Commonwealth Poetry Podcast
Activity Overview
Episode publication activity over the past year
Episodes
A Commonwealth Farewell with Baroness Scotland
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this special final episode of the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth are joined by Baroness Patricia Scotland, the outgoing Com...
Next stop Nauru with Gem Dowiyogo
02 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Gyles and Aphra are heading to Nauru, the smallest country in the Commonwealth, to explore its culture, history, and poetry. They’re join...
Next Stop: Tonga with Anna Jane Lagi
19 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this fortnight’s episode join Gyles and Aphra Brandreth as they head to Tonga to chat with young poet Anna Jane Lagi. Anna’s poetry tackles eve...
Revisiting Jamaica with Phleer Carter and Award Winning Poet Lorna Goodison
05 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We start off the new year with a special episode featuring two extraordinary voices from Jamaica: artist, songwriter, and cultural force Phleer Carter...
Meet the winners of the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition 2024
22 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a very special episode of the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast brought to you from Buckingham Palace to celebrate the winners of the Queen’s ...
Exploring Papua New Guinea Through Poetry with Betty S. Chapau
08 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this fortnight's episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth sit down with Betty S. Chapau, a writer from Manus Province in Papua New Guinea, to discus...
Next Stop Fiji with Daren Kamali aka DKPoet
24 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this fortnight’s episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth are exploring Fiji with Poet, writer, and musician Daren Kamali aka DKPoet. Now based in Aotea...
Remembrance Sunday Special Episode
10 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we listen back to Gyles and Aphra Brandreth’s interview with HRH The Duke of Kent, former President of the Commonwealth War Graves C...
‘The Story of an African Child’, discovering Sierra Leone with Vicky the Poet
27 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this fortnight’s episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet teenage poet and activist Victoria Kanu. Better known as Vicky the Poet, she is a househo...
Next stop Samoa with Audrey Brown-Pereira
13 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth take a virtual trip to Samoa where the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting will...
Next Stop: Brunei Darussalam
28 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet with poet, writer, and actor Hariz Fadhilah. Hariz explores themes of love, nature, cult...
Exploring South Africa with Nkateko Masinga
15 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Nkateko Masinga, an award-winning South African writer and performance poet. Together th...
Exploring Grenada Through Poetry with Amy J.W. Jones
01 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this fortnight's episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth embark on a literary journey to Grenada, the "Island of Spice," with acclaimed G...
Next stop Mauritius with Commonwealth Short Story Prize winner Reena Usha Rungoo
04 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this fortnight’s episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Mauritian-American writer Reena Usha Rungoo. Her short story, Dite, recently won the Comm...
Next stop The Kingdom of Eswatini with Njabulo N.
21 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Journey to the smallest country in Southern Africa to find out more about the people and poetry of Eswatini (Formally known as Swaziland). In this for...
Queen Camilla and the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast
07 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Marking the birthday of HM Queen Camilla on 17 July, Gyles Brandreth and Aphra Brandreth MP introduce a special episode of the Commonwealth Poetry Pod...
Next stop Vanuatu with Rebecca Tobo Olul-Hossen
23 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this fortnight’s episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Rebecca Tobo Olul-Hossen. A poet who grew up in Vanuatu, recalling her memories as a youn...
Returning to Zambia
09 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra meet Vanessa Chisakula, a multifaceted artist who uses her work to challenge the status quo. Vanessa sh...
Next Stop Togo with Dr Patron Henekou
26 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this fortnight’s episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth’s journey around the Commonwealth takes them to Togo, a West African country with a 32 mile ...
‘Poetry is the language of the heart’ – Discovering Tanzania with Neema Komba
12 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Tanzanian poet Neema Komba. Neema shares her poetry journey, from a terrible event that took place as a...
Next stop Kenya with poet and author Njeri Wangari
28 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this fortnight’s episode, join Gyles and Aphra Brandreth as they discover more about Kenya and its poetry. We hear from Njeri Wangari, a Kenyan p...
Next stop Botswana with Barolong Seboni
14 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this fortnight’s episode, join Gyles and Aphra Brandreth as they find out more about Botswana and its rich poetic traditions. Speaking to Barolon...
Next Stop Zambia with Dambisa Moyo
31 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Baroness Dambisa Moyo who shares her story growing up in Zambia. Dambisa is an economist...
Next stop The Bahamas with Marion Bethel
17 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Marion Bethel, an esteemed Bahamian poet and attorney. Bethel, renowned for her award-wi...
