The Poets

153. Madden Wishard

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:30:16 +0000

Madden Wishard (they/them) can be summed up as “a lumbering soul but trying to fly,” a phrase written by John Steinbeck. Growing up in Northern Virginia, they always felt an immense pressure to be who they were not. As a queer and trans person in a conservative evangelical Christian community, they felt a keen sense of rejection. As they grew, they realized the power of words and began writing about their experiences. They hope ultimately to touch others with their writing.

Their poetry is focused on mental health, recovery, acceptance, and beauty. They have shared at Denver’s Pearl open mic night many times and are publishing their first book, Making Marmalade, which focuses on simple joys amidst harsh realities.

They have just begun their career as a surgical technologist after graduating from school with a degree in applied science. Prior to this, they worked with kids in mental health for 9 years. Their writing often bends towards the beauty in the intricate human body and that found in young minds.

152. Ashley Howell Bunn

Sun, 15 Mar 2026 14:30:25 +0000

Ashley Howell Bunn (she/they) completed her MFA in poetry through Regis University and holds a MA in Literature from Northwestern University. Their first chapbook, in coming light, was published in 2022 by Middle Creek Publishing and their second chapbook, Living Amends, is forthcoming through Galileo Press . Her first full-length collection, burning, breaking, building was published by South Broadway Press. Their work has been supported by Bread Loaf Writers' Conference and Sundress Publications. She is an adjunct instructor of English at the Community College of Denver and the Youth Program Manager at Lighthouse Writers Workshop. When she isn’t writing, she is practicing yoga, running in the sunshine, playing with her kids, or daydreaming and staring off into space.

Ashley will be launching her new book burning, breaking, building on Thursday, April 23rd 2026 at Strawberry Mountain from 6-8 pm.

151. Brock Purtell

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:30:02 +0000

Brock is an author and poet whose work lives at the intersection of performance and the printed page. A familiar voice at the Pearl open mic and poetry slam, he is the author of the poetry collections Mercury Prepared and Moonlight Speaks—which were brought together in the volume Mercury and Moonlight.

Venturing from the stage to the bookshelf, Brock has also published the children’s picture book The Lost Dragon. When not actively suffering from a bout of writer’s block, they can usually be found circling Sloan’s Lake or scouting Denver’s quietest corners, searching for that next spark of local inspiration.

Brock's Book of Poetry, Mercury and Moonlight, can be purchased here.

150. Elizabeth Woods-Darby

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 15:30:21 +0000

Elizabeth Woods-Darby is a somatic therapy-trained poet, mother & multi-media artist.

Her work centers on the permeability and grit of motherhood and is influenced by her childhood growing up on a rural farmstead in Colorado without running water. Her work often seeks to connect the wilderness of nature to the wildness of humanity. Her first book of poetry Bones We Made Together out Feb 21st, 2026 from Daxson Publishing.

Elizabeth will be part of an event celebrating her book launch THIS SATURDAY February 21st, 2026 at Babe's Tea Room (Entrance on, 2401 15th Street, Platte St #170, Denver, CO 80202) from 5:30 to 7:30pm. All are welcome!

Follow Elizabeth on Instagram, TikTok, and see more of her work at her website.

149. Lady Julianne

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 15:30:08 +0000

Lady Julianne is a poet, film maker, business owner & visionary — working to build her audience & grow in every direction of her passions.

With a handful of life experiences that taught her resilience fairly early - Lady Julianne transmutes her lessons & pain into reframes that feel light & magical while simultaneously encouraging introspection & depth. Lady Julianne seeks to use written & performance poetry to inspire one to see themselves, the world, & their own potential differently.

In her words: I’d love it if people consumed my work & thought to themselves: "maybe I can" or - even better, "maybe I am."

Julianne has no intention of shying away from how deeply she cares about writing & expanding her craft. Often visualizing a reality where global reach is attainable for her. This is only the beginning.

IG @LadyJuliannee

148. Ricardo Bogaert-Álvarez's Tanka Seminar

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:30:07 +0000

Doctor Ricardo J. Bogaert-Álvarez is a retired Dominican-American chemical engineer and award-winning poet. He was born in Santiago, Dominican Republic and grew up in a hacienda. He obtained his B.S. in chemical engineering at the PUCMM[1] in Santiago. Then he attended the University of Delaware where he graduated with his chemical engineering masters and PhD. He has lived in the United States since 1981 and resides in Denver with his beloved wife Laura. He has published poems in the “El Sol” newspaper and in the magazines “The New Press” and “Ribbons” among other publications. He taught chemistry and chemical engineering in several universities. He has published four bilingual poetry books: “The Samurai Poet”, “The Dance of the Phoenix,” “Romance and Haiku Elixir” and now “Chronicles of a Young Dominican.” In those books, each poem is in Spanish and English. He is a member of the Columbine Poets, Inc, which is a poetry club at the state level in Colorado. In poetry contests of this club, he has won several awards. He also presented several workshops in that club. He’s also a member of the Tanka Society of America. He’s the treasurer of the Colorado Alliance of Latino Mentors and Author (CALMA). Since 2021 his main efforts have been focused on introducing the poetic form Tanka to Colorado.

147. Clarence Barbee

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 15:30:58 +0000

Clarence Barbee returns to the show with his saxophone and excerpts from his new book, Lessons and Libations, available for free here.

Clarence Barbee is a multi-talented individual known for his literary achievements. As the author of multiple distinct works, “Chicken Soup and a Shot of Jack” and his debut poetry book “Fire Molten and Ash,” he showcases his versatility and creativity. Now, with the release of Lessons and Libations, Clarence continues to display a wit and keenness in his written (and spoken) works.

With a background as a spoken word artist, he has mastered the art of weaving words into evocative pieces that resonate with emotions. He was known for traveling the southeastern US under the stage name Nabraska. Currently serving as an educator in the Denver area, Clarence continues to inspire and shape young and old minds. He’s also a pretty great girl Dad!

His passion for writing remains unwavering as he diligently works on new ventures, including upcoming books, short stories, and poetry collections, further solidifying his place in the literary world.

Follow Clarence on IG ⁠@authorclarencebarbee⁠ and ⁠@poet402⁠

Clarence’s Works can be found through the following links: ⁠

On The Brink (Chapbook/ebook) 3/2013⁠ ⁠

Shattered (Chapbook/ebook) 3/2013⁠ ⁠

Chicken Soup & A Shot of Jack (essays/poetry/short stories) 6/2015⁠

⁠Fire Molten & Ash (poetry) 1/2020⁠

146. SETH and Lady Julianne - Nothing New Under the Sun (Live Poetry Performance)

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 15:30:55 +0000

In this special episode, enjoy a live recorded duet performance of "Nothing New Under The Sun" performed by SETH and Lady Julianne. Recorded on Friday, November 21st at The Pearl in downtown Denver, CO.

@ladyjuliannee

ladyjulianne.co

SETH's website

145. Ghost Series 6 - Philip Tran, Marilyn Megenity

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:30:15 +0000

And now, the one and only Marilyn Megenity

Matriarch, Astrology, Mother, Poet, Playwright, Patron of the Arts, Friend, Grandmother, Activist, Cultural Revolutionary, Humanitarian, Environmentalist, Lover, Earth Lover, Restaurateur, Pacifist, Diviner, Mystic, Dancer, Feminist, Gardener, Leader, Community Builder, Satirist, Executive Chef, Businesswoman, Mentor, Actor, Brilliant, Beloved, Ineffable, Unstoppable founder and chef of the three ring circus, The Mercury Cafe.

Feeding patrons healthy food for 46 years, her exploration of arts, politics, and community that surrounded food began on the Ides Of March 1975 in Indian Hills Colorado. After several incarnations in Denver, The Mercury Cafe settled at 2199 California St, the center of town in 1990, opening on Halloween.

Marilyn would like to remind you Local Organic Food is your birthright.

Philip Tran is a poet of many mediums—words, collage, and the ephemeral art of live performance. Hailing from Denver, he is a passport-wielding wanderer, a florist with an eye for beauty, a handyman with a poet’s touch, a roller skater chasing rhythm, and an emcee who curates spaces where voices rise and resonate.

As the longtime host of Denver’s beloved 4th Friday poetry open mic—formerly at The Mercury Cafe, soon to be The Pearl—Philip fosters a stage where vulnerability meets applause. His podcast, From My Open Mic, captures the raw electricity of live poetry, available on Spotify.

In 2023, he launched Bound By The Beat, an event weaving together Denver’s rope bondage and jazz communities, an experiment in trust, tension, and improvisation. Stay tuned for the next edition of Bound By The Beat.

With a choose-your-own-adventure poetry book in the works and a hunger for new stages, Philip may soon be performing near you. When asked what superpower he’d choose, he answered: To awaken the superpowers in those unaware of their own.

@invader_4 & (NSFW) @invader__4

144. Ryan Flannigan's "To Plant a Poem" - The Poets Special Edition

Fri, 07 Nov 2025 15:30:32 +0000

Today we have a special edition of The Poets. Local poet Ryan Flannigan recorded his double album, To Plant a Poem, by performing it live for his friends in studio with Coven Recording and Sound. This episode is a teaser with a bit of their conversations around poetry and some of the poems from the album.

You can get the full album on Bandcamp.

Ryan Flannigan (he/him) is a Denver based written and spoken-word poet who works in narrative, lyrical, and abstract forms—exploring themes of addiction, spirituality, and identity.

Follow Ryan on Instagram @flandragon.the.mighty_ish

Huge shout out and thank you to Lady Julianne and Sabrina Baker, who joined us in studio as special guests. Follow them as well @ladyjuliannee and @s.e.elune.poetry

This album was recorded and produced by Coven Recording and Sound, in case you find yourself inspired to record a project of your own (;

143. Mr. Bravo

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 15:30:26 +0000

Mr. Bravo, aka Abraham Bravo, joins me to discuss his new book Love Hurts When Never Said, his poetry as whole, and the Slam Poetry scene in Phoenix, AZ.

Mr. Abraham Bravo is a Phoenix-based poet, performer, and author whose work bridges humor, vulnerability, and lyrical craft. He has built a reputation in the Arizona poetry scene for blending sharp wit with raw introspection, captivating audiences with both page and stage presence.

In 2023, he stepped onto the stage for his first open mic — and he hasn’t looked back since. By August 2024, he entered his first slam, and in 2025 he became the inaugural champion of the Tucson Slam.

After turning to poetry as a way to process grief and navigate mental health struggles, Mr. Bravo quickly developed a voice that resonates widely. His debut collection, Love Hurts When Never Said (October 10, 2025), gathers his signature mix of metaphor, rhythm, and emotional candor into a cohesive work that explores unspoken emotion, resilience, and identity.

Mr. Bravo doesn’t write to impress — he writes to feel, to process, to heal. His work often explores mental health struggles, identity, and grief with raw honesty. When he speaks, he only hopes you will listen.

142. Sunshine Abaddon

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:07:40 +0000

Born some 30ish odd years ago in a Louisianan mill town called Bogalusa, Sunshine Whysteria Empress Abaddon attended the University of New Orleans for Anthropological and Film Studies for 6 years. A Hurricane Katrina survivor, she picked up and moved to Denver following her maternal grandfather's death in 2017. She is without a doubt a multi talented individual, because it says so on her business cards. In addition to poetry she has written in-depth articles for OUTFront Magazine, is a Colorado Public Notary, and Foster Mother for Denver Animal Shelter, specializing in long term care for court cases and The Denver Safe Haven Program. She also briefly worked for Former CO Rep Leslie Herod during her Mayoral Race. If you're residing in Capitol Hill you may come across her walking her Foster Dog someday.

141. Ghost Series 5 - Lady Julianne, Mitchel David Ring

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:30:01 +0000

Mitchel David Ring is a writer, poet, audio engineer, and the creator and host of The Poets, a podcast featuring poets and other artists sharing and discussing their work.

...and other poems is the debut poetry collection of Mitchel David Ring.

Print copies of ...and other poems can be purchased here.

Read (and listen to) Mitch's poetry at mitcheldavidring.com

Listen to The Poets at thepoets.co

Mitch also runs Coven Recording and Sound, a full service audio production company. Contact for inquiries at covenrecording.com

On this episode, Mitch is interviewed by his partner Lady Julianne (@ladyjuliannee @emmajuliannee) regarding his book release, poetry, love, the sacred feminine, and much more. Lady Julianne is a Denver based poet, performer, and typewriter poet who is available for bookings at ladyjulianne.co

140. Christian Lesniak

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 14:30:01 +0000

Christian Lesniak features to share his work and discuss many topics including his poetry, to be or not to be a rapper, the use and misuse of language by the political right and left, the dangers of instant gratification when it comes to art, and much more.

139. Julian Thomas

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Julian Thomas is an actor born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is best known for appearing in Jordan Peele's "Hunters" (2020), ABC's "For Life" (2020), and "Day of the Dead II: Contagium" (2005). He has also appeared in numerous comedy sketches on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

Julian Thomas graduated from the notable theatre program at Northwestern University. Most recently Julian has narrated a number of audio books in fiction and non-fiction, including "We Matter; Athletes and Activism", a collection of essays and interviews with high profile journalists, political activists and professional athletes, in which they explore the social justice landscape of today. It is available on Audible and Itunes.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2003537/?ref_=ext_shr

138. Sophia Goodnight

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Sophia Goodnight is a transgender poet and writer who has been performing at open mic nights since 2018, which also happens to be when she started transitioning. Her primary inspirations for her poetry are the declaration "it is impossible to say just what I mean!" and the question "so how should I presume?" She lives with three partners and has a fourth, which is important context for her whole deal.

Sophia was formerly one of the hosts of the All Out Artists & Co. Open Mic, which went defunct in the wake of the pandemic. Some of her poetry can be found on tumblr at Sophia-Goodnight-Poetry, as well as on Patreon at SophiaGoodnight. In addition to her poetry, she is one of the hosts of the Star Wars Legends podcast We Have To Talk About Dash Rendar.

137. Art the Poet

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Arthur Bellfield is a poetic storyteller, filmmaker, wellness advocate, life coach, and cultural architect whose work bridges lyrical activism and soulful reflection. Drawing from ancestral wisdom, urban rhythms, and spiritual practice, Arthur’s voice amplifies themes of healing, resistance, and transformation.

He founded the Colorado Springs Poetry Slam in the Spring of 2023 as a vehicle for inspiring literary, wellness, creativity, and community!

The poetry slam host monthly events which bridge the gap between the literary arts movement and the musical sectors by empowering performers of all types and talent levels to live within their truths!

Recently, Arthur has started conducting Poetic Wellness Workshops to give people additional tools to help them on their spiritual or healing journeys.

www.coloradospringspoetryslam.com

https://www.fox21news.com/living-local/colorado-springs-poetry-slam-what-you-need-to-know/

https://www.visitcos.com/blog/spend-a-day-in-cos-at-these-black-owned-businesses/

136. S.L. Alderton

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 14:30:00 +0000

S.L. Alderton is a Denver poet and librarian. Her work has appeared in publications such as Twenty Bellows, 2River View, and Suspect Press, as well as local independent zines. Her favourite things include Shakespeare, heavy metal, and British spelling.

