Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins tells Ian McMillan about the influence of poetry on his writing, and shares poems written by his own mother. Ian also explores the influence of a very competitive mother on the life and poetry of former National Poet of Wales Gwyneth Lewis. And as it's the first Verb of the year, stand-up poet Kate Fox suggests new names for all the calendar months, whilst Stagedoor Johnny brings a new 'eartoon' (which explains why the names of baby animals can be so confusing).

Richard Dawkins' new book is 'The Genetic Book of the Dead' Gwyneth Lewis' memoir is 'Nightshade Mother' Kate Fox's latest book is 'On Sycamore Gap'