Comic Boom is a new education podcast exploring the use of comics in education. Comics and graphic novels are soaring in popularity, with comic titles like Jamie Smart’s Bunny vs Monkey now topping the best seller charts but many teachers and home educators are unsure where to start when it comes to harnessing this buzz in the classroom.

I started the podcast as a passion project because I knew there were people all over the country doing excellent work with comics but that there wasn’t necessarily an easy way for them to share their knowledge and expertise - so The Comic Boom Podcast was born with the aim to equip educators with the confidence, information and inspiration they need to begin to build comics into their teaching practice.  Weekly episodes feature an interview with a librarian, teacher, comics creator or an academic who shares their own comics journey whilst providing some practical take outs and all important reading recommendations!

Each guest brings their own unique perspective. The librarians who have come on the podcast - including Gemma Sosnowsky and Lucas Maxwell - come with bountiful recommendations and emphasise just how important range and access is to children who are still crafting their sense of self through reading.

In episode 2, cartoonist Neill Cameron provides some excellent insight into how to support children (and adults) to overcome perfectionism and self-doubt and open up the doors to their creativity - including banning the rubber! I am a huge fan of Neill’s Mega Robo Bros series so it was a huge privilege to be able to hear first hand about his creative process and what he has learnt from running comics workshops with children over the years.

The value of comics in promoting a wide range of experiences and voices is such a key aspect of the form and this is really highlighted in episodes exploring Muslim representation with academic Meher Shiblee and the importance of neurodiverse representation with creator of Speak Up, Rebecca Burgess.

The podcast padlet keeps all of the recommendations from the show in one easily accessible place and includes a bespoke comic for each episode with some key take outs from the interviews.

Season one is currently being released weekly, with up-coming episodes set to include Bumble and Snug creator Mark Bradley and recording for season two already well under way in preparation for release in the summer term. 

You can access Comic Boom through your regular podcast platform, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, or direct through the Comic Boom website www.comicboom.co.uk and keep in touch with the host through twitter @Lucy_Braidley