It’s a bright, sunny morning in North Gower, and we’ve been invited down to a pulsing, tidal place: the daily walking route of poet Natalie Ann Holborow. On the salt marshes flanking the Loughor Estuary, while cockle-pickers clatter out on quad bikes, we discuss the importance of creative exploration: of getting out in nature, and out of comfort zones. We also talk about the safe places we come back to, full of familiar rhythms and memories, where we can breathe - and return to ourselves.
Listen here, or search ‘This Place Podcast’ in your usual audio app - including Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
Natalie is an award-winning poet from Swansea, Wales. She has performed her poetry all over the world, and is the author of the collections And Suddenly You Find Yourself, Small and, most recently, Little Universe, which you can order now from Parthian Books. I really do recommend seeking out Natalie’s work, even if you don’t count yourself as a ‘poetry person’. She writes beautifully about the familiar, but in ways which make your brain tingle… and your senses.
I found our conversation under the blue skies of a Saturday in July (so far from this chilly November spell!) inspiring and reassuring in equal measure. Natalie speaks with a humble wisdom: about why venturing into the unknown is vital in both writing and in life, and why creativity really isn’t just about sitting at your desk. Oh no. It’s so much more than that.
Happy listening - and as ever, do get involved in the comments, rate on your chosen app (this helps so much!) and share with those you think would enjoy our sunny, saltmarsh ramble.
With love,
Kathryn x
P.S. If you need or would like a transcript for this episode, you should see a button just below the player above.
This podcast was produced with the support of Arts Council England. With music by Rob T and Danny Booth. Support, from readers like you, helps me to keep making and sharing it.
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