How can we understand the way words are used? What power do they have to reinforce and also disrupt power? This video recorded by Dr Sam Evans and Dr Mariah Whelan shows how two ‘word-based’ methods (discourse analysis and poetry, specifically cento) can be used as critical methodologies in inequality research. This video provides an introduction to these techniques showing how they can be used to scrutinise online ‘careers advice’ for early career academics. The discussion between Sam and Mariah also highlights points of connection, surprise and the value of collaborating across disciplines.