Intelligence Squared The Poetry Pharmacy Returns with William Sieghart and Sarah Dunant
Nov 8, 2019
William Sieghart, a prominent poetry publisher and author of The Poetry Pharmacy, shares insights with Sarah Dunant, an acclaimed novelist known for her work on Renaissance Italy. They dive into the healing power of poetry, discussing its role in addressing emotional struggles like loneliness and heartache. Both explore how poetry fosters identity and empowerment, particularly for women navigating societal expectations. Their conversation highlights poetry's ability to connect us amidst the complexities of love and domestic life, emphasizing its therapeutic benefits for all.
01:24:25
Accidental Pharmacy
- William Sieghart's Poetry Pharmacy idea originated unexpectedly at Port Eliot Literary Festival.
- He was asked to prescribe poems for people's problems, realizing poetry's power to soothe.
Poetry as Solace
- People turn to poetry for solace and a sense of shared experience, especially during difficult times.
- Poetry offers a sense of complicity and understanding, like a secular liturgy.
Initial Resistance to Poetry
- Sarah Dunant initially disliked poetry due to negative school experiences.
- She found it dense and inaccessible, preferring transparent and elegant language.
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Intro
00:00 • 2min
The Healing Power of Poetry
02:29 • 22min
Reclaiming Femininity: Defining Identity Beyond External Judgments
24:56 • 2min
Navigating Love and Domesticity Through Poetry
26:35 • 10min
The Role of Poetry in Acting and Memory
36:41 • 2min
The Power of Poetry in Performance
38:41 • 4min
The Interplay of Nature and Humanity
42:30 • 14min
The Inspiring Legacy of Gwendolyn Brooks
56:25 • 2min
The Healing Power of Poetry
58:05 • 22min
The Power of Poetry in a Technological Age
01:20:22 • 3min
#9454
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
The Poetry Pharmacy
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William Sieghart
The Poetry Pharmacy is a collection of poems curated to offer comfort and solace for various life challenges.
It presents poems addressing a wide range of emotions and experiences, providing readers with relatable and emotionally resonant verses.
The book's unique approach to poetry makes it accessible to a broad audience, regardless of their prior experience with the art form.
It's a comforting and insightful read for those seeking solace and inspiration.
The book's success led to the creation of a sequel and further projects.
#8657
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
The Moment
Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Wasn't and How We All Can Move Forward Now
Bakari Sellers
In 'The Moment', Bakari Sellers examines the modern political landscape and policies impacting Black families and communities, offering solutions for a better future.
The book delves into issues like healthcare, education, and policing, drawing on interviews with thought leaders to address structural racism and provide prescriptions for change.
#42924
Tumescent Adolescence
None
Martha West
No information available.
#53024
This Is What It Is
Eric Frey
No information available.
#20203
First They Came
Martin Niemöller
This work is a powerful expression of guilt and responsibility, highlighting the incremental purging of different groups by the Nazis.
Niemöller's words serve as an indictment of passivity and indifference during the Holocaust.
The text varies in different versions but generally follows the theme of persecution, guilt, repentance, solidarity, and personal responsibility.
#4803
• Mentioned in 6 episodes
Invitation
Bronisław Kaper
Paul Francis Webster
The song 'Invitation' was composed by Bronisław Kaper for the 1950 film 'A Life of Her Own' and later became a jazz standard after being used in the 1952 film 'Invitation'.
It is known for its lush and haunting melody, matched by Webster's equally haunting and mysterious lyrics.
The song has been recorded by numerous jazz musicians, including John Coltrane, Rosemary Clooney, and George Shearing, among others.
#15871
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Kindness
A Poem
Naomi Shihab Nye
Naomi Shihab Nye's poem 'Kindness' reflects on the importance of kindness as a response to life's challenges and sorrows.
It emphasizes that true understanding of kindness comes from experiencing loss and recognizing the universal nature of human suffering.
The poem was inspired by Nye's experiences while traveling in Colombia.
#44616
The Poetry Pharmacy Returns
More Prescriptions for Courage, Heartache and Everything in Between
William Sieghart
In 'The Poetry Pharmacy Returns', William Sieghart presents a new set of poems that act as remedies for different emotions such as grief, anxiety, and self-doubt.
The book includes both classic and contemporary poems, accompanied by Sieghart's meditations on their therapeutic value.
It is designed to provide comfort and healing through the power of poetry.
#15495
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
A life's work
on becoming a mother
Rachel Cusk
Rachel Cusk's "A Life's Work" is a memoir that delves into the complexities of motherhood, identity, and the challenges of navigating life's transitions.
The book is characterized by Cusk's signature blend of intellectual insight and emotional honesty.
It explores the profound changes that motherhood brings, both personally and creatively.
Cusk's reflections on her own experiences are interwoven with broader observations on the female experience and the societal structures that shape women's lives.
The memoir is a powerful and moving exploration of the human condition, resonating with readers who have experienced similar challenges and transformations.
#6981
• Mentioned in 4 episodes
The Peace of Wild Things
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Wendell Berry
Wendell Berry's "The Peace of Wild Things" is a contemplative poem that explores themes of nature, spirituality, and the human condition.
The poem uses vivid imagery and a peaceful tone to depict the restorative power of nature.
It suggests that finding solace and peace can be found in observing the natural world and connecting with its rhythms.
The poem's message is both calming and inspiring, encouraging readers to seek comfort and renewal in the beauty of nature.
It's a reminder that even in times of stress and anxiety, there is always the possibility of finding peace and tranquility in the natural world.
#32448
Here is a Relationship Booster
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Rumi
Rumi's "Here is a Relationship Booster" is a short, witty poem offering insightful advice on navigating relationship conflicts.
The poem's humor and simplicity make it easily accessible and memorable, while its message of understanding and compassion resonates deeply.
It encourages readers to approach disagreements with empathy and a willingness to see the other person's perspective.
The poem's brevity and directness make it a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness and understanding in relationships.
It's a timeless piece of wisdom that continues to offer valuable guidance on maintaining healthy and fulfilling connections.
#49707
Making a Fist
null
Naomi Shihab Nye
Naomi Shihab Nye's "Making a Fist" is a poignant poem that explores the complex relationship between a mother and child, particularly the anxieties and uncertainties of childhood.
The poem uses a first-person perspective to depict a child's fear of death and the mother's reassuring response.
It juxtaposes the child's immediate fear with the mother's wisdom and perspective, highlighting the passage of time and the enduring power of love.
The poem's imagery is vivid and evocative, creating a strong emotional connection with the reader.
It's a moving exploration of the universal themes of mortality, love, and the enduring bond between parent and child.
#57882
In the Bazaar of Love: The Selected Poetry of Amir Khusrau
Selected Poetry
Amir Khusrau
This book features a diverse selection of Amir Khusrau's poetry, including the famous poem 'He Visits My Town Once a Year.
' It highlights his skill in genres such as ghazal, masnavi, and Hindi riddles.
The collection offers a glimpse into the poet's deep connection with love, spirituality, and the cultural landscape of his time.
#55342
Hold Your Own
Kae Tempest
Hold Your Own is a poetic exploration of the Tiresias myth, weaving together elements of classical mythology, autobiography, and social commentary.
It delves into themes of identity, gender, and societal expectations, offering a contemporary vision of ancient stories.
The collection is divided into sequences that reflect different stages of life, from childhood to late life.
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Blood and Beauty
Sarah Dunant
Blood and Beauty by Sarah Dunant delves into the myth and reality of the Borgia family, offering a vivid portrayal of their power struggles and personal dynamics.
The novel masterfully weaves historical facts with engaging storytelling, focusing on figures like Cesare and Lucrezia Borgia amidst the corruption and beauty of Renaissance Italy.
#25978
Ambulances
null
Philip Larkin
Philip Larkin's "Ambulances" is a poignant poem that explores themes of mortality, everyday life, and the human condition.
The poem uses vivid imagery and a detached tone to depict the arrival of an ambulance and its impact on the surrounding community.
It subtly highlights the fragility of life and the inevitability of death, while also acknowledging the ordinary routines that continue despite tragedy.
The poem's strength lies in its ability to capture both the emotional and physical realities of death, creating a sense of shared human experience.
It's a reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of appreciating the present moment.
#45779
Differences of Opinion
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Wendy Cope
Wendy Cope's "Differences of Opinion" is a witty and insightful poem that explores the dynamics of power and communication in relationships.
The poem uses a simple narrative structure to depict a conversation between a man and a woman, where the man insists on his own viewpoint despite the woman's attempts to correct him.
It subtly highlights the frustration and power imbalance inherent in such interactions.
The poem's humor and irony make it both entertaining and thought-provoking, prompting reflection on gender dynamics and communication styles.
It's a reminder of the importance of open-mindedness and respectful dialogue in relationships.
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In the Name of the Family
Sarah Dunant
In the Name of the Family is a thrilling exploration of the House of Borgia's final years, set in 1502.
The novel follows Niccolò Machiavelli as he navigates the complex world of Renaissance politics alongside the infamous Pope Alexander VI and his children, Lucrezia and Cesare.
Dunant humanizes these historical figures, offering a nuanced portrayal of their lives amidst the intrigue and power struggles of the time.
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The Divān of Hafez
A Collection of Poems
Khwāja Shams-ud-Dīn Muḥammad Ḥāfeẓ-e Shīrāzī
The Divān of Hafez is a masterpiece of Persian literature, comprising ghazals that delve into themes of love, mysticism, and the human condition.
Hafez's poetry is known for its lyrical beauty and spiritual depth, making it a timeless treasure in Persian culture.
#17921
• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Grease
Barbara Jane Brickman
#49103
Say to the downkeepers...
null
Gwendolyn Brooks
Gwendolyn Brooks' "Say to the downkeepers. . .
" is a short, powerful message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
The poem uses strong imagery and a defiant tone to encourage perseverance and self-belief.
It emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope and striving for a better future, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.
The poem's brevity and directness make it easily memorable and impactful, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of light and a better tomorrow.
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The Impossibility of Femininity
Anna Logan
The concept of 'the impossibility of femininity' is explored in various academic discussions about gender roles and societal expectations.
William Sieghart’s The Poetry Pharmacy: Tried-and-True Prescriptions for the Heart, Mind and Soul was one of the publishing sensations of the past few years. Anyone who came to the event Intelligence Squared built around it – when Jeanette Winterson, Helena Bonham Carter, Jason Isaacs, Sue Perkins and Tom Burke joined Sieghart in celebrating the power of poetry – will remember what a magical evening it was. Now, after huge demand, Sieghart is back with a second volume – The Poetry Pharmacy Returns – and once again Intelligence Squared brought it to all to life on stage. Whether your spiritual ailment is loneliness, heartache or anxiety, Sieghart has a poem to meet your needs. He was joined in conversation by acclaimed novelist and broadcaster Sarah Dunant. With their signature warmth and wit, they discussed poems from the new book, each one matched to a particular problem, whether it’s unrequited love, fear of the unknown or feeling daunted by the challenges of family life. And we had a stellar cast of actors to perform the poems: Dominic West, Nina Sosanya, Greta Scacchi and Martha West. The event was chaired by author, playwright and broadcaster Bonnie Greer.
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