135. April Dawn

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 14:30:00 +0000

April Dawn's first poetry collection, “Lungs Like Elephants,” was published in 2020 and received the Langston Hughes Award from Missouri Southern State University in 2021. In 2022 she began working with 303 Magazine as a music journalist. April is passionate about words in all of their forms and expressions. Her life has been full of experiences both impossibly sour and unbelievably sweet. In all of these moments, she’s embraced the zest.

April is a proud graduate of Colorado School of the Healing Arts. She is a lover of live music and spontaneous trips to the hot springs. In her free time, you can find April eating tacos for breakfast, walking her friends’ dogs, or reading and writing in the sun. She is continuously working on her third poetry collection.

134. Ghost Series 4 - TheGoodSis, Honey B. Honest

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Honey B. Honest is a multifaceted visual and performance artist from Denver Colorado. She's been a host and organizer at Mercury Cafe's Sunday night open mic and slam, as well as partnered with organizations that aim to offer artistic opportunities to communities in need such as The Gathering Place, Redline Art Gallery, Art Restart and Boulevard One. Many describe her performances as eccentric, energetic, and genuine. The stories told through her poetry are personal accounts used to inspire listeners and readers to express themselves authentically and practice healing and self-care.

Holly Ajala (also known as TheGoodSis) is a writer and storyteller with a fierce belief in the power of effective narrative to inspire empathy in the face of difference, to propel the reach of social justice and above all, to challenge human beings to be more human. Her words have been featured in Ayo Magazine, AfriWowWri Literary Journal and more. Holly truly believes that good stories can change the world.

All human experiences are cosmic events
Quantum miracles
Atomic revelations

Recorded June 16, 2025

Produced by Coven Recording and Sound

133. Stone

Tue, 27 May 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Photographer turned poet turned essayist turned overall annoyance, Stone (they/them) explores themes of sobriety, queerness, and self love. Their works appear in publications such as Gnashing Teeth, Red Rose Thorns Journal, and have been featured on Button Poetry. Currently, they are editor in chief of Retrograde Review, an online zine dedicated to change. They reside in Denver, but you can find them online @stonewroteapoem or @persephone_stone but you can also probably find them wherever Taylor Swift is playing, wherever there are good mocktails, or wherever there are disco balls

132. Ally Eden

Thu, 15 May 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Ally Eden (she/they) is a queer artist and former Poet Laureate of Fort Collins, Colorado. An English/Spanish interpreter by trade, their role as a linguist parallels their poetic ethos— bridging difference by way of words. Ally’s work is vibrant, unabashedly poignant, and rooted in love for humanity. In her approach to art as a practice, she strives to curate participatory experiences that offer everyone a seat at the table. She co-founded the Gulo Gulo Poetry Collective, runs a bimonthly peer-critique group, The Rabbit Hutch, and facilitates collaborations and workshops that bring together musicians and artists, immigrants and refugees, incarcerated writers, fellow writers, queer youth, and the community at-large. Ally’s work has been featured in Milk Press, The Imaginables, Nudie Magazine, Scrapped Magazine, and “Songs of Revolution” by Sunday Mornings at the River. Learn more and get connected at allyeden.com

131. Dominick Francois

Mon, 05 May 2025 16:28:43 +0000

My name is Dominick I go by Dom. I been in Colorado for five years and looking forward to the next 10-15 years here. I’m madly in love with the city of Denver. I’m a poet that stumbled into literary art. The goal is to a raise a daughter and retire my mom. I’m here for the city and like everybody else serving a purpose I want to be used not misused. Write on!

Find Dominick on:

130. Philip Tran vol. 2

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:30:00 +0000

In this episode recent guest Philip Tran returns for a part 2 of the long goodbye to the Mercury Cafe. Last time, we announced Waning Mercury, Waxing Pearl, a live recorded send off for the legendary venue. That event can be listened to in its 3+ hour entirety on episodes 125-127. On this episode, Philip returns to discuss moving forward now that the Mercury Cafe has been re-christened as The Pearl with new ownership. I'm deeply appreciative to Philip for coming on the show and giving the Merc as good a send-off as we were able to.

Hope you all enjoy the episode. I am looking forward to whatever comes next—the good and the bad.

In this episode Philip and I also discuss many other topics around poetry—what we look for in a poem, attachment, how to read poetry, how to "fix" poetry, appetites, and much much more.

In 2023, he launched Bound By The Beat, an event weaving together Denver’s rope bondage and jazz communities, an experiment in trust, tension, and improvisation. The next Bound By The Beat is on May 31st, which we discuss in the episode.

@invader_4 & (NSFW) @invader__4

129. TheGoodSis

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:30:00 +0000

All human experiences are cosmic events
Quantum miracles
Atomic revelations

Recorded on April 7th, 2025

Produced by Coven Recording and Sound

128. Carly Liberi

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Carly Liberi (she/her) is a queer poet, depth therapist, and oracle reader. Her work is a conch shell to the ear of those who feel too much, for the parts of ourselves we’re still learning to love, and for those whose voices have been silenced. Embracing life’s mysteries, Carly creates in the liberated space between anything and everything.

Hallway
Birdsong
Queer not Quiet
Sensitive
Full
Heart on Loan
Spiral

127. Waning Mercury Waxing Pearl - Part 3

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:32:00 +0000

Part 3 of the Friday night open mic poetry event at the Mercury Cafe. Recorded March 28th, 2025 by ⁠Coven Recording and Sound⁠. This was the last night that this Friday night poetry open mic, one of the longest continuously running in the world, occurred under the legendary venue name Mercury Cafe. Special thanks to Philip Tran for commissioning this recording, assisting with the editing/organization process, and also for creating the event artwork. This section of the open mic features the following poets (most names appear as they were written on the sign-up list):

35. Simon

36. RP

37. Mir-I-Am

38. Carol

39. SETH

40. SOJO

41. Dispeller of Darkness

42. Nyah

43. Makenna

44. EM

45. Brock

46. Olivia Todd

47. Will

48. Lady Julianne

49. Darian

50. Christian

51. Philip Tran

126. Waning Mercury Waxing Pearl - Part 2

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:31:00 +0000

Part 2 of the Friday night open mic poetry event at the Mercury Cafe. Recorded March 28th, 2025 by ⁠Coven Recording and Sound⁠. This was the last night that this Friday night poetry open mic, one of the longest continuously running in the world, occurred under the legendary venue name Mercury Cafe. Special thanks to Philip Tran for commissioning this recording, assisting with the editing/organization process, and also for creating the event artwork. This section of the open mic features the following poets (most names appear as they were written on the sign-up list):

19. Brian R.

20. Ryan

21. Madalia

22. Uriel

23. Louis

24. Carly

25. Shade

26. Niko

27. Elizabeth

28. Michelle

29. Adesuwa

30. Nina

31. Clem!

32. Lydia

33. Tony V.

34. Jabe

125. Waning Mercury Waxing Pearl - Part 1

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Part 1 of the Friday night open mic poetry event at the Mercury Cafe. Recorded March 28th, 2025 by Coven Recording and Sound. This was the last night that this Friday night poetry open mic, one of the longest continuously running in the world, occurred under the legendary venue name Mercury Cafe. Special thanks to Philip Tran for commissioning this recording, assisting with the editing/organization process, and also for creating the event artwork. This section of the open mic features the following poets (most names appear as they were written on the sign-up list):

1. Absalon

2. Moses

3. Ricardo

4. Sophie

5. Mitch

6. MWB

7. Q

8. BG

9. David Price

10. Ted Vaca

11. Stan

12. Marilyn Megenity

13. David Steele

14. Emily

15. Raul

16. Molly

17. Silas

18. Haley A.

124. Lolita

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Lolita Vilar is a young poet who writes in prose, with a flair for abstract metaphor. Her poetry focuses on the magical, the mundane, and the music of our world.

