Best Isy Suttie Podcasts (2025)

1
Rebecca Watts, Brian Bilston, Cristina Rivera Garza, Deryn Rees-Jones 41:27

13d ago41:27

41:27

Rebecca Watts has just published her third poetry collection - The Face In The Well. She discusses writing poems that engage with the work of an earlier generation of poets, turning a cherished childhood memory into poetry, and Emily Brontë's love of ironing. Poet and writer Brian Bilston is as much a fan of the American writer, artist, and designe…

1
8. Spies, Lies and a Political Prize 28:28

14d ago28:28

28:28

In this episode, Dara and Isy are joined by the star of Slow Horses, Chris Chung, to learn about the magic of Monopoly - with some diverting conversations about secret smuggling, what it takes to join MI5, and what exactly do MI1, 2, 3 and 4 do? What? Seriously?? is a new podcast which combines comedy with quirky history, hosted by Dara and Isy who…

1
Old English, New English 27:38

16d ago27:38

27:38

Michael Rosen explores the evocative Old English words used in daily life a thousand years ago, many of which are still in use now. He's joined by the linguist author of The Wordhord, Hana Videen. Hana has been hoarding words from Old English (450 AD to 1150 AD) for a decade, when she began tweeting one a day. Now she has lots of people following h…

1
George Szirtes, Cecilia Knapp, Lisa Knapp, Gerry Diver, Rishi Dastidar 42:03

20d ago42:03

42:03

Ian McMillan's guests are George Szirtes, Cecilia Knapp, Lisa Knapp, Gerry Diver and Rishi Dastidar. The beauty of a swimming pool seen from the air, banks that fly up and out of small towns never to return, the poetry of single objects seen from a train window, and the miniature brilliance of poetry pamphlets - all in this week's edition of The Ve…

1
7. When Yoghurt Met Strippers 27:21

21d ago27:21

27:21

In this episode, Dara and Isy are joined by the comedian and podcaster Richard Herring, to learn about the surprising connection between yoghurt and strippers - with some diverting conversations about bad reviews, bad TV shows and bad milkmen. What? Seriously?? is a new podcast which combines comedy with quirky history, hosted by Dara and Isy who u…

1
Talking Cockney 27:35

23d ago27:35

27:35

Michael Rosen's parents both grew up in the East End, and now he talks cockney with Andy Green and Saif Osmani from the Modern Cockney Festival. Including some mythbusting about rhyming slang, a discussion about how cockney has evolved, and of course a mention of Dick van Dyke. The Modern Cockney Festival takes place from March 1st to 31st with a m…

1
Don Paterson, Zena Edwards, John McAuliffe on Michael Longley 42:09

27d ago42:09

42:09

The beauty of flower names, time-thieving hedgehogs, the poetry of fertile earth, and the absurdity of English spelling - all appear in The Verb this week.Ian McMillan's guests are the poets Don Paterson, Zena Edwards, and John McAuliffe who's celebrating fellow poet Michael Longley - and we also hear a new 'eartoon' on the origin of words for numb…

1
6. Votes, Greed, and Cheese 28:12

28d ago28:12

28:12

In this episode, Dara and Isy are joined by the star of Great British Menu Louisa Ellis, to learn about the the power of cheese - with some diverting conversations about goose trading, feasting, and weaponised dairy. What? Seriously?? is a new podcast which combines comedy with quirky history, hosted by Dara and Isy who unravel an extraordinary rea…

1
Creating Languages for Film and Television with Professor David Adger 27:52

30d ago27:52

27:52

David Adger is Professor of Linguistics at Queen Mary University of London. He's created new languages for TV series and films and he explains to Michael Rosen how he goes about it. For his latest language he used existing Creole languages for his 'conlang', or constructed (artificial) natural language. He talks Michael through the grammar and lang…

