The Southwark Cathedral Podcast

Southwark Cathedral

Welcome to the Southwark Cathedral podcast. Hosted by members of the Southwark Cathedral team, each episode delves into an area of our mission and opens up a side of our work beyond the pulpit.

  1. JAN 30

    Episode 12 | From Tragedy to Transformation: Jo Berry on Choosing Peace Over Hatred

    In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, the Dean interviews Jo Berry, who shares her incredible journey of reconciliation and peacebuilding following the murder of her father, a Conservative MP, in the 1984 Brighton Hotel bombing. Jo discusses her vow to bring something positive out of her father's death, her meeting with Patrick Magee, the man responsible for planting the bomb, and the ongoing efforts of her charity, Building Bridges for Peace. The conversation also explores the broader themes of empathy, humanity, and the importance of creating a world where conflicts are resolved without violence. Jo's story is a powerful testament to the potential for transformation and healing, even in the face of profound trauma. 00:00 Introduction to the Southwark Cathedral Podcast 00:11 Jo Berry's Story 02:12 The Journey of Reconciliation Begins 05:05 Meeting Patrick McGee 11:14 The Impact of Reconciliation 14:32 Reflections on Peace and Violence 31:22 Building Bridges for Peace 33:48 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    38 min

  2. 12/19/2025

    The World Needs More Poetry | Anna Rastelli on "In the Bleak Midwinter" by Christina Rossetti

    In this episode of The World Needs More Poetry on the Southwark Cathedral podcast the Dean is joined by Anna Rastelli, a writer, poet, theatre director, and a staff member at Southwark Cathedral. Anna discusses her role at the Cathedral and how she has organized queer poetry evenings to create a safe, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals. The conversation then shifts to a seasonal poem, 'In the Bleak Midwinter' by Christina Rossetti, which Anna reads and analyzes. Anna shares her admiration for Rossetti's work, noting its blend of gothic and Christian themes, and reflects on the poem's deeper messages of humility and giving one's heart. The discussion touches on Rossetti's life, her crisis of faith, and her contributions to literature. Anna also speaks about the challenges and values of the younger generation, the importance of community in churches, and the enduring relevance of Rossetti's poetry.

    28 min

  3. 11/28/2025

    Episode 11| A Safe Haven: Inside the Cathedral's Commitment to Safeguarding

    In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, Canon Kathryn Fleming and newly appointed Cathedral Safeguarding Officer Neil Morter discuss the critical role of safeguarding within the cathedral. The conversation highlights the necessity of maintaining and enhancing safeguarding measures, particularly in light of the upcoming audit covering all dioceses and cathedrals in the Church of England. Neil shares insights into his responsibilities, the importance of community involvement, and the positive reception he has received from the Cathedral community. Additionally, they emphasize that safeguarding is a collective responsibility, providing various training opportunities to ensure everyone is prepared to contribute. The discussion also touches on the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by the cathedral as a public and inclusive space. Overall, safeguarding is portrayed as a vital, ongoing commitment to ensure the well-being and safety of all members and visitors of the cathedral.

    15 min

  4. 10/02/2025

    The World Needs More Poetry | Helen Smee, Director of Music

    In the latest episode of our 'The World Needs More Poetry,' series, the Dean is joined by our new Director of Music, Helen Smee. Helen talks about her musical background, her family's artistic influences, and her roots in London, leading to her roles in Cambridge, London, and Oxford before returning to Southwark. She shares her deep connections with the Cathedral and her passion for her current role. Helen discusses her feelings about poetry, comparing its depth to music and other art forms. The conversation delves into the selected poem 'The Holy Communion' by Henry Vaughan, analyzing its themes, structure, and musical adaptations. Helen articulates her love for metaphysical poets like Vaughan and their influence on modern composers.

    35 min

  5. 09/25/2025

    Episode 10 | The Dean in Conversation with Manni Coe on Rebuilding a Life

    In the latest episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, the Dean, Mark Oakley, interviews Manni Coe, on his recently published memoir, Little Ruins: Rebuilding a Life which delves into topics like suicide, sexual abuse, and addiction. Manni shares personal stories about his upbringing in Yorkshire and Berkshire, his relationship with his brother Reuben, who has Down's syndrome, and how he built a life in the Spanish countryside.   Manni recounts finding a volunteer's body on his land, his own childhood abuse by a vicar, and the healing journey that followed. He also reflects on his strained relationship with his faith, the forgiveness he extended to his father, and his experiences with mental health. The dialogue emphasizes community, support, and the importance of confronting and healing from past traumas.   Copies of Manni's new book, Little Ruins: Rebuilding a Life can be purchased from the Cathedral Shop.

    54 min

  6. 09/05/2025

    Episode 9 | What are the Psalms?

    The Dean recently gave a talk on ‘What are the Psalms?’ Listen now to explore what the psalms are, when and why they were written, and how they speak to our faith today. For those who wish to read more on this subject, the following books are recommended: Charlie Bell: Searched Me Out and Known Me John L. Bell: Living with the Psalms Walter Brueggemann: Spirituality of the Psalms Walter Brueggemann: Praying the Psalms Pula Gooder: Journalling the Psalms – A Guide for Reflection and Prayer CS Lewis: Reflections on the Psalms   You might also like to watch three talks on Youtube by Walter Brueggemann called ‘The Psalms: The Hard Road from Obedience to Praise’.

    29 min

  7. 09/05/2025

    The World Needs More Poetry | Dame Mary Beard on Homer's The Odyssey

    The latest podcast in our ‘The World Needs More Poetry’ series is a conversation between the Dean and Dame Mary Beard on her chosen poem ‘The Odyssey’ by Homer. Mary Beard is very well known as a Classicist and as a popular broadcaster and writer. In their dialogue together, we hear about the origin of the Odyssey, its main characters and themes, and are left to explore questions about the nature of heroism, the complications of returning home, of becoming an adult, and of understanding power.

    32 min

  8. 07/04/2025

    Episode 8 | The Truth About Modern Slavery with Emily Kenway

    We recently hosted writer and activist Emily Kenway to give a talk aboout her first book, The Truth About Modern Slavery. Throughout the evening Emily addressed modern slavery, and its misrepresentation in political and cultural narratives. Kenway, an advisor to the UK's first anti-slavery commissioner, emphasises the difference between the real experiences of victims and the stories shaped for political motives. She discusses the conditions that foster exploitation, the misuse of the term 'modern slavery,' and how systemic issues like weak labour rights, poor regulation, and political convenience contribute to it. Emily uses examples like car washes, nail bars, and supply chains to illustrate inconsistent attitudes towards labour exploitation. She advocates for addressing systemic issues rather than focusing on sensationalized rescue efforts, stressing the need to understand and tackle the root causes of exploitation.

    45 min
See All (17)

About

Welcome to the Southwark Cathedral podcast. Hosted by members of the Southwark Cathedral team, each episode delves into an area of our mission and opens up a side of our work beyond the pulpit.

Information

  • Creator
    Southwark Cathedral
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Southwark Cathedral Podcast

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