Why Words Matter

UCL is 200 years old this year, and has been first in so many things over that time, expanding the world’s knowledge. First university in London, first to require no faith for entry, first to have a teaching hospital. This episode features an exciting project to celebrate this, bringing writers from 26 together with students from UCL to create pieces of writing on 26 different ‘firsts’. Creative c...

This episode is about dialect, in the main Yorkshire dialect, but with reference to the many others across the UK. It looks at how dialect develops, why it’s important and who speaks and writes it. Writer, performer and cultural historian Irene Lofthouse is joined by Rod Dimbleby, Chair of Yorkshire Dialect Society and dialect writer/tutor; Richard Wilson, Vice-Chair of Yorkshire Dialect Society;...

This episode is about the recent collaboration between 26 and Eames Fine Art, called First Impressions. The project involved writers from 26 visiting print makers in their studios, filming the encounter and then subsequently writing about what they’ve learnt about the print maker’s craft. Writer Lisa Andrews and artist Grace Hailstone are joined by Vincent Eames from Eames Fine Art and project co-...

The latest Why Words Matter from writers’ organisation 26 is about creatively connecting people in different parts of the world. Between the UK and New Zealand there are thousands of miles, but 26 connects them with words, particularly words in creative projects like Twinned Bridges which had writers here and there choosing bridges, writing centenas, then collaborating on a further piece of shared...

In our latest episode of ‘Why Words Matter’ Rob Self-Pierson leads a conversation with John Simmons and Fiona Thompson on the projects that are central to 26 - and why they are such a creative release for writers. The episode looks back on landmark projects as well as giving latest news on projects for 2026. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get...

This episode explores the significance of the word ‘enough’ in everyday usage and also in two specific contexts. Some of our most common words are so ubiquitous that we rarely stop to think about them. But when we do, it becomes apparent that they are rich and surprising, and worthy of further investigation. Such a word is ‘enough’. 26 board member and co-founder of agency Acacia Avenue Martin Lee...

Translation removes language barriers. It opens up a world of literature that would otherwise be denied to most of us. But how easy is it to turn words written in one language into the words of another – while preserving their essential meaning and spirit? Or will some things always be lost in translation? Former BBC journalist and broadcaster Wendy Jones delves into the translator’s art with the...

When nature is under stress, words are no longer just tools of communication; they become catalysts. Stories can stir empathy, and the right words can shape the world we want to protect. What happens when we stop telling the stories that put us to sleep and start telling those that wake us up? Hosted by Sangeeta Waldron, author of What Will Your Legacy Be? – Conversations With Global Change Makers...

A special episode discussing 26 Bridges, and 26’s upcoming appearances at The Bloomsbury Festival – the 26 Bridges Auction on Thursday 16 October, and our annual Wordstock Festival on Saturday 18 October. Featuring Sam Gray, Stuart Delves, Jo Lilford, and Joni Brown. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 26writersg...

3 writers, 2 plays, 1 book. What binds them altogether is writing about deeply personal stories - surviving Covid, fathers separated from sons, when dementia strikes. That’s when the weight of every word matters. Barra, Katherine and Alastair find a common ground in the search for language that does justice to their experiences. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with othe...

When we write, we write in, from, about a place. Often the place itself, its atmosphere, becomes almost a character in the story. In this episode we hear from four writers for whom place is always an essential element of writing, whether a novel on Paris, or one set in the Home Counties, or the places on a twinned towns tour of Europe, or James Joyce’s Dublin. John Simmons from 26 conducts the con...

This episode of “Why Words Matter” explores the importance of words in music – whether libretti, song texts, or the language we use to instruct and analyse. Hosted by writer and opera producer Max Parfitt, the episode features two writers and two musicians: playwright (and more recently libretto translator) Siofra Dromgoole; neuroscientist and lyricist Anjali Bhat; conductor, orchestrator, and cel...

This episode of "Why Words Matter" explores how crucial words are in education, particularly within universities. Hosted by Paul and Carolyn Gentle from Invisible Grail (a company that works with universities on leadership development), the episode features three guests from different educational backgrounds: Ben Calvert (Vice-Chancellor of the University of South Wales), Andy Mycock (an academic...

Sophie Gordon, 26’s Chair, hosts this episode with guests panellists - Danny Wright, Creative Director at Campaign Against Living Miserably. Danny has worked as a copywriter and creative director in the charity sector for over 15 years. Kaye Brennan of the Wildlife Trusts, who we also know from several 26 projects, including 26 Trees and 26 Wild . And Nina Kelly, from Reframing Race, will be joini...

In this episode our guests reflect on the relationship between words and art. Andy Hayes talks to Dr. Tilly Scantlebury educator at the National Gallery and singer, songwriter, and musician; poet and artist Therese Kieran; and printmaker Jason Hicklin. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 26writersgroup.substack.c...

Martin Clarkson hosts a panel in conversation about storytelling - with screenwriter Rob Williams, West End associate producer Hannah Johnson and business storyteller Robert Tennant. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 26writersgroup.substack.com

Welcome to ‘Why Words Matter’, a regular programme about the central, but often neglected, role of words in our lives. It’s brought to you by writers’ organisation 26 and is produced by Bloomsbury Institute. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 26writersgroup.substack.com