iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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Robin Ince @robinince.bsky.social · 13/12/2025

Very sad that I felt I had no choice but to resign from The Infinite Monkey Cage - a victory for the transphobes and other bigots - I did it because so much of the media has chosen to believe the kind and empathetic people are a fiction - they are real and so often unrepresented.

This is the saddest day of my professional life.
Today is not only the final recording of the latest series of The Infinite Monkey Cage, it is my last ever Monkey Cage.
I never thought that I would have to leave the show. I always imagined going on until | dropped dead under the studio lights due to a brain aneurysm caused by my final attempt to understand notions of quantum gravity or the shock of being told about fly maggot infestations in the sacks of macaque monkeys.
I resigned in September, after sixteen years of dedication to the show,
A show that I named and helped develop over all those years.
Unfortunately, my opinions outside the BBC have been considered problematic for sometime, whether it has been voicing support for the trans community, criticism of Donald Trump, numerous other outlandish opinions, including once gently criticising Stephen Fry.
These things were considered to conflict with being a freelance BBC science presenter

In a recent meeting where BBC Studio executives again voiced problems with me, I realised my choices.
Obedience and being quieter to remain making Monkey Cage, or 'Resign and have the freedom to speak out against what I believe are injustices'.
•
I chose the latter.
It broke my heart.
I love this show and I love the audience, and it is because of the audience in particular, that this decision was so difficult to make.
I kept thinking about all the extremist voices promoting hate and division. They are being given so many platforms, while voices that represent kindness, open mindedness, empathy seem to be scarcer and scarcer.
I felt I couldn't pamper myself with the luxury of silence.
One of my many privileges is that I am able to resign and I can speak out even if it is to the detriment of my career.

I have thought a lot about my heroes, Sinead O Connor, James Baldwin, Audre Lorde, and so many more.
I think of Sinead's words, "the job of an artist is to be themselves at any cost".
James Baldwin said prejudice was really just a word for cowardice.
Audre Lorde, viewing her life, wrote that her only regrets were her silences.
I think of my father as I resign, he brought me up to believe in fairness , justice and kindness.
Though my heart is broken, it is also full of fire.
I apologise to our incredible listeners for my departure, your love of the show means a great deal.
I am so sorry to let you down.
I hope that you can understand my reasoning.
I have to accept that I am not what the current
BBC expects of their freelance presenters.

Despite this I should add that I have always worked far more than my contracted hours to try and ensure the show was always the best it could be, as well as making myself accessible and responsive to the audience wherever and whenever I met them. Every night, we have recorded, I have been filled with determination to make the best show possible. This was not
"just a job"
I hope that with my departure I can be a better ally to the LGBTQ community, to the neurodivergent community, to activists fighting against those who aim to brutalise society, to those currently in prison on hunger strike, and to all those who fight for a more inclusive world.
From many conversations, I know there are many Monkey Cage listeners who support these communities and activists too.
The strawberry is dead.
Long live the strawberry. B

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

I loved this conversation -- nerding out about Doctor Sleep, recovery, horror and hope 🖤 Listen to the full episode and other great conversations on The Movie Method podcast 》》》

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Trash Cat Lit @trashcatlit.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

We are over halfway to the cap for short stories, still plenty of flash space at the mo 🦝 trashcatlit.com/general-subm...

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Trash Cat Lit @trashcatlit.bsky.social · 21/05/2025

Huge congratulations to @alexherod.bsky.social - we're proud as punch and absolutely thrilled for her 🤩 We loved Trespasser, Singular and to see it get this recognition makes us very happy. altcurrentpress.com/best-small-f... You can read Alex's story here: trashcatlit.com/trespasser-s... 1/2

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 08/03/2025

My workshop is today! Can't think of a better way to celebrate #internationalwomensday than writing weird words with weird women. My workshop - This Haunted House of Mine - is about how horror can help us understand ourselves (and be lots of fun to write!) 🖤

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

My current read: What Doesn't Kill Us by Ajay Close @saraband-books.bsky.social Crime drama, 1970s Leeds & Bradford, and a feminist collective at the heart of the story. Enjoying this, looking forward to getting home so I can pit the kettle on and sit down with it ☕️📖

A pink tinged image of two women leaning into each other. The title and author name are in silver lettering.

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 02/03/2025

Pupper posts from @crobertcargill.bsky.social are bringing some much needed joy ❤️ Nyx 🐕

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 08/02/2025

Excited to be part of the Weird Women programme 🖤 My workshop - This Haunted House of Mine - is about using horror writing as self-exploration. No experience necessary, it will be a fun & supportive session. Sat 8 March 2-4pm. The other workshops look amazing 》》》

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

Further adventures in solo, sober gigging: danced my tits off at Gogol Bordello & Dropkick Murphys tonight to the extent that my fitbit clocked it as mountain biking 😂 [Obligatory crap gig pic]

A crowd at a gig, there is a band on stage -- the many fine folk of Gogol Bordello

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 01/02/2025

Coop has chosen our next bedtime book: The Great Orme by @pauldcoombs.bsky.social 📚

Cute black and white snoozing cat next to a book

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Prince Charles Cinema @princecharlescinema.com · 28/01/2025

#SaveThePCC Some of you may have read about the situation regarding our new landlord wishing to add a new redevelopment break clause, with only 6 months notice to our lease. For now, we're simply asking you all to share & sign the petition below; you.38degrees.org.uk/p/princechar...

you.38degrees.org.uk

Save The Prince Charles Cinema

The iconic Prince Charles Cinema in London’s West End future is under serious threat! We are beyond disappointed that our landlords Zedwell LSQ Ltd and their ultimate parent company Criterion Capital...

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Garth Marenghi's Catbus @catbus.phd · 26/01/2025

I liked it better when everyone was obsessed with the baby hippo

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Trash Cat Lit @trashcatlit.bsky.social · 21/01/2025

February grinds ever closer 🦝 We'll open for REPRINT subs of flash and short stories. Springlike theme - can be super tenuous. The essence of renewal and change, landscape, fresh starts, hope, lore and enchantment. Guest reader @sarahkat.bsky.social 💚 trashcatlit.com/spring-2025/ #SubmissionCalls

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 19/01/2025

I just stumbled upon the Roseanne maga rap. What. I.... What. Can we not just keep sharing wonderful David Lynch stories and inspiree creativity? 😭

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Mike X. Nichols @mikexnichols.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

my timeline

Pamela Anderson in the Criterion Closet. The text reads, “We love David Lynch.”

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 16/01/2025

Well, fuck 💔 Thanks for everything, David ☕️

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 12/01/2025

Missed parkrun yesterday as working so just did a chilly 5k near my house. Less fun but has set me up for a cosy afternoon of coffee and writing (and rewatching Criminal Minds as current comfort background) 👍Tempted to start a story set in the old mill building round the corner (Warwick Mill, 1907)

Picture of an old red brick mill building built in 1907. It is in Middleton, Greater Manchester, an industrial town in northern England. Disused and left empty for years it has lots of broken windows, mossy walls, graffiti and branches growing out of cracks.

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 11/01/2025

The last three days = lots of sky moods 👌

Spooky foggy road with a person in the distance

A church lit by the sun with bright blue sky

An early morning skyline with smoke from a distant industrial estate

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Trash Cat Lit @trashcatlit.bsky.social · 08/01/2025

Today our highlight from the winter pop-up is from @alexherod.bsky.social We loved the voice in this relatable story, how the MC's mental health is explored so masterfully, and the humour used so precisely. You might never see animals in the same way 🐄 trashcatlit.com/trespasser-s...

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 07/01/2025

Waking up to new followers each morning 👍 Blocking them all because they're 🌽 bots 👎

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 05/01/2025

Joined an online write together session this morning. The prompts were gentle and mindful, discussion warm and reflective. I have, inevitably, started a gross little body horror piece off the back of it 😂

A typewriter with text overlay with details of the WriteClub online workshop

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 05/01/2025

Obligatory snow photos ❄️ Zorro is originally from a rescue in gran canaria. This is his 4th UK winter. He has just about made peace with the cold white stuff. 2nd pic - the trees look painted on one side.

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 04/01/2025

Handed in a big piece o' work on new year's eve, then had a busy couple of days. This morning = first parkrun of the year (over 1k runners at Heaton Park today 🙌) and all the errands, xmas tree/decs away, tidying. So now to settle for a weekend of no plans except films+book+pets+jigsaw...

An image of a jigsaw box - 1000 pieces picture made up of old horror film posters

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Trash Cat Lit @trashcatlit.bsky.social · 03/01/2025

Trash Cat is looking to host writealongs using prompts. Expected 80min meet with intro, 45mins write time, and time for reading/ feedback. We need to nail the 'when' so please help us out if you'd be up for writing in the bin. Is your preference for weekdays or nights? Or weekend days or nights?

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Trash Cat Lit @trashcatlit.bsky.social · 01/01/2025

As you get stuck into the animal stories in our Winter Pop-up, here's a reminder of the two calls we have for Spring. Opening 1st Feb - flash and short story REPRINTS trashcatlit.com/spring-2025/ Opening 1st April - flash >1000 - Collectors and Collections trashcatlit.com/flash-pop-up...

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 01/01/2025

"It started with the books. Why? Because in the pages of the 'quit lit' I saw myself." I've written about how books helped me get and stay sober, and shared some quit lit recommendations 》》》 ❤️📚 www.thebetterwithbooksclub.com/post/quit-lit

thebetterwithbooksclub.com

Quit Lit: Get reading in Dry January

Quit Lit recommendations for the newly sober, the long-term-boozefree-book nerds, the sober curious or anyone interested in life stories.

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Uncle Duke @uncleduke1969.bsky.social · 31/12/2024

for the potato fears not death

Printed instructions for microwaving a potato with encircled bullet point, “Potato may whistle in microwave.”

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 31/12/2024

Ooh! I've got a 🐄 story in this. Gonna have a read of them all. Lovely end to the writing year 🎉

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 30/12/2024

Since everybody is rightly obsessed with pygmy hippos now, sharing a silly little poem I wrote in 2007 about Aldo, a pygmy hippo born in Paris zoo and who I visited that year 😂🦛

A picture of mum and baby pygmy hippos with the following text:

he is cute, he is round, in paris zoo he can be found
he is shiny, NO not slimy! and he snoozes on the ground

his mother eats whilst he just sleeps and ignores the screaming throng
can he really be a hippo? he's only 2 feet long!

hip hip hippo-ray for Aldo
hip hip hippo-ray say I
hip hip hippo-ray for Aldo
hip hip hippopotami

a Wikifact that's Aldotastic: he's still far more aquatic
than other even-toed ungulates
why, fancy that!

hip hip hippo-ray for Aldo
hip hip hippo-ray I say
choeropsis liberiensis can really make your day

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Marjorie James Keenan @unenthusiast.com · 29/12/2024

These boops were made for Walken

Finger booping Christopher Walken on the nose

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Tom Coates @tomcoates.bsky.social · 29/12/2024

There are apparently only six LGBT marked sessions at the Oxford Literary Festival, two are by anti-trans campaigners, one is by a straight person and none are by trans people.

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 29/12/2024

Coffee ☕️ & book 📖 before anything else today. Starting what is likely to be my last read of 2024. Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia: "meld of Mexican horror movies and Nazi occultism: a dark thriller about the curse that haunts a legendary lost film—and awakens one woman’s hidden powers"

Book cover for Silver Nitrate with black pen illustration of a woman's startled eyes on a red background

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Alan Baxter @alanbaxter.bsky.social · 28/12/2024

Something in the woods: horror A deer with a stick crown: folk horror A stick crown and fangs: creature horror It's disembowelling you: gore horror You grow fur and horns: body horror You're the deer now: possession horror You make these tiny mortals worship you, the horned god: cosmic horror

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Kit de Waal @kitdewaal.com · 27/12/2024

The Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize now for the "unputdownable" novel f RT on unpublished women. The winner will receive a £1,500 prize, and all shortlisted authors get a one-on-one consultation with a literary agent. Please share. www.lucy.cam.ac.uk/fictionprize

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 28/12/2024

25th parkrun today 🙌 (24 this year) My key to consistency =movement that makes me happy(dancing,swimming). Discovered parkrun community which along with the being outdoors joy of it has led to enjoying running for the first time in my life. Knocked 12m40s off my 5k time aged 41. Proud of that.

media.tenor.com

a wooden floor with seducktive written on the bottom right

Alt: A white duck running fast

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Sarah @sarahvanpelt.bsky.social · 26/12/2024

Im sorry but there’s a new standard now if we are talking about acting range.

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 24/12/2024

Almost time to put Die Hard on. Raising a glass to little tree dec Hans Gruber. (I know he falls facing t'other way but he came stringed like that) [It's Martini vibrante alcohol free aperitif with fever tree aromatic tonic -- great booze free option if you like bitter/spiced/citrus type drinks]

I'm pointing to my Christmas tree that has twinkly lights and a decoration of Hans Gruber from Die Hard. I'm holding up a glass.
I am wearing-as on most days-leopard print (hoodie today).

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 23/12/2024

Dog walk >> late breakfast+a film >> writing. Enjoying the A Chorus Line/Black Swan/Suspiria dance vibes from the start. Assuming this will lean towards the latter, not expecting many gold top hats 😂 Rosemary's Baby was one of the first horror films that hooked me so definitely intrigued...

The silhouette of a woman against a green background. Promo image for the film Apartment 7A, with the text "Rosemary was not the first"

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Garth Marenghi's Catbus @catbus.phd · 20/12/2024

*Werner Herzog voice* now, the Jingle Hop has begun

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 22/12/2024

I love these 😂 So intrigued, & can't wait to read the others. [Mine is the cow 🐄]

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Alex (thebetterwithbooksclub) @alexherod.bsky.social · 22/12/2024

Right then. *cracks knuckles* Who is writing today? *puts the kettle on for another coffee, finds different cosy hoodie to wear, rearranges workspace, and spends an hour deciding on background music* LFG

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