Recently there has been an explosion of poetry podcasts. Versify, run by three gentlemen known on Twitter as the Poetry Podcats, is the most natural, engaging, and humorous of those I have heard. Versify has been increasing in popularity over the last few months with episodes built around the work of poets such as Emily Dickinson, William Shakespeare, John Donne, and (after a very cheeky exchange of Twitter messages) me—Mai Black, author of Thirty Angry Ghosts.
What is Versify?
We are three genial enthusiasts working our way through the great and the good of poetry. We collectively choose a poet for the episode, then individually pick a poem each to read and discuss. The rule is that we mustn’t know that poem before recording, so we do our discovering in real time.
The personnel is: Dan (hosting, erudition), Rob (editing, inappropriateness), David (social media, mediation).
How did you get started? What inspired you?
Dan recorded himself pontificating on a Shakespeare sonnet before realizing what a tough solo gig it actually is (that episode was described by an otherwise generous listener as a ‘Car Crash’—note the capitals), bringing in his brother Rob for a couple of episodes, and then inviting David to complete the triumvirate. It all began early in lockdown and was a pleasing way of staying in touch and keeping our collective intellect pin-sharp.
What do you hope to achieve with the podcast?
Nothing much beyond knowing that people are enjoying it. It is undeniably gratifying to hear from listeners anywhere in the world, especially those who find themselves starved of this kind of conversation in their everyday lives.
What is your background in literature and poetry?
Two of us (Dan and David) are English teachers—we met doing teacher training many years ago—while Rob writes his own verse alongside his career as film/TV editor and occasional actor. We are all bookish, obviously, and our other joint venture is something we call Armchair Shakespeare: we meet one Friday a month—along with a few other weirdos—to read, discuss, and giggle our way through the Complete Works. As with the podcast, we take it a tiny bit seriously but not too much. It’s taken us ten years, but we have almost completed the Bard, and it will be a bittersweet moment indeed when we do.
What do you like most about doing the podcast?
Learning something new. We have all either discovered several poets we hadn’t appreciated or particular works by poets we thought we knew. And it is a real kick to hear that someone in Arkansas or Melbourne likes it. We do also, it is fair to say, have a laugh.
What challenges have you faced?
Editing, mainly. Rob does a brilliant job in post-production of making us sound passably competent and insightful, which the other two massively appreciate by never, ever complaining about how long it takes him to do it.
How have you promoted it to find your audience?
Apart from sporadic tweeting we have relied on word of mouth. It seems to be working quite well: we have at least a couple of Forward-nominated poets among our followers now. Jumping into poetry conversations on Twitter, which contrary to popular belief can be an extremely civilized place, has helped raise awareness and confirmed that there is an appetite for what we do.
How have people reacted to it?
Unanimous acclaim, obviously. Well, everyone who has been in touch has been very complimentary! We have been described as “the only literary podcast that is insightful and actually funny,” “brilliant—stellar reviews of every poet,” and “making poetry approachable.” I think people like the way we don’t just compete to show how much we know: this is much more a conversation than a lecture, and we are not afraid to admit to not knowing (or being plain wrong) about stuff.
Which have been your favorite episodes and why?
Rob says Emily Dickinson, a view shared by the world at large because she is our most listened-to episode. David has a soft spot for Wendy Cope. Dan, the egomaniac, plumps for his own solo effort. Not really: he votes Emily D too. She was a bit of a revelation to us: we thought she might be a bit esoteric and inaccessible but actually she delivers layer after intriguing layer.
What are your plans for future episodes and for the future of Versify?
Well, we have broadened out a little by having a discussion with an actual poet! It would be good to make that at least a semi-regular feature. But otherwise our modest aim is simply to record a brilliant episode on every single poet who has ever existed. And then go round and do them all again.
More seriously, in the short term we would like to commemorate the two big poetic centenaries this year: Larkin’s birth and the publication of The Waste Land. We also have Muriel Spark—not as well-known for her poetry—lined up, thanks to the suggestion of an early correspondent.
How can people find your podcast?
On all the usual podcast platforms. There is quite literally no excuse.
How can people get in touch with you? What are your social media links?
We are on Twitter (@poetrypodcats) and you can email us at poetrypodcats@gmail.com.
We would be genuinely delighted to hear from people with their reactions, requests, and recommendations.
Thanks to Dan, Rob, and David for all your hard work. It’s great to hear your show is being appreciated by poets and poetry enthusiasts the whole world over. Long may your success continue.
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Mai Black is the founder of Suffolk Writers Group and a member of the Suffolk Poetry Society. In 2021 she released her first poetry collection, Thirty Angry Ghosts, which features poems in the voice of famous historical figures, including William Shakespeare, Queen Victoria, Mary Shelley, and The Unknown Soldier.