In this episode, India & Samira talk with us about the poem that has been a friend to them – 'On Marriage' from 'The Prophet' by Kahlil Gibran. India & Samira joined The Poetry Exchange online, via video call, for one of our Lockdown Exchanges. They are in conversation with Poetry Exchange hosts, Fiona Bennett and Michael Shaeffer. ********** On Marriage By Kahlil Gibran Then Almitra spoke again and said, And what of Marriage, master? And he answered saying: You were born together, and t...
May 23, 2022•30 min•Ep. 70
In this episode, Michael Cooke talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to him – 'Fisherman' by Dennis Scott. Michael joined The Poetry Exchange online for one of our Lockdown Exchanges. We are hugely grateful to Michael for spending this time with us and sharing such a beautiful poem and converastion. Michael Cooke is in conversation with Fiona Bennett and John Prebble. The 'gift' reading of 'Fisherman' is by John Prebble. ***** Fisherman by Dennis Scott The scales like metal flint...
Apr 26, 2022•32 min•Ep. 69
In our latest episode, Sue Lawther-Brown talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to her: The Lake Isle of Innisfree by William Butler Yeats. We are hugely grateful to Sue for bringing this beautiful poem to us and sharing such a rich and moving conversation. Sue joined us at the National Centre for Writing in Norwich and we are very grateful to the team there for hosting us so warmly. You can discover previous conversations about this poem with different guests on episodes 9 and 26 o...
Mar 23, 2022•29 min•Ep. 68
In this episode, poet Casey Bailey talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to him – 'The Way Home' by Liz Berry. Casey joined The Poetry Exchange at the Birmingham & Midland Institute and is in conversation with Poetry Exchange team members, Fiona Bennett and Roy McFarlane. Casey Bailey is a writer, performer and educator, born and raised in Nechells, Birmingham, UK. Casey is the Birmingham Poet Laureate 2020 - 2022 and the Greater Birmingham Future Face of Arts and Culture 202...
Feb 21, 2022•31 min•Ep. 67
In this episode, Gill Gregory talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to her – 'On the Departure Platform' by Thomas Hardy. Gill joined The Poetry Exchange at the National Centre for Writing in Norwich. We are hugely grateful to the National Centre for Writing for hosting us so warmly, and to all the readers who visited us there. Andrea is in conversation with The Poetry Exchange hosts, Fiona Bennett and Michael Shaeffer. The 'gift' reading of 'On the Departure Platform' is by Michae...
Jan 18, 2022•29 min•Ep. 66
In this episode, Andrea Holland talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to her – 'Song of Myself' by Walt Whitman. Andrea Holland is a poet and lecturer in Creative Writing. As winner of the Norfolk Commission for Poetry her collection 'Broadcasting' was published in 2013 (Gatehouse Press). The collection focuses on the forced requisition of several Norfolk villages for D-Day training in 1942, and the subsequent dislocation of villagers and community. Her pamphlet, 'Borrowed' (Smit...
Dec 16, 2021•31 min•Ep. 65
In this episode, poet Gregory Leadbetter talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to him – 'Kubla Khan' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Gregory joined The Poetry Exchange at the Birmingham & Midland Institute - one of our first in-person exchanges since the pandemic. He is in conversation with Poetry Exchange team members, Fiona Bennett and Roy McFarlane. Gregory Leadbetter is a poet and critic. He is the author of two poetry collections, Maskwork (2020) and The Fetch (2016), both w...
Nov 23, 2021•34 min•Ep. 64
In this episode, Pete Stones talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to him – 'Old Mary' by Gwendolyn Brooks. Pete joined The Poetry Exchange at the Birmingham & Midland Institute - one of our first in-person exchanges since the pandemic. He is in conversation with Poetry Exchange team members, Fiona Bennett and John Prebble. 'Old Mary' is read by Pete Stones and Fiona Bennett. ********* Old Mary by Gwendolyn Brooks My last defense Is the present tense. It little hurts me now t...
Oct 20, 2021•26 min•Ep. 63
In this episode, Dr Maria Augusta Arruda talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to her – 'Eve Remembering' by Toni Morrison. Maria joined The Poetry Exchange online for one of our Lockdown Exchanges. She is in conversation with Poetry Exchange team members, Fiona Bennett and Michael Shaeffer. The 'gift' reading of 'Eve Remembering' is by Fiona Bennett. ***** Eve Remembering by Toni Morrison 1 I tore from a limb fruit that had lost its green. My hands were warmed by the heat of an ...
Sep 16, 2021•32 min•Ep. 62
In this episode, Ana Sampson talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to her – 'The Republic of Motherhood' by Liz Berry. Ana Sampson is a highly accomplished poetry editor. She has edited 8 poetry anthologies including 'Night Feeds and Morning Songs: Honest, fierce and beautiful poems about motherhood', as well as 'She is Fierce' and 'She Will Soar' - two bold and brilliant anthologies of women's verse throughout history. Ana's books have sold over 240,000 copies and she writes and s...
