The Clearing with Katherine May
Katherine May
Where would you go to rest and retreat, in good times and bad?Katherine May, author of Wintering and Enchantment, asks her guests to share their idea of a perfect sanctuary. Drawing on memory, inspiration and imagination, she explores the things we seek out when we need to restore our joy, hope and energy. It begins with a forest clearing. What will we find there? A log cabin or a grand hotel? What cherished object or talisman would you bring? And what single work of art, be it a book, record, film or something else, would provide you with enough sustenance to see you through the darkness and remind you of the good times? In a series of frank, thoughtful and deeply personal conversations, The Clearing will explore the cultural, social and spiritual mindset needed to survive difficult times. Katherine's Links:Visit The Clearing website https://katherine-may.co.uk/the-clearing-podcast to discover how to enjoy the episodes ad freeBuy Katherine’s books: Enchantment | Wintering | The Electricity of Every Living Thing: UK / USFollow Katherine on InstagramVisit Katherine’s Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 10, 2026 • 1h 11min
Martha Beck and Rowan Mangan on the magic of communing with every living thing
Martha Beck, a bestselling author and life coach, joins her wife, Rowan Mangan, a writer focused on neurodivergence, for a captivating discussion. They dive into the consciousness of stones and the sentience of nature, reflecting on how our culture often dismisses these connections. The couple shares insights on parenting neurodivergent children, embracing impermanence, and the role of life coaching as a modern shamanic practice. Together, they explore how solitude fuels creativity and the magic of communing with every living thing.
Jan 3, 2026 • 1h
Melissa Hemsley’s calm chaos
Join cook and food writer Melissa Hemsley, known for her nourishing recipes and insightful writing, as she shares her idyllic vision of a retreat. Picture a landscape of wild animals, gentle communities, and calm chaos, all while seeking a haven from everyday anxieties. Melissa explores finding time for rest amid parenting and discusses her desire for boundaries with neighbors. She envisions communal cooking, cozy interiors, and the freedom of nature, revealing her journey toward embracing safety and presence in her daily life.
Dec 27, 2025 • 58min
Sam Baker on the challenges of letting go
In this conversation, Sam Baker, a writer and former magazine editor known for her Substack The Shift, opens up about her struggles with rest and retreat. She reveals her anxiety surrounding downtime and how her busy work identity contributes to burnout. Sam shares her dreams of the perfect retreat landscape—mountains by the sea—and the comfort of her cat, Sausage. They also discuss the challenges of decision-making during retreats, the impact of digital distractions, and the need for structured solitude versus group settings. Her reflections are both relatable and revealing.
Dec 20, 2025 • 1h 15min
Andy J. Pizza’s magical, moving ADHD landscape
Andy J. Pizza, a talented author and illustrator, dives into the unique interplay between ADHD and creativity. He explores the idea of resting in motion, emphasizing that true rest often means immersing oneself in passions. Andy shares his imaginative vision of a fictional retreat in Howl's Moving Castle, highlighting its appeal for neurodivergent minds. They also discuss the magic of Miyazaki films, the nostalgic charm of Fraggle Rock, and the importance of novelty and familiar comforts in creative inspiration. It's a delightful journey through a vibrant, neurodivergent dreamscape!
Dec 13, 2025 • 1h 1min
Oliver Burkeman’s art of the non-retreat
Oliver Burkeman, a renowned journalist and author of 'Four Thousand Weeks', joins Katherine May to redefine the idea of retreats. He shares his shift from planned breaks to integrating creativity in daily life. Oliver discusses the charm of chilly northern environments and the vital role of simple tasks in nurturing creativity. He also dives into the nuances of using AI in the creative process, stressing the importance of understanding our motivations before outsourcing work. Their conversation stretches the concept of retreat far beyond the typical cabin getaway.
Dec 6, 2025 • 58min
Laura Pashby's lighthouse at the end of the world
In this conversation, Laura Pashby, a talented photographer and author of Chasing Fog, explores her creative visions and the need for sanctuary. She imagines a dream retreat in a fog-bound Arctic lighthouse, emphasizing the soothing qualities of light and landscape. As she shares tales of her residency in the Arctic, she reflects on the power of self-portraiture and the stories behind her photography. Laura also discusses cozy lighthouse interiors and the importance of crafting comfort, making this a peaceful and inspiring listen.
Dec 6, 2025 • 1h 16min
Cariad Lloyd’s mossy, mythical retreat
Cariad Lloyd, a British actor, comedian, and author known for Griefcast, shares her whimsical vision of a dream retreat in a mossy, Tolkien-esque woodland filled with mythical creatures. She emphasizes the importance of rest in today's chaotic world and describes her ideal sanctuary complete with a cozy treehouse and a charming pantry. The conversation touches on the joys of reading and writing, the pressures of professional literary obligations, and the comfort of family music memories, all wrapped in a delightful journey through imagination.
Nov 28, 2025 • 5min
Introducing The Clearing
Katherine explores the idea of retreat and restoration, asking creatives where they escape during tough times. She reflects on how walking in the woods brings solace and reveals different visions of rest. Conversations dive into dream retreats and meaningful objects that provide comfort. The discussions aim to uncover work-life balance tips to combat burnout. Through intimate storytelling, Katherine highlights the importance of finding joy and energy in our lives.
Nov 16, 2024 • 47min
Sarah Moss on memory and meaning-making
Katherine May chats with Sarah Moss, author of the memoir My Good Bright Wolf, where she navigates her challenging upbringing and the impact of eating disorders. They dive into the complexities of memory and how our recollections shape identity, questioning when meaning-making occurs. The conversation also addresses societal pressures on body image and diet culture, revealing the tension between personal integrity and external expectations. Moss reflects on nature's influence in her journey towards self-acceptance, providing profound insights into vulnerability and storytelling.
Nov 1, 2024 • 1h 1min
Exploring Hilary Mantel's memoir with Jillian Hess
What’s to be done with the lost, the dead, but write them into being?’So writes Hilary Mantel in her extraordinary memoir, Giving Up the Ghost. First published in 2003, it offers a snapshot of the great writer before the Wolf Hall era: a literary, if not commercial, success, and a fragile soul with a dark, scuttling imagination. Katherine was joined by Jillian Hess of the brilliant Noted Substack to explore this wonderful book. They discussed the way that Mantel captures her childhood and family, her relationship to her body and the endometriosis that assailed it, the way she talks about writing, and - of course, given that it’s Halloween week - those ambiguous ghosts.Katherine's book, Enchantment, is available now: US/CAN and UKLinks from the episode:Jillian's Substack, NotedHilary Mantel’s book, Giving Up The GhostJoin Katherine's Substack for a free reading guide, video recordings and transcriptsFind show notes and transcripts for every episode by visiting Katherine's website.Follow Katherine on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
