Radio Spots

21st Century Paradox

The first radio spot for 2022. Talk of the emotional impact of the pandemic, talk of writing and illustrations and a poem about staying sane in the modern world.

Painted Cave

Sheridan and I chat about staying happy and upbeat in times of change and stress. I talk about the book I’m writing and explain how writing poetry is a creative way to deal with depression and anxiety. The poem is about dealing with childhood issues. This interview is in two parts, the first is the pre-poem chat and then second file is the poem and then a post-poem chat! Lots of good advice in this one for staying sane in times of crisis.

Part 1: pre poem chat

Part 2: the poem and a post-poem chat

The lonely ghost’s cemetry

This was recorded on 1st November, the Mexican Day of the Dead. I tell Sheridan about getting married at my ‘Day of the Dead’ themed wedding, talk about death literacy and share a little poem about mortality.

Broadcast on 1.11.21

Simply watch the breath

I talk about missing a yoga class and feeling how that affected me mentally and physically, making me feel just that little bit less fit and flexible. Sheridan and I discuss meditation and I share a poem all about the challenges of trying to learn to meditate.

Broadcast on 27.09.21

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Staying open to life with Megan the angry vegan

In these stressful times it’s easy to close up and try to ignore the world. But sooner or later reality intrudes. Life goes much better when we can stay open. Here’s a poem about Megan, who moved to Maleny and met someone. Together they stayed open and brought out the best in each other.

Broadcast on 23.08.21

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The Constant Sea of Change

How to stay relaxed amidst the stress and change of lockdowns and restrictions. I found a poem from a few years ago when all our stress came from constantly moving house. In one twelve-month period we moved house five times. It was a lesson in how things never stay the same and how relaxing it is to accept that fact. I recite the poem ‘Constant Sea of Change.’

Broadcast on 26.07.21

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With our words we make our world – so speak mindfully

I talk about the book I’m writing, and the power of words as a form of therapy. I try and encourage people to change and reframe their responses to life. Letting go of the words we picked up long long ago and choosing to use new ones, all to help me see the good things in life. I recite my poem ‘Forest of Words’. (This interview was phoned in so apologies for the quality.)

Broadcast on 05.07.21

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Not being distracted by busy-ness

Sheridan and I chat about staying mindful amidst a busy daily life. We discuss meditation and I talk a bit about things to watch out for. I finish with a poem called ‘Advice for a Young Meditator’, a collection of good advice for anyone starting to meditate.

Broadcast on 21.05.21

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I’m a Mosaic of everyone I’ve ever loved

I tell Sheridan about striking poetry gold while wasting time on social media. We discuss how we are made up of all the people we’ve ever met who’ve touched us in some way. I share my poem ‘Mosaic’ which was inspired by the idea of how I am connected to others.

Broadcast on 19.04.21

Slowing Down on Your Quest

Sheridan and I discuss slowing down while driving in rainy weather and then talk about slowing down our lives. One reason being busy is so addictive is that it’s a way of avoiding feelings of anxiety. One way to deal with anxiety is to create a story about it. I wrote my poem Emerald Knight as a way to express my stress and then change the story about that stress, telling myself that things can change for the better.

Broadcast on 22.3.2021

Broadcast on 22.2.21

Mindfulness in daily life

Sheridan and I chat about tie-dyed T-shirts, my years as a monk and we discuss applying mindfulness in daily life. I explain how creativity is an excellent anti-depressant and share a poem called ‘Puzzle’ about my mother by way of example.