The Southwark Cathedral Podcast

In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, the Dean is joined by BBC News International Editor Jeremy Bowen and Read Easy Southwark team leader Simon Shepherd to explore adult literacy as part of the Cathedral's 2026 social justice theme.

Across the two interviews, they discuss the hidden reality of adult illiteracy in the UK, the barriers many people face in seeking help, and the transformative impact that learning to read can have on confidence, independence and opportunity. Jeremy reflects on his connection to Read Easy and why the charity's work matters, while Simon shares how its volunteer-led coaching is changing lives across Southwark and beyond.

In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, the Dean is joined by writer, psychotherapist and former Anglican priest Mark Vernon to discuss his book Awake: William Blake and the Power of the Imagination.

Together, they explore Blake's enduring appeal, his mystical Christian vision, and why reason and moralism alone are not enough without inner transformation. Their conversation examines the life and work of the poet and artist William Blake (1757–1827), his dissenting critique of the Church of England, and the prophetic power of his writing. They also reflect on Blake's continuing relevance today, and why he is still described as a 'living' poet long after his death.

In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral podcast, the Dean speaks with Dr Will Tosh, Director of Education at Shakespeare’s Globe, about his book Straight Acting: The Many Queer Lives of William Shakespeare.

Together they explore how Shakespeare's works depict intimacy, desire and identity, and why modern ideas of sexuality do not easily map onto the early modern world. Will discusses the influence of classical literature on Shakespeare's writing, the social and legal attitudes towards same-sex relationships in Elizabethan England, and how centuries of literary criticism have shaped our understanding of his work. Recorded during Pride Week, the conversation also reflects on the continuing importance of Pride, historical perspective and the value of recognising the diverse experiences that have always been part of human history.

In this episode, the Dean interviews the Reverend Dr. Charlie Bączyk-Bell—Cambridge biochemistry lecturer, priest and theological writer—about his edited book, Stories of Faith, Hope and Love.

This new collection of essays explores how the Church can move beyond its current challenges with hope, imagination and courage. Together they reflect on the themes of the book, including hospitality, justice, inclusion and what it means to envision a Church that aspires to be "more than" rather than "less than".

In this episode of the Southwark Cathedral Podcast, Sub Dean Michael Rawson speaks with author and renowned mudlark Lara Maiklem about uncovering the hidden stories of the tidal Thames.

From its origins among Victorian river scavengers to today's thriving community of mudlarks, Lara explores how objects revealed by the river's tides offer remarkable insights into London's past. She shares some of her most memorable discoveries, including Roman hairpins, Tudor shoe soles and medieval pilgrim badges that shed light on Southwark's rich history and its connections to pilgrimage.

Their conversation also examines the changing health of the Thames, the impact of plastic pollution, and the ways in which mudlarking helps people connect with history, place and one another. Together, they reflect on how the river continues to reveal stories that belong to us all.