Taboos, Shame & Saying the Unsayable

Poets Hollie McNish and Laurie Bolger join VOICEBOX to discuss why poetry remains a vital space for honesty, connection and expression.From taboo subjects to everyday life, they explore how poetry can help people articulate experiences that often go unspoken.The conversation also examines the role of live spaces, community poetry rooms and grassroots venues in shaping cultural belonging – and why poetry doesn’t have to be political to matter.Poets Hollie McNish and Laurie Bolger join VOICEBOX to discuss why poetry remains a vital space for honesty, connection and expression.From taboo subjects to everyday life, they explore how poetry can help people articulate experiences that often go unspoken.The conversation also examines the role of live spaces, community poetry rooms and grassroots venues in shaping cultural belonging – and why poetry doesn’t have to be political to matter.Topics include:• Why poetry helps people talk about taboo topics• How poetry can be political, or not at all• Why poetry shouldn’t feel elite or inaccessible• The importance of small live spaces for creativity• How poetry helped build their friendshipFollow: @voicebox_ on InstagramFollow: @cheltfestivals on TikTokSubscribe to @theVOICEBOXpod on YouTubeLearn more about VOICEBOX at cheltenhamfestivals.org/voicebox-podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.