123. Philip Tran vol. 1 (With Special Announcement re 3/28/25)

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 14:30:00 +0000

In 2023, he launched Bound By The Beat, an event weaving together Denver’s rope bondage and jazz communities, an experiment in trust, tension, and improvisation. With a choose-your-own-adventure poetry book in the works and a hunger for new stages, he may soon be performing near you.

When asked what superpower he’d choose, he answered: To awaken the superpowers in those unaware of their own.

@invader_4 & (NSFW) @invader__4

122. Studio Session 1 - Both of Everything (Racine Muse and iLL bg)

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Racine Muse and iLL bg join return to the show to discuss their EP, Both of Everything. We talk about the collaborative process, their workflow, inspirations, and themes of the music. This episode also includes performances of three songs from the album, recorded in studio. You can listen to the EP here.

121. Nikolai Riddle

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 14:30:00 +0000

Follow Nikolai on ⁠IG⁠ @thenikolairiddle and at his ⁠website⁠.

Nikolai Riddle is a born-and-raised Coloradan, writer, poet, and sometimes artist living in Denver. His writing has been described as “diabolical” and often involves things weird, dystopian, and darkly humorous. His work has appeared in Ludicrous Worlds Magazine, Birdy Magazine, and The American Journal of Poetry.

Haiku 21
Paranoia
The Day the Humans Died
Postcards
The City
Elegy for your Strays
Hopes for My Ex
Curious Child of Death
Karma Advance
Haiku 777

120. Jabe Pazoo

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 15:30:00 +0000

Local artist and art enthusiast, Jabe Pazoo.

119. Marissa Forbes

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 15:30:00 +0000

Marissa Forbes (she/her) is a Pushcart Prize nominated author, visual artist, and creative instructor. Her poetry books, Surviving Peter Pan (Beyond the Veil Press) and Brief & Bleeding Margins (World Stage Press) were published in 2023. Other published poems and short fiction stories can be read on marissaforbes.com and @word_nerd_ris. She is the Managing Editor for Twenty Bellows, a CO indie press, the Development Coordinator for Civic Center Conservancy, and teaches poetry for the Denver Chapter of Community Literature Initiative’s 10 month Poetry for Publication program. Marissa was the 2024 Winter Resident with Tiny Spoon, has curated poetry activations with Aurora History Museum and the Center for Colorado Women’s History, coordinated the second annual Creative Colorado Writer’s Retreat held at Mint & Serif in 2024, and was named the 2025 Poet Laureate for 40 West Arts District in Lakewood CO. Forbes has resided all over the country but now lives a colorful life in Denver with her two children, where she hones her personal mission to amplify art and community in Colorado.

IG @word_nerd_ris

Marissa's Website

40 West Arts District

Twenty Bellows

118. Bardo

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 15:30:00 +0000

Bardo is a feral rat that experiences moments of clarity and in that clarity writes pretty decent poems.

Correction: I said in the episode that this is ep 119. Obviously it is ep 118 (see above).

"What, do you expect me to keep track of my own show?"

Mitch

117. Cecily Stone

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 19:41:46 +0000

Cecily Stone is a mother, writer, computer nerd, and author of These Chasms in the Earth. Her works have appeared in Welcoming The Muse (Twenty Bellows), Poems in Praise of Libraries (World Stage Press), Gypsophila Literary Magazine, Canvas Creative Arts Magazine (Indiana University), Retrograde Review, and on a set of compost liners distributed by Compost Colorado. Stone shares her stories of motherhood, sacrifice, and rebirth at open mics and on instagram: @cecilystonespeaks. On the weekends, you can usually find her behind the mic, outdoors climbing rocks, or camping with her husband Michael and their large zoo of children and pets.

cecily-stone.com

worldstagepress.org

116. Ghost Series 3 - Moses Graytower, Dell Allenn, Yasser Govula

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Guest host Moses Graytower, of Congress fame, interviews Viviantte aka Dell Allenn and Yasser Govula. They discuss making the art you want to make, finding fulfillment, music, and respecting those who came before you. Check out Viviantte's album Lucy and Moses Graytower's album Congress as well as Dell and Yasser's project gardeniia, an unadulterated publication.

@mosesgraytower @dellallenn @got_b6

115. SETH

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 15:30:00 +0000

…rendering poetry more entertaining to general audiences.

One of Colorado’s best known performance poets, SETH has made a career carving out creative ways of presenting poetry, with attention paid to both craft and performance. An actor and percussionist as well as a poet and fiction writer, SETH has collaborated with countless musicians, poets, actors, dancers and other performance artists for more than 30 years in his never-ending quest to render poetry more entertaining to general audiences.

He was a founding member of the performance poetry troupe Open Rangers (1989- 2000) and member of the critically-acclaimed performance arts trio Jafrika (1993-2004). He currently spearheads Art Compost & the Word Mechanics, an improvisational poetic-musical ensemble appearing every Sunday night at the Mercury Café. Their first CD, Love, Death & Poetry, received Westword’s Best of Denver 2005 for Spoken Word CD. Over the years SETH has won several Best of Westwords for his pioneering efforts to meld spoken word with the other performance art forms.

SETH is author of A Black Odyssey, a poetic memoir which uses Homer’s ancient epic as an allegoric scaffold for his own experiences as a Black poet in contemporary America. His short stories have appeared in numerous literary magazines. His satirical novel, The Perfect Stranger, received the Award of Excellence from the Colorado Authors League and first place in literary fiction from the Colorado Independent Publishers Association. For more details visit www.wagingart.com.

114. Nyx

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Just keep swimming

Nyx C

—

Mitch here. Heads up that for a lot of this episode—basically all of it—Nyx and I discuss our experiences growing up in and leaving the LDS church (Mormons). We hit on some heavy topics, and we express our unedited thoughts and feelings about the kind of abuses of power that, again and again, are seen as direct results of organized religion. I speak only for myself here, though I think both of us express in this episode feeling that it is necessary to talk openly about our experiences in the hopes that good can come of it. If you're in the LDS church and happen to come across this, know that there is a lot more love in the world that does not come from the church. Those are my thoughts on the matter.

113. Sasha "MaxJaw" T.

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 15:13:36 +0000

In the red corner, weighing in at 80 Serbian Kilos, the champion of humor and heartache, a Poet who’s never afraid to throw a punchline—ladies and gentlemen, give it up for Sasha “Max Jaw” T.!

He writes short stories, comedy, poetry, film reviews, and draws comics like a pro. The northwestern sky, just after sunset, is his favorite. He’s got a knack for expression in verse and always spells “Love” with a capital L.

Comedy is his mistress, Poetry his wife, and creativity his life. When he’s not creating, it’s like taking a body blow: sickness in the stomach, misery in the veins, and depression in the air. He’s not always the easiest to get along with, and he’s been known to say some stupid shit, but hey—he’s here to learn, even if it means risking sounding like a fool.

Stepping into the ring with a pen in one hand and a wild imagination in the other, ready to deliver the knockout prose… Sasha “Max Jaw” T!

Check out maxjaw.com for my work

@maxjawofficial (for social.)

112. Girl Harbor

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Girl “i have a haiku about this” Harbor is a poet now based in Chattanooga, TN. Girl Harbor is not sad. Any small thing in life will likely fill her with great joy. In this episode, you will hear her write out many of her issues, but you should know she’s just happy to be here. Girl Harbor loves to sing, write, meet new folks, and hang out with old friends. A dabbler at the core, she can tell you about any of her abundant hobbies, if you ask. If you would like ask, you can find her on instagram at er5in_

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**Mitch here. Some more recording woes—we were using a video meeting to record this episode, and I accidentally had my webcam selected for my audio instead of my mic. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Girl Harbor sounds good though, and that's what matters.

111. Ira Liss

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Photo to come! (I forgot to ask Ira for one and am scheduling this to post late at night, sorry)

For almost 40 years, Ira Liss has performed as actor, improviser, pianist, singer, songwriter, show host, interviewer, performance poet, entertainer and more.

He began his onstage career in NYC, doing standup comedy, singing his original songs at cabaret venues, joining several theater improv companies, and working as an improv actor/company member of a murder mystery dinner theater that presented shows at dozens of venues all over Manhattan.

He has acted in several plays in Colorado, most notably as co-creator, co-director, and actor in an original musical, Breaking Open, which was performed on the Front Range and in NYC.

He’s performed his one-man shows, Piano, Poetry & Passion, on the CU-Boulder campus, at the Dairy Center, and as part of the Boulder International Fringe Festival, where he won an Audience-Choice Award.

Currently, he hosts a monthly variety-talk show called, Boulder Tonight (directed by Hektor Munoz), featuring guest artists who perform their original works and are interviewed about their life and art. The show also features house band, Black Market Translation – the band of Punketry, a monthly, musical/poetry event.

He performs his original works, mostly improvised, with freestyle musical band, Art Compost & the Word Mechanics, in a Sunday evening time slot called, the Jam Before the Slam, at the Mercury Café in Denver.

On Sundays, he can be seen playing piano and improvi–sing arrangements of American Songbook melodies of the last century in the Mercury Café’s main dining room.

He has served as piano accompanist for Red Thread Playback Theater as well as several musical improv theater groups.

Video recordings of his various performances can be seen on his YouTube channel, @TheIraLissShow (https://www.youtube.com/
@TheIraLissShow/playlistb).

110. MWB (Mark Boczar)

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 14:30:00 +0000

MWB (Mark Boczar) is a poet seeking to understand, and in the process, be understood. His work explores themes of love, identity, resilience, and the beauty to be found in every person, place & experience. Drawing inspiration from living remotely while traveling the United States and the rich tapestry of human emotion, his poetry blends his optimism for growing into the humans we are called to be with a deep sense of vulnerability. Since arriving in Denver, MWB has been a regular performer at the Mercury Café’s legendary Friday night poetry open-mic, using poetry as a way to connect and to navigate both the personal and the universal. If you relate to his words or simply wish to connect, he can be reached at: markboczar@gmail.com.

Setlist:

The Bird from Sao Paulo that Makes Me Sing (0:21)
The Wound Time Couldn't Heal (1:56)
The Devil in Me (4:31)
Lost In Thought (7:01)
Jigsaw (8:08)
Lucid Lovers (8:36)
The Time I Gave Myself the Heimlich (8:56)
Bare Soles (11:12)
Corsica, July 26th, 2024 6:59 pm (12:52)
Newton's 3rd Law, & the Consequences of Me and You (13:34)
Ignited (14:44)
The Early Worm (15:06)
My Dear Eunice (16:35)

109. Ghost Series 2 - Renée, Moses Graytower

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 15:30:45 +0000

I'm gonna be the next hokage dhz. IG https://www.instagram.com/mosesgraytower/ Interviewed by Renée, IG https://www.instagram.com/ray.nay_/

108. Uche Ogbuji

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Uche Ogbuji, more properly Úchèńnà Ogbújí, is a poet, spoken word performer and DJ. Author of two award-winning books of poetry, Ndewo, Colorado, 2013 (Colorado Book Award Winner), and Ńchéfù Road, 2022 (Christopher Smart Prize). He fell in love with poetry, spoken word and DJ crafts while studying engineering at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, a campus legendary for its artistic movements. His work connects many immigrant and cross-cultural threads, including Igbo culture, European classicism, American Mountain West setting, Hip-Hop and afrofuturism. He has settled near Boulder, Colorado after much world wandering, serves on the board of the Colorado Poets Center, and as Boulder County Arts Fellow for Literature and Music.

Uche is also a software engineer and entrepreneur at the forefront of implementing AI, and often ponders that intersection of his creative career with the emerging technology he builds for work. You can catch him on the AI DIY podcast show.

107. Old Turtle

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 14:30:00 +0000

With the given name Kaelie Barcus, I am here to express my spirit to you. "Old Turtle" is the umbrella artist name I've chosen to encompass all of my offerings and outlets for creative healing.

1:1 and group offerings embody the practices of Yin Yoga, Plant Communion & Vitalist Herbalism, and Re-Wilding.

My chosen outlets for creative healing include: Writing poetry and stream of consciousness prose, music, symbolistic Universal flatwork creations in the form of paintings, ink, pastels, and more, Wild Feminine magic, wilderness exploration, shadow + light work, solo ceremonial entheogenic traveling, elemental play and becoming (communing with the four directions + Fire, Water, Wind, Earth), walking alongside others as we find our way back home to the Earthly Cosmos; all in devotion to truth and wonder.

106. Guest Host Series 1: Racine Frank, Deneishia LeArtiste

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Today The Poets change it up by featuring the show's first guest host, Racine Frank, interviewing Deneishia LeArtiste.

Deneishia LeArtiste is a performance artist embracing the storytelling traditions of her multi-cultural lineage — drawing from the Western European bard, West African Griot, and Ogallala teachings. She unites communities by exploring ancestral experiences through poetry, visual arts, music, movement, and culinary arts. LeArtiste hosts the podcast, "From Heart to Art," delving into the connection between creativity and holistic well-being. She has produced a short film and soundtrack titled “Origin Story” and authored two books: *Everything Hurts* and *Fu*k The Fairy Tale: The Art of Living Happily Ever After*.

Find Deneishia's works and more info here.

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Racine Frank began writing poetry in December 2019 during her time as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ethiopia. She started by writing haikus and then branched into free verse poetry incorporating rhyming schemes. From an early age, she traveled to and lived in multiple countries with Ethiopia being a time of tremendous growth and transformation. Her writing surrounds the power of love – not only for others, but for oneself. With love being the core of her creative writing, Racine explores other aspects of life that aid in the self-discovery and evolution of individuals. She recently shared with the world her first ever self-published poetry chapbook titled Conversations with Self. She is enthusiastic about creativity, whether that be in the form of dancing, singing, writing, or inspiring others to live life to the fullest.

Follow the link to purchase Racine’s book, Conversations with Self.

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

105. Micah Aaron Ferguson

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 16:01:01 +0000

Micah Aaron Ferguson is a Texan-born poet who lives and writes in the suburbs of Denver. He has published one collection of poetry in 2016 under the name Micah-Nahum Ferguson entitled Brighter This Time (iUniverse Publishing) and is currently crafting pieces for a new collection. He performs at The Mercury Cafe and other spaces in downtown Denver. He can be reached at MicahAaronFerguson@gmail.com

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

104. Rae Monet

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Rae Monet, the eclectic muse creates spiritually, sexually, sensually; activating the collective “Inna G”. Her soulful, psychedelic sound coalesces stimulating textures and bluesy melodies with sultry vocals to soothe the aching soul. As a poet, the same applies, as her music is riddled with flows rooted in prose. Tonight she shares two songs from her upcoming album, as well as poetry and good conversation.

Follow Rae on IG @raemonet_ and find links to more of her work here.

103. Silas Vazquez

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Silas Vazquez joins me to share and discuss his work, including poetry and music. We also discuss his style, dealing with anxiety, height, the desire for freedom, and love as both the source of and cure for pain. We touch on his upcoming move, and Silas talks about his beginnings in writing--only a few months ago, though he quickly became a mainstay at open mics around Denver such as the Mercury Cafe (Fridays/Sundays) and Corner Beet (Mondays).

Silas can be found on IG @silas_vazquez1

102. DANK PHART the Pirate Poet

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 14:30:00 +0000

DANK PHART The Pirate Poet A.K.A Matty Bovard is a community organizer and cultural instigator based in Boulder, CO. Growing up in Fairfield, IA, a small rural farm town that is also the epicenter of Transcendental Meditation in the U.S., he was exposed to many different world views. This cosmopolitan experience reflects deeply in his work and he walks his path as an artist to help heal the broken wounds among nations so we can all rise together as the ancient rainbow tribe of all colors, creeds and orientations. He studied theater and English at the University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA. In 2009 he graduated with a B.A. in theater and a minor in English. In 2011 he moved to Boulder, CO where he’s been ever since organizing local community art events and working the regional music festivals while developing a sustainable poetry brand.

This is Mitch writing now. Just to be clear and to cover my ass: don't take financial advice from podcasts. DYOR, YMMV, etc.

101. Sam Amabile

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 16:24:57 +0000

Sam Amabile joins the show to discuss his journey into music, musical styles and poetry, what a night at the Mercury Cafe looks like from behind a piano, boogie woogie music, jazz, the blues, music as a profession, and much more. Sam plays piano at the Mercury Cafe on Friday nights, and is open for booking. Contact Sam via IG @samamabile

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

100. Sojo

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Sojo (So-Joe) is a multimedia artist who is passionate about investing herself into many forms of creation. Her favorites art forms include: poetry, collage, music, fashion, up-cycling found materials, tie-dye, photography, videography, as well as combining poetry and collage together. She finds peace in reading small-artist books at local coffee shops and stumbling into random hidden gems when she’s not talking to her cat and eating every color of the rainbow in fruits. Additionally, she is currently in her senior year at CU Denver studying philosophy, creative writing, fine art, and music. Sojo is involved in a wide variety of circles, so you can catch her around the city most days of the week at open mics, art events and exhibitions, anything funky or jazzy, the thrift store, or frolicking around town in style. She is always seeking to collaborate with other like-minded artists, so if you’re interested, you can contact her on Instagram:

⁠@imaginingbutterflies⁠ (main account)

⁠@groovygalactic⁠ (art account) (Marie Kondo is the originator of "does it spark joy" method--that's the name I couldn't remember.)

99. Mark DuCharme

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Mark DuCharme’s sixth full-length book of poetry, Here, Which Is Also a Place, was published in 2022 by Unlikely Books. That same year, his chapbook Scorpion Letters was released by Ethel. Later this year, C22 Open Editions will publish his collection Thousands Blink Outside. His poetry has appeared widely in such venues as BlazeVOX, Blazing Stadium, Caliban Online, Colorado Review, Eratio, First Intensity, Indefinite Space, New American Writing, Noon, Otoliths, Shiny, Spinozablue, Talisman, Unlikely Stories, Word/ for Word, The Writing Disorder, and Poetics for the More-Than-Human World: An Anthology of Poetry and Commentary. A recipient of the Neodata Endowment in Literature and the Gertrude Stein Award in Innovative American Poetry, he lives in Boulder, Colorado, USA. —

98. Deborah Kelly

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 16:36:01 +0000

Raised in Minneapolis, a fourth generation on Positively 4th St., Deborah lived many years in Chicago and is home in Colorado. Her poems are found in journals based in the US, Canada, and Europe. A graduate of Northwestern University, Deborah has worked, lead, and written widely on behalf of non-profit organizations in the US and Mexico. More information is available on her website: https://deborahkaykelly.com

In this episode:

First Blow (0:23)
Collect the Moon (2:10)
Instanter (4:18)
Arizona (6:26)
Nipantla (8:51)
Strangers (10:03)
Canyons of the Ancients (12:11)
Grand Escalante (13:05)
Night Birds (14:52)
What You Risked (16:06)
Ruin (17:21)
Ghosts of Mexico (19:32)
Desert and Snow (21:53)
New Solo (22:57)
Half a Twain (23:43)
Consider (24:17)

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

97. Aimee Herman

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Aimee Herman is a gay writer and educator. They are the author of the novel, "Everything Grows" (Three Rooms Press) and two full length books of poems, "meant to wake up feeling" (great weather for MEDIA) and "to go without blinking" (BlazeVOX books), in addition to being widely published in journals and anthologies including BOMB, cream city review, and Troubling the Line: Trans and Genderqueer Poetry and Poetics (Nightboat Books). Aimee currently hosts three literary series in Boulder: Queer Art Organics Open Mic; And Now: Featuring…Variety Show; and Friendship Goodybag Poetry Open Mic. They teach creative writing workshops in addition to collaborating with Rocky Mountain Equality on their queer creative programming. Aimee is the founding member of the poetry band, Hydrogen Junkbox. They are turned on by public libraries, garage sales and receiving mail. Find them at aimeeherman.com.

Direct link to Aimee's books.

Direct link to Aimee's events.

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

96. Yasmin

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Yasmin appears on the show shortly before moving away from Denver to share the poem and discuss family, her path into poetry, smoking, Catholicism, finding community, and more. We also get into poetic differences between English and Spanish. Yasmin will have moved away by the time this episode goes live, but she can be found on IG @yasmin__c

You're missed, Yasmin (:

Setlist:

1. A Monstera Grows (0:23)

2. Communion (2:36)

3. Smoke Break (3:44)

4. I Want Your Sundays (5:41)

5. Holidays (6:06)

6. En Los Tanques (7:23)

7. To My Father (8:48)

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

95. The Parlance Poets

Wed, 24 Jul 2024 16:08:46 +0000

I’m joined by JohnnyOsi, Stone, Manon Nadeau, and Ezra Bram to discuss competing at the 2024 Utah Arts Festival slam, in which they placed as finalists. We chat about the competition, challenges and successes, highs and lows, their process both as a group and individuals preparing to compete, and much more. We also talk about slam in general, the Poetry Parlance and what it gave birth to (this team), and their vision for the future of slam poetry in Denver, which they hope even includes other poets earning their spots on the team. Lots more to come—keep coming to events in Denver, especially the Sunday Slam at the Mercury Cafe and the Poetry Parlance on Saturdays (Johnny’s got the details on meeting places each week) to meet the Parlance Poets and find out how you can be a part of their vision.

94. Robbie Robinson

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 19:44:09 +0000

Lauren "Robbie" Velasquez Robinson is a non-binary lesbian mixed Chicano poet currently pursuing their MFA at Regis University. They are Denver poet and educator for the past 5 years. Their poetry is a testament to resilience and identity, weaving a vibrant tapestry of personal narratives and universal themes. Robbie is not only a poet but also an activist, currently spearheading fundraising efforts for a scholarship honoring two Chicano queer Denver locals. Their dedication to social justice and community empowerment shines through in both their art and activism. Currently working on their debut poetry collection: Listening Party: House Music and Other Conversations, follow their journey on IG @officially_robbie.

93. Cristina A. Bejan

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Cristina A. Bejan is a local and international author and artist. Born in Colorado at the height of the Cold War, she moved back just before the pandemic and has been teaching locally and launching books internationally ever since. To learn more about Cristina's creative work please visit her IG: @cristinaabejan_ladygodiva and website: cristinaabejan.com ~ if you are an artist interested in amplification please follow @bucharestinsidethebeltway (IG) and BiB will follow you right back!

