PODCAST · arts
The Poetry Exchange
by The Poetry Exchange
The Poetry Exchange talks to people about the poem that has been a friend to them. In each episode you will hear our guest talking about their chosen poem and the part it has played in their life, as well as a recording of the poem that we make as a gift for them. Our podcast features conversations with people from all walks of life, as well as a range of special guests. Join us to discover the power of poetry in people’s lives. Silver Award Winner for Most Original Podcast at the British Podcast Awards 2018. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
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Poems with Friends: Charlie Beaumont
In this latest episode in our mini series of 'Poems with Friends', John Prebble speaks with Charlie Beaumont about a poem that is keeping him company at this time: 'Irises' by Fiona Benson. Charlie is a great friend to The Poetry Exchange - one of our most avid and closest listeners, always with...
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Special episode: Poems as Friends at Latitude Festival
Hello and welcome again to The Poetry Exchange! We're so pleased to be back with you sharing more stories of connection between people and poems in their lives. This month we have something very special to share with you: a live recording of our event at Latitude Festival in July 2025…
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Poems with Friends: Sally Anglesea
Hello friends Welcome back for another episode in this 'mini-series' of The Poetry Exchange podcast - Poems with Friends. In Poems with Friends, our producer John Prebble speaks with some of the amazing friends he has made through The Poetry Exchange over the last 12 years, inviting them to bring...
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Poems with Friends: Alison McManus
Welcome back to The Poetry Exchange! It's very special to be here with you all again. We're excited to be returning with something a bit different...a 'mini-series' of conversations over the coming months, which we're calling 'Poems with Friends.' In 'Poems with Friends', our Producer John…
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100. Having a Coke with You by Frank O'Hara - A Friend to Michael Shaeffer
Friends - it is our 100th episode! We are so pleased to be here with you, sharing, listening, celebrating. We have a very special conversation to mark the occasion: our very own Michael Shaeffer, host of The Poetry Exchange, talks about the poem that has been a friend to him - 'Having a Coke with...
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99. On Wenlock Edge by A. E. Housman - A Friend to Serena Trowbridge
In this episode we talk with writer and academic Serena Trowbridge about the poem that's been a friend to her: 'A Shropshire Lad 31: On Wenlock Edge the wood's in trouble' by A.E. Housman. This conversation was recorded in April 2022 at the Birmingham & Midland Institute. It is very special to...
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98. White Egrets (I) by Derek Walcott - A Friend to Nick Makoha
In this episode of The Poetry Exchange, poet Nick Makoha talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to him: 'White Egrets (I)' by Derek Walcott. Nick actually joined us back in 2017 at Pushkin House, London, and we are delighted to be sharing this conversation with you now. It is very...
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97. Morning by Frank O'Hara - A Friend to Tamar Yoseloff
In this episode, we are joined by acclaimed poet Tamar Yoseloff, who shares with us the poem that has been a friend to her: 'Morning' by Frank O'Hara. The conversation, like the poem, is full of joy and delight, as well as sadness and loss. Tamar spoke with Michael and Andrea in early May 2024…
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96. A Kite for Aibhín by Seamus Heaney - A Friend to Fiona
Dear friends We are mourning and missing our beloved Fiona, whilst also celebrating her extraordinary life and work, and everything she brought to all our lives. We continue to feel her with us in everything we do. This month, we pay tribute to Fiona by re-relasing the conversation in which Fiona...
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95. The World as Meditation by Wallace Stevens - A Friend to David
READ TRANSCRIPT OF EPISODE - Dearest friends, We are so sorry to have to share the hardest news with you - something we could never imagine having to say... Our beautiful friend and the founder, co-host and guiding light of The Poetry Exchange, Fiona Bennett, has died after a short illness. We…
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94. Poems as Friends at Norfolk & Norwich Festival
In this special episode, we share a recording of our live event at Norfolk and Norwich Festival in June 2024, celebrating our new anthology: Poems as Friends. Michael Shaeffer is joined by contributors to the anthology Roy McFarlane and Hannah Jane Walker, to read a selection of the poems found...
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93. The Envoy of Mr. Cogito by Zbigniew Herbert - A Friend to Nick Laird
In this episode of our podcast, acclaimed writer Nick Laird talks about the poem that has been a friend to him: 'The Envoy of Mr. Cogito' by Zbigniew Herbert, translated by Bogdana Carpenter. Nick Laird was born in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. He writes poetry, fiction, screenplays, and...
