The Book of Refugees Podcast
A multilingual record of memories, dreams and aspirations of refugees in the UK Introduction The experiences and aspirations of refugees living in the UK remain largely unknown to the communities that host them. Before and during their long journey to safety, refugees often experience traumas that may affect their physical and mental health long after the events. Being forced to flee, they have left so many precious things and dear ones behind. However, they come here with memories and stories. Project aims This project aims at creating a window through which we are given access to these memories and stories summed up in a few words. These can be words of wisdom, which refugees take as a way of life, poems they wrote, brief reflections on their experiences, as well as works of art like calligraphy and drawings. The main objective of this project is to create a bridge between refugees and the community in which they live and to fight racism and hate with knowledge, dialogue and understanding. Call for stories The project leaders are calling for contributions from refugees anywhere in the UK.
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Episodes
Tuesday May 05, 2026
Tuesday May 05, 2026
After an emergency surgery three weeks ago, our host reflects on the global team of NHS professionals—from Iraq to Poland—who saved his life. This episode challenges the anti-immigration rhetoric of the hard right by highlighting how the UK’s most vital service is powered by the very people the movement seeks to exclude.
Monday Mar 23, 2026
Monday Mar 23, 2026
The "Flagshagger" fever dream: the UK’s latest "patriot" trend of duct-taping £2 nylon crosses to every lamppost in sight.
Tuesday Mar 03, 2026
Tuesday Mar 03, 2026
One is a Priest. One is an Imam. And both are fighting for the same thing.
We often hear stories about how religion divides us. But this episode is about how it connects us.
Paul Wordsworth and Ahmed Khaleel are colleagues and friends working together through York City of Sanctuary.
Wednesday Feb 11, 2026
Wednesday Feb 11, 2026
We are back.
In this season premiere, Huw re-introduces the podcast and sets out a new manifesto for Series Two.
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Monday Oct 20, 2025
Final episode in Book of Refugees podcast series 1.
A round up and reflection on the series
Monday Sep 22, 2025
Monday Sep 22, 2025
Alice Richardson a PhD student in the Department of Language & Linguistic Science Art the University of York, talks about interpretation in the UK asylum seeking process.
Monday Sep 08, 2025
Monday Sep 08, 2025
Martin Jones, Professor of International Human Rights Law at the York Law School at the University of York discusses the UK's legal obligations toward asylum seekers.
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
Tuesday Aug 26, 2025
The University of York welcomes those who are displaced. We seek to be a safe place for refugees, asylum seekers and other people who have been forced to migrate.
York was founded in 1963 on the principles of excellence and opportunity for all. This ethos of inclusivity has endured to the present day.
Monday Aug 04, 2025
Monday Aug 04, 2025
Common Ground - Songbook and Network provides music/dance/art workshops for York’s refugee/asylum seeker community.
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Karla Evans, a senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of York, talks about her experiences during the Yugoslav wars 1991 - 2001.