92. Camron Gall

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Prosist and poet Camron Gall appears on the show to share both prose and poetry and to chat about the stories that flow from his mind, his many notebooks and journals, honing (and not honing) his work, his time spent in Edinburgh at an International Writers' Summer School (SUISS), writing in bathtubs, and much more. Camron has many works forthcoming, including Muffled Orchestra, which we discuss in the episode. Follow Camron on IG @wormofthebook

91. Jase West and Sojo

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 14:30:00 +0000

I'm joined once again by friends of the show Jase West and Sojo to talk about the journey so far, commitment and follow-through, death, balancing the feminine and masculine, and much more.

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Sojo is a multimedia artist who is passionate about investing herself into many forms of art. Her favorites art forms include: poetry, collage, meditation music, fashion, upcycling, photography, as well as combining poetry and collage together. She also loves reading philosophy and experiencing live funky, jazzy music. She’s active in a variety of circles, so you can catch her around the city most days of the week at open mics, art events and exhibitions, thrifting, and more.

IG ⁠@imaginingbutterflies⁠ and ⁠@groovygalactic⁠

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Jase West is a poet and visual artist who currently resides in Denver, Colorado. Guided by heightened sensitivity with a burning desire for higher consciousness and transformation, Jase’s poetry brings a multidimensional and rhythmic approach to various topics such as generational trauma, police brutality, romance, heartbreak and collective healing. His first collection of work titled ‘Eternal Sol’ is pending completion.

IG ⁠@abstractxsol⁠

90. Dave Jilk

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Dave Jilk is the author of two collections of lyric poetry, co-author of The Entrepreneur’s Weekly Nietzsche: A Book for Disruptors, and lead or co-author of several academic papers on cognitive neuroscience and on existential concerns related to artificial intelligence. A former technology entrepreneur and consultant, he holds a BSc in Computer Science and Engineering from MIT. Dave and his wife live outside Boulder, Colorado and love to explore the mountains and wilderness across the west.

Dave wrote Epoch: A Poetic Psy-Phi Saga to elaborate his thoughts on how a future with fully human-level artificial intelligence might take shape … and found that the subject pulled in some unexpected directions.

Find more about Epoch: A Poetic Psy-Phi Saga, contact Dave, and sign up for book release notifications, at epoch.fyi

89. OIL, LIO, and LEN

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 14:30:00 +0000

I'm joined by OIL, LIO, and LEN to discuss their music and the three personalities behind it, conscious rap, rap in Denver, the challenges inherent in the music industry, their goals, and avoiding burnout. How to get out of your comfort zone, and the short term memory of modern society. OIL, LIO, and LEN have music available at their Linktree. The song versions in this episode were recorded and mixed anew for this show.

88. Hektor Munoz

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Mexican born, Texas raised, international bi-lingual poet, performance artist and director Héktor Muñoz has been produced, exhibited, censored, edited (without permission), and published throughout México, Australia, and the United States. He is the recipient of numerous awards for outstanding contributions to the community. In 2016 he lent his voice to a concept album by Australian Pop Star Max Sharam. In 2018 he was invited to the University of México, in Monterey to present his artistry, a bilingual poetry reading/performance of his work.

Currently he curates art exhibitions around Denver. You may see his paintings, collages and assemblages at the 'ESCAPIST' (Santa Fe & 9th Street, part of The First Friday Art Walk).

'ROSHNI' has commissioned Mr. Muñoz to create/write and direct a piece about diversity and inclusion to premiere on September 15th, 2024. Titled "BUTTERFLIES, FLOWERS & CANDIES", the show will feature dancers, artists and poets. In addition, 'ROSHNI has also commissioned him to create/write/perform a piece about his own experiences as a member of the LGBTQ community.

You may check out his YouTube, Facebook, and/or Instagram. For bookings you may text/call (720)296-6777 or email hektormunoz75@gmail.com

87. Lynda Gernhard

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Pronouns: She/They/Oneself.

Lynda is a multifaceted artist, educator, entertainer and small business owner (Soul to Soles LLC). Originally from the East Coast but has lived in Denver for over 10 years and considers the Mile High City to be home. Lynda only recently started identifying as a poet but has been writing since she was a kid and pays tribute to her late grand uncle Marcus Cone for her love of the written word. Lynda identifies as a dancer first and foremost but has found a newfound love and freedom for writing and sharing spoken word poetry—everything from what she's best known for anticapitalism works to love-lust and heartbreak and everywhere in between. Lynda plans to have a book out later this year or early next year and is looking for facilitation and speaking engagements locally and internationally again in short.

IG handle: @soultosoles2023

— Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

86. Julian Thomas

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Julian Thomas re-joins the show all the way from Spanish Harlem, NYC.

Originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Julian returns to the podcast to discuss his new book Black Existentialism: Autumn Leaves and other Space Oddities. Julian is an actor and acting coach and currently leads high school workshops in drama and writing across NYC. He has narrated over 20 audiobooks available on Audible. On this episode we discuss his new book and the process of publishing it—with lots of good info for anyone else looking to publish their writing. We touch on a lot more including black holes, de-colonizing your mind, Gil Scott-Heron, New York and Chicago's poetry scenes, theater, and much more. Special thanks to Julian for re-appearing on the show as the inaugural feature way back when.

Julian appears in the new Netflix documentary Tell Them You Love Me (IG @tellthemyouloveme) and currently voices an animated series titled The Marvelous Light available on YouTube.

Available on IG @thomas_artandlife

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

85. JX3

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 14:30:00 +0000

JX3 joins me to discuss her evolution as a poet, artist, and human, her journey into poetry, co-dependency, and her experience living with Multiple Sclerosis. We also talk about her identity as a lover, find our way into spiritual and esoteric waters, and talk future projects and potential collaborations. Follow JX3 on IG @jamba_joss (and reach out there if you're a visual artist and want to collab on the projects we talk about near the end of the episode.)

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

84. Clarence Barbee

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Clarence Barbee is a multi-talented individual known for his literary achievements. As the author of two distinct works, "Chicken Soup and a Shot of Jack" and his debut poetry book "Fire Molten and Ash," he showcases his versatility and creativity.

Follow Clarence on IG @authorclarencebarbee and @poet402

Clarence's Works can be found through the following links:

83. Dennis Mulherin

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 14:30:00 +0000

The Poets is 1 year old! Thank you all very much for your ears, and your support.

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Dennis Mulherin appears once more on The Poets to share an excerpt from his upcoming book, "The Face Across the Fire" which he plans to submit for publication. We chat about his process writing the book, challenges and lessons, and the ways poetry informed the process. Dennis has another poetry collection under submission, Table After All, and can be found at open mics in Denver including the Friday night open mic at the Mercury Cafe. Find Dennis' poetry album Days Like Today on Bandcamp and follow him on IG @make_climb_write

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

82. Sunshine Salmon

Wed, 29 May 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Sunshine Salmon joins me to chat about her poetry, "you" and "I" perspectives, alliteration, her journey into van life and the various addresses featured in her work. We also talk about her journey there and back again from Denver, and her upcoming move to Salt Lake City. Sunshine is in the process of creating a collection of poetry to be announced in greater detail at a later date. I tried to include alliteration somewhere in this bio but couldn't find a place it didn't feel forced—if you want to know how a master does it, listen to the work Sunshine shares in this episode.

Follow Sunshine on IG @splendor.solisss

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 81 - Hamudi

Mon, 27 May 2024 14:30:00 +0000

I'm joined by Hamudi, a Palestinian-American poet sharing work about Palestine, the ongoing war and genocide, love, memories, the ocean, death, and much more. Really a wonderful set of poems in this one. We talk about liberation in our lifetime, avoiding apathy, and continuing the conversation and the fight against oppression.

