In this special final episode of the Commonwealth Poetry Podcast, Gyles and Aphra Brandreth are joined by Baroness Patricia Scotland, the outgoing Commonwealth Secretary-General. As they reflect on nearly 70 episodes celebrating the poetry, culture, and voices of the Commonwealth, Baroness Scotland shares her insights on the power of the Commonwealth and the enduring strength of poetry. Featuring Maya Angelou’s Still I Rise and Psalm 23, this episode marks the end of an extraordinary journey—at least for now. Thank you for being part of the adventure!

This week, Gyles and Aphra are heading to Nauru, the smallest country in the Commonwealth, to explore its culture, history, and poetry. They’re joined by the multi-talented Gem Dowiyogo, an artist, singer, and passionate advocate for Nauruan youth and heritage. Gem shares her journey of reconnecting with her roots and keeping Nauru’s stories alive through art and song. This episode features Soon Enough by Maura Eidabugi Thoma, a powerful poem about the impact of phosphate mining on the country, as well as a small glimpse of a beautiful Nauruan love song - Eko Iyon by singer-songwriter Ditrone Tom.

In this fortnight’s episode join Gyles and Aphra Brandreth as they head to Tonga to chat with young poet Anna Jane Lagi. Anna’s poetry tackles everything from cultural identity to big issues like brain drain, domestic violence, and mental health. She shares her personal journey as a young Tongan woman and how she’s shaping her own culture through her art. Poems this episode include: Send my love; Go and Come Back: and I was young once too, all by Anna Jane Lagi.