The Listen List: July
A monthly guide to what we are up to each month.
This month’s list explores voice, land, adornment, memory and pleasure. A book that speaks to freedom and becoming. A podcast centring Black sustainability. A forest walk for clearing the head. Jewellery with a collected feel. Something sweet from East London.
Let’s dive in!
To Read: How To Say Babylon - Safiya Sinclair
A powerful memoir about growing up in a strict Rastafari household in Jamaica, finding language, and claiming a life beyond control.
Safiya Sinclair writes with the force of a poet. This is a book about family, faith, patriarchy, Jamaica, rebellion and the freedom that can come through writing. Very apt for our Listen audience.
Read when: you want something lyrical, fierce and deeply alive
Listen note: A memoir for anyone thinking about voice, girlhood, Caribbean identity and the cost of becoming yourself.
To Listen: Compost, Cotton & Cornrows, Hosted by Dominique Drakeford
A podcast centring Black sustainability leaders across fashion, agriculture, wellbeing and beyond.
This is sustainability with culture, ancestry and justice at the centre. The conversations move beyond clean aesthetics and into land, care, community and regenerative futures.
Listen when: you want climate and sustainability conversations that feel rooted, expansive and culturally honest
Listen note: A necessary listen for anyone interested in sustainability beyond performance.
To Walk: Oak Trail, Epping Forest
A forest walk starting from Theydon Bois, taking you through one of the most grounding green spaces within reach of London.
The Oak Trail is a good one when you need to get out of your head and back into your body. Take water, wear shoes you do not mind getting muddy, and give yourself enough time to move slowly.
Walk when: you need trees, space and a reset
Listen note: A good reminder that London has green spaces, spots to slow down and breathe!
Jewellery designed to be layered, collected and lived in.
Filosophy pieces have that easy, personal feeling. The kind of jewellery that looks like it has slowly become part of you rather than something saved only for special occasions.
Shop when: you want pieces with texture, softness and a little edge
Listen note: For anyone building a small uniform of pieces that feel like theirs.
East London based sweets, cakes and madeleines from pastry chef Dee Omole.
Dee’s Basement has a playful, nostalgic feel, with bento cakes, madeleines and desserts that feel thoughtful without being too serious.
Eat when: you want something sweet, pretty and made with real personality
Listen note: A good one for gifting, celebrations or bringing something lovely to the table.