroness Shami Chakrabarti has been a leading voice for human rights, civil liberties, and social justice in the UK.
Key Highlights of Her Career:
Former Director of Liberty (2003–2016): Known for her fierce advocacy during the post-9/11 era, defending privacy and freedom of speech.
Member of the House of Lords: Continuing her campaign for equality and legal reform.
Author: Of acclaimed books such as On Liberty and Of Women: In the 21st Century.
Advocate for Dialogue: Her new podcast continues her lifelong mission — to ensure that voices of compassion are never silenced.
Themes That Define the Speakeasy
Each episode explores one or more of these central themes:
Courage and vulnerability in leadership and life
Balancing activism and self-care
Truth-telling in a post-truth world
Hope and action in the face of social and political division
By weaving personal storytelling with philosophical inquiry, the show blurs the line between interview and introspection.
Listener Experience: A Space for Everyone
Unlike many podcasts dominated by confrontation or celebrity gossip, Shami’s Speakeasy offers a gentler, more reflective rhythm. Listeners can expect:
Warm, conversational tone
Thoughtful editing that allows moments of silence and reflection
A balance of serious insight and emotional honesty
Each episode runs between 40 to 60 minutes, making it perfect for a commute, an evening walk, or a quiet Sunday listen.
How to Tune In
Listeners can stream or download Shami’s Speakeasy on all major platforms:
BBC Sounds
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Bespoken Media’s official website
New episodes are released weekly, with exclusive Zine updates for subscribers.
A Podcast for Hope in an Age of Noise
In an era where loudness often replaces listening, Shami’s Speakeasy invites us to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with one another. It’s a call to return to the art of civil discourse — not to win arguments, but to rediscover understanding.
As Chakrabarti herself puts it, “Conversation is where courage begins.”