Jul 22, 2021•31 min•Ep. 61
In this episode, Jessica talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to her – 'From Blossoms' by Li-Young Lee. Jessica joined The Poetry Exchange online, via video call, for one of our Lockdown Exchanges. Jessica works as an Audio Producer with Listening Books , an audiobook lending charity for those that find their illness, mental health, physical or learning disability affects their ability to read the printed word or hold a book. Jessica is in conversation with Poetry Exchange team ...
Jun 23, 2021•30 min•Ep. 60
In this special, feature-length episode, pioneering broadcaster, writer and host of On Being, Krista Tippett talks about the poem that has been a friend to her: ‘Good Lord The Light’ by Christian Wiman. Krista Tippett has created a singular space for reflection and conversation in American and global public life. She founded and leads the On Being Project — a groundbreaking media and public life initiative pursuing “deep thinking and moral imagination, social courage and joy to renew inner life,...
May 20, 2021•42 min•Ep. 59
In this episode, Lewi talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to him – 'The Horses' by Ted Hughes. Lewi joined The Poetry Exchange online as part of Manchester Literature Festival 2020. Lewi is in conversation with Poetry Exchange team members, Fiona Bennett and Michael Shaeffer. The 'gift' reading of 'The Horses' is by Fiona Bennett. ***** The Horses By Ted Hughes I climbed through woods in the hour-before-dawn dark. Evil air, a frost-making stillness, Not a leaf, not a bird- A wo...
Apr 16, 2021•29 min•Ep. 58
In this episode, Fehmida talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to her – 'Still I Rise' by Maya Angelou. Fehmida joined The Poetry Exchange online, via video call, for one of our Lockdown Exchanges, as part of Manchester Literature Festival 2020. You can also find out more about our wonderful guest, Fehmida, and the work she pioneers for women and those who are under-represented in publishing here: www.fehmidamaster.com www.masterhousepublishing.com Fehmida is in conversation with...
Mar 19, 2021•27 min•Ep. 57
In this episode, Tom talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to him – 'Aubade' by Philip Larkin. Tom visited The Poetry Exchange in February 2020 for what turned out to be our last live event of the year before the first Covid-19 lockdown. He joined us at beautiful Manchester Central Library and is in conversation with Poetry Exchange team members, Fiona Bennett and Al Snell. The 'gift' reading of 'Aubade' is by Al Snell. ***** I work all day, and get half-drunk at night. Waking at f...
Feb 24, 2021•26 min•Ep. 56
In this episode, Jenny talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to her – 'Mushrooms' by Sylvia Plath. Jenny joined The Poetry Exchange online and is in conversation with Poetry Exchange team members, Fiona Bennett and John Prebble. Fiona reads the gift reading of 'Mushrooms'. ***** Mushrooms by Sylvia Plath Overnight, very Whitely, discreetly, Very quietly Our toes, our noses Take hold on the loam, Acquire the air. Nobody sees us, Stops us, betrays us; The small grains make room. Soft...
Jan 28, 2021•26 min•Ep. 55
In this episode, poet, theologian and podcast host Pádraig Ó Tuama talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to him – 'Cuimhne An Uisce' / 'A Recovered Memory of Water' by Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill, translated by Paul Muldoon. Pádraig Ó Tuama is a poet and theologian from Ireland whose poetry and prose has been published widely across Ireland, the US and the UK. He presents Poetry Unbound with On Being, a hugely successful podcast where he explores a single poem. Short and unhurried; contemp...
Dec 16, 2020•29 min•Ep. 54
In this episode, Charlie talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to him – 'A Short Story of Falling' by Alice Oswald. Charlie joined The Poetry Exchange online, via video call, for one of our 'Lockdown Exchanges' and is in conversation with Poetry Exchange team members, Fiona Bennett Alistair Snell. Many thanks to Alice Oswald and United Agents for granting us permission to share the poem in this capacity. Find out more about Alice and her work here: www.unitedagents.co.uk/alice-...
Nov 20, 2020•28 min•Ep. 53
In this episode, world-renowned actor, Brian Cox CBE talks with us about two poems that have been friends to him – 'Ae Fond Kiss' by Robert Burns and 'I am' by John Clare. Brian joined The Poetry Exchange online, from his home, over the course of lockdown in 2020. He is a Scottish actor who works in film, television and theatre, and as a multiple award-winner, has gained huge respect in the industry for the many captivating roles he has undertaken. He us perhaps most recently known for starring ...
Oct 15, 2020•32 min•Ep. 52
In this episode, Forward Prize-winning poet Vahni Capildeo talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to them – 'Spring and Fall' by Gerard Manley Hopkins. Vahni joined The Poetry Exchange online, from their family home in Trinidad, as part of City of Literature - a week of conversations, reflections and connections presented by the National Centre for Writing and Norfolk & Norwich Festival. www.nnfestival.org.uk www.nationalcentreforwriting.org.uk Vahni Capildeo is a Trinidadian ...
