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 Silje Stromsten on Facebook