Shows
We, The PoetsS2 E3 - Criticism, Craft & Post-Gig Horseplay (Ft. Hollie McNish, Charley Genever & Mark Grist)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 shar...2025-07-151h 10
We, The PoetsS2 E2 – 'What's in a Name?' Ft. Theresa Lola, Jay Sandhu & Mark GristWe'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 ri...2025-05-2842 minWe, The PoetsS2 E1 – We’re Back! Meeting the Hosts & Scribbling out LoudWe’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 o...2025-04-2445 minWe, The PoetsEpisode 9: Not Safe For Work (Ft. Charley Genever, Keely Mills & Mark Grist)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...2025-03-2639 minWe, The PoetsEpisode 8: Fizzlebert Stump, The Imaginary & Beyond (Ft. A.F. Harrold, Charley Genever & Mark Grist)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 seeing your story transform into a movie.
A.F. also shares insights on performing in schools, staying creatively fresh, and what’s on the horizon. We’ve even got two bril...2025-01-071h 00We, The PoetsEpisode 7: From Spoken Word to Songbook (Ft. Joshua Idehen, Keely Mills, Leanne Moden & Mark Grist)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 learned from failure, and how to navigate the unique challenges of performing poetry with and without music.
This episode also features two of Joshua’s evocative poems, "Mu...2024-11-2851 minWe, The PoetsEpisode 6: From Stanzas to TV Scripts (Ft. Jess Green, Charley Genever, Keely Mills & Mark Grist)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 amidst rejection and public scrutiny.
Featuring additional poetry from Sarah Waites and Lizzy Dening.
Link to Jess' new collection: https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/dressed-as-love-by-jess-green-pre-order-due-out-7th-december2024-10-241h 01We, The PoetsEpisode 5: Taking a Show to The Edinburgh Fringe (Ft. Gigi Bell, Mark Grist & Chris Barn)
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 architecture, plus a callout for submissions for our final three episodes of the series. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to hit the Fringe as a...2024-09-241h 04We, The PoetsEpisode 4: Crafting a National Tour (Ft. Harry Baker, Mark Grist, Keely Mills & Tony Nero)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 true to yourself in the ever-changing industry.
Plus, we've got stunning new poetry from Beccy Golding and Aaron Isaac, and even take a moment t...2024-08-201h 04We, The PoetsEpisode 3: 'Alphabet of Identity' (Ft.Jasmine Gardosi, Charley Genever, Leanne Moden & Mark Grist)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://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/leanne-moden-19985031763
Link to Jasmine's rollercoaster poem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IFMpF6JIko&ab_channel=NationalLiteracyTrust
Link...2024-07-1645 minWe, The PoetsEpisode 2: 'Transformations & Toolboxes' (Ft. Ross Sutherland, Keely Mills, Charley Genever & Mark Grist)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: Ros...2024-06-1254 minWe, The PoetsEpisode 1 'What Do You Want On Your Pizza?' (Ft.Salena Godden, Charley Genever, Keely Mills & Mark Grist)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.
Get ready for a treat as she unveils two poems from hercollection - poems that Salena has never read to an audience...2024-05-1438 minWe, The PoetsEpisode 0: Let's Go! (Feat. Mark Grist, Keely Mills & Charley Genever)In our pre-series episode, hosts Mark Grist, Charley Genever, and Keely Mills sit down for a laid-back chat about their work, what inspired them to start 'We, the Poets', and what they're most looking forward to in the upcoming series.
Plus, they make an ill-fated pact to rock kimonos when Salena Godden joins the party for Episode 1—because why not?
This episode is all about friendly introductions, laughs and a few home truths as Charley, Keely & Mark swap stories, share mistakes they've made and chat about the joys and frustrations of writing poetry.
Thi...2024-05-1418 min