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Dead Poets Live

Jonathan Ashford and Eleanor Hawthorne

Jonathan Ashford and Eleanor Hawthorne celebrate the legacies of recently departed poets. In each episode, they delve into the lives, works, and unique voices of these literary luminaries, blending heartfelt tributes with insightful analysis.

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19 episodes
monthly
Avg 24 min
English

Episodes 19

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August 19 · 25 min
Cheddar is Not the Only Cheese
This month, Prof Ashford and Dr Hawthorne are on a long-deserved summer break, so they're handing over to their producer, Bryce Dumont, for the pilot episode of his autobiographical podcast: Chedder is Not the Only Cheese. If you're a fan of poetry as well as travel and cheese, be sure to check this one out!
July 20 · 26 min
Souvenirs During TV Ad Breaks with the Calder Street Boys
What happens when poetry goes commercial? Or rather, what happens when you push poetry into the commercial so hard, it comes out the other side? Dr Hawthorne, Professor Ashford and Dr Whitfield take a deep look at the commercial realities (and dangers) of poetry as they pay tribute to this month’s tragic losses. Join us as we discover what commercialization really means to something as fragile as poetry. Whether you're curious about poetry or or simply looking for a mildly entertaining distraction, join Eleanor and Jonathan as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—sometimes it's just selling something.
June 19 · 21 min
The Windy City Lives Below the Sea as the Glacier Cracks on Television
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Poetry Slam, Dr Hawthorne and Professor Ashford invite Slam veteran Celeste Navarro to join them to pay tribute to this month’s tragic poets. Join us as we discover the true history of Slam, how it’s evolved and where it’s going. Whether you're curious about poetry or or simply looking for a mildly entertaining distraction, join Eleanor and Jonathan as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—sometimes it just scores zero points.
May 19 · 23 min
The Compound Name for Ants in Japan is Floor Monks
These days, AI is all around us, and in the right hands, it can be a force for good. Join Dr Hawthorne and Professor Ashford as they experience for the first time Eloquencia, Dr Jasper Whitfield's AI Agent that can translate a poet's performance into any other language, allowing poetry to be more accessible. Whether you're curious about poetry or or simply looking for a mildly entertaining distraction, join Eleanor and Jonathan as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—sometimes it's just needs translating.
April 19 · 24 min
The bard is seasonally flat-packed in miniature bottles
The dead of a poet is always a sad occasion, but this month Dr Hawthorne and Prof Ashford look at four poets who tried to bring joy and light into the world through their comedy-poetry. Whether you're curious about poetry or or simply looking for a mildly entertaining distraction, join Eleanor and Jonathan as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—sometimes it's just having a laugh.
March 20 · 21 min
Cavemen Ponder Love on Trains Hidden in Code
This month, Dr Hawthorne and Prof Ashford take a deep dive into the world of "Outsider Poetry," shining a light on poets who had a passion to express themselves, but had limited to no exposure to the poetic craft. Whether you're curious about poetry or as desperately seeking reassurance that you are not alone, join Eleanor and Jonathan as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—it's just sometimes accidentally stumbled upon.
February 20 · 22 min
Leather Armchairs, Air Fryers, Selkies and Cheese
In this episode, Dr Hawthorne is back and, together with Prof Ashford and Dr Whitfield, they mourn the loss of an old colleague and friend, who may have very well been the inspiration behind the podcast. So join the whole gang as they look at the meaning of language and how each poetry lover processes things in their own way. Whether you're curious about poetry or as desperately seeking reassurance that you are not alone, join Eleanor and Jonathan as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—sometimes it's just misconstrued.
January 20 · 23 min
Clocks Are Frozen Ghosts Ticking Endlessly
In this episode, Dr Hawthorne is unwell, but Prof Ashford rings in the new year with the help of his friends, discussing the poetic implications of time. Whether you're feeling down about the dreariness of January or just curious about the impact that verse can have on us all, join Jonathan and friends as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—sometimes it echoes through time.
Dec 20, 2025 · 26 min
No Snow for Lonely Warriors and Burlesque Jesus Christmas Movies
In this festive episode, Prof Ashford and Dr Hawthorne pay tribute to the poets that died this month and their Holiday themes poems, proving once again the power of the written word. Whether you're a lover of all things Christmas or just curious about the impact that verse can have on us all, join Jonathan and Eleanor as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—sometimes it’s just lost in a winter wonderland.