Exploring Malawi with poet and activist Tendai Shaba
03 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth speak to Tendai Shaba, a renowned Malawian poet and activist.Tendai shares how he has used poetry to campaig...
Next stop Barbados with spoken word poet Cyndi Celeste
18 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Inspired to be a poet since the age of six when they saw the spoken word poet Adrian Green at the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts, Cyn...
Next Stop Namibia with activist-poet Keamogetsi Joseph Molapong
04 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast episode, join hosts Gyles and Aphra Brandreth as they engage in a compelling conversation with Namibian poet Keamogetsi Joseph Molapon...
Next stop St Vincent and the Grenadines with spoken word poet Philip Nanton
21 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this fortnight’s episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth engage in a conversation with Philip Nanton, a writer and spoken word performer who was origi...
Celebrating a ‘Youth Powered Commonwealth’ with Ayesha Dharker, Joanna Lumley, Meera Syal and Sanjeev Bhaskar.
07 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth celebrate young voices from across the Commonwealth featuring special guests, Ayesha Dharker, Joanna Lumley,...
Celebrating Christmas with seasonal poems from around the Commonwealth
24 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Gyles and Aphra Brandreth share some of their favourite seasonal poems in this special episode of the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast. Joined by staff and...
How poetry changed my life, a special episode with Jaspreet Kaur
09 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode of the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Jaspreet Kaur, a spoken word artist, writer and teacher from...
The “Kingdom of the Sky” with Rethabile Masilo
26 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week Gyles and Aphra Brandreth’s journey takes them to Lesotho, a land locked, mountainous country in Africa. They speak to Rethabile Masilo, a...
In Conversation with Award Winning Indian Poet Sudeep Sen
12 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet award winning Indian poet Sudeep Sen. Born and raised in New Delhi, Sudeep eloquently shares his format...
Next stop Antigua & Barbuda with Joy Lawrence OH
29 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Joy Lawrence an educator, author of several books delving into the rich folklore and history of Antigua...
Exploring Ghana and its poetry with Apiorkor
15 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Apiorkor Seyiram Ashong-Abbey, a Ghanaian-American Poet, Author, Literary Critic, and Activist. Apiorko...
Next stop, The Gambia - the smallest country in West Africa, bringing you some amazing poetry
01 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth’s journey around the Commonwealth takes them to The Gambia where they meet poet, short story writer, bio...
Exploring Wales and its poetry with Sioned Wiliam
17 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth explore the riches of the Welsh langue and Welsh poetry with author and British comedy award winner Sioned W...
Bees and Poetry!
03 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth meet Gladstone Ewart Franklin Solomon, a beekeeper living in Tobago, who shares his passion for bees and h...
Discovering Singapore and its poetry with Eric Tinsay Valles
20 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth’s journey around the Commonwealth takes them to Singapore where they meet award winning poet and director ...
Next stop Bangladesh with Mozammel Hossain KC
06 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth explore the wonders of Bangladesh and its poetry with Mozammel Hossain KC. Mozammel shares his inspiring jo...
Exploring Dominica and it’s Poetry with Anella D Shillingford
23 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Gyles and Aphra Brandreth speak to Dominican poet Anella D Shillingford. Anella is a poet and educator, teaching English Literature and History to Dom...
Next stop Malaysia with award winning poet Bernice Chauly
09 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth’s journey of discovery leads them to South East Asia where they delve into the vibrant world of Malaysian ...
Talking poetry, the Commonwealth & a cat called Attlee with The Speaker of the House of Commons
25 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In a special episode of the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the British House of Commons....
Celebrating Fathers & Poetry
11 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth bring you a special episode celebrating Father’s Day. The father and daughter duo explore the origins of F...
Discovering St Lucia and its Poetry with Kendel Hippolyte
28 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Kendel Hippolyte an award winning poet, playwright, director and sporadic researcher into areas of Sain...
Next stop Jamaica with award winning poet Lorna Goodison
14 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Jamaica’s former poet laureate Lorna Goodison. Recalling her upbringing growing up in a busy home whe...
Discovering Uganda ‘The Pearl of Africa’ with Patricia Kabuleeta
30 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth find out more about Uganda, once described by Winston Churchill as the ‘Pearl of Africa’. Speaking wit...
Exploring Mozambique and its poetry
16 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Albertina Mac Donald the High Commissioner for Mozambique in the UK. Discovering more about Mozambique ...
