Jack McGowan is a performance poet with over a decade of experience in the UK spoken word scene. He has performed at a number of high profile events including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, StAnza International Poetry Festival, and Ilkley Literature Festival. His poetry appears in a number of online and print publications and he has been interviewed by major outlets such as the BBC regarding his work on UK spoken word. Jack studied his undergraduate degree in English and Creative Writing at Warwick University and returned in 2013 to conduct doctoral research for a Ph.D. in contemporary performance poetics. He is now a tutor on the Warwick Writing Programme and hosts 'Shoot From the Lip' - one of the largest spoken word collectives in the West Midlands.

Shoot From the Lip was founded in 2013 by Jack McGowan and Zena Agha. Over the last six years, it has evolved from humble beginnings in a back-alley bar, becoming a prominent fixture on the West Midlands spoken word scene. SFTL Slam events regularly attract audiences of 80-100, combining Warwick University students and local community poets and spoken word enthusiasts. All events are free, and performers are always welcome, regardless of experience. Previous performers have gone on to be shortlisted for major spoken word awards, compose poetry films for the Guardian, and feature in episodes of Holby City.