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An Interview with Katie Condon
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I was lucky enough to get to talk with poet and academic Katie Condon about her new poetry collection Praying Naked. In the interview Katie delves into what made her begin to write poetry, why it's often a refuge for her and just what it means to make poetry today.
Her work encompasses so many different aspects ranging from an unflinching look at sexuality and desire, to challenging the narrative handed down to women through the generations.
- This special bonus episode is taken from my Irish Radio Show This Be The Verse.
You can buy Katie Condon's book here: http://www.katiecondonpoetry.com/praying-naked-1
Katie Condon's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie__condon/?hl=en
Words That Burn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wordsthatburnpodcast/?hl=en
Contact me: https://wordsthatburnpodcast.com/contact
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25:08||Season 1, Ep. 12An In-Depth Analysis of 'November' by Maggie Dietz | Words That Burn PodcastJoin me, your host Ben, in this episode of 'Words That Burn' as I take a closer look at Maggie Dietz's poignant poem 'November.' Together, we'll explore the evocative imagery, the interplay of surface and underlying themes, and Dietz's ability to gild the everyday moments of a bleak month. I'll zone in on how the poem encapsulates the transition from the vibrant October to the cold, harsh November, examining Dietz's unique rhyme scheme, her descriptive prowess, and the cyclical nature of the seasons. Tune in for an enriching examination of how humanity and nature mirror each other in the face of winter's arrival.00:00 November by Maggie Dietz Poetry Reading01:17 Welcome to Words That Burn01:29 October's Splendour and Transition to November03:11 Maggie Dietz's Poetic Style05:23 Analysing the Poem's Imagery and Themes10:19 The Colloquial Voice and Natural Imagery15:39 The Subtle Rhyme Scheme18:03 Humanity's Winter Retreat20:31 Final Reflections on November23:49 ConclusionFollow the Podcast:Read the Script on SubstackFollow the Podcast On InstagramFollow the Podcast on X/TwitterFollow the Podcast on TiktokThe Music In This Week's Episode:'Midvinter' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au11. If I Must Die by Refaat Alareer
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17:06||Season 4, Ep. 11In this episode of Words That Burn, I look at 'Blossom' by Scottish poet Kathleen Jamie. The episode explores Jamie's profound engagement with nature and the existential themes woven throughout her poem. Known for her realistic, non-romanticised depictions of the natural world, Jamie’s work prompts reflection on humanity's place in nature. The discussion touches on her careful observation and meditation-like practices in nature. The analysis focuses on the poem's compelling opening line on mortality, its invocation of Biblical imagery, and its ultimate message urging deliberate attention to life and nature. The episode also emphasises the importance of reconnecting with one’s surroundings for a fulfilling life.[00:00] Introduction and Blossom Poem[00:50] Struggling with Poetry[01:19] Discovering 'Blossom' by Kathleen Jamie[01:47] Kathleen Jamie's Writing Style[04:02] Existential Themes in 'Blossom'[04:19] Analysing the First Stanza[06:53] Analysing the Second Stanza[10:11] Biblical Allusions and Final Stanza[14:13] Final Thoughts on 'Blossom'[15:33] Engage with Words That Burn[15:45] Contact and SupportFollow the Podcast:Read the Script on SubstackFollow the Podcast On InstagramFollow the Podcast on X/TwitterFollow the Podcast on TiktokThe Music In This Week's Episode:'Reawakening' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.auAn Interview with Jamie McKendrick
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16:27||Season 4, Ep. 10Donation Link: Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign: http://www.ipsc.ie/support/donateThis episode takes a closer look at Khaled Juma's poignant poem, 'O Rascal Children of Gaza.' .Written in response to the violence during Operation Protective Edge in 2014, the poem heartbreakingly laments the loss of Gaza's children. The episode highlights the poem's structure, the use of juxtaposition between joyful past and sorrowful present, and its stark portrayal of the silence that follows tragedy. Juma's work is analysed for its simplicity and powerful emotional appeal, showcasing the resilience and grief of the Palestinian people. The poem stands as a testament to the devastating impact of conflict on innocent lives and the unyielding spirit of Palestinian resistance and identity. Listen to more Palestinian poetry:Listen to the Episode on Mahmoud DarwishListen to the Episode on Fadwa TuqanListen to the Episode on Najwan DarwishListen to the Episode on Noor HindiFollow the Podcast:Read the Script on SubstackFollow the Podcast On InstagramFollow the Podcast on X/TwitterFollow the Podcast on TiktokThe Music In This Week's Episode:'Echoes' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au9. There Are Mornings by Lisel Mueller
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