Next stop Solomon Islands with Honorary Consul John Freeman
02 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth’s journey of discovery takes them to the Pacific to hear about Solomon Islands and its poetry. Meeting wit...
Talking Poetry and Pakistan
19 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth are at the Riverside Studios in London meeting Urdu poet Dr Javaid Sheikh and his daughter Fatima. Describin...
Walking Around the Commonwealth with Hugo Vickers and Jim Walker
12 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know, there is a 1,000 km walkable path connecting the Commonwealth? In this week’s episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth go on a virtual walk t...
Discovering Malta and its Poetry with the Maltese High Commissioner
05 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet with H.E. Emmanuel Mallia, High Commissioner for Malta in the UK. Emmanuel Mallia talks about the part ...
Next stop Sri Lanka with Danny Sriskandarajah, CEO of Oxfam UK
19 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Gyles and Aphra Brandreth as they meet the Chief Executive of Oxam, Danny Sriskandarajah, who shares his story growing up on a small island in Sr...
Discovering Tuvalu with H.E. Dr Sir Iftikhar Ayaz
05 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Gyles & Aphra Brandreth as they venture to the west-central Pacific Ocean to explore the 4th smallest country in the world by land mass, and ...
Exploring New Zealand with former High Commissioner to the UK – His Excellency Bede Corry
22 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth’s journey around the Commonwealth takes them to New Zealand where they meet H. E. Bede Corry – the New Z...
Celebrating the Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition Winners with special guests Geri Horner, Alexandra Burke and Ayesha Dharker
08 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Start the new year with a special podcast episode recorded from the Blue Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace. In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth ...
Next Stop Trinidad & Tobago for a Christmas Day Special Episode with Floella Benjamin
25 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join Gyles and Aphra Brandreth for a special Christmas episode with Baroness Floella Benjamin OM DBE. The Trinidadian born actress, presenter, broadca...
Exploring Canada and its poetry with Dr Theresa Muñoz
11 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Dr Theresa Muñoz a poet and researcher based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Winner of the Muriel Spark Centen...
Next stop Nigeria with Booker Prize winning author and poet Ben Okri
27 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth travel to Nigeria to meet Ben Okri. The Booker Prize winning author is a poet, novelist, essayist, short s...
Their name liveth for evermore – an interview with HRH The Duke of Kent for Remembrance Sunday
13 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth are joined by HRH The Duke of Kent, President of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and Royal biograp...
Exploring the Maldives and its poetry
30 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet Dr Farah Faizal the High Commissioner for the Republic of Maldives in the UK. Dr Faizal, who enjoys wri...
Next stop Seychelles with dub poet Raspyek
16 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth travel to the Seychelles located in the Western Indian Ocean to meet dub poet Tony 'Raspyek' Jou...
Next stop Kiribati with a song or two!
02 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth travel to Kiribati, located in the central Pacific Ocean it is made up of 33 Coral islands, of which 20 ar...
Discovering Belize – “a place of love, joy and sunshine” – with poet Felene Cayetano
18 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth travel to Belize in Central America where they meet Felene Cayetano a Belizean, Garifuna, Librarian, Autho...
Exploring Australia and its poetry
03 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth travel to Australia which is amongst the largest countries in the world and home to the world’s biggest ...
Next stop Guyana with award winning poet Grace Nichols
20 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth meet award winning poet Grace Nichols, recipient of the 2021 Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry. Meeting at her...
Discovering Cyprus and its Epic poetry
06 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles & Aphra Brandreth travel to Cyprus – one of the sunniest islands in Europe. It has been written about and featured in lite...
Discovering St Kitts & Nevis with 'the snapshot' poet H.E. Dr Kevin Isaac
23 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth's journey around the Commonwealth takes them to St Kitts & Nevis where they meet H.E. Dr Kevin Isaa...
Next stop Cameroon
09 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth's journey around the Commonwealth takes them to Cameroon via Russia and Wales! They meet Eric Ngalle Ch...
Exploring Rwanda and its poetry
25 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Gyles and Aphra Brandreth's journey around the Commonwealth takes them to Rwanda where they meet Melody Ingabire a Rwandan poet w...
The Journey Begins with HRH The Duchess of Cornwall
11 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Poetry from around the world! A fortnightly celebration of Poetry and The Commonwealth - the journey begins at Clarence House in London where award wi...
Commonwealth Poetry Podcast - Trailer
23 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas