Mary Jean Chan
Award-winning poet and academic, author of the collections Flesh and Bright Fear, and co-editor of 100 Queer Poems; teaches on the MSc in Creative Writing at the University of Oxford and has been shortlisted for major poetry prizes.
Best podcasts with Mary Jean Chan
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6 snips
Nov 30, 2025 • 1h 3min
#170: Mary Jean Chan — Emotional Truth in Contemporary Poetry: Imagery, Juxtaposition, and Finding the Right Form
Mary Jean Chan, an award-winning poet and academic, discusses the heart of contemporary poetry—emotional truth. She shares insights on using imagery and juxtaposition to convey complex feelings, particularly around queerness and grief. Chan emphasizes the importance of restraint in writing, advising how to craft impactful poems without tipping into melodrama. She also addresses the writing process, submission strategies, and the lessons gained from judging prestigious literary prizes, highlighting the significance of originality and emotional resonance in poetry.
Dec 28, 2025 • 22min
#174: 3 Poets Read Their Work and Talk Craft Choices — Mary Jean Chan, David Whyte and Anthony Anaxagorou (Compilation)
Award-winning poet Mary Jean Chan shares her journey from business school to poetry, revealing how 'bad' poems can provide solace. David Whyte discusses overcoming writer's block by writing about it and emphasizes the power of repetition in live readings. Anthony Anaxagorou reads a poignant piece inspired by the Brexit referendum, detailing his approach of mining notebooks for compelling lines. Each poet highlights the craft choices that shape their work, offering valuable insights into the emotional truth behind their words.
