Michael Rosen is a multi-award-winning English children's novelist, poet, and author of 140 books, including We're going on a Bear Hunt and Sad Book. He served as Children's Laureate from June 2007 to June 2009. He is also a TV presenter and a political columnist. Michael met us down at Nordic Bar on a cold November morning to talk all things BLANK over a cup of tea. We chatted at length about Michael's early life and in particular, his adventures in the mysterious Metroland. Michael talks candidly about the controversy surrounding his sacking from the BBC in the 1970's and his subsequent diagnosis with hyperthyroidism.  We discuss the differences between having a creative BLANK and having a block and Michael explains to Giles and Jim about 'Ego Strength' and the issues that arise when some creatives can run out of it. Michael's biography is available here: https://bit.ly/2zk3x4F Our wonderful pod music is by the amazing Paul Pilot and you can hear more from him here: http://paulpilot.com Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/theblankpodcast.   See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices