Simon Armitage

Simon Armitage, a distinguished professor of poetry at the University of Oxford, shares insights from his inaugural lecture. He delves into an unlikely friendship between a poet and a solicitor, sparking heartfelt exchanges about loss and creativity. The conversation navigates themes of melancholy in poetry, the evolving role of literary art in society, and contemporary reflections on race and identity. Armitage also critiques traditional poetic education while celebrating how modern movements make poetry more accessible and relevant today.

Amorina Kingdom, a science writer and author of 'Sing Like Fish,' reveals the rich soundscapes of marine life and how human noise disrupts their communication. Poet Laureate Simon Armitage shares his journey in writing poems inspired by animal encounters. Professor Christian Rutz discusses groundbreaking advancements in AI that might allow us to better understand crow behavior and perhaps even converse with animals. Together, they explore the deep connections between humans and the animal kingdom through communication, consciousness, and the impact of technology.