Bio

Kev – Tea in the Sahara

Writer Casey Wells, a friend of Tea in the Sahara, once quizzed me in a short Q&A, which evolved into this bio page. Casey, the talent behind shows like Outliers, The Signal, and Green Man, creates unique, non-linear podcast journeys. Thanks for your continued support, Casey. Stay classy!

What’s the story behind your website’s name?
The reason is simple, but only one person has caught the reference. During the UK’s COVID lockdown, I started writing music reviews. “Tea in the Sahara” is a track by The Police. When I switched to podcast reviews, the name stuck. The rest is history. Do check out the track—it’s awesome!

How did you get started in writing reviews for fiction podcasts?
Like most good things I fell into writing about fiction simply because I discovered my real passion was writing about that genre. I dabbled with other genres including comedy and historical but quickly found that writing about fiction came naturally to me. IMO, it’s the most imaginative visceral genre that truly allows this critic to really over-express within my writing.

How do you begin writing a review? Do you listen to a fiction podcast in its entirety first?
My rule is to listen to at least three episodes before committing to a review – although for some shows I can be invested after listening to just one episode. If I am partnering with a writer who has given me their whole series to review I tend to listen to the show to get a broader feel of their audio vision. Easter eggs – I also keep/rely on a toolbox of words, phrases, sayings, and lyrics that often make their way into one of my reviews.

What review that you’ve written is your favourite thus far?
WOW! That is a tricky one – I always say that my favourite review is the current project that I am working on. That being said, if I had to choose just one audio drama from my back catalogue it would have to be The Cipher. That review resonated with an audience I never knew was out there. It also put me in touch with a writing duo that I continue to work with today.

With all the fiction podcasts that are out there, how do you select one to review?
I am an avid fiction podcast listener. What I look for within a show is for it to deliver something very different from what has been done before. There’s a plethora of fiction podcasts out there that all sound similar – the current trend feels that for a winning formula, you must replicate shows that have already been popular.
All I will say to writers is don’t be afraid to break the mould and be different. The legend that is David Bowie once said that the most creative things happen when you are just outside of your comfort zone – and who am I to argue with a LEGEND!

Do you have any advice for future fiction podcast critics?
When I started Tea in the Sahara, few critics specialized in fictional podcasts. My reviews reflect my genuine thoughts, considering both the audience and the creator. Not everyone will like your work, and that’s okay—I’m not an audio engineer or podcast authority.

What works for me is writing balanced, personal reviews. If a scene gives you goosebumps, convey that. If there are flaws, explain them. Be humble with criticism—don’t be a dick, but don’t sugarcoat either. Honesty is key to progress.