Burning Eye Podcast
By Burning Eye Books
burningeye.co.uk
Burning Eye PodcastDec 01, 2021
Leyla Josephine
Welcome back! We're joined by Scottish film maker, writer and poet Leyla Josephine to talk about her debut collection In Public/ In Private.
This episode we discuss the isolating life of the poet, mentoring and the UK touring network.
Find out more: www.leylajosephine.co.uk
Louise Fazackerley
Join us as we delve into The Pleasure Dome, the new collection by Louise Fazackerley who talks us through the meaning of eyes, performing in toilets and the characters that appear in her work.
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/the-pleasure-dome-by-louise-fazackerley
Sally Jenkinson
Sally Jenkinson joins us for this episode to talk about her third pamphlet 'Pantomime Horse, Russian Doll, Egg' - we get into the power of the pamphlet, writing challenges, and the DIY way....
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/pantomime-horse-russian-doll-egg-by-sally-jenkinson
Leena Norms
Leena Norms joins us on today's episode to talk about her already-bestselling debut collection Bargain Bin Rom-Com! We touch on community, how to order poems in a book, and ice cream for breakfast.
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/bargain-bin-rom-com-leena-norms
Jackie Juno
The legendary Jackie Juno joins us on the podcast to talk about her new Burning Eye collection Priestess of the Powder Puff Experiment, out now! We get into the buzz of performing at festivals, the duties of the Grand Bards and always being DIY at heart.
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/priestess-of-the-powder-puff-experiment-by-jackie-juno
Jemima Foxtrot
We catch up with Jemima Foxtrot on the release of her second BE collection A New Game! We touch on survivorship and writing for performance and the page.
Jemima Foxtrot is a writer and performer who performs and teaches internationally. Her poetry has been published and anthologised widely and her debut collection of poetry was published by Burning Eye Books in 2016. She is the founder of Kindreds Creatives and has written numerous works for the stage.
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/a-new-game-by-jemima-foxtrot
Bibi June
We're back after a short mid-season break!
In May we released Bibi June's pamphlet Kinsey Scale for the Emotionally Fragile Queer and caught up with them on the day of release. In this episode we discuss queerness and poetry as activism, the importance of editing and the joy of performing.
burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/kins…by-bibi-june
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/InTheWorksTheatre
www.collidinglines.com/works/anthology-2
Ross McFarlane
This episode features the brilliant Scottish DIY punk poet Ross McFarlane! We talk about his new pamphlet Life Goals of the Millennials: or The Commune Manifesto - a shout out to all those clinging onto their communities and stable housing.
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/life-goals-of-the-millenials-or-the-commune-manifesto
https://www.intheworkstheatre.com/
Katie (Tom) Walters
This episode we catch up with Katie (Tom) Walters on their debut collection My Body is a Resource I am Willing to Expend - out now!
We talk about being a disabled artist, before and during the pandemic. How disability has changed Tom's approach to performance poetry and how digital spaces are integral in a society slipping back into non-disabled reality.
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/my-body-is-a-resource-i-am-willing-to-expend-by-katie-tom-walters
Pascal Vine
Spring is officially here, and so is Good Listeners! The debut pamphlet from Somerset poet Pascal Vine.
We talk about writing from different perspectives, the communal rituals at DIY punk shows, and how the rural and urban collide.
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/good-listeners-by-pascal-vine
Maz Hedgehog
This episode Bridget is joined by Maz Hedgehog in the lead up to the release of their first full collection The Body and Its Seasons.
We talk theatre, food in manchester and finding unexpected voices in our work.
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/the-body-in-its-seasons-by-maz-hedgehog
https://www.mazhedgehog.com/
Fay Roberts
This episode we chat with Spectral author Fay Roberts on everything inclusive, content warnings and the glory of slam poets.
Check out more from Fay, and Spectral:
linktr.ee/SPBDetails
linktr.ee/fayroberts
Episode transcription is unfortunately not yet available.
ibizo lami
Welcome to a brand new series of the Burning Eye podcast!
To kick off the new series, and our new poetry list for 2022 we catch up with Ibizo Lami on their debut collection Chosen Family, adapted from the spoken word show into a gorgeous pamphlet available now from our web store.
This episode we discuss performing, researching and existing with mental health disorders within black communities.
ibizolami.com/
burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/chos…y-ibizo-lami
Rachel Rose Reid
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/i-m-hans-christian-andersen-by-rachel-rose-reid
Abdullah Adekola!
