Tim Clare joins Mark Grist and Keely Mills to talk performance anxiety, slam poetry, masking, Edinburgh Fringe survival, games, creativity, and returning to live poetry after nearly a decade away.

In the final episode of Series 2, all the hosts come together in the studio — Mark Grist, Leanne Moden, Keely Mills, Jay Sandhu and Charley Genever — to reflect on the past year. We talk honestly about freelance life, burnout, taking breaks, uncertainty, and the guilt that can come with slowing down. We also reflect on what this series has given us, and how much we’ve learned simply from listening properly to each other. The episode features listener poems from Shaq (Big), Dawn Vincent (How To Heal A Broken Heart), and Gareth Barsby (Tell Me Your Story), alongside reflections on conversations from across the series — including Theresa Lola, Hollie McNish, Murray Lachlan Young and John Berkavitch. We also talk about what might come next for the podcast, and ideas for a future series that takes us out of the studio and into poetry spaces around the UK. Thank you so much to everyone who has listened, shared work, and supported the series. And thanks to Arts Council England for supporting this project with public funding. We've learnt so much in this process and hope to return soon!

What does it mean to call yourself an artist — and who gets to decide which artists make the grade? In this episode of We, The Poets, Mark Grist is joined at Backland Studios by sound producer Chris Barn for a rare behind‑the‑scenes conversation about what it actually takes to make creative work happen — before welcoming poet, facilitator and community organiser Georgia Preece into the studio. Georgia is in the early stages of building a bold, grassroots, multi‑disciplinary arts celebration in Lincoln — one that centres creativity happening below the usual scenes and stages. From poems written in Notes apps to crochet on the sofa, dubstep-loving dads, Warhammer painters and artists who don’t yet call themselves artists, this episode explores creativity as something lived, not labelled. Alongside the conversation, we feature a powerful range of submitted poems, including: Dan Webber with To All the Boys — a moving, hopeful reflection on queer representation and visibility. You can find more out about Dan here: https://linktr.ee/DanWebber Lisa O’Hare with The Kids Are All Right. You can find out more about Lisa's work here: https://lisaoharewriter.com/ Brian F. Kirkham with Crows. You can find more of Brian's work here: https://inkdrops.blog Louise Machen with My Ancestors Are From the North. :Listen to more from the audiobook 'Which Way the Words Grow' here: https://linktr.ee/shaks.sw John Dredge with Lunch with the Laureate Dave Horgan with Anxiety Asylum. You can check out Dave';s TikTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@dave.horgan.poet?_r=1&_t=ZN-92GbcgjSA9G Lore Green with The Space in Between. Lore's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lore.green?igsh=MWtobzdkanM2NzFudg== Georgia also performs her own urgent and uncompromising poem The Kids Aren't Alright, written in a single sitting and rooted in the realities facing young people today. Together, we talk about grief and creativity, labels and belonging, endless tasks that go into making larger projects happen, the joys of funding applications and spreadsheets, the quiet labour behind community projects — and why being “in between” - sitting in the gaps out of our audience's sight - might be exactly where artists do their best work. A reflective episode about process, patience, and making space for voices that don’t always get heard. We hope you enjoy it! 🎙️ Recorded at Backland Studios with support from Arts Council England

How do you balance the act of creating poetry with the various other roles you have to play as a poet—editor, promoter, workshop leader, performer? Do you ever find it tiring juggling so many roles?In this episode Charley, Keely & Mark meet with Ross Sutherland to chat about Ross' poetry, theatre shows & even his recent opera. They also discuss the 90s alternative comedy circuit,  Ross' incredible podcast 'This Imaginary Life' and how best to clean up Andrew Motion's Jizz. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed making it!Poems included: Ross shares his Univocal poem 'Two Moons' and we have guest appearances from Alex Tyler & James Domestic. Link for Ross Sutherland's 'This Imaginary Life': https://www.imaginaryadvice.com/Link for Alex Tyler's poetry night 'Good Shout': https://www.facebook.com/GoodShoutSpokenWordLink for James Domestic's new collection 'Domesticated Vol.2': https://jamesdomestic.com/product/940918

What does it take to write a poem that captures a festival — and the internet — all at once?In this episode of We, The Poets, Mark Grist and Leanne Moden sit down at Backland Studios with performance poet, educator, and Glastonbury’s Poet in Residence 2025, John Berkavitch. Berkavitch reflects on the viral success of Here’s to Glastonbury — his love letter to the builders, dreamers, and grafters who make the festival happen — and what it’s like when a poem written in a muddy field reaches over 100,000 people. But more than that, he shares the craft behind the performance: how he maps gestures line by line, uses silence and rhythm to shift a crowd, and turns each gig into a genuine “happening.” Together, we explore how to make the most of your time on stage — whether you’re performing to fifteen people in a tent or thousands waiting for The Libertines. Berkavitch also performs Find Me at Glastonbury, written during his residency, and joins Mark and Leanne for a funny, generous, and deeply honest conversation about presence, individuality, and building a sustainable creative life. We’re also thrilled to feature two guest poets: Hazel Warren with Nest, a lyrical exploration of language and sound, and Helen Cross with The Final Apple Pie, a moving reflection on memory, endings, and the moments we never realise are our last. Packed with insight, humour, and heart — this episode is a celebration of craft, connection, and what really happens when poetry meets a live audience. 🎧 Find more of Berkavitch’s work at www.berkavitch.com📝 Find more of Helen Cross’s work at https://helencrosswriting.wordpress.com/💌 Want to feature your work on the show? Email [email protected]

