The Clearing with Katherine May

The ADHD and autistic tendency to rest in motion is fully realised in American author and illustrator Andy J. Pizza’s vision of the ideal retreat. Choosing an extraordinary fictional setting which incorporates an ingenious method of travelling the world, this episode showcases the wonder of a brilliantly creative, neurodivergent brain. Along the way, and with many fascinating tangents, Andy and Katherine discuss the power of Miyazake films, their shared love of Fraggle Rock and longing for direction from the universe. A meticulously thought out and fully realised world that accommodates his own personal experience of ADHD, Andy unveils the most beautifully zany and imaginative dreamscape. An absolute treat.LinksAndy’s website where you can find his booksAndy’s InstagramAndy’s Creative Peptalk podcast Mentioned in the showFraggle RockLast of the Summer Wine WikiThe Master and his Emissary book about left and right brainThe Little PrinceVisit The Clearing website www.theclearingpod.com for a full transcript and 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 WebsiteProduction CreditsGuest Booker and Admin Support - Meghan HutchinsSubstack Manager - Rebecca ArmstrongProducer - Alice LloydMusic - The Leaf Library @theleaflibrary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

In this episode Katherine chats to Laura Pashby, author of the incredible book Chasing Fog and master of ethereal photography, about her vision for the perfect retreat when things get tough. A magical dreamscape unfurls of a fog-bound lighthouse on an island in the Arctic circle; a liminal space filled with books and a favourite painting which acts as a portal through which Laura can step whenever she needs to escape. The perfect, escapist listen for anyone needing to give their mind and body a fleeting moment of rest and retreat.Laura’s LinksLaura's website where you can buy her book Chasing FogLaura's Instagram Things mentioned in the episodeThe Light Alone Instagram  Hammershoi's Interior, Sunlight on the Floor paintingVisit 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 WebsiteProduction CreditsGuest Booker and Admin Support - Meghan HutchinsSubstack Manager - Rebecca ArmstrongProducer - Alice LloydMusic - The Leaf Library @theleaflibrary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kate Fox, a celebrated poet and writer known for her work on Radio 4's The Verb, delves into the power of poetry on National Poetry Day. She shares her new book, On Sycamore Gap, reflecting on a beloved tree that was vandalized, uniting the community in shared grief and resilience. The discussion navigates themes of loss, cultural heritage, and the intersection of nature and narrative, emphasizing how poetry can bridge connections and foster healing in challenging times.

Oliver Burkeman, a subversive author in the self-help genre, joins Katherine May to discuss his new book, Meditations for Mortals. They explore how embracing our imperfections and limitations can lead to greater acceptance and fulfillment. Burkeman shares insights on navigating mental health, emphasizing the importance of self-kindness and flexibility in personal growth. He challenges conventional notions of productivity and mortality, urging listeners to savor life’s moments rather than constantly seek thrills.

This month, Katherine spoke to Lucy Jones about Matrescence, her book about the profound changes wrought by pregnancy and birth. Combining the biological, the social and the political with exquisite writing, this is a radical revision of a subject veiled in forced cosiness and obfuscation. Lucy's frankness and curiosity - her utter realness - are an absolute balm for anyone who’s navigated the very particular environment of contemporary western maternity, whether that contact has been personal or at one remove. It helps us to understand why pregnancy feels like such a hinterland, and also why it doesn’t need to be this way. Katherine's book, Enchantment, is available now: US/CAN and UKLinks from the episode:Lucy's InstagramLucy's websiteLucy’s book, MatrescenceJoin 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.