A Funny, Thoughtful Podcast About Poetry, Identity & Scottish Traditions
Welcome back to Litera City, where big ideas, bold personalities, and brilliant words take centre stage. In this special episode of The Mayor Bogart Show, the mayor sets out on a very serious mission: to achieve poetic immortality.
Armed with supreme confidence and a poem titled Bogart the Magnificent: Part One, Mayor Bogart is convinced his words will echo through history forever. But when he’s introduced to the legendary Scottish poet Robert Burns, things take an unexpected — and surprisingly heartfelt — turn.
Storytime: Poetry, Pride, and a Poet with a Very Big Ego
Mayor Bogart believes great poetry is all about power, praise, and proving how magnificent you are. His poem certainly has confidence — lots of it.
But when his guest explains why Robert Burns is still celebrated hundreds of years later, the mayor learns something new. Burns wasn’t remembered because he ruled anything. He was remembered because his poems spoke honestly about feelings, everyday life, and identity.
As the conversation unfolds, kids discover:
What poetry really is and why it lasts
How writers use rhythm and words to express emotions
Why Burns Night is celebrated every year on January 25th
How traditions, culture, and pride shape who we are
Mayor Bogart, of course, resists this idea… until inspiration strikes in the most Bogart way possible.
This Week’s Lightbulb Words
This episode introduces three powerful vocabulary words, all woven naturally into the story.
✍️ Poem (n.)
Writing that uses rhythm and carefully chosen words to share thoughts or feelings.
You’ll often hear it with words like verse, rhyme, and poetry.
🧠 Identity (n.)
What makes someone who they are — their experiences, feelings, and background.
You might hear it alongside words like self, character, and individuality.
🟣 Kilt (n.)
A traditional Scottish piece of clothing worn like a skirt, often made of tartan.
It’s a symbol of Scottish heritage and pride.
Children hear these words in context first, then revisit them at the end of the episode — helping new vocabulary really stick.
Burns Night: Poetry That Connects Us
Through the lens of Robert Burns, kids learn that poetry doesn’t have to be fancy or perfect. It can be funny, emotional, strange, or even a little gross — as long as it’s honest.
Burns Night isn’t just about one poet. It’s about:
Sharing stories and poems
Celebrating where you come from
Finding joy in words, laughter, and connection
Even Mayor Bogart eventually realises that true greatness doesn’t come from bragging — it comes from expressing who you really are… toe fluff, bad smells, and all.
Song Spotlight
The episode ends with a lively Burns Night–inspired song that celebrates poetry, family, storytelling, and identity.
The lyrics capture the warmth of reading poems together, laughing at the funny bits, and sharing who we are — from kilts and traditions to dreams and imagination.
Watch the full song and explore more Mrs Wordsmith music via the playlist link in the episode description.
More Fun at Home
Keep the conversation going with these questions:
What is a poem, and what makes one memorable?
Why do you think people still celebrate Robert Burns today?
What traditions are important to your family?
If you wrote a poem about yourself, what would it be about?
Keep Exploring with Mrs Wordsmith
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more storytelling, songs, and vocabulary adventures with Mayor Bogart and friends.
We believe words help us discover who we are.
https://mrswordsmith.com
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