The Clearing with Katherine May
Self-Improvement
About
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 s...
Episodes
- Jeffrey Boakye’s city path to peace
Jeffrey Boakye discusses his experience finding peace in London, hobbies, and lessons from Groundhog Day. He shares insights on skateboarding and appreciating mundane moments.
- Jackie Morris & Robert Macfarlane ‘dream of nest’
Jackie Morris and Robert Macfarlane, known for their collaborations like "The Lost Words," share their different viewpoints on rest. Robert envisions a bird-filled landscape, while Jackie imagines a journey on a sentient ship.
- Season Two Trailer
Katherine May presents the new season of The Clearing. This season will focus on visions of rest and retreat and feature various guests. More information is available on The Clearing website.
- Carissa Potter’s hot springs artist retreat
Illustrator and author Carissa Potter joins Katherine May to discuss the challenges of finding rest while acting as a caregiver. They also explore perspectives on political tolerance, the label of evil, and Potter’s ideal artist retreat at…
- Elissa Altman on the beauty of impermanence
In this episode, author and speaker Elissa Altman joins Katherine May to discuss themes of trauma, family, the need for rest, and the beauty of impermanence. They also touch upon topics including re-reading books and reflections on the wor…
- Jen Hatmaker’s escape from the hate lane
Jen Hatmaker joins Katherine May to discuss her personal journey navigating divorce and leaving the evangelical church. They explore the lessons learned from these challenges and the importance of finding comfort in life's transitions.
- Daisy Buchanan’s Swiss mountain glamour
Author Daisy Buchanan joins Katherine May to discuss themes including neurodivergence, reiki, and literary interests. The conversation also explores an imagined, glamorous retreat at a Swiss chalet.
- Poorna Bell’s New Zealand vista
Journalist and author Poorna Bell joins host Katherine May to discuss her personal approach to finding joy in everyday moments and the value of unstructured time. They reflect on the significance of simple pleasures and Bell’s personal phi…
- Emma Gannon’s year of desert rest
Author Emma Gannon joins Katherine May to discuss her experience with burnout, the value of downtime, and her journey from living to work to prioritizing rest. She also shares her affinity for The Hermit card in Tarot and her ideal, readin…
- Mike Sowden’s island of curiosity
Writer Mike Sowden joins Katherine May in Corfu to discuss moving away from the concept of escape in favor of running toward life with curiosity. They explore finding creativity in discomfort, the importance of connecting with the seasons,…
- Season One Interlude
The Clearing podcast is taking a short break. Host Katherine May previews upcoming listener-led bonus content and announces the return next week with a new guest. Information on transcripts and ad-free listening is available on The Clearin…
- Ece Temelkuran’s landscape of belonging
Writer Ece Temelkuran joins Katherine May to discuss her experience of exile, the "winter of humanity," and finding hope through small, everyday comforts. They explore how she navigates belonging and healing after leaving her home country.
- Kaitlin Curtice’s sanctuary of the subconscious
Author and Potawatomi citizen Kaitlin Curtice joins Katherine May to discuss her personal retreat, the practice of deep listening, ancestral presence, and the significance of aging. Their conversation centers on finding stillness and uncov…
- Martha Beck and Rowan Mangan on the magic of communing with every living thing
Katherine May hosts Martha Beck and Rowan Mangan to discuss life, death, consciousness, and the experiences of living as neurodivergent individuals. They explore topics ranging from spirituality and shamanism to the unique perspectives of…
- Melissa Hemsley’s calm chaos
Chef and cookery writer Melissa Hemsley joins Katherine May to describe her imaginative, ideal escape landscape. They discuss her vision of a calm and controlled environment that helps alleviate the anxiety of her daily life.
- Sam Baker on the challenges of letting go
Writer and former magazine editor Sam Baker discusses her personal challenges with resting, letting go of internal chatter, and her unique perspectives on escape and downtime. The conversation explores her preference for busy-ness and the…
- Andy J. Pizza’s magical, moving ADHD landscape
Katherine May speaks with author and illustrator Andy J. Pizza about his imaginative dreamscape and personal experience of ADHD. They explore the influence of film, television, and literature on his creative process and his vision for an i…
- Oliver Burkeman’s art of the non-retreat
Katherine May speaks with Oliver Burkeman about his unique perspective on rest and retreat, drawing from his book 'Four Thousand Weeks'. The conversation touches on creating a meaningful life, using AI creatively, and exploring spiritual i…
- Laura Pashby's lighthouse at the end of the world
Katherine May interviews author Laura Pashby about her concept for an ideal retreat, a fog-bound lighthouse in the Arctic circle, serving as a dreamlike escape. The episode explores this magical, liminal space filled with books and art.
- Cariad Lloyd’s mossy, mythical retreat
Katherine May's new podcast, The Clearing, debuts with guest Cariad Lloyd discussing a dream retreat inspired by nature, mythical creatures, and literary worlds. The episode emphasizes the importance of dreaming of hope and rest amidst unc…
- Introducing The Clearing
Katherine May introduces her new podcast, The Clearing. The series features conversations with writers and creatives about their chosen places of rest and retreat, and the objects or art that sustain them through difficult times.
- Sarah Moss on memory and meaning-making
Katherine May interviews author Sarah Moss about her memoir, "My Good Bright Wolf." They discuss Moss's childhood, family dynamics, and her experiences with an eating disorder, focusing on how memory and the process of making meaning from…
- Exploring Hilary Mantel's memoir with Jillian Hess
Katherine May and Jillian Hess discuss Hilary Mantel's memoir, 'Giving Up the Ghost,' exploring themes of childhood, illness, writing, and ghostly apparitions.
- Kate Fox on the potential and power of poetry
Katherine May speaks with Kate Fox about Fox's new book,
- Oliver Burkeman on mortality, acceptance and imperfectionism
Katherine May interviews Oliver Burkeman about his book Meditations for Mortals. Burkeman discusses subverting the self-help genre by urging readers to accept imperfections and limitations rather than focusing on unrealistic capacity for c…
- Lucy Jones on matrescence, maternal myths and transformation
Katherine May interviews Lucy Jones about her book 'Matrescence,' which examines the biological, social, and political transformations associated with pregnancy and birth. The discussion delves into the often-obscured realities of contempo…
- Daniel Tammet on real autistic lives
Katherine May interviews Daniel Tammet about his book "Nine Minds: Inner Lives on the Spectrum." They discuss his experiences with synaesthesia, how he was treated in the past, and his persistence in asserting himself as a thinker and writ…
- Tom Newlands on writing neurodivergence with a light touch
Katherine May interviews Tom Newlands about his debut novel, Only Here, Only Now. They discuss the novel's female protagonist, Cora, its 1990s Scotland setting, and its approach to writing about neurodivergence.
- Samantha Irby on being a person
In this episode of The Clearing, Katherine May speaks with Samantha Irby about rediscovering one's body after lockdown, the complexities of pet affection, and writing candidly about personal struggles. They also touch upon Irby's contribut…
- Camille T. Dungy on unearthing histories
This episode of The Clearing features Camille T. Dungy discussing her book Soil, which examines gardens as political gestures, acts of resistance, and assertions of belonging. They explore how gardens can represent social control and confo…
- Kaitlin Curtice on resisting with integrity
Kaitlin Curtice joins Katherine May on The Clearing to discuss her book, Living Resistance. They explore how to engage in activism with integrity and sustainability, drawing from Curtice's perspective as an Indigenous American.