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92. Meeting Point by Louis MacNeice - A Friend to Imtiaz Dharker
READ TRANSCRIPT OF THIS EPISODE. In this episode, our hearts are full as we are joined by the glorious poet Imtiaz Dharker, talking about the poem that has been a friend to her: 'Meeting Point' by Louis MacNeice. We are also thrilled to say that this episode will be with you in the month that…
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91. The Domestic Science of Sunday Dinner by Lorna Goodison - A Friend to Malika Booker
In this episode of The Poetry Exchange, we talk with one of poetry's greatest leading lights, Malika Booker, about the poem that has been a friend to her: ‘The Domestic Science of Sunday Dinner’ by Lorna Goodison. Malika Booker, currently based in Leeds, is a lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan...
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90. Dis Poetry by Benjamin Zephaniah - A Friend to Roy McFarlane
READ A TRANSCRIPT OF THIS EPISODE. In this special episode, we honour the poetry legend that is Benjamin Zephaniah by sharing this conversation with poet Roy McFarlane, talking about 'Dis Poetry' and the hugely influential part Benjamin Zephaniah has played in Roy's life. Roy McFarlane is a poet...
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89. The Thrush by Edward Thomas - A Friend to Simon Crompton
READ A TRANSCRIPT OF THIS EPISODE. In this very special episode of The Poetry Exchange podcast, journalist, writer and editor Simon Crompton talks about the poem that has been a friend to him: 'The Thrush' by Edward Thomas. This episode is dedicated to a dear friend of Simon and of The Poetry...
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88. REVISITED: Love by George Herbert - A Friend to Andrew Scott
In this episode of The Poetry Exchange, we listen back to one of our previous conversations - with the extraordinary actor Andrew Scott, talking about the poem that's been a friend to him: 'Love (III)' by George Herbert. As 2023 draws to a close, this is the poem and conversation we want to lift…
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87. Ceasefire by Michael Longley - A Friend to Jacqueline Saphra
READ TRANSCRIPT In this episode, poet, playwright, teacher and activist Jacqueline Saphra talks to us about the poem that has been a friend to her: 'Ceasefire' by Michael Longley. We are so grateful to Jacqueline for joining us at this time, to talk about this beautiful poem and the part it has...
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86. The Daughter by Carmen Giménez - A Friend to Gita Ralleigh
READ TRANSCRIPT In this episode, poet, writer and doctor Gita Ralleigh talks to us about the poem that has been a friend to her: 'The Daughter' by Carmen Giménez. We're so grateful to Gita for sharing such an intimate, beautiful conversation with us, and to Carmen Giménez and The University of...
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85. Timothy Winters by Charles Causley - A Friend to Tim Kiely
In this episode, poet and criminal barrister Tim Kiely talks about the poem that has been a friend to him: 'Timothy Winters' by Charles Causley. READ A TRANSCRIPT OF THIS EPISODE. We are so grateful to Tim for joining us and sharing his story of connection with Causely's powerful poem. Tim Kiely…
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84. Little Champion by Tony Hoagland - A Friend to Michael Mark
FOR TRANSCRIPT CLICK HERE. In this episode, poet Michael Mark joins us to talk about the poem that has been a friend to him: 'Little Champion' by Tony Hoagland. Michael Mark is the author of Visiting Her in Queens is More Enlightening than a Month in a Monastery in Tibet, which won the 2022…
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83. You Don't Know What Love Is by Kim Addonizio - A Friend to Salena Godden
FOR TRANSCRIPT CLICK HERE. In this episode of The Poetry Exchange, we are thrilled to be joined by the poetry tour-de-force that is Salena Godden, to hear about the poem that has been a friend to her: 'You Don't Know What Love' Is by Kim Addonizio. Salena spoke with Fiona Bennett and Michael...
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82. What Survives by Rainer Maria Rilke - A Friend to Lois P. Jones
In this episode, poet, radio host and editor Lois P. Jones talks about the poem that has been a friend to her: 'What Survives' by Rainer Maria Rilke, translated by A. Poulin Jr. Lois P. Jones is a luminous poet, radio host and editor, living in California. She won the 2023 Alpine Fellowship which...
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81. My Dark Horses by Jodie Hollander - A Friend to Rosie Garland
In this latest episode, writer Rosie Garland talks to us about the poem that has been a friend to her: 'My Dark Horses' by Jodie Hollander. Writer and singer with post-punk band The March Violets, Rosie Garland has a passion for language nurtured by public libraries. Her poetry collection ‘What...
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80. REVISITED: Remember by Joy Harjo - A Friend to Rachel Eliza Griffiths
In this latest episode of The Poetry Exchange, we revisit our conversation with the extraordinary poet & artist Rachel Eliza Griffiths about the poem that has been a friend to her: 'Remember' by Joy Harjo. This beautiful and transformative conversation was originally released in 2020 and has been…
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79. REVISITED: Poem (Lana Turner Has Collapsed) by Frank O'Hara - A Friend to Harry
In this latest episode of The Poetry Exchange, we revisit our conversation about 'Poem (Lana Turner Has Collapsed)' by Frank O'Hara - A Friend to Harry Jelly. This gorgeous conversation was originally released in 2016 and has been a friend to many of our listeners so far. We felt it was one to…
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78. REVISITED: The force that through the green fuse drives the flower by Dylan Thomas - A Friend to Angela
In this latest episode of The Poetry Exchange, we revisit our conversation about 'The force that through the green fuse drives the flower' by Dylan Thomas - A Friend to Angela. This extraordinary and beautiful conversation was originally released in 2019 and has been a friend to many of our...
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77. Grief by Matthew Dickman - A Friend to Rowena Knight
In this episode of The Poetry Exchange, poet Rowena Knight talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to her: 'Grief' by Matthew Dickman. Rowena visited us in Durham and is in conversation with Andrea Witzke Slot and Michael Shaeffer. We are hugely grateful to her for sharing her story…
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76. The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot - A Friend To Ella Frears
In this episode, poet Ella Frears talks about the poem that has been a friend to her: The The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot. Ella Frears is a poet and artist based in London. Her debut collection, Shine, Darling, (Offord Road Books, 2020) was a Poetry Book Society Recommendation…
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75. Acquainted with the Night by Robert Frost - A Friend to Glyn Maxwell
In our latest episode, acclaimed poet, playwright and librettist Glyn Maxwell talks about the poem that has been a friend to him: 'Acquainted with the Night' by Robert Frost. Glyn is in conversation with Fiona Bennett and Michael Shaeffer. Glyn Maxwell's volumes of poetry include The Breakage…
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74. Poem in October by Dylan Thomas - A Friend to Alex
In this episode of our podcast, Alex Pritchard-Jones talks about the poem that has been a friend to him: Poem in October by Dylan Thomas. Alex spoke with us online during a day of Exchanges at the Birmingham and Midland Institute. He is in conversation with Fiona Bennett and Roy McFarlane. Poem…
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73. SkyLines Festival featuring Roz Goddard & Rishi Dastidar
In this special, feature-length episode, we bring you our live event at SkyLines Festival of Poetry & Spoken Word in Coventry, which took place in July 2022. Renowned poets Roz Goddard and Rishi Dastidar are in converation with hosts Michael Shaeffer and Roy McFarlane about the poems that have…
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72. Truth by Jean Binta Breeze - A Friend to Sue Brown
In this episode, poet Sue Brown talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to her - 'Truth' by Jean 'Binta' Breeze. Sue joined The Poetry Exchange at the Birmingham & Midland Institute and is in conversation with Fiona Bennett and Roy McFarlane. Sue Brown writes from the heart and the...
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71. Love Song For Words by Nazik al-Mala'ika - A Friend to Maryam
In this episode, Maryam talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to her – 'Love Song for Words' by Nazik al-Mala'ika, translated from the Arabic by Rebecca Carol Johnson. Nazik al-Mala'ika was born in Baghdad, before moving to Kuwait in 1970. When Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, they...
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70. On Marriage by Kahlil Gibran - A Friend to India & Samira
In this episode, India & Samira talk with us about the poem that has been a friend to them – 'On Marriage' from 'The Prophet' by Kahlil Gibran. India & Samira joined The Poetry Exchange online, via video call, for one of our Lockdown Exchanges. They are in conversation with Poetry Exchange hosts,...
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69. Fisherman by Dennis Scott - A Friend to Michael
In this episode, Michael Cooke talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to him – 'Fisherman' by Dennis Scott. Michael joined The Poetry Exchange online for one of our Lockdown Exchanges. We are hugely grateful to Michael for spending this time with us and sharing such a beautiful…
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68. The Lake Isle of Innisfree - A Friend to Sue
In our latest episode, Sue Lawther-Brown talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to her: The Lake Isle of Innisfree by William Butler Yeats. We are hugely grateful to Sue for bringing this beautiful poem to us and sharing such a rich and moving conversation. Sue joined us at the...
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67. The Way Home By Liz Berry - A Friend To Casey Bailey
In this episode, poet Casey Bailey talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to him – 'The Way Home' by Liz Berry. Casey joined The Poetry Exchange at the Birmingham & Midland Institute and is in conversation with Poetry Exchange team members, Fiona Bennett and Roy McFarlane. Casey...
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66. On The Departure Platform - A Friend to Gill
In this episode, Gill Gregory talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to her – 'On the Departure Platform' by Thomas Hardy. Gill joined The Poetry Exchange at the National Centre for Writing in Norwich. We are hugely grateful to the National Centre for Writing for hosting us so…
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65. Song Of Myself by Walt Whitman - A Friend To Andrea
In this episode, Andrea Holland talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to her – 'Song of Myself' by Walt Whitman. Andrea Holland is a poet and lecturer in Creative Writing. As winner of the Norfolk Commission for Poetry her collection 'Broadcasting' was published in 2013 (Gatehouse...
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64. Kubla Khan by Coleridge - A Friend To Gregory Leadbetter
In this episode, poet Gregory Leadbetter talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to him – 'Kubla Khan' by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Gregory joined The Poetry Exchange at the Birmingham & Midland Institute - one of our first in-person exchanges since the pandemic. He is in…
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63. Old Mary by Gwendolyn Brooks - A Friend to Pete
In this episode, Pete Stones talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to him – 'Old Mary' by Gwendolyn Brooks. Pete joined The Poetry Exchange at the Birmingham & Midland Institute - one of our first in-person exchanges since the pandemic. He is in conversation with Poetry Exchange...
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62. Eve Remembering by Toni Morrison - A Friend to Maria
In this episode, Dr Maria Augusta Arruda talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to her – 'Eve Remembering' by Toni Morrison. Maria joined The Poetry Exchange online for one of our Lockdown Exchanges. She is in conversation with Poetry Exchange team members, Fiona Bennett and…
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61. The Republic of Motherhood by Liz Berry - A Friend to Ana
In this episode, Ana Sampson talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to her – 'The Republic of Motherhood' by Liz Berry. Ana Sampson is a highly accomplished poetry editor. She has edited 8 poetry anthologies including 'Night Feeds and Morning Songs: Honest, fierce and beautiful poems...
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60. From Blossoms by Li-Young Lee - A Friend to Jessica
In this episode, Jessica talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to her – 'From Blossoms' by Li-Young Lee. Jessica joined The Poetry Exchange online, via video call, for one of our Lockdown Exchanges. Jessica works as an Audio Producer with Listening Books, an audiobook lending...
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59. Good Lord The Light by Christian Wiman - A Friend to Krista Tippett
In this special, feature-length episode, pioneering broadcaster, writer and host of On Being, Krista Tippett talks about the poem that has been a friend to her: ‘Good Lord The Light’ by Christian Wiman. Krista Tippett has created a singular space for reflection and conversation in American and...
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58. The Horses by Ted Hughes - A Friend to Lewi
In this episode, Lewi talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to him – 'The Horses' by Ted Hughes. Lewi joined The Poetry Exchange online as part of Manchester Literature Festival 2020. Lewi is in conversation with Poetry Exchange team members, Fiona Bennett and Michael Shaeffer.…
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57. Still I Rise by Maya Angelou - A Friend to Fehmida
In this episode, Fehmida talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to her – 'Still I Rise' by Maya Angelou. Fehmida joined The Poetry Exchange online, via video call, for one of our Lockdown Exchanges, as part of Manchester Literature Festival 2020. You can also find out more about…
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56. Aubade by Philip Larkin - A Friend to Tom
In this episode, Tom talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to him – 'Aubade' by Philip Larkin. Tom visited The Poetry Exchange in February 2020 for what turned out to be our last live event of the year before the first Covid-19 lockdown. He joined us at beautiful Manchester Central...
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55. Mushrooms by Sylvia Plath - A Friend to Jenny
In this episode, Jenny talks with us about the poem that has been a friend to her – 'Mushrooms' by Sylvia Plath. Jenny joined The Poetry Exchange online and is in conversation with Poetry Exchange team members, Fiona Bennett and John Prebble. Fiona reads the gift reading of 'Mushrooms'. *****...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Poetry Exchange talks to people about the poem that has been a friend to them. In each episode you will hear our guest talking about their chosen poem and the part it has played in their life, as well as a recording of the poem that we make as a gift for them. Our podcast features conversations with people from all walks of life, as well as a range of special guests. Join us to discover the power of poetry in people’s lives. Silver Award Winner for Most Original Podcast at the British Podcast Awards 2018.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
HOSTED BY
The Poetry Exchange
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Poetry Exchange have?
The Poetry Exchange currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Poetry Exchange about?
The Poetry Exchange talks to people about the poem that has been a friend to them. In each episode you will hear our guest talking about their chosen poem and the part it has played in their life, as well as a recording of the poem that we make as a gift for them. Our podcast features conversations...
How often does The Poetry Exchange release new episodes?
The Poetry Exchange has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Poetry Exchange?
You can listen to The Poetry Exchange on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Poetry Exchange?
The Poetry Exchange is created and hosted by The Poetry Exchange.
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