We, The Poets

Welcome to the electrifying premiere of 'We, the Poets'! In this inaugural episode, we have the absolute honour of hosting poetry powerhouse Salena Godden. Salena's kicking off her 2024 tour with a visit to our humble abode to chat Bowie, pizzas, and how to accept your writing and performing monsters. Salena also takes us on a journey through her latest collection, 'With Love, Grief and Fury,' only just released by Canongate. ...

Mark Grist, Leanne Moden, and Charley Genever chat with Jasmine Gardosi about her experiences applying for and being the poet laureate of Birmingham, the knockbacks she received along the way, and the incredible ways Jasmine has evolved as she gained a greater understanding of the letters that help define her identity. Featuring additional poetry from Tara Singh and Hilary Steele.

Link to We, the Poets workshop signup: https://ww...

In this episode, we dive deep into the art of putting together a successful national tour with the incredible Harry Baker. Joining the conversation are Mark Grist and Keely Mills, with local arts legend Tony Nero guest hosting as well. We explore everything from knowing when your tour is ready, building a solid touring structure, mastering the art of contacting venues, and how to focus your energy in the right places and staying tr...

In this midway point episode, Mark returns from the Edinburgh Fringe and chats with Chris Barn, our rock 'n' roll Sound Sorcerer from Backland Studios, about his experiences. Mark also interviews international poet Gig Bella about her show Big Feelings, her writing style, and her journey (and fitness routine) as she prepares for Edinburgh.

There's also an insightful piece from Samantha Goodlett on accessibility (or the lack of it) ...

In this episode, hosts Mark Grist, Charley Genever, and Keely Mills sit down with the incredible Jess Green at Backland Studios. We delve into Jess's journey from the spoken word scene to writing for television, including popular soaps and her recent work on the new Paramount series Curfew. Join us as we explore the challenges of transitioning between creative mediums, the importance of authenticity, and how to maintain confidence ...

In this episode of We, The Poets, hosts Mark Grist, Keely Mills, and Leanne Moden are joined by the brilliant Joshua Idehen to explore the dynamic fusion of poetry and music. Joshua shares insights from his artistic journey, including his transition from spoken word to music and the creation of his new poetry collection, Songbook: Collected Works (published by Bad Betty Press). We discuss the power of collaboration, the lessons lea...

Episode 8 is all about the wonderfully unpredictable A.F. Harrold—children's poet, author and the creative force behind the Fizzlebert Stump series and The Imaginary, which recently soared to new heights with a Netflix adaptation by animation studio Studio Ponoc. Hosted by Charley Genever and Mark Grist, this episode delves into the art of writing short poems for kids vs. longer children’s novels, plus the whirlwind of ...

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 celebr...

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 ‘sup...

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 writi...

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 poet...

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 t...

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 m...

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 'Thi...

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 st...

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...

We, The Poets is back for Season 3 — and we’re kicking things off with writer, performer and game enthusiast Tim Clare.

Recorded at Ellie Spirrett on Instagram

✨ Sandy Wardrop – sharing new work later in the episode. Sandy Wardrop on Instagram

If you’ve ever drifted away from writing, struggled with performing, or wondered how other poets keep going — we hope this one resonates.

📚 Find Tim’s boo...

We, The Poets returns with one of the UK's most celebrated poets, performers and mentors, Joelle Taylor.

Winner of the TS Eliot Prize for C+nto & Othered Poems, Joelle joins Mark Grist and Charley Genever for a conversation about why poetry isn't just something we write—it's something we do.

Together they explore world-building, writing cinematically, stage fright, community, per...

What are the most important lessons you've ever learned... that nobody actually taught you?

Award-winning poet Hannah Lowe joins Mark Grist and Jay Sandhu at Backland Studios for a conversation about the things education leaves out. From classrooms and colonial history to creativity, assessment, awards and finding your own voice, they explore the hidden lessons that shape us as writers&mda...