Jonathan Ashford and Eleanor Hawthorne celebrate the legacies of recently departed poets. In each episode, they delve into the lives, works, and unique voices of these literary luminaries, blending heartfelt tributes with insightful analysis.
This month, Prof Ashford and Dr Hawthorne are on a long-deserved summer break, so they're handing over to their producer, Bryce Dumont, for the pilot episode of his autobiographical podcast: Chedder is Not the Only Cheese.
If you're a fan of poetry as well as travel and cheese, be sure to check this one out!
20 Jul 2026
Souvenirs During TV Ad Breaks with the Calder Street Boys
What happens when poetry goes commercial? Or rather, what happens when you push poetry into the commercial so hard, it comes out the other side? Dr Hawthorne, Professor Ashford and Dr Whitfield take a deep look at the commercial realities (and dangers) of poetry as they pay tribute to this month’s tragic losses. Join us as we discover what commercialization really means to something as fragile as poetry.
Whether you're curious about poetry or or simply looking for a mildly entertaining distraction, join Eleanor and Jonathan as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—sometimes it's just selling something.
19 Jun 2026
The Windy City Lives Below the Sea as the Glacier Cracks on Television
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Poetry Slam, Dr Hawthorne and Professor Ashford invite Slam veteran Celeste Navarro to join them to pay tribute to this month’s tragic poets. Join us as we discover the true history of Slam, how it’s evolved and where it’s going.
Whether you're curious about poetry or or simply looking for a mildly entertaining distraction, join Eleanor and Jonathan as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—sometimes it just scores zero points.
19 May 2026
The Compound Name for Ants in Japan is Floor Monks
These days, AI is all around us, and in the right hands, it can be a force for good. Join Dr Hawthorne and Professor Ashford as they experience for the first time Eloquencia, Dr Jasper Whitfield's AI Agent that can translate a poet's performance into any other language, allowing poetry to be more accessible.
Whether you're curious about poetry or or simply looking for a mildly entertaining distraction, join Eleanor and Jonathan as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—sometimes it's just needs translating.
19 Apr 2026
The bard is seasonally flat-packed in miniature bottles
The dead of a poet is always a sad occasion, but this month Dr Hawthorne and Prof Ashford look at four poets who tried to bring joy and light into the world through their comedy-poetry.
Whether you're curious about poetry or or simply looking for a mildly entertaining distraction, join Eleanor and Jonathan as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—sometimes it's just having a laugh.
20 Mar 2026
Cavemen Ponder Love on Trains Hidden in Code
This month, Dr Hawthorne and Prof Ashford take a deep dive into the world of "Outsider Poetry," shining a light on poets who had a passion to express themselves, but had limited to no exposure to the poetic craft.
Whether you're curious about poetry or as desperately seeking reassurance that you are not alone, join Eleanor and Jonathan as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—it's just sometimes accidentally stumbled upon.
20 Feb 2026
Leather Armchairs, Air Fryers, Selkies and Cheese
In this episode, Dr Hawthorne is back and, together with Prof Ashford and Dr Whitfield, they mourn the loss of an old colleague and friend, who may have very well been the inspiration behind the podcast. So join the whole gang as they look at the meaning of language and how each poetry lover processes things in their own way.
Whether you're curious about poetry or as desperately seeking reassurance that you are not alone, join Eleanor and Jonathan as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—sometimes it's just misconstrued.
20 Jan 2026
Clocks Are Frozen Ghosts Ticking Endlessly
In this episode, Dr Hawthorne is unwell, but Prof Ashford rings in the new year with the help of his friends, discussing the poetic implications of time.
Whether you're feeling down about the dreariness of January or just curious about the impact that verse can have on us all, join Jonathan and friends as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—sometimes it echoes through time.
20 Dec 2025
No Snow for Lonely Warriors and Burlesque Jesus Christmas Movies
Prof Ashford and Dr Hawthorne honor deceased poets and their holiday-themed poems, showcasing the enduring power and beauty of verse in this festive episode.
20 Nov 2025
New Loves and Last Verses Fold the Roundabout with Blueberries
Professor Ashford and Dr. Hawthorne explore poets who sought to improve the world, highlighting the enduring inspiration and beauty found in their verses.
19 Oct 2025
In the Mind of the Monster
Alex Morgan from *In the Mind of the Monster* provides listeners with a chilling update on the Bay Bard Butcher case, detailing the ongoing killing spree targeting poets in Torbay in this interview with Prof Ashford and Dr Hawthorne.
19 Sept 2025
Butchers of Linked In Sing of Earthquakes, Bugs and Bookseller Snobs
Prof Ashford and Dr Hawthorne explore poets' diverse careers and the impact of their occupations on their poetry, revealing how real-world experiences enrich artistic expression in this interview.
19 Aug 2025
Dead Animals are Colourful When Associated with Villanelles About Naked Anger
Prof Ashford and Dr Hawthorne explore the healing power of verse through obituaries, honoring poets and their craft in this interview.
19 Jul 2025
Laura's Legacy Looms Large
Prof Ashford, Dr Hawthorne, and Dr Jasper Whitfield honor Laura Bennett's profound poetic legacy and its impact on their work, showcasing the enduring power and beauty of verse.
19 Jun 2025
Drink in the Shoes to Edit the Nonsense of Jackdaws and Pantomime Parents
Prof Ashford, Dr Hawthorne, and Dr Jasper Whitfield honor dead poets, investigate the Bay Bard Butcher, and explore poetry's immense power in this episode.
19 May 2025
Bastards of Dartmoor Make Recipes for Micro Epic Poetry for Dictators
This month, Prof Ashford and Dr Hawthorne, with the help of forensic literary detectives, may ave discovered a poetic serial killer. While also paying tribute to this month's dead poets, they look closely at events in the Southwest of England and stress caution for anyone with literary ambitions living in that area.
Whether you're a seasoned poetry lover or just curious about the power of verse, join Jonathan and Eleanor as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—even if murderers may be afoot.
19 Apr 2025
Born for Street Poetry, the Future is the Nonsense of Old Men
Prof Ashford and Dr Hawthorne are back, eulogising this month's dead poets. With an over abundance of recently deceased poets, they've worked hard to curate the ones that fit this episode, which largely looks at community organisers and promoters of all things poetic and artistic. Join us, and maybe you too will be inspired to follow in their footsteps and encourage your community to get involved.
Whether you're a seasoned poetry lover or just curious about the power of verse, join Jonathan and Eleanor as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—it sometimes encourages others to strive for more.
20 Mar 2025
Amnesia Generates Backwards Haiku Fortunes
In this episode, Prof Ashford and Dr Hawthorne pay tribute to this month's dead poets, many of whom experimented with various forms of automatic poetic creation. Join us as we discuss what makes poetry work at a fundamental level and how it just might be the last thing that can elevate the human above the machine.
Whether you're a seasoned poetry lover or just curious about the power of verse, join Jonathan and Eleanor as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—it sometimes comes back from the dead.
20 Feb 2025
Pizza, Aubergines, and The Beats Lost in Translation
In our first episode, Prof Ashford and Dr Hawthorne pay tribute to this month's dead poets. Expect engaging discussions, evocative readings, and a sprinkle of humor as they explore the impact these poets had on the world of literature and beyond.
Whether you're a seasoned poetry lover or just curious about the power of verse, join Jonathan and Eleanor as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—it simply transforms.
Reach and audience
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YouTube views
326,562
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 28 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
21
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
0
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