Pádraig Ó Tuama

Hi friends, Padraig O'Tooma here.

Thanks very much for listening to Poetry Unbound.

In between Poetry Unbound seasons, and we have season 11 that'll start later in 2026, we have a whole host of interviews that I've done with poets over the last two years.

Poetry Unbound in conversation, we call them.

I've loved the opportunity to talk to poets about their craft, how they see the world through the lens of poetry, and what this art form does for them.

These Poetry Unbound in Conversation episodes deepened my curiosity about language and art.

I trust they will for you too.

Today you'll be hearing not from one poet, but two.

First, you'll be hearing from the priest, teacher and poet Rachel Mann about her most recent collection, Eleanor Among the Saints, which offers meditations on Eleanor John Reichner, a 14th century trans woman, a seamstress, sex worker and religious figure.

You'll also hear from the brilliant writer, broadcaster and teacher Yomi Shoda about his debut collection, Mannerism, where he interrogates the biography of Caravaggio, the 17th century Baroque painter.

I interviewed Rachel Mann and Yomi Shoda in March of 2024 at the Stanza Poetry Festival in St.

Andrews in Scotland.

Yomi and I were on stage.

Rachel joined us via video link.

A special thanks to the staff, volunteers and attendees at the Stanza Poetry Festival, especially Ryan Van Winkle and Susie Kirk-Dimitru.

Thanks as well to Rachel Mann and Yomi Shoda, as well as their publishers, Carconet and Penguin Press.

Welcome to Poetry Unbound in Conversation.

Here I am with Rachel Mann and Yomi Shoda.

Thanks very much, Ryan, and good morning, everybody.

It's lovely to have you here.