The Log Books

Our exclusive tour of Queer Britain - 010 17.06.2026 38min

Tash went down to Kings Cross in London to visit the newly re-opened Queer Britain museum. From nightclubs like Club Kali to footballers like Justin Fashanu, from the painter Carrington to dyke-themed folk songs, the museum captures every part of queer life. Thanks to Jennifer Shearman (curator) and Beau Brannick (assistant curator) and everyone at Queer Britain.-Adam + TashQueer Britain’s websiteThe Quilt - podcast series made by Aunt Nell in partnership with Queer BritainListen to ad-free episodes by supporting the show on Patreon.Aunt Nell:  Newsletter | Instagram | YouTube | websiteThe Log Books is hosted and produced by Tash Walker and Adam ZmithThe assistant producer is Mia CampbellMusic from SoundstripeOriginal artwork by Natalie DotoThanks to the dreamboats at AcastFor the story of the helpline Switchboard and untold stories from Britain's LGBTQ+ history: listen to Seasons 1-3, co-produced with Shivani Dave.For interviews from the research for our book, published by Faber & Faber: listen to Season 4.KI7FHCTLCUOCNJZ9Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Staying afloat - 009 10.06.2026 22min

It feels like life is pulling many of us down at the moment — so we asked each other: what do you do to stay afloat? We discuss swimming, solo cinema trips, birds and well-stocked food cupboards. The queer future starts here?-Adam + TashListen to ad-free episodes by supporting the show on Patreon.Aunt Nell:  Newsletter | Instagram | YouTube | websiteThe Log Books is hosted and produced by Tash Walker and Adam ZmithThe assistant producer is Mia CampbellMusic from SoundstripeOriginal artwork by Natalie DotoThanks to the dreamboats at AcastFor the story of the helpline Switchboard and untold stories from Britain's LGBTQ+ history: listen to Seasons 1-3, co-produced with Shivani Dave.For interviews from the research for our book, published by Faber & Faber: listen to Season 4.KI7FHCTLCUOCNJZ9Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hunky Jesus - 008 03.06.2026 36min

Every Easter in San Francisco, there’s a competition to find the best hunky Jesus. We didn’t go to it, BUT we spoke to Sister Roma, one of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the order of queer nuns that organises it. AND to filmmaker Jennifer Kroot who’s just made a film about the sisters and their search for hunky Jesus. -Adam + TashFilms: Hunky JesusLa GraziaTeenage Sex And Death At Camp MiasmaI Saw the TV GlowQueer disabled arts project:Eff-ableTV:The Repair Shop (BBC) - featuring the first Switchboard log book!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Second adolescence - 007 27.05.2026 39min

Why have one adolescence when you can have two? That’s the reality for many LGBTQ+ people. So let’s talk about what happens when you come out (or let people in), and unleash a whole new era on yourself. Sex, friendships, romance, lifestyle — all these things are up for grabs again a second time around for many queer people. Why is that? And what does psychology research say about it?-Adam + TashDiscussed in this episode:The Second Adolescence of LGBTQ+ Adulthood, Psychology Today (2023)The importance of sexual and romantic development in understanding the developmental neuroscience of adolescenceSexual Development Through the LifespanSex, Clubs, Dissent: Visualising Queer Nightlife by Amelia Abraham (ed)Heartstopper (Netflix)We Are Who We Are (HBO/BBC)Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ghosts of your former self - 006 20.05.2026 35min

We’ve got a star guest this week! Tino Orsini is a versatile character actor — you might have seen him playing the artist Banksy in Ted Lasso. For his next trick he’ll be on stage performing an intimate solo show about his own dark past. It’s all based around the time he tried to make it in Hollywood.We loved hearing Tino’s reflections on immigration, addiction, sex, family secrets and, of course, showbiz. His new show is called Ghosts of West Hollywood and it’s on 2-7 June at the Et Cetera theatre in London.-Adam + TashAunt Nell: Instagram | YouTube | websiteThe Log Books is hosted and produced by Tash Walker and Adam ZmithThe assistant producer is Mia CampbellMusic from SoundstripeOriginal artwork by Natalie DotoThanks to the dreamboats at AcastSeasons 1-3, from 2019-22, were co-produced with Shivani Dave, in partnership with Switchboard.Season 4, from 2025-26, featured interviews for our book, published by Faber & Faber.KI7FHCTLCUOCNJZ9Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lab rats - 005 13.05.2026 27min

Tash has been reading some intriguing studies about the psychology of lab rats — and has discovered something about themself in the process. So let’s talk about it! Join us while we gnaw on the topics of cages (real and imagined), being queer, and the power of nature.-Adam + TashDiscussed in this episode:The Well Gardened Mind by Sue Stuart-SmithAunt Nell: Instagram | YouTube | websiteThe Log Books is hosted and produced by Tash Walker and Adam ZmithThe assistant producer is Mia CampbellMusic from SoundstripeOriginal artwork by Natalie DotoThanks to the dreamboats at AcastSeasons 1-3, from 2019-22, were co-produced with Shivani Dave, in partnership with Switchboard.Season 4, from 2025-26, featured interviews for our book, published by Faber & Faber.KI7FHCTLCUOCNJZ9Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inherent Vice - 004 06.05.2026 25min

We make no secret that we’re obsessed with queer history and heritage. So in this episode Tash met Shoun Obana who’s created a zine called Inherent Vice, “for heritage professionals and enthusiasts alike”. We’ve also got a poem by Tash, Dear Section 28.-Adam + TashDiscussed in this episode:Zine: Inherent ViceRadio poem: Dear Section 28, originally created for Short Cuts, series 33, a Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4Aunt Nell: Instagram | YouTube | websiteThe Log Books is hosted and produced by Tash Walker and Adam ZmithThe assistant producer is Mia CampbellMusic from SoundstripeOriginal artwork by Natalie DotoThanks to the dreamboats at AcastSeasons 1-3, from 2019-22, were co-produced with Shivani Dave, in partnership with Switchboard.Season 4, from 2025-26, featured interviews for our book, published by Faber & Faber.KI7FHCTLCUOCNJZ9Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An Army of Lovers Cannot Fail - 003 29.04.2026 27min

Sometimes you read a book and feel ‘this is a bit of me!’ That’s how we both felt reading An Army of Lovers Cannot Fail, so we wanted to talk about it. It’s a book about friendship, across generations, and the power of queer solidarity. So it also led us to two recent photography exhibitions too.-Adam + TashDiscussed in this episode:Book: An Army of Lovers Cannot Fail by Hélène GiannecchiniExhibition: We Others: Donna Gottschalk and Hélène Giannecchini @ The Photographers’ Gallery until June 7thExhibition: Catherine Opie: To Be Seen @ National Portrait Gallery, until May 31stAunt Nell: Instagram | YouTube | websiteThe Log Books is hosted and produced by Tash Walker and Adam ZmithThe assistant producer is Mia CampbellMusic from SoundstripeOriginal artwork by Natalie DotoThanks to the dreamboats at AcastSeasons 1-3, from 2019-22, were co-produced with Shivani Dave, in partnership with Switchboard.Season 4, from 2025-26, featured interviews for our book, published by Faber & Faber.KI7FHCTLCUOCNJZ9Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Margate Queer Library and Archive - 002 22.04.2026 34min

Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside… Tash went for a swim (Adam went to the cafe), but we BOTH went to the Margate Queer Library and Archive, which is run by Sé Malaïka Nomyo. We also met Jen Scott, aka SHELLY GROTTO, who also told us about her work on Margate and Thanet’s queer history.Discussed in this episode:Space: Margate Queer Library and ArchiveVideo: New Rumours on YouTube-Adam + TashAunt Nell: Instagram | YouTube | websiteThe Log Books is hosted and produced by Tash Walker and Adam ZmithThe assistant producer is Mia CampbellMusic from SoundstripeOriginal artwork by Natalie DotoThanks to the dreamboats at AcastSeasons 1-3, from 2019-22, were co-produced with Shivani Dave, in partnership with Switchboard.Season 4, from 2025-26, featured interviews for our book, published by Faber & Faber.KI7FHCTLCUOCNJZ9Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Stories of Our Lives - 001 15.04.2026 30min

We’re relaunching your favourite podcast! We’re Tash Walker and Adam Zmith, and EVERY WEEK we get together to talk about history, politics, art and LGBTQ+ life. From us ageing millennials nattering on, to interviews with exciting people doing amazing things, The Log Books contain… the stories of our lives. Let us know what you think of the new format, and what you think we should feature.-Adam + TashAunt Nell: Instagram | YouTube | websiteThe Log Books is hosted and produced by Tash Walker and Adam ZmithThe assistant producer is Mia CampbellMusic from SoundstripeOriginal artwork by Natalie DotoThanks to the dreamboats at AcastSeasons 1-3, from 2019-22, were co-produced with Shivani Dave, in partnership with Switchboard.Season 4, from 2025-26, featured interviews for our book, published by Faber & Faber.KI7FHCTLCUOCNJZ9Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Queer roots | Episode 15 08.04.2026 33min