Sep 21, 2020•26 min•Ep. 51
In this episode, Lucy talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to her – "Hope is the thing with feathers" by Emily Dickinson. Lucy joined The Poetry Exchange online, via video call, for one of our 'Lockdown Exchanges' that took place as part of City of Literature - a week of conversations, reflections and connections presented by the National Centre for Writing and Norfolk & Norwich Festival. Many thanks to our partners, the National Centre for Writing and Norfolk & Norwic...
Aug 21, 2020•27 min•Ep. 50
In this episode, Stephen Beresford talks about the poem that has been a friend to him – 'Vers De Société' by Philip Larkin. Stephen Beresford is a highly acclaimed Film, TV and Theatre Writer, whose credits include his debut play The Last Of The Haussmans , which starred Julie Walters and Helen McCrory; Fanny and Alexander (an adaptation of the Ingmar Bergman film), and Pride - a film which tells the story of the lesbian and gay activists who raised money to help families affected by the Briti...
Jul 28, 2020•32 min•Ep. 49
In this episode, Adrian talks about the poem that has been a friend to him – 'Fern Hill' by Dylan Thomas. Adrian joined The Poetry Exchange online, for one of our 'Lockdown Exchanges' that took place as part of City of Literature - a week of conversations, reflections and connections presented by the National Centre for Writing and Norfolk & Norwich Festival. Our thanks also to David Higham Associates and Dylan Thomas Trust for permission to share the poem. Adrian is in conversation with T...
Jun 25, 2020•32 min•Ep. 48
In this episode, writer and artist Rachel Eliza Griffiths talks about the poem that has been a friend to her – Remember by Joy Harjo. Rachel Eliza Griffiths is a luminous multi-media artist, poet, and writer. Her literary and visual work has been widely published in journals, magazines, anthologies, and periodicals including The New Yorker, The Paris Review, Black Nature: Four Centuries of African American Nature Poetry, Best American Poetry, and many others. Griffiths is widely known for her li...
May 28, 2020•28 min•Ep. 47
Then or Now - the episode featuring the poetry of Adrienne Rich and our collaboration with Ballet Black is no longer available, since the full dance production was able to return to stages around the UK following the pandemic. Follow Ballet Black's work and latest tour dates here: https://balletblack.co.uk . ********* We are delighted to share a special edition of The Poetry Exchange podcast featuring the score from Ballet Black ’s new piece, Then or Now, choreographed by William Tuckett, which ...
May 13, 2020•4 min•Ep. 46
In this episode, Laura Wade talks about the poem that has been a friend to her – 'Ashes of Life' by Edna St. Vincent Millay. Laura Wade is an Olivier award winning playwright and screenwriter. Her National Theatre play HOME, I’M DARLING premiered at Theatr Clwyd in 2018 before playing at the National, where it received rave reviews. HOME, I’M DARLING won the award for Best New Comedy at the 2019 Oliviers. Laura’s screenplay THE RIOT CLUB, an adaptation of her acclaimed 2010 stage play POSH, open...
Apr 27, 2020•27 min•Ep. 45
In this episode, Sam talks about the poem that has been a friend to him – 'The Hug' by Thom Gunn. Sam visited The Poetry Exchange in Manchester Central Library, as part of the celebrations of International Mother Language Day in the city. Many thanks to our partners Manchester Poetry Library , Manchester Libraries and Manchester UNESCO City of Literature for hosting us so warmly. You can find 'The Hug' in 'The Man with Night Sweats' by Thom Gunn, published by Faber & Faber in the UK and ...
Mar 25, 2020•26 min•Ep. 44
In this episode, Victoria talks about the poem that has been a friend to her – 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening' by Robert Frost. Victoria visited The Poetry Exchange in Battersea, London in 2019. Victoria is in conversation with The Poetry Exchange hosts, Fiona Bennett and Michael Shaeffer. 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening' is read by Fiona Bennett. ********* Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though; ...
Feb 21, 2020•24 min•Ep. 43
In this episode, Laura Furner talks about the poem that has been a friend to her – 'The Fury of Overshoes' by Anne Sexton. Laura Furner is an arts producer living and working in London. A commended poet for the Foyle Young Poet of the Year Award in 2012, Laura went on to edit and publish work in the University of Leeds' creative arts magazine The Scribe, and has since worked with The Poetry Society and Poet in the City. Laura visited The Poetry Exchange at London Podcast Festival at Kings Place ...
Jan 24, 2020•27 min•Ep. 42
In this episode, acclaimed actor Prasanna Puwanarajah talks about the poem that has been a friend to him – 'Seachange' by Kate Genevieve. Prasanna Puwanarajah is an English actor, director, writer and former junior medical doctor. He is known for Ten Percent, The Listeners, The Crown and many other credits on stage and screen. Prasanna recently wrapped on Ballywalter , his feature directorial debut, written by Stacey Gregg and produced by Empire Street Productions. He and Jed Mercurio are develo...
Dec 18, 2019•26 min•Ep. 41