1
Reeta Chakrabarti, Fred D'Aguiar, Ella Frears, Edward Wilson-Lee 41:57

1M ago41:57

41:57

Flames and poetry - what poetry tell us about the Los Angeles fires, the pleasure the poet John Keats took in reading - a poem-letter to an imaginary estate agent, and magical language. To explore all this McMillan is joined by poetry writers and poetry lovers. Ian's guests: BBC newsreader and journalist Reeta Chakrabarti is a trustee of the Keats-…

1
5. Duels, Feuds and Stolen Solos 27:50

1M ago27:50

27:50

In this episode, Dara and Isy are joined by the broadcaster Stuart Maconie to learn about inventive instruments - with some diverting conversations about jazz, quiz shows, egos, and intellectual property. What? Seriously?? is a new podcast which combines comedy with quirky history, hosted by Dara and Isy who unravel an extraordinary real-life tale …

1
Politeness with Louise Mullany 27:40

1M ago27:40

27:40

Professor Louise Mullany talks to Michael Rosen about politeness, and how it governs our lives, from the behaviour of football managers to the different ways children can embarrass us. Why, in this country at least, is it so mortifying to mistakenly assume someone is pregnant, when in other cultures it's simply thoughtful to book two seats on a pla…

1
Joelle Taylor, Anthony Joseph, Luke Wright, Accents 41:57

1M ago41:57

41:57

How does it feel to be adopted? How does naming things affect experience? Why does a mysterious sound make Ian want to get out of the studio in Salford? Is it ever a good idea to pretend to have a particular accent? Poems, questions and much more - on this week's Verb. Ian McMillan is joined by poets Joelle Taylor, Anthony Joseph, Luke Wright, and …

1
4. Opera, Romance, and Nazis 28:25

1M ago28:25

28:25

In this episode, Dara and Isy are joined by the former Queen of the Jungle Georgia Toffolo to learn about the power of the written word - with some diverting conversations about the Taylor Swift of the 1920s, naughty novels, and drinking a bit too much at Glyndebourne. What? Seriously?? is a new podcast which combines comedy with quirky history, ho…

1
Jackie Kay on the Scots language 27:29

1M ago27:29

27:29

Poet Jackie Kay has written a book in Scots: Coorie Doon: A Scottish Lullaby Story. She joins presenter Michael Rosen to talk about her love of the language and what it meant to her growing up. Produced for BBC Audio Bristol by Beth O'Dea.Subscribe to the Word of Mouth podcast and never miss an episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/b006qtnz…

1
TS Eliot Prize Readings - highlights of a year in poetry 41:23

2M ago41:23

41:23

Ian McMillan presents highlights from the TS Eliot Prize Readings - extraordinary poetry from 2024. Poetry books featured : Raymond Antrobus 'Signs, Music' (Picador Poetry)Hannah Copley 'Lapwing' (Pavilion Poetry)Helen Farish 'The Penny Dropping' (Bloodaxe Books)Peter Gizzi 'Fierce Elegy' (Penguin Poetry)Gustav Parker Hibbett 'High Jump as Icarus S…

1
3. Guinea Pigs and the Mafia 27:47

2M ago27:47

27:47

Miles Asteri, star of The Traitors in 2024, joins Dara Ó Briain and Isy Suttie in this episode. They learn about the surprising connection between guinea pigs and the mafia - with some diverting conversations about seafaring science experiments, citrus fruits, and small furry animals. What? Seriously?? is a new podcast which combines comedy with qu…

1
The Language of Genetics 27:56

2M ago27:56

27:56

Adam Rutherford joins Michael Rosen to make sense of the heavily-loaded and often unscientific language that we use to talk about genetics, inheritance, ancestry and race. Adam is a geneticist, science writer, and lecturer in Biology and Society at University College London. His work tries to make sense of what our genes do (or don't) tell us about…

1
Richard Dawkins, Gwyneth Lewis, Kate Fox, Eartoon 41:59

2M ago41:59

41:59

Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins tells Ian McMillan about the influence of poetry on his writing, and shares poems written by his own mother. Ian also explores the influence of a very competitive mother on the life and poetry of former National Poet of Wales Gwyneth Lewis. And as it's the first Verb of the year, stand-up poet Kate Fox suggest…