Tash and Adam listen to Abi McIntosh, our youngest interviewee!, who first listed her sexuality on MySpace...Abi also reflects on her experience of connecting with older queer Black people, and how this has changed how she sees herself.You can listen to Abi on the podcast Black And Gay, Back In The Day on Apple and Spotify.Buy our book or see our events listings: The Log Books: Voices of Queer Britain and the Helpline that Listened.Hosted and produced by Tash Walker and Adam ZmithThe voice of the log books: Serena JamesAssistant producer: Marnie Woodmeade Engineer: David PyeMusic: Tom Fosket-BarnesOriginal artwork: Natalie DotoThanks to the Bishopsgate Institute; our publisher, Faber Books; the dreamboats at Acast; the staff and volunteers at Switchboard, and all the contributors who shared their stories.Episode transcripts available here.Call Switchboard on 0800 0119 100, email hello@switchboard.lgbt or instant message via www.switchboard.lgbt.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Being both | Episode 14 01.04.2026 29min

Adam and Tash hear from Faizan, who co-founded Imaan, a network for queer Muslims.Faizan recalls what it felt like to be growing up as a British Pakistani queer person in London in the 80s, and the electricity of a first (good) kiss.Buy our book or see our events listings: The Log Books: Voices of Queer Britain and the Helpline that Listened.Hosted and produced by Tash Walker and Adam ZmithThe voice of the log books: Serena JamesAssistant producer: Marnie Woodmeade Engineer: David PyeMusic: Tom Fosket-BarnesOriginal artwork: Natalie DotoThanks to the Bishopsgate Institute; our publisher, Faber Books; the dreamboats at Acast; the staff and volunteers at Switchboard, and all the contributors who shared their stories.Episode transcripts available here.Call Switchboard on 0800 0119 100, email hello@switchboard.lgbt or instant message via www.switchboard.lgbt.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Girl power | Episode 13 26.03.2026 34min

Adam and Tash listen to Steph Fuller recall what it was like for trans women to go out on the town in the 90s.Steph reflects on growing up queer and trans, and what it meant to have places to go — in one of our most affecting and intimate interviews yet.Buy our book or see our events listings: The Log Books: Voices of Queer Britain and the Helpline that Listened.Hosted and produced by Tash Walker and Adam ZmithThe voice of the log books: Serena JamesAssistant producer: Marnie Woodmeade Engineer: David PyeMusic: Tom Fosket-BarnesOriginal artwork: Natalie DotoThanks to the Bishopsgate Institute; our publisher, Faber Books; the dreamboats at Acast; the staff and volunteers at Switchboard, and all the contributors who shared their stories.Episode transcripts available here.Call Switchboard on 0800 0119 100, email hello@switchboard.lgbt or instant message via www.switchboard.lgbt.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Active listening | Episode 12 19.03.2026 28min

Tash and Adam hear from Monty Moncrieff, who took calls for Switchboard for years and now runs London Friend.Monty remembers what it was like to take difficult calls from LGBTQ+ people, and also to be listened to himself, when he gave his first interview in season 3 of The Log Books podcast.Buy our book or see our events listings: The Log Books: Voices of Queer Britain and the Helpline that Listened.Hosted and produced by Tash Walker and Adam ZmithThe voice of the log books: Serena JamesAssistant producer: Marnie Woodmeade Engineer: David PyeMusic: Tom Fosket-BarnesOriginal artwork: Natalie DotoThanks to the Bishopsgate Institute; our publisher, Faber Books; the dreamboats at Acast; the staff and volunteers at Switchboard, and all the contributors who shared their stories.Episode transcripts available here.Call Switchboard on 0800 0119 100, email hello@switchboard.lgbt or instant message via www.switchboard.lgbt.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No going back | Episode 11 12.03.2026 33min

Adam and Tash hear from Clare Truscott, a riotous femme punk who tirelessly serves her community and always has an abundance of stories to tell.Clare reflects on being a part of the podcast and being a lesbian in the 80s and 90s, and how more recently she’s been campaigning to end homophobia in care homes for older people.You can find out more about Clare’s work on Not Going In The Care Closet here.Buy our book or see our events listings: The Log Books: Voices of Queer Britain and the Helpline that Listened.Hosted and produced by Tash Walker and Adam ZmithThe voice of the log books: Serena JamesAssistant producer: Marnie Woodmeade Engineer: David PyeMusic: Tom Fosket-BarnesOriginal artwork: Natalie DotoThanks to the Bishopsgate Institute; our publisher, Faber Books; the dreamboats at Acast; the staff and volunteers at Switchboard, and all the contributors who shared their stories.Episode transcripts available here.Call Switchboard on 0800 0119 100, email hello@switchboard.lgbt or instant message via www.switchboard.lgbt.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Never pretending | Episode 10 05.03.2026 33min

Tash and Adam listen to Catherine Lee, who qualified as a teacher in the late 80s at a time when it was impossible for lesbians like her to be open at work.Catherine reflects candidly on the impact of sharing her story on the original Log Books podcast, and how her life has transformed from shame to pride.Buy our book or see our events listings: The Log Books: Voices of Queer Britain and the Helpline that Listened.Hosted and produced by Tash Walker and Adam ZmithThe voice of the log books: Serena JamesAssistant producer: Marnie Woodmeade Engineer: David PyeMusic: Tom Fosket-BarnesOriginal artwork: Natalie DotoThanks to the Bishopsgate Institute; our publisher, Faber Books; the dreamboats at Acast; the staff and volunteers at Switchboard, and all the contributors who shared their stories.Episode transcripts available here.Call Switchboard on 0800 0119 100, email hello@switchboard.lgbt or instant message via www.switchboard.lgbt.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leather and love | Episode 9 26.02.2026 29min

Tash and Adam hear from Richard Desmond, aka Switchboard’s once resident leather queen.Richard reflects on a life in the LGBTQ+ community, as a leatherman, a volunteer, a friend and lover. We love you, Richard.Buy our book or see our events listings: The Log Books: Voices of Queer Britain and the Helpline that Listened.Hosted and produced by Tash Walker and Adam ZmithThe voice of the log books: Serena JamesAssistant producer: Marnie Woodmeade Engineer: David PyeMusic: Tom Fosket-BarnesOriginal artwork: Natalie DotoThanks to the Bishopsgate Institute; our publisher, Faber Books; the dreamboats at Acast; the staff and volunteers at Switchboard, and all the contributors who shared their stories.Episode transcripts available here.Call Switchboard on 0800 0119 100, email hello@switchboard.lgbt or instant message via www.switchboard.lgbt.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dream homes | Episode 8 19.02.2026 44min

Tash and Adam listen to Graham McKerrow, who was editor of the newspaper Capital Gay in the 80s.Graham reflects on his gay adolescence in the 70s, and how he and his partner transformed a South London house into a communal queer home.Buy our book or see our events listings: The Log Books: Voices of Queer Britain and the Helpline that Listened.Hosted and produced by Tash Walker and Adam ZmithThe voice of the log books: Serena JamesAssistant producer: Marnie Woodmeade Engineer: David PyeMusic: Tom Fosket-BarnesOriginal artwork: Natalie DotoThanks to the Bishopsgate Institute; our publisher, Faber Books; the dreamboats at Acast; the staff and volunteers at Switchboard, and all the contributors who shared their stories.Episode transcripts available here.Call Switchboard on 0800 0119 100, email hello@switchboard.lgbt or instant message via www.switchboard.lgbt.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Standing up, standing out | Episode 7 12.02.2026 34min

Adam and Tash hear from Andy Piccos, whose memories of Switchboard stretch back to 1977. Andy remembers the queer family he met through volunteering and living the gay life, and what it was like to come out to his biological, Greek Cypriot family.Buy our book or see our events listings: The Log Books: Voices of Queer Britain and the Helpline that Listened.Hosted and produced by Tash Walker and Adam ZmithThe voice of the log books: Serena JamesAssistant producer: Marnie Woodmeade Engineer: David PyeMusic: Tom Fosket-BarnesOriginal artwork: Natalie DotoThanks to the Bishopsgate Institute; our publisher, Faber Books; the dreamboats at Acast; the staff and volunteers at Switchboard, and all the contributors who shared their stories.Episode transcripts available here.Call Switchboard on 0800 0119 100, email hello@switchboard.lgbt or instant message via www.switchboard.lgbt.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life lessons | Episode 6 05.02.2026 32min

Tash and Adam catch-up with Femi Otitoju, one of the original contributors of The Log Books podcast, and one of Switchboard’s most valuable volunteers.Femi reflects on what it meant to have her memories recorded, and how she and others made sure that Switchboard served Black people and women.You can also listen to Femi speaking on the podcast Black And Gay, Back In The Day on Apple and Spotify.Buy our book or see our events listings: The Log Books: Voices of Queer Britain and the Helpline that Listened.Hosted and produced by Tash Walker and Adam ZmithThe voice of the log books: Serena JamesAssistant producer: Marnie Woodmeade Engineer: David PyeMusic: Tom Fosket-BarnesOriginal artwork: Natalie DotoThanks to the Bishopsgate Institute; our publisher, Faber Books; the dreamboats at Acast; the staff and volunteers at Switchboard, and all the contributors who shared their stories.Episode transcripts available here.Call Switchboard on 0800 0119 100, email hello@switchboard.lgbt or instant message via www.switchboard.lgbt.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/thelogbooks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.