Between the Leaves is a feminist poetry podcast curated and hosted by award-winning Mununjali Yugambeh poet Ellen van Neerven, author of Throat (2019); and Hermina Burns, poet and author of two poetry collections, Bite of a Bluebottle and Against Separation Creek (2019).

In each episode, Ellen and Hermina illuminate poems written by women and the gender diverse, as well as their own original works, moving through themes like love, race and feminism.

Between the Leaves is proudly presented by the Victorian Women’s Trust. Thank you for listening.

Ep 1. Work

Hosts Ellen van Neerven and Hermina Burns share a selection of poems that pay homage to the work that women and gender diverse people do, the hidden histories of unpaid labour, and the real meaning of work.

Featuring poems from Maya Angelou, Dr. Jeanine Leane, Rebecca Elson as well as co-hosts Ellen van Neerven and Hermina Burns own work.

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Ep 2. Nurturing

Hosts Ellen van Neerven and Hermina Burns share a selection of poems on the nurturing power of daily love, comfort food and family ties.

Featuring poems from Kirli Saunders, Elizabeth Alexander, Candy Royalle, Anne Elder as well as co-hosts Ellen van Neerven and Hermina Burns own work.

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Ep 3. Race

Hosts Ellen and Hermina read a range of poems that go to the heart of race, identity and belonging.

Featuring poems from Eunice Andrada, Aunty Kuracca Kerry Reed-Gilbert, Lisa Bellear as well as co-hosts Ellen van Neerven and Hermina Burns own work.

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Ep 4. Body

Hosts Ellen and Hermina on poems that explore the contested space that is the body; how it’s seen, represented and experienced.

Featuring poems from Lesbia Harford, Grace Nichols, Elizabeth Campbell, Robin M. Eames as well as co-hosts Ellen van Neerven and Hermina Burns own work.

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Ep. 5 Feminism

Hosts Ellen and Hermina share a selection of poems exploring feminism, gender and intersectionality. Special guest: Maxine Beneba Clarke.

Featuring poems from Maxine Beneba Clarke, Joshua Jennifer Espinoza, Mary Gilmore, Josie Arnold as well as co-hosts Ellen van Neerven and Hermina Burns own work.

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Ep 6. Love

Poems on love, desire and loss selected by Ellen van Neerven and Hermina Burns. Special guest: Andrea Goldsmith.

The poems selected are about love. Some also touch on the grief we feel when we lose a loved one. One poem in particular is about the loss of a child. If this raises any issues for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit our website for a full list of support services.

Featuring poems from Dorothy Porter, Judith Wright, Emily Dickinson, Josie Arnold as well as co-hosts Ellen van Neerven and Hermina Burns own work.

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Ep 7. Violence

Hosts Ellen and Hermina share a selection of poems exploring racial, gendered and political violence.

If this episode raises any issues for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit our website for a full list of support services.

Featuring poems from Anna Akhmatova, Franny Choi, Mary Fullerton, Antigone Kefala as well as co-hosts Ellen van Neerven and Hermina Burns own work.

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Ep 8. The Natural World

Hosts Ellen and Hermina share a selection of poems exploring place, country and the natural world.

Featuring poems from Mary Oliver, Kirli Saunders, Emily Dickinson, Gabriela Mistral, Loula Rodopoulos as well as co-hosts Ellen van Neerven and Hermina Burns own work.

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