The Two Of Us

Jasmine reads from her new poetry collection 'Inheritance' published by Bad Betty Press. We had a deep and inspiring conversation about the role writing and reading played in her life as a child and teenager. She talks about her work as a psychotherapist and why she sees the sessions she has with her clients as a freeform improvised poem. Jasmine reads some beautiful poems from her book, and talks about her current daily poetry practice and how it relates to play.   Bio: Jasmine Cooray is a poet, psychotherapist and facilitator. After spending her 20s oversharing on London's poetry circuit, she had the opportunity to deliver creative writing projects for The Barbican, The Southbank Centre, First Story, the National Literacy Trust and Arvon. She has also been a WOW Festival speaker, BBC Performing Arts Fellow, and Writer-in-Residence at the National University of Singapore. Her debut poetry collection ‘Inheritance' was published with Bad Betty Press in November 2023 and received a Poetry Book Society Recommendation. You can find Jasmine on instagram Inheritance can be bought from: Bad Betty Press Poetry Book Society Waterstones   Show host - Naomi Woddis Music and production : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg

Destiny shares their poetry, their experience of being a model, a poet, and their non-binary identity. We share mental health toolkits and more.  Find Destiny on Instagram. Show host - Naomi Woddis Music and production : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg

Novelist Ronali Collings talks about her new book ‘Love and Other Dramas'. We talk about the inspiration for the novel - development of character, the value and enjoyment to be gleaned from commercial fiction. Ronali talks about the changes in her life that led to her becoming a published writer and discussed why as a women of colour it is so important to tell multiple stories rather than stick to one perceived and narrow narrative. We also chatted about building confidence and the ability to take constructive constriction to better our work.  Ronali on Twitter  Ronali on Instagram  CW: Fertility treatment Show host - Naomi Woddis Music and production : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg

Naomi has an in-depth conversation with Elijah Kellman who has a background in health psychology and is currently working in social prescribing. There's so much to enjoy and learn in this interview including the different experiences of health provision (especially mental health provision), patient and health practitioner interaction, and the acknowledgement of invisible power.   Elijah talks about death, grief and the possibility of reframing difficult experiences. He shares his wisdom about the heightened emotional state providing illumination, and the value of interruption.  Elijah on instagram.  Show host - Naomi Woddis Music and production : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg

Psychotherapist, artist and lifelong learner Gosia Miernik talks about the value of lived experience. In this fascinating discussion we talk about family constellations and what can be learnt from inherited family patterns. She shares her journey to becoming a psychotherapist and how art-making can be a process of revelation. Gosia on instagram Show host - Naomi Woddis Music and production : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg

Painter, maker and business owner Heidi Spring talks about how she makes her intricate paintings, creates magic through installing decor for events, the joy and mindfulness in making, as well as how she motivates herself in the trickier moments. Heidi Spring's Instagram and website. UpCycle Deco on Instagram and website.  Show host - Alba Frederick  Music and production : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg

In a fascinating conversation poet and bell-ringer Annie Brechin and Naomi talk about prayer, fidelity, bell-ringing, the church and her management of long term depression. In this unflinching and honest interview Annie opens up about her childhood experience of mental health. She reads from her new book ‘The Mouth of Eulalie' and talks about exploring eco-poetics. You can buy Annie's book here.  Find Annie on twitter and  instagram. Show host - Naomi Woddis  Music and production : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg

Audio engineer and electronic music producer Josh Hutton AKA ‘Patient Zero' talks openly about the recent loss of a mutual friend, loneliness, mindfulness, finding therapy, moving through unhealthy habits and making electronic music.   Find Josh's EP Bandcamp. Josh on Instagram Show host - Alba Frederick   Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg

In a fascinating interview artist, curator and workshop facilitator Zara Carpenter talks about using colour for emotional healing, courage and protection. Zara has fibromyalgia and talks about living with the unpredictability of a chronic pain condition, the frustration and anger that goes with it and how making work has helped hugely in managing this pain.  Zara's website Zara on instagram @zaracarpenter Show host - Naomi Woddis  Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg  

Viral comedian, content creator, writer and actor Lola Jagun talks about her journey into being a full-time creative. We talk about the joy and challenges of her work and how she got an agent. We discuss 'the slap', the importance of being kind, and her part in Drunk history: Black stories. Find Lola on Twitter and Instagram Show host - Alba Frederick  Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg  

Artist and ambassador for Arts 4 Dementia, Natalia Millman, talks about her ongoing project ‘Grief Letter', becoming a mother and the impact this has had on her creativity and gaining confidence as an artist. We talked in detail about dementia and anticipatory grief. Natalia also shares about her process - a must listen for any artist and why she is excited about collaborating with other artists.  Natalia on Instagram  Natalia's website  CW: Dementia, death of a parent  Show host - Naomi Woddis  Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg

Artist and psychotherapist Jessica Mitchell talks about bodily and psychological transformation with age and discovering her artistic self. We discuss her collaboration with photographer Diogo Duarte - the book ‘Sour-Puss: The Opera', what it means to ‘come out' in multiple ways and how chaos shows up and informs the artistic process. To buy this wonderful book please message Jessica or Diogo on instagram. Jessica on instagram  Diogo on instagram Show host - Naomi Woddis  Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg            

Creative soul Catherine Frederick talks to niece Alba about the many threads of creativity in her life. They discuss her love of storytelling, living a life with many layers of creative interests, grief and creativity, and the influence of family on creativity. The chat begins with a short guided meditation.   You can watch her theatre performance 'Til our dying day' here.  Show host - Alba Frederick Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg  

Poet, activist, musician, educator  and tarot reader Zena Edwards discusses advocacy, activism, climate change and creativity. The interview is led by a shared tarot reading. Zena explores the symbolism of the Queen of Swords and what this means in terms of social justice. Zena pulls cards from the Tower of the Abyss Tarot and Naomi from Modern Witch Tarot. Twitter  and Instagram Show host - Naomi Woddis Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg

An extensive and far reaching chat with poet and TS Elliot prize nominee Daniel Sluman. Daniel talks about disability identity, love and vulnerability, and his love of watching Mixed Martial Arts. He reads a beautiful extract from his book Single Window. twitter.com/danielsluman CW: Cancer, antidepressant withdrawal Show host - Naomi Woddis Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg   CW: Cancer, antidepressant withdrawal.

In this episode, multidisciplinary artist Laura Greenway speaks openly about her multiple mental health diagnoses, her process of art-making, and how her art and experiences of mental health challenges go hand-in-hand. She also describes her journey into working in monochrome and how her performance art began.  CW: Medical trauma as a result of incorrect diagnosis as a child.   We discuss her first performance piece which you can view here. Laura on Instagram. Coming up to Christmas 2021, we'd like to share Sarah Millican's resource which you can get involved with on Twitter, the #JoinIn campaign  Show host - Alba Frederick  Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music - Gavin O'Brien - Citóg

Poet Karen McCarthy Woolf is the author of  An Aviary of Small Birds  and Seasonal Disturbances. In a meaningful interview Karen reflects on the death of her baby son Otto. We discuss transcendence, devotion and her lifelong love of music and dancing. She reads her poem ‘Argument' and we talk about making an impact and the permission to rage.  Karen on Instagram Website CW: Child loss, Grief  Show host - Naomi Woddis Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg  

Visual artist, Artistic Director at Free Space Project, and lecturer Antonia Attwood talks about growing up with a mother with Bipolar Disorder and how their emotionally open relationship has given her the permission to be open and vulnerable with her emotions and mental health. She talks about how making art has supported her mental health and allowed her to explore it, including her upcoming work ‘Broken, Not Broken'. Find Antonia on Instagram here CW: Bipolar Disorder, Mental Illness  Show host - Alba Frederick  Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg  

A fascinating interview and essential listen. Artist and creative director Alicia Campbell talks about her dynamic new project ‘Queen of Pain' decolonising the artistic process, her experience of living in chronic pain and the importance of authoring one's one narrative. Queen of Pain online Alicia on instagram CW: Chronic pain, suicidal ideation  Show host - Naomi Woddis Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg  

Poet, journalist and educator Alan Chazaro talks about changing his profession from high school teacher to full time writer, how poetry has helped him define his identity as a Mexican-American from the Bay Area and the early relationships that have shaped him. He also shares two powerful poems from The Piñata Theory.  Alan's website Find Alan on Instagram and Twitter   He reads two poems from ‘Piñata Theory' Show host - Alba Frederick  Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg

In this deeply intimate and courageous interview interdisciplinary artist Leon Clowes talks about early childhood trauma and the impact on his life and art. Leon shares the experience of being brought up by his grandparents and not finding out who his father was until he was in his 40's. His project ‘Nan Kids' explores kinship care in more detail. Find Leon on Instagram 4th-10th October is Kinship Care week     CW: Adoption, trauma, addiction, sexual violence, family secrets  Show host - Naomi Woddis Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg

London-based textile artist Gina Morton shares her experience of art school, how making art has helped her connect with her mother and understand her mother's mental illness. She also talks about the support of being part of the  ‘Luna Artist Collective' and her upcoming show at ‘The Other Art Fair'. Gina's Instagram Show host - Alba Frederick Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg

Naomi and Kate Codrington have a in-depth chat about the menopause, the opportunity to resolve lifelong issues and why all roads lead to the safety and sanctity of vulnerability and tenderness. Kate's book ‘Second Spring' is being published by Harper Collins in February 2022. You can find Kate on instagram here Show host - Naomi Woddis Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg  

Megan Elizabeth Taylor Hogg is visual artist, new mother, Art Psychotherapist trainee and lecturer based in Edinburgh. We discuss her becoming a mum, our dead mums, art's power to heal, and how Megan's artwork has had to shift with her new life.  Megan's website. Megan on Instagram and Twitter. Show host - Alba Frederick Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg

Angela Alberto Heartwise Woman talks about her fascinating work as a death midwife, anti-diet work, what it means to fully surrender to what our bodies are asking for and how liberating that can be.  Show host - Naomi Woddis Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg

Poet, translator, critic, tutor and poetry mentor Katrina Naomi escaping a difficult home life when she was young, her life changing poetic journey and how important moving to Cornwall has been for both her physical and mental health.  Katrina on Twitter  Show host - Naomi Woddis Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg

For the 100th episode The Two of us show hosts Naomi Woddis and Alba Frederick have a freewheeling conversation about the history of the show, visions for the future and why exploring the links between creativity, mental health and emotional well-being is so important to both of them.  Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg

Performance and video artist Paula Varjack talks about her creative process, entertainment and discomfort, the audience as a collective and the importance of inviting new ways of seeing and thinking. She also shares her experience of being an outsider, her grief journey and a new relationship to gardening.  Paula on social media - Twitter  and Instagram  Show host - Naomi Woddis Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg  

Performance artist, educator and fitness instructor Kat François talks about the power of words and creativity in her life, the process of grieving, and her Adenomyosis diagnosis. CW: Grief, Diagnosis of Adenomyosis Kat's fitness page Show host - Alba Frederick Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg

Poet Jill Abram talks about how discovering the poetry community meant finding 'her people'. She talks about loneliness and why lockdown has been hard for her as an extrovert.  Jill on Twitter Show host - Naomi Woddis Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O'Brien - Citóg

Artist and 'Floopers creator' bitsifind talks about body acceptance, her art journey, and how art has helped her through an abusive relationship.  CW: Domestic abuse  Referenced links:  Bath image by bitsifind Trauma bonding by bitsifind Song mentioned: All I want by Kodaline At your own pace: by Nicole Chui Show host - Alba Frederick  Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O’Brien - Citóg

Writer Courttia Newland talks about his writing process, coming of age in the 1980’s and his experience of writing for Steve McQueen’s Small Axe series. He reads from his astounding new novel A River Called Time.  CW: Experience of racism Show host - Naomi Woddis Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O’Brien - Citóg

Mental Health and Wellbeing Creative Practitioner Deborah Porter shares her process of art journaling and how fundamental it has been to her mental health. She talks about her recovery journey from alcoholism and bulimia as well as her work in community as a creative facilitator. CW: Addiction recovery, eating disorders, pet loss. You can find Deborah on twitter, instagram and facebook. Show host - Naomi Woddis Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O’Brien - Citóg

Syd Langton of Langton Taxidermy talks about her journey into taxidermy, her motivation and love of nature, and navigating life during lockdown.  Syd on Facebook CW: the process of taxidermy, death of brother. Show host - Alba Frederick Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O’Brien - Citóg