- Erica Berry on the meaning of wolves
Erica Berry joins Katherine May on The Clearing to discuss Berry's book "Wolfish." The conversation delves into the complex symbolism of wolves in Western culture, contrasting traditional predatory interpretations with Berry's perspective…
- Dacher Keltner on awe, humility and purpose
This episode features Dacher Keltner discussing his research on the emotion of awe, exploring its connection to feelings of smallness within a vast universe, and its potential to foster positive actions. Keltner and host Katherine May delv…
- Marjolijn van Heemstra on the overview effect
Marjolijn van Heemstra explores the "overview effect," a phenomenon where viewing Earth from space inspires an ethical shift and sense of planetary guardianship. She argues that this perspective can be cultivated on Earth to foster better…
- Amy Jeffs on ancient stories and new understandings
This episode of The Clearing features art historian Amy Jeffs discussing folklore and its connection to national identity and ethics. They explore ancient stories and medieval Britain, considering what these tales reveal about contemporary…
- Báyò Akómoláfé on fugitive ideas
Katherine May interviews author Báyò Akómoláfé about challenging human-centric views of the planet, exploring ecological intelligence, and creating new language around neurodivergent experiences, touching on autism and disruptive figures c…
- Kerri ní Dochartaigh on the mystical everyday
This episode features Kerri ní Dochartaigh discussing her book "Cacophony of Bone," focusing on everyday mysticism, perception, and encountering the sacred. They also touch upon the political dimensions of a suppressed spiritual mode and i…
- Morgan Harper Nichols on art and perception
In The Clearing, host Katherine May speaks with artist Morgan Harper Nichols about her interdisciplinary media arts studies, her work as a communicator, and how creativity fosters connection and reenchantment with life. Both May and Nichol…
- Pico Iyer on the wisdom of travellers
In The Clearing, Pico Iyer discusses his book 'The Half Known Life,' which examines the human search for paradise. He and host Katherine May explore the parallels and differences in their work, focusing on secular approaches to spiritual q…
- Bonus episode: Katherine May on burnout and why we all need a little more wonder in our lives
This bonus episode features Katherine May discussing her autism diagnosis, the concept of the burnout decade, and strategies for regaining control over one's life, as interviewed on The Shift with Sam Baker.
- Ece Temelkuran on the politics of emotion
Ece Temelkuran, an exiled Turkish journalist, shares her insights on rightwing populism, optimism, and the power of community with Katherine May. They discuss courage, truth, and confronting fear, while reflecting on the changing landscape…
- Emma Gannon on understanding, not agreeing
In this episode, Katherine May talks with Emma Gannon about digital citizenship, exploring the complexities of online communities and social media engagement. Gannon offers a nuanced perspective, emphasizing personal agency and thoughtful…
- Jay Griffiths on the ecology of connection
Jay Griffiths joins Katherine May to discuss her work exploring the connection between land, culture, and human connection, particularly in the context of personal grief and memorializing. The conversation touches on imaginary journeys, ri…
- Lama Rod Owens on necessary change
Buddhist teacher Lama Rod Owens discusses navigating social conflicts as a path to liberation through necessary upheaval. He encourages listeners to focus on deep, transformative change instead of seeking immediate solutions to suffering.
- Simran Jeet Singh on Radical Interconnectedness
Katherine May talks with Simran Jeet Singh about the divisions in society, his experiences with racism, and the Sikh emphasis on interconnectedness, compassion, and optimism. They also discuss building empathy and challenging white suprema…
- Priya Parker on gathering well
Priya Parker argues that well-managed gatherings with clear rules allow for better communication and relaxation. This episode with Katherine May offers guidance on returning to social spaces post-pandemic and creating more enriching future…
- Susan Cain on the bittersweet & introducing How We Live Now
In this episode, Katherine May interviews Susan Cain about her latest book, Bittersweet, which explores the complex emotions between happiness and sadness. May also discusses the transition of her podcast, The Wintering Sessions, to its ne…
- Raynor Winn on losing everything and finding home
Raynor Winn joins Katherine May to discuss losing her home and her husband's terminal diagnosis, leading them to walk the South West Coast Path with nothing. She reflects on this transformative experience and provides an update on Moth's h…
- Leah Hazard on changing career after having her first child
This episode features Katherine May speaking with NHS midwife and author Leah Hazard. They discuss Hazard's decision to switch careers from television to midwifery after the birth of her child and her experiences as a midwife.
- Remona Aly on breaking an engagement, and the transformative force of grief
This episode features journalist Remona Aly discussing her decision to break off an engagement and how the experience led to profound lessons in forgiveness, faith, and empathy. The conversation also touches on finding the sacred in daily…