Nov 20, 2025 · 21 min
New Loves and Last Verses Fold the Roundabout with Blueberries
Prof Ashford and Dr Hawthorne are back discussing poets who strived to make the world a brighter place. Whether you're a seasoned poetry lover or just curious about the power of verse, join Jonathan and Eleanor as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—it's inspiration echoes on for future generations.
Oct 19, 2025 · 21 min
In the Mind of the Monster
This month, Prof Ashford and Dr Hawthorne hand over the podcast to Alex Morgan and True Crime podcast In the Mind of the Monster to bring you a chilling update about the Bay Bard Butcher. If you've been following along with the killing spree that had plagued the poets of Torbay, you won't want to miss this episode.
Sep 19, 2025 · 23 min
Butchers of Linked In Sing of Earthquakes, Bugs and Bookseller Snobs
This month, Prof Ashford and Dr Hawthorne discuss poets with multiple careers and the passion their occupations can bring to their words. Warning, this episode may contain a disturbing message from the Bay Bard Butcher himself. Whether you're a seasoned poetry lover or just curious about the power of verse, join Jonathan and Eleanor as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—it just sometimes works multiple jobs.
Aug 19, 2025 · 21 min
Dead Animals are Colourful When Associated with Villanelles About Naked Anger
In this month's episode, Prof Ashford and Dr Hawthorne return to their obituaries and bring you an homage to the dead. As the Bay Bard Butcher seems to be expanding his territory, they discuss the healing power of verse. Whether you're a seasoned poetry lover or just curious about the power of verse, join Jonathan and Eleanor as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—sometimes it slowly stalks you.
Jul 19, 2025 · 23 min
Laura's Legacy Looms Large
In this month's episode, Prof Ashford and Dr Hawthorne and their regular companion, Dr Jasper Whitfield, pay tribute to the legacy of one poet who had a profound impact on their own poetry, Laura Bennett. Whether you're a seasoned poetry lover or just curious about the power of verse, join Jonathan and Eleanor as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—it's legacy goes on.
Jun 19, 2025 · 25 min
Drink in the Shoes to Edit the Nonsense of Jackdaws and Pantomime Parents
In this month's episode, Prof Ashford and Dr Hawthorne and their regular companion, Dr Jasper Whitfield, pay tribute to even more dead poets, continue to investigate the Bay Bard Butcher and look at how poetry can be even bigger than the poets themselves. Whether you're a seasoned poetry lover or just curious about the power of verse, join Jonathan and Eleanor as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—it's just sometimes edited.
May 19, 2025 · 27 min
Bastards of Dartmoor Make Recipes for Micro Epic Poetry for Dictators
This month, Prof Ashford and Dr Hawthorne, with the help of forensic literary detectives, may ave discovered a poetic serial killer. While also paying tribute to this month's dead poets, they look closely at events in the Southwest of England and stress caution for anyone with literary ambitions living in that area. Whether you're a seasoned poetry lover or just curious about the power of verse, join Jonathan and Eleanor as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—even if murderers may be afoot.
Apr 19, 2025 · 27 min
Born for Street Poetry, the Future is the Nonsense of Old Men
Prof Ashford and Dr Hawthorne are back, eulogising this month's dead poets. With an over abundance of recently deceased poets, they've worked hard to curate the ones that fit this episode, which largely looks at community organisers and promoters of all things poetic and artistic. Join us, and maybe you too will be inspired to follow in their footsteps and encourage your community to get involved. Whether you're a seasoned poetry lover or just curious about the power of verse, join Jonathan and Eleanor as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—it sometimes encourages others to strive for more.
Mar 20, 2025 · 25 min
Amnesia Generates Backwards Haiku Fortunes
In this episode, Prof Ashford and Dr Hawthorne pay tribute to this month's dead poets, many of whom experimented with various forms of automatic poetic creation. Join us as we discuss what makes poetry work at a fundamental level and how it just might be the last thing that can elevate the human above the machine. Whether you're a seasoned poetry lover or just curious about the power of verse, join Jonathan and Eleanor as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—it sometimes comes back from the dead.
Feb 20, 2025 · 23 min
Pizza, Aubergines, and The Beats Lost in Translation
In our first episode, Prof Ashford and Dr Hawthorne pay tribute to this month's dead poets. Expect engaging discussions, evocative readings, and a sprinkle of humor as they explore the impact these poets had on the world of literature and beyond. Whether you're a seasoned poetry lover or just curious about the power of verse, join Jonathan and Eleanor as they honor the beauty of words and the artists who crafted them, reminding us that poetry never truly dies—it simply transforms.

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