This episode we are joined by Leeds based upcoming poet Abdullah Adekola to talk about Nigrescence, his debut collection out with us in September this year. We discuss the process, the identities that define and restrict us and what's next for this new creative.
Helen Sheppard!
Bristol based poet Helen Sheppard joins us for this episode to talk about her debut collection Fontanelle, now available from our web store, direct and from your local bookshop. We discuss coming to poetry later in life, the joy of the moment and Helen's launch at Waterstones.
http://helensheppard.bigcartel.com/
http://burningeye.co.uk
Andrew Graves!
On this new episode of the Burning Eye Podcast we catch up with poet and writer Andrew Graves on the release of his third BE collection - Not Dancing with Ingrid Pitt.
We discuss portrayals of the working class, dark hollywood and being a goth poet...
If you love cinema and history, check out http://www.youmustrememberthispodcast.com/
Don't forget to get a copy of Not Dancing with Ingrid Pitt:
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/not-dancing-with-ingrid-pitt-by-andrew-graves
Tina Sederholm!
This episode we catch up with Tina Sederholm on the release of her second BE collection - This Is Not Therapy!
We discuss a range of emotions including joy, discomfort and forgiveness as well as awkward in-person gigs and trying to capture that perfect poetry film!
--
Tina Sederholm is a poet and theatre-maker. Described as ‘Completely spellbinding’ ***** (Edfringe Review) and ’Stunning’ ***** (Three Weeks), she has created four solo spoken word theatre shows that have toured extensively, including six runs at the Edinburgh Fringe. A sought-after headliner on the festival and spoken word circuit, she has performed everywhere from allotments to the Royal Albert Hall.
Stephen Lightbown!
Stephen Lightbown joins us to talk about his new poetic novella The Last Custodian - we discuss disability representation in sci fi, the locality of Luke's journey and what the pandemic has improved for people who can't attend IRL events.
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/the-last-custodian-by-stephen-lightbown
Casey Bailey!
This episode Bridget is joined by Birmingham Poet Laureate Casey Bailey to discuss his new release - Please Do Not Touch - an exploration of our colonial past, and the present effects on black communities. We dive into some of Birmingham's brimming poetry scene and some sound advice from Casey's dad.
caseybailey.co.uk/
burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/plea…casey-bailey
Robert Garnham!
This episode we chat with Robert Garnham about his new book Yay! - the new autobiographical side of Robert, the unrelenting love of small town life and it's characters and we delve into Devon's poetry scene.
Yay! direct: https://professorofwhimsy.com/
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/yay-by-robert-garnham
Desree!
This episode we take some time to chat to spoken word artist Desree to mark the release of her debut pamphlet I Find My Strength in Simple Things. We talk book box reveal moments, revisiting old work and the excitement of future gigs, IRL.
Get a copy of Desree's book direct: https://www.iamdesree.co.uk/
Cat Hepburn!
This episode we catch up with Cat Hepburn on the release of her new BE collection Dating & Other Hobbies! We talk about the importance of representing different types of dating and relationship models, the process of writing as a spoken word artist and how to celebrate every step of the way.
Get a copy of 'Dating & Other Hobbies' direct from cathepburn.co.uk/
Rob Gee!
Welcome back listeners! We're here to kick off our 2021 schedule with our first interview of the year, with our first author of the year - Rob Gee!
On this episode, Rob and I discuss punk poetry origins, the importance of mental health advocacy and who's stories to tell. Rob also gives us some insider knowledge of his many years at fringe festivals across the world. (In particular, we touch on Canada's fringe orgs and you can find out more info here: https://fringefestivals.com/) and OF COURSE we talk about the new book, The Day My Head Exploded now available to buy direct or through our webstore
http://burningeye.co.uk
http://www.robgee.co.uk
Pauline Sewards [Interview]
Welcome back listeners. We are joined this episode by 'Spirograph' author Pauline Sewards, who talks to us about her latest collection, keeping up creativity and connection and the Bristol poetry scene - then and now.
Bethany Rose
Our last episode of 2020! Featuring Neon author Bethany Rose. We discuss mental health, the body, and the poems.
Thank you so much for tuning in this year! We really appreciate your support!
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/neon-by-bethany-rose
Intro music by Andy G. Cohen
Rick Dove [Interview]
This week we catch up with Rick Dove on the release of his new BE collection Tales from the Other Box. Listen out for a particularly great iZombie analogy plus urban mythology and the importance of editing.
Cynthia Rodríguez [Interview]
This episode we talk with Meanwhile author Cynthia Rodríguez about the book, the poems, the local scene in Leicester in and DIY punk.
--
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/meanwhile-by-cynthia-rodriguez
--
Cynthia Rodríguez (Monterrey, 1986) is a Mexican-British writer and performer based in Leicester. International, intersectional and interdisciplinary, Rodríguez uses poetry to convey everyday realities that may remain untold in media, particularly on feminist issues, cultural and countercultural shock, rites of passage and self-preservation. Mouthy Poets alumna and DIY punk artist at heart, her work has been featured in several zines and independent anthologies, including Welcome to Leicester (eds Emma Lee and Ambrose Musiyiwa), the Black Flamingo Zine (eds Dean Atta and Ben Connors) and Do Something (ed. Selina Lock). On stage, Rodríguez has opened for renowned artists such as Lydia Towsey, Hannah Swings, Caroline Bird, Lauren John Joseph and Jamie Thrasivoulou.
Jonathan Kinsman [Interview]
Bridget discusses religion, theology and trans rights with 'witness' author Jonathan Kinsman. This episode explores the nature and function of the Christain church, comparisons between the UK and US. We touch on the idea of kindess/anger as a powerful tool of protest and Jonathan treats us to two poems from the collection.
http://burningeye.co.uk
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/witness-by-jonathan-kinsman
Erin Bolens [Interview]
This week we kick back with some biscuits and Erin Bolens to talk about her new book Alternate Endings.
“Erin’s poetry is nourishment for the soul. Being able to sit down with this collection was an absolute joy. Always heartwarming, often heartbreaking, these poems have made me laugh out loud and brought tears to my eyes. I felt like I was glowing the whole way through.” - Harry Baker
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/alternate-endings-by-erin-bolens
erinbolens.com
James McDermott [Interview]
This week we celebrate the release of MANATOMY - the debut collection from award-winning playwright James McDermott.
‘Simply magnificent. You don’t have to have grown up gay to appreciate this poetry but it will have a special charge, beauty and meaning for those of us who have’ - STEPHEN FRY
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/manatomy-by-james-mcdermott
https://jamesmcdermottwriter.weebly.com
Leanne Moden [Interview]
Leanne Moden joins us to celebrate the release of her new collection Get Over Yourself! We talk editing, poetry in Nottingham and all things DIY.
Mary Dickins [Interview]
This episode Mary Dickins talks us through the poems and inspiration behind her debut pamphlet Happiness FM.
Buy the book: marydickins.wixsite.com/pragmaticpoet
Afshan D'souza-Lodhi [Interview]
Co-editor Bridget catches up with Afshan D'souza-Lodhi on the release her of debut poetry collection re:desire. We discuss garlic crushers, mangos and writing sensual poetry.
‘This is an evocative collection of painful and beautiful multilingual poems in which silences are broken, sexuality is uncertain, and love is a bloody mess.’ - Dean Atta
Erin Bolens - Dunkable
A quick poem from Erin Bolens, ahead of the release of Alternate Endings out on 9th July 2020!
erinbolens.com
burningeye.co.uk
Molly Naylor [Interview]
Molly Naylor chats to us about her new collection Stop Trying to be Fantastic. We discuss editing, those performance-only pieces and producing new work in lockdown. Plus a little chat about queer film nights and unlearning Pretty Woman.
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/stop-trying-to-be-fantastic-by-molly-naylor
www.mollynaylor.com
Katie Grant a.k.a Isadora Vibes
Our poem this week is from Katie Grant a.k.a Isadora Vibes who's debut poetry collection 'soak' is a visual exploration of pain, passion and the human state.
--
Wheelbarrows
There are two
Propped against the wall
Left by builders
I so wish to take them
Right now in this silence
And grab a stranger
Ask them to race
Down to the square
With no cares
Or fears to lose face
Let us play
Set out a course
To run and run
See who can maintain
The equilbrium
Of metal against stone
Break free from our homes
Remembering festivals
And times in the sun
Where all that we sought
Was a space to peg and pitch
In any old field or ditch
Our home of canvas
Was a castle
Impenetrable by elements
Or fears of a virus
Ignorant in our bliss
Yearning for a pilled up
Face fucked kiss
And this is what I miss
Freedom to run
Push my body to limits
Previously unknown
Now there are only curfews
And lost weeks, months, years
When will we meet to say cheers
Cramped together
Knees touching
With no apparent fears
No never I say.
Not this year
--
https://burningeyebooks.wordpress.com/2018/09/18/soak-isadora-vibes/
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/soak-by-isadora-vibes
Robert Garnham
Welcome back, our poem this week is from the Professor of Whimsy himself - Robert Garnham!
--
To the car full of girls who shouted 'Poof!' at me as they drove past
Of course it might have been a lucky guess.
Though I held high in the Scottish drizzle
A RAINBOW UNICORN UMBRELLA
Which even I concede was a little camp.
Or maybe my pink feather boa was
Poking out from my Tesco's bag for life.
Or maybe they were just nasty bastards.
It wasn't like I was gawping at a fit bloke,
Or wearing my I Like Cock tshirt,
Or logging into Grindr and shouting,
Where are you, FunkyLoveMuffin,
Cooooooeeeeee!
I was on the way to buy a steak and Kidney pie
And you can't get any straighter than that.
As the car sped away
I felt the loving embrace of the generations who couldn't.
But did anyway.
Souls whose crime was to love
But loved fiercely and with passion.
This thought, and my RAINBOW UNICORN UMBRELLA
Added some glitz to a drizzly Tuesday morning.
What was it that gave the game away?
Did I flounce did I strut did I sashay
Did I mince,
Does it matter?
No glitter in the drizzle no secret street sequins
I've been out and proud
Since before you were born,
Gayer than the gayest gay that ever did gay,
Though I do occasionally wear an anorak.
Like phantoms they come, Alan Turing,
Oscar Wilde, Freddie Mercury, Frank O'Hara,
Marcel Proust, Noel Cowerd, Quentin Crisp,
Their ghosts swirling along the Edinburgh cobbles,
Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street,
And the anonymous lovers of old
Proudly flying the flag before it even existed,
Beating down the fear and marching brave,
Stonewall freedom fighters, Harvey Milk, a fist raised
Triumphant in the oneness of a gay new world
That those for whom biology had different ideas
Might walk unmolested in the conscience
Of public acceptance.
And I, oh,
I might rise before you!
You will cower and tremble,
I, mighty gay overlord,
Will crush thy Fiat Panda betwixt my
Powerful thighs
For it is I, prince of rainbows,
Puncher of preconceptions,
The Pink Avenger,
Exacting my just and fearful revenge
In the name of blessed queerdom!
But then,
I just sigh,
And I say to myself,
Some people
Are just tossers.
--
More from Robert Garnham available from our web store:
burningeye.bigcartel.com/artist/robert-garnham
Tina Sederholm
Our poem this week is 'Vegetable Special at the Gate Hangs High' by Tina Sederholm!
----
They spelt it Le Sagne
on the pub specials board.
That’s L,E, space, Sagne.
I shouldn’t laugh,
after all, people in Britain
pronounce it that way.
But I can’t help myself,
I keep saying Le Sagne,
Laying the stress
on different syllables,
pompous arse that I am
after a couple glasses of red,
and a Salena Godden gig,
which is permission enough
to say anything.
And it doesn’t get boring
to repeat Le Sagne, Le Sagne,
Le Le Le Sagne!
These tiny errors happen so easily.
Imagine in the Bible,
if T’shuvah had been better translated.
Instead of ‘repent’,
the scribe had found a word
closer to the original Aramaic ’return’.
Then we would not need to repent our sins,
only return from them.
Like reversing out of a cul-de-sac
when the sat nav gets confused.
Maybe it was a bad day.
Maybe the scribe’s bowels ached
after a confrontation
with his brother,
and carrying
certain judgments
on how some people should behave,
felt his brother could do more
to earn forgiveness.
Thought, Sod it.
Repent will do.
Maybe the scribe at the chalkboard in the pub
was having a similar moment.
Remembered being ridiculed in French class
as they dithered between Le or La
and having never studied Italian
thought Well… It sounds like a Le.
I ordered Le Sagne anyway.
The point is; it was delicious.
Tomatoes from the pub garden,
homemade Bechamel,
a sprig of parsley cut not ten minutes before.
What I would have missed
if I’d let a misplaced letter
cause me to dismiss this meal.
Perhaps it is a universal truth,
whether considering lasagne, or a bible,
one should seek a little deeper
and always check out the source.
---
Check out previous episodes, rate and subscribe on your podcast providers.
http://burningeye.co.uk
Afshan D'souza-Lodhi
This week's poem comes from our upcoming 2020 poet Afshan D'souza-Lodhi who's debut re:desire will be released 25th June.
Poem text:
Are we?
we are the generation of women
who's fathers were around but
who's mothers ran houses raised children fed armies cleaned up your messes and your messes and your messes and never seemed to get into any messes herself.
we are the generation that holds
each other in silence, across
the internet and in every single cliche
we are talked about but never allowed to live in.
we are the generation of radical
honesty, the kind that doesn't let a friend
leave the house with their skirt tucked
into their knickers, but the kind
that lies with kindness and discretion.
we are the resistance, the ones
that grew up on twitter
and protested regimes across borders.
we use memes to politicise and get quoted
by acamedics theorising about our lives
we are the ones that build houses
using youtube, we fix lamps and boilers and that leak underneath the tap.
we google and facebook and ask
the neighbourhood group
if anyone has a spare pot of paint to
do up the garden and on-up the annoying neighbour.
we are the children
of those that inherited books as gifts.
we pride ourselves in packed
bookcases of books we've never read.
we use our time wisely, to write poetry, to
sing loudly in the kitchen while making the buns
our mothers used to bake for us kids
we buy flour and eggs and forget to buy
yeast but facetime with home will save us and the buns.
we are-
and we will be-
its just a matter of how.
---
https://twitter.com/afshandl
http://burningeye.co.uk
Borders by Leanne Moden
'Borders' by Leanne Moden, a poem from the upcoming collection Get Over Yourself (July, 2020)
Maria Ferguson
We are joined by Maria Ferguson for this episode of the BE Podcast, after recently releasing her debut collection Alright, Girl?, we talk about imposter syndrome, Maria’s future plans for her writing and finding ways to keep motivated in the current time. Mentions of pandas.
Maria also reads a poem from the new collection.
Ciarán Hodgers
This episode we talk to author of Cosmocartography, Ciarán Hodgers. We discuss the unlikely debut, Liverpool's poetry scene and the ultimate question: do you put your easter egg in the fridge or leave it out?
Ciarán also reads 'Abscission' from his book.
https://liverpoollongreads.co.uk/the-problem-with-scouse-exceptionalism/
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/cosmocartography-by-ciaran-hodgers
Laurie Eaves
This episode we catch up with Laurie Eaves, author of the heartwarming debut 'Biceps'. We talk about working with mentors, putting together a concept collection and what we as readers can do to help newly published writers.
Buy a copy of 'Biceps' from Laurie's web store: https://laurieeaves.bigcartel.com/
Thanks for listening!
Edited and produced by Bridget Hart
http://burningeye.co.uk
Resting in Circles
This episode lands on Mother's Day (uk) so here is a poem by co-editor Bridget Hart, plus some exciting even updates and an recorded extract from Carmina Masoliver and her debut collection Circles (https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/circles-by-carmina-masoliver).
Learn more:
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/circles-by-carmina-masoliver
Thanks for tuning in.
Poem Written Whilst on Hold to a Call Centre by Dan Simpson
Welcome back to the Burning Eye Podcast!
Here is a short episode for you, featuring a poem from Totally Cultured, the second poetry collection from renowned UK performance poet Dan Simpson.
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/totally-cultured-by-dan-simpson
@burningeyebooks
hosted and produced by co-editor Bridget Hart
Pete 'the Temp' Bearder
Pete 'the temp' Bearder talks about his new book #NumberedBoxes (BE Nov. 2016), festivals, Berlin and spoken word education.
To find out more about Pete's work and the podcasts mentioned in this episode visit: www.petethetemp.co.uk/podcasts/
You can also get Pete's book and others from our web-store: burningeye.bigcartel.com
Music: Wolf by Josh Armistead via Free Music Archive
freemusicarchive.org/music/Josh_Arm…dows_-_01_Wolf
Crysse Morrison
Self proclaimed 'Crone Poet' Crysse Morrison talks about her new book 'Crumbs from a Spinning World', the seemingly sleepy town of Frome and what inspires her to write.
www.cryssemorrison.co.uk/
burningeye.co.uk
Music: Wolf by Josh Armistead freemusicarchive.org/music/Josh_Arm…dows_-_01_Wolf
Comments: freemusicarchive.org/
Summer of 2017
After the summer break, the Burning Eye podcast is back with some short interviews with Carmina Masoliver (She Grrrowls founder) at the Ed Fringe, and Shagufta K Iqbal (Jam is for Girls) at Shambala Festival.
burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/she-…he-anthology
burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/jam-…ufta-k-iqbal
Music: Wolf by Josh Armistead
freemusicarchive.org/music/Josh_Arm…dows_-_01_Wolf
Comments: freemusicarchive.org/
Jeremy Toombs
Around the kitchen table with Jeremy Toombs to talk about his new book Who Knows? and what lead him to poetry and to travel around the world.
https://burningeye.bigcartel.com/product/who-knows
Music: Wolf by Josh Armistead
freemusicarchive.org/music/Josh_Arm…dows_-_01_Wolf