Introducing The Clearing Pod!

Hello,

Today I’m launching my new podcast, called - imaginatively - The Clearing. In it, I ask my guests to share their idea of a perfect sanctuary. It begins with a forest clearing. What will we find there? A log cabin or a grand hotel? What cherished object or talisman would they bring? And what single work of art, be it a book, record, film or something else, would provide them with enough sustenance to see them through the darkness and remind them of the good times?

The first two full episodes of The Clearing with Cariad Lloyd and Laura Pashby are available now. Find them in your favourite app here.Paid subscribers to The Clearing get their episodes ad-free, sent as an email each week.

Below, I’m in conversation with Rebecca Armstrong about how I put together the new podcast. There’s also an exclusive chance to hear the pilot episode we recorded together - my chance to try out the questions and format with a friendly face. Any wonky bits are all part of the process! But Rebecca was a great interviewee, so it’s really worth a listen. The transcript is below, if you prefer to read.

As well as working with me on Substack and in the real world, Rebecca is an artist and editor. She previously worked as a journalist and is currently in her final year of a BA in Fine Art. She makes cool stuff, writes an occasional Substack newsletter, Artnest, and is the mother of a tortoise. She is currently deep in the throes of an obsession with sheds. Here’s what she asked me about my experience as a podcaster.