Recorded at Backland Studios, this episode of We, The Poets dives deep into the remarkable journey of Murray Lachlan Young — poet, playwright, performer, and the only poet ever to sign a million-pound record deal with EMI. With his trademark wit and theatrical flair, Murray opens up about the surreal highs and devastating lows of fame. We explore what happens when you do get everything you thought you wanted — and how to rebuild your creative self when it all starts to unravel. From performing on Glastonbury’s main stage to going off-grid in the woods, this is an honest, funny, and deeply moving conversation about ego, collapse, and finding your way back to joy. Murray reads his iconic piece Nothing Is Under Control, and we’re also thrilled to feature two brilliant guest poets: Josh Cake – sharing I Am Tired of Being Pizza, a searing poem about identity, belonging, and labels. Abbi Jinks – delighting us with Portaloo Number Three, a hilarious and heartfelt ode to a legendary festival event. This one’s packed with poems, confessions, and a generous helping of bodily humour, spiritual healing, and glitter. Whether you’re deep in your writing life or just curious about the mess behind the magic — this episode’s for you.Find more of Murray's work at www.murraylachlanyoung.co.uk Find more of Josh's work at www.joshcake.com or @joshcakemusic. Find more of Abbi's work at www.abbijinks.com and instagram is www.instagram.com/abbijinkspoet💌 Want to feature your work on the show? Email your recordings to [email protected]🎧 Produced with public funding from Arts Council England

Recorded at Backland Studios, this episode features a brilliant, honest chat with Hollie McNish — poet, performer, and bestselling author. We talk about creativity, criticism (including that PN Review moment), why simplicity in writing takes real craft, and how Hollie balances poetry and motherhood (including the story of her daughter quietly sitting behind the curtain at gigs). We also dive into the world of performance poetry vs. page poetry, and the bigger conversation about elitism, accessibility, and who gets to be called a poet — with plenty of laughs, reflections, and warmth along the way. Plus, we share powerful new poems from Stu Freestone and Silje Stromsten, and Hollie reads a moving piece from her upcoming book Virgin, celebrating love, family, and the small food and drink rituals that connect us. Somehow, this episode ended up with a lot of poems about snacks, meals, and cups of tea — lucky us! Whether you’re a seasoned writer, just starting out, or just here to listen in — there’s something here for you. We’d love to feature your work on a future episode! Send recordings of your poems to [email protected]. 🔗 Links + shout-outs:Silje Stromsten (poet + tattoo apprentice) → Silje Stromsten on FacebookStu Freestone (poet, performer) → @stufreestonepoet on InstagramHollie McNish’s response to the PN Review piece → Read on Hollie’s blog

We're kicking off Season 2 of We, The Poets with a deep dive into the power of names and poetry that pays attention. Jay Sandhu and Mark Grist sit down with award-winning poet Theresa Lola to talk about her stunning new collection, Ceremony for the Nameless—a rich, resonant exploration of identity, memory, and language. We get into: Why names carry such weight in our lives and our writing. The difference between writing poetry and short stories. How poets like Neruda and Dickinson find magic in the mundane. Some helfpul rituals and routines that shape the creative process. The evolving power of poem titles—especially when students rename your work! Plus, fresh new pieces from James Domestic and Hannah Walker, and a few surprising tangents (as always). 📚 Buy Theresa’s collection: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/462275/ceremony-for-the-nameless-by-lola-theresa/9781802065794📸 Follow Theresa on Instagram: @theresa_lola📬 Want to share your thoughts or send us a poem? Email us: [email protected]

We’re back for Season 2— bigger, bolder and packed with more poetry goodness than ever before! For the first time, all five of your hosts—Charley Genever, Keely Mills, Leanne Moden, Jay Sandhu and Mark Grist—are in the same room at the same time at Backland Studios in Oundle, (UK). Expect joyful chaos, heartfelt confessions, terrible old poems and unexpected wisdom as we catch up, share our poetic ‘superpowers’ (and our kryptonites), and reflect on what it really means to be a poet right now. In this warm and welcoming season opener, we talk about the challenges of creative life, the lessons we’ve learned the hard way, and what you can expect from this season’s incredible guests—including Theresa Lola, Hollie McNish, Murray Lachlan Young and Raymond Antrobus. We also share how you can send in your own questions or poems to be featured in the show. Thank you to Arts Council England for making Season 2 possible through our successful Project Grant. We’re thrilled to be back—and we can’t wait for you to join us.

Things get spicy in this brand-new episode of We, The Poets! Recorded at Backland Studios and produced by our sound wizard Chris Barn, this one sees Mark Grist, Keely Mills, and Charley Genever reflecting on everything we’ve learned during Season 1—and getting properly stuck into this episode’s bold and blush-worthy theme: NSFW. Expect racy, rude, and deeply personal poetry as we celebrate intimacy, honesty, and the parts of ourselves we usually keep under wraps. This episode is 100% for grown-ups—and definitely not one to play on speaker at work! We’re also featuring incredible submissions from:🖤 Salena Godden – Selenophilia - from Salena's collection With Love, Grief and Fury.🖤 Joanna Henry – Baby Poems 1–3. Joanna's Instagram is @wombleknickers🖤 Bill – Fully Skimmed🖤 Laura Grevel – The Simple Days - http://lgrevel.org/🖤 Leanne Moden – Shaving Grace - https://www.leannemoden.com/ Thanks to everyone who submitted work for Season 1 – we’ve had an absolute blast, and Season 2 is just around the corner... 👀 #WeThePoets #PoetryPodcast #NSFWPoetry #SpokenWord #SeasonFinale #AdultPoetry