1
2. Beaks and Bloody Battles 28:08

2M ago28:08

28:08

In this episode, Dara and Isy are joined by the Aussie comedian Rhys Nicholson to learn about a humbling event in Australia's military history - with some diverting conversations about foxes, films, and flightless birds. What? Seriously?? is a new podcast which combines comedy with quirky history, hosted by Dara and Isy who unravel an extraordinary…

1
Susie Dent's World of Words 27:55

2M ago27:55

27:55

Susie Dent joins Michael Rosen to talk about her lifelong fascination with words and their origins. It's a programme bringing some apricity, which is one of Susie's favourite words. Her love of language began when she was a child, then found expression in her passion for French and German and now in her work as a lexicographer, writer and language …

1
1. Suits, Shells, and Survival 28:29

2M ago28:29

28:29

In this episode, Dara and Isy are joined by the astronaut Helen Sharman to learn about how humans learned to survive in space - with some diverting conversations about glitter, cat statues, hibernation, and shell suits. What? Seriously?? is a new podcast which combines comedy with quirky history, hosted by Dara Ó Briain and Isy Suttie, who will unr…

1
The Morecambe Poetry Festival 57:00

2M ago57:00

57:00

The Morecambe Poetry festival hosts Ian McMillan and the Verb at the Morecambe Winter Gardens, for a special recording with poets Pam Ayres, Raymond Antrobus and Henry Normal, three performers much- loved by audiences. Pam Ayres takes us back to the beginning of her career with the first poem she ever performed live whilst working for the Royal Air…

1
A special recording of The AdVerb at The Hackney Empire 1:02:00

2M ago1:02:00

1:02:00

A special recording of The AdVerb at The Hackney Empire . Ian McMillan introduces six unique collaborations - new commissions between poets composers and musicians in collaboration with BBC Contains Strong Language and the BBC Symphony Orchestra Poets from the East End of London team up with composers to make new pieces that tell stories of this pa…

1
Welcome to What? Seriously?? 4:07

3M ago4:07

4:07

Dara O Briain and Isy Suttie meet special guest experts to help them unravel some seriously surprising tales.By BBC Radio 4

1
Isy Suttie, Pascale Petit, Deryn Rees Jones, Alan Connor 42:07

4M ago42:07

42:07

Ian McMillan is joined by four guests for more poetry and performance . After a year characterised by wet weather, Alan Connor constructs a poem from 188 Words for Rain collected on travels around the country for his new book with that title. Comedian and writer Isy Suttie treats us to a new song written with the approaching Bonfire Night in mind, …

1
Wendy Cope, Theresa Lola , Susie Dent, Ira Lightman 42:08

4M ago42:08

42:08

On this week's edition of The Verb, Ian McMillan gathers together - Wendy Cope - the poet whose 1986 debut collection "Making Cocoa For Kingsley Amis" became that rare thing - a poetry best seller. As her first collected poems are published she reflects on poetry forms and why some of her old poems are making their first public appearance in her ne…

1
Paul Farley, Malika Booker, Rob Drummond, Kate Fox 42:02

5M ago42:02

42:02

This week on The Verb Ian McMillan is joined by Paul Farley, author of the bird-centred 2019 poetry collection 'The Mizzy'. Especially for The Verb he's written us a brand new poem that considers birds on our workplace, inspired by new 'Nature Postive' building regulations. Malika Booker is tackling this week's 'Neon Line' poem. Booker won the Forw…

1
Margaret Atwood and Alice Oswald 42:13

5M ago42:13

42:13

Ian McMillan talks to Margaret Atwood and Alice Oswald about how we write poetry, and their own process, the natural world, time, and the possibilities of myth.By BBC Radio 4

1
The Verb in Australia 51:36

5M ago51:36

51:36

BBC Contains Strong Language 2024 took place in Sydney Australia in partnership with Red Room Poetry and ABC Australia . This special edition of The Verb was recorded in State Library of New South Wales n front of a audience as part of the festival. With guests Eileen Chong the first Asian Australian poet to be on the school syllabus, who came to A…

1
Social media language 27:59

5M ago27:59

27:59

Michael talks to linguist Dr Andreea Calude about her research into how language is used on Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter/X. And he asks if we're witnessing the death of email. Dr Andreea Calude is the author of The Linguistics of Social Media: An Introduction. Produced for BBC Audio Bristol by Beth O'Dea.Subscribe to the Word of …

1
29/09/2024 42:20

5M ago42:20

42:20

Gardens, balloons, parties and whales feature in this week's cabaret of the word. Ian's guests include Toby Litt, Roger Robinson, Hannah Silva and Caleb Femi. Novelist, poet and librettist Toby Litt has wrestled Ian, written stories backwards, and been limited to a single verb, in previous Verb commissions. This week he has to write something surre…

1
How Animals Talk 27:39

5M ago27:39

27:39

Michael hears from zoologist Arik Kershenbaum about the latest research on how and why different types of animals communicate, from wolves howling to dolphins whistling: a world of soundscapes. He also explains how animal communication can help to shed light on the human variety. Dr. Arik Kershenbaum is a zoologist and the author of: Why Animals Ta…

1
A Poet Writing in Three Languages 27:44

6M ago27:44

27:44

How best to write about love and other things. Nabeela Ahmed talks about writing in a second language and how her early life in Kashmir shaped the language she uses to express different aspects of her life. She is also a champion for the Pahari language in her home city of Bradford. Pahari is a language spoken by people in Northern areas of India, …

1
22/09/2024 42:01

6M ago42:01

42:01

Ian McMillan presents a cabaret of the word - the best poetry and performance - with guests Daljit Nagra, Karen McCarthy Woolf, Brian Bilston and the voice of Stagedoor Johnny. Brian Bilston, internet poetry sensation - and the poet behind 'Days like there' and 'Alexa, what is there to know about love?' shares poems in both human and animal languag…

1
Fine Distinctions 27:37

6M ago27:37

27:37

Eli Burnstein talks about fine distinctions between words, including Michael's personal bugbear of forewords, prefaces and introductions, some clarity on clementines, satsumas, tangerines and mandarins, and of course the lunch, dinner and tea debate. Produced for BBC Audio Bristol by Sally Heaven.Subscribe to the Word of Mouth podcast and never mis…

1
The Adverb in Australia 57:12

6M ago57:12

57:12

Bringing you the best in Australian spoken word poetry . A special edition of Adverb, recorded at the Riverside Theatres in Parramatta the creative edgy hub of West Sydney. Featuring the founder of the exciting Bankstown series of poetry slams Sara Mansour along with many of the poets who have performed there in slams that attract huge audiences to…

1
Former astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield on the language of Space exploration 27:46

6M ago27:46

27:46

Colonel Chris Hadfield is a veteran of three spaceflights. He crewed the US space shuttle twice, piloted the Russian Soyuz, helped build space station Mir and served as Commander of the International Space Station. Getting words and language right in as clear and a concise way is a matter of life and death for astronauts. Crews are traditionally ma…

1
The Adverb at Outspoken 56:34

6M ago56:34

56:34

Inspiring words that connect us in difficult times; three outstanding poets take to the stage at Outspoken, one of the most exciting and innovative poetry nights in the world. Imtiaz Dharker, poet, film-maker and national treasure is on first. She is a recipient of the Queen's Gold Medal and reads new poems from her collection 'Shadow Reader' - som…

1
The words we use about getting older and why they matter 27:43

6M ago27:43

27:43

How we talk about getting older can affect how we age, both mentally and physically. Michael asks Dr Lucy Pollock for her advice on ageing well and happily. Dr Lucy Pollock has been an NHS consultant geriatrician, a doctor specialising in the care of older people, for over 30 years. She is the author of The Book About Getting Older, and her new boo…