  Naomi talks to photographic artist Rachel Wright about her relationship to nature and change, her breast cancer journey and the inspiration provided by collaborating with other artists. CW: Breast cancer  Show host - Naomi Woddis  Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O’Brien - Citóg  

Poet and writer Jordan Paunova talks about her relationship to creativity and gender identity, her experience of adoption and self harm and shares poetry from her recent collection and a new piece. Jordan on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram CW: Talk of self harm and suicidal thoughts and attempts. Show host - Alba Frederick Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O’Brien - Citóg  

Poet Denise Saul talks about being a carer for her late mother who had aphasia, and the poetry that arose from their shared experience of this. She shares some profound new work from her forthcoming collection. CW: Death of a parent Denise Saul on Twitter Show host - Naomi Woddis Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music - Hoh Harph by Lobo Loco on Free Music Archive

Alba and Patrizia discuss writing in both English and Italian, Patrizia's research in her poetry, her adoption, discovering the Latinx community, and lots more! Plus, she reads a couple of poetry gems too! Un Nuevo Sol - the book we mention and in which she features Patrizia on Twitter Show host - Alba Frederick Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music - Hoh Harph by Lobo Loco on Free Music Archive

In a fearlessly honest interview writer Shelley Silas shares how running and cold swimming have made a huge impact on her mental health, and how fitness is an essential part of her self care. We discuss building resilience, grief and the joys of having a kitten.  CW: Suicide, depression and cancer Show host - Naomi Woddis Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music - Hoh Harph by Lobo Loco on Free Music Archive

Artist Terence Wilde takes us through a journey of authentic expression and the personal and vulnerable space that their art takes up.  Show hosts - Naomi Woddis/Alba Frederick Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O’Brien - Citóg  

Mara Glatzel talks about appreciating and accepting the whole self and the challenges of self-care when one becomes a new parent.  In this special edition series, ‘The Two of Us SHORTS’, Naomi Woddis and Alba Frederick conduct interviews exploring the impact the worldwide pandemic has had on creativity and mental health.  Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O’Brien - Citóg  

Emma Morgan author of A Love Story for Bewildered Girls chats taking morning walks, writing as sanctuary and keeping the flow going from her dream world in to waking life. Show hosts - Naomi Woddis/Alba Frederick Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O’Brien - Citóg  

Podcaster and all-round creative Sheree Mack discusses the power of creativity to work through trauma and her relationship with nature and its power to heal. Show hosts - Naomi Woddis/Alba Frederick Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O’Brien - Citóg  

Poet and podcaster Mr Gee shares his wisdom on freedom, spirituality and finding ways to celebrate who we are.  Show hosts - Naomi Woddis/Alba Frederick Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O’Brien - Citóg  

Cultural producer and visual artist Ruth Sutoye talks about her magnificent project Bald Black Girls,  and the ways in which she cares for herself emotionally. Show hosts - Naomi Woddis/Alba Frederick Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O’Brien - Citóg      

Writer and Jerwood Arts Poetry Fellow Associate, Hafsah Aneela Bashir, talks about her response to the global pandemic and her dynamic interactive project, Poetry Health Service.  Show hosts - Naomi Woddis/Alba Frederick Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O’Brien - Citóg  

Artist Roelof Bakker talks about his self-reflective art practice, his decision to move to England at the age of 19, his current work as a response to the global pandemic, a discussion of his book Unprocessed and Naomi’s own experience of seeing this image when she was young. Show hosts - Naomi Woddis/Alba Frederick Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O’Brien - Citóg  

Poet and publisher, Jane Commane, talks about her relationship to place, how wildness exists in her poetry and what dogs can teach us about the undefinable mysteries of being alive. Show hosts - Naomi Woddis/Alba Frederick Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O’Brien - Citóg  

Poet Tshaka shares some moving beautiful writing and talks about the inevitability and fruits of change. Show hosts - Naomi Woddis/Alba Frederick Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O’Brien - Citóg  

Michelle Rodrigues talks about how her art-making has helped her to process complex feelings including imposter syndrome.  Show hosts - Naomi Woddis/Alba Frederick Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O’Brien - Citóg  

Dean Atta talks about his journey with drag, the layers of meaning in what we choose to wear, teaching and his YA novel ‘The Black Flamingo’ Show hosts - Naomi Woddis/Alba Frederick Originally broadcast on Reel Rebels Radio Music : Gavin O’Brien - Citóg