1
The Adverb at Hay 56:22

7M ago56:22

56:22

Ian McMillan presents poets in performance from the Hay Festival for The Verb's performance wing - The Adverb. This week's guests include the Poet Laureate Simon Armitage, the National Poet of Wales Hanan Issa, former Children’s Poet Laureate Joseph Coelho, Professor of Creativity Owen Sheers - and Jazz Money, an Australian poet of Wiradjuri herita…

1
How babies learn language 27:46

7M ago27:46

27:46

Recently a video went viral of a baby talking - or babbling - with a Liverpool accent. Professor Julian Pine from Liverpool University explains how babies and young children learn language, including the rules we take for granted. Including the surprising reasons who children make mistakes like saying "nana" instead of banana, or "I play football y…

1
The Adverb at Latitude 56:24

7M ago56:24

56:24

Recorded live at the sunny Latitude Festival Ian McMillan has gathered three top poets for The Adverb - The Verb's showcase of the best live poetry and readings. Dr John Cooper Clarke is a legend of the punk poetry scene and gets us into gear with a poem about the thrilling allure of the hire car. The best art can come out of limitations and Luke W…

1
28/07/2024 41:54

7M ago41:54

41:54

Why does 'mean' have so many meanings? Why do poets take metaphor so seriously? Why do objects like pink ghetto blasters make poems live? And why are the filaments of our eyes in the edges of the snow? To answer these surreal, and not so surreal questions - Ian McMillan is joined by Alistair McGowan, Caroline Bird, and Toria Garbutt, and presents a…

1
21/07/2024 41:49

8M ago41:49

41:49

Crocodile-like men, fireflies, a soul hitching a ride on a bee, the coolness of Switzerland, anagrams, and a mysterious rhyming poem - all this and more fromIan McMillan's guests this week - as they explore the way a poetic image can change the way we see things, Arji Manuelpillai is a poet and creative facilitator. His poetry collection 'Improvise…

1
14/07/2024 42:05

8M ago42:05

42:05

Frogs who love rain, the poem that came from a magpie, the poetry of the peleton, and the everyday language of dating apps. Ian McMillan's guests this week (Hollie McNish, Testament, Ira Lightman and Liz Berry) bring all of this to the studio table and much, much more. Hollie McNish's latest book is 'Lobster and other things I'm learning to love' -…

1
07/07/2024 42:02

8M ago42:02

42:02

Ian McMillan is joined by poets and poetry lovers for this celebration of language recorded at this year's Hay Festival. The actor, Harry Potter star, Dickens virtuoso and national treasure Miriam Margolyes shares one of her favourite poems, the 19th century poet Robert Browning's 'My Last Duchess'. Miriam invites listeners to imagine the Duke, who…

1
30/06/2024 41:26

8M ago41:26

41:26

The appeal of 'the road less travelled by', Emily Brontë as self-help guru, a new way to look at Little Red Riding Hood and the 'little miracles' we might notice when we care for the elderly; Ian McMillan celebrates poems that explore all of these ideas with his guests, the poets Len Pennie, Malika Booker, Kate Fox, and Michael Symmons Roberts. Mic…

1
23/06/2024 40:06

9M ago40:06

40:06

What's it like being awake at 4am? How do we feel about toads? Where does the word chortle come from, and when is an anthem truly personal? Ian McMillan gets to the heart of these questions through brand new poetry commissions, exploring the poems and poets we love, and through celebrating language's delights and quirks - all in the company of his …

1
Little Green Men: the secret rules of word order 28:03

9M ago28:03

28:03

Michael explores the mysterious rules of word order with linguist Dr Laura Bailey. We all know them instinctively, without knowing that we know them. Contains the truth about killer whales and also why Yoda sounds like an alien. Produced for BBC Audio Bristol by Beth O'Dea.By BBC Radio 4

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