Catch Hamudi before he moves to LA at the upcoming Poets for Palestine event at Saj Fresh Grill this Friday May 31st at 8pm (signup at 7:30, come as early as you can.) Hamudi will also be featuring alongside friend of the show Em Dorman at the Gypsy House Cafe open mic this Thursday at 7pm.

Follow Hamudi on IG @palestinianbrunette and be on the lookout for an upcoming collection of poetry, Tears of the Olive Tree, which we discuss in the episode.

https://decolonizepalestine.com/

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 80 - BG (ft. Racine Frank)

Wed, 22 May 2024 14:30:00 +0000

From Henrico, Virginia (near Richmond), BG brings a hip-hop flow to spoken word conveying messages of peace, resistance, justice, and eroticism. BG also lived for a time near D.C. (Silver Spring, MD) and in Chicago for 6 years. BG has a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy and a Masters degree in Public Administration. BG currently runs a small business and also works at a nonprofit home energy efficiency organization. BG has been married for 13 years.

You can find more of BG’s work on Soundcloud and Spotify under the name iLL bg as well as at his website.

BG also features regularly at the Mercury Cafe on Fridays in downtown Denver.

We are also joined by Racine Frank at 46:36 in the episode to feature work as part of an ongoing collaboration between BG and Racine.

Ep 79 - Simon Shah

Mon, 20 May 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Poet, photographer, filmmaker, Simon Shah has been a performer on the Denver scene for over two decades. A former language arts teacher, he currently works as a photojournalist for a national weather station.

Simon has two collections of poetry, “Miasmic as Me” and “The Last Love Letters,” both of which can be found on Amazon. He is currently working on several exciting sci-fi projects and a collection of poetry, Exquisite Oubliette.

You can also follow his visual work and blog at his website and on IG @shahsome1138

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 78 - Jonathan Jansikok

Thu, 16 May 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Poet and philosopher Jonathan Jansikok shares and discusses his poems, his process, writing poetry in Paris, his take on our collective future, death, and much more. Jonathan is available to contact via email at jonathanjansikok@gmail.com

Two of the poems Jonathan shares in this feature are set to be published by The Opiate Magazine, and which can be read here and here.

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Forgive the strange sounds during the first few poems. Freya likes to get close to hear the poetry better.

Ep 77 - Sofia Marie Race

Tue, 14 May 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Sofia Marie Race joins the show to chat about Russian literature and poetry, her travels, languages, and the personal nature of her own poetry. We also chat about her work in film and the overlap between movies, cinematography, and poetry.

IG @sofia.marie.race

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 76 - Q and Zahria

Thu, 09 May 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Q returns, and with him Zahria Sage appears on the show for the first time to share and discuss poetry, her recent arrival in Denver, creating fantasies in the day-to-day, and much more.

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com — Find Zahria on Facebook: Zahria Hull and see the episode page on thepoets.co for a business card for her company, Zahria's Future, which we discuss in the episode. —

https://stillblacksee.bandcamp.com/

Quincy Hull (aka “Q”) has been writing poetry for over 30 years, and has been a member of the Still Black See Writers’ and Artists’ Guild for over 20 years. He has traveled extensively, reading and speaking at venues across the nation, including colleges from UWF and FSU to the University of Illinois, Loras College (Dubuque, IA), Northwest Missouri State University, and the University of Missouri. He has performed for and with some of the most respected poets in the nation. He has also been featured in several magazines and newspapers, including Pensacola’s own Independent News (IN) and the Pensacola News Journal.

Q moved to Pensacola in 2009 and joined the WFLF in 2010, and has since served a term as Vice-President of that organization. He has even starred in a play entitled “Thru the Eyes of a Child”.

In 2021 Q moved to Denver, Colorado where he quickly became a mainstay in the city’s poetry and arts scene. Q hosts an open mic for music and poetry at the Corner Beet Cafe (1401 Ogden St) every Monday, and he is a rotating host at the Friday night open mic at the legendary Mercury Cafe (2199 California St).

Q has published three poetry books: a compilation project entitled “Tribal Initiations” (2000), “Anarchism” (2001), and “Like Crabs in a Bucket” (2003). He has also produced or co-produced and released five CDs of his work: “Anarchism” (2003); “For Big Mouths and Bad Feet” (2004); and the compilation projects “Truth and Consequences Vols. 1 and 2” (2005, 2006) and “A Son Never Forgets, Ashe” (2015).

Q describes his most important role in life, and his primary source of pride and joy, as being a father to his daughter, Zahria Sage.

Ep 75 - Ezra Bram, Faith Diaz, and Racine Frank

Thu, 02 May 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Join us on episode 75 of The Poets for a conversation between friends. Talented poets and lovely humans all, Ezra Bram, Faith Diaz, and Racine Frank return to the show to discuss nature, community, art in capitalism, inner knowing, and more. —

Follow the link to purchase Racine’s book, Conversations with Self.

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Faith Diaz; event host, performer, story teller & writer, originally born in Bronx, NY, has spent most of her life moving from place to place. Her hope is to continue sharing the stories that matter, from people who do even more so. When she is not petting her Corgi, Sunny, she can be found lying in the sunlight, attempting the continued discovery of self, or just eating Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.

Find Faith on IG @withinlovebloomed2

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Hello dear person! My name is Ezra. I’m an old soul born in Bailey, Colorado where I grew up with one older brother and a single mom.

I was first introduced to poetry through my mother’s brother, Andrew Medan Karp. After Andrew took his own life in 1977, my grandmother consolidated his journals of writing into a poetry book entitled Winds of Silent Mystery. I read it cover to cover many times when I began entering my own escapade of depression & anxiety. I still find comfort & understanding in Andrew’s words, even though I’ve never met him.

Up until the pandemic, I didn’t realize how deeply generational trauma had impacted my life. When I was forced into solitude, I began confronting the deep shame and confusion I felt about my anxiety and depression. I processed much of my pain through daily walks with my film camera and the guidance of Andrew’s writing. This season morphed into my book, entitled Walking from Home, that combines my photos and Andrew’s poetry. This time also inspired the creation of what I call “Therapeutic Portraits” where I aim to provide a safe contemplative space for people to see more of themselves with grace, dignity, and love. You can read more about both these projects on my website.

My interest in mental health has now lead me to graduate school where I am currently studying to become a licensed clinical counselor. I am passionate about destigmatizing conversations around mental health, suicide, and depression, because no one deserves to suffer alone.

Funneling my experiences into words has helped me to process how paralyzing pain can be and how miraculously love can heal. My hope is that my photography and my writing can offer some comfort as you navigate your own journey of life, from pain to wonder. Remember dear person, you are not alone and you are loved, always and again.

Mad love,

Ezra

Find more about Ezra and his work at his website, whathappenedezra.com and also on IG @what_happened_ezra

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 74 - Em Dorman

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Em Dorman is a poet, comedian, activist, and the creator of Poets for Palestine, a monthly event "to share about the complexities of grief, love, and loss." In this feature Em shares poetry detailing their journey through self-discovery involving love, loss, sobriety, and celibacy. We discuss that journey, as well as family, queerness and gender, sobriety and celibacy, the divine feminine, motherhood, the death drive—even Jesus makes an appearance. Follow Em on IG @emz.records for information about them and their work as well as future editions of Poets for Palestine. Em's linktree can be found here.

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Side note - please forgive the buzzing, new mics who dis and all that. I will have it squared away soon!

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 73 - Eli Whittington

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Eli is a queer Colorado poet, parent, hiker, gardener, singer-songwriter, urban farmer, tiler and contractor. They've had poems published in multiple zines and reviews including Spit Poet Zine, Dark Moon Zine, and South Broadway Ghost Society. Their book, Treat Me Like You Treat the Earth, sold out after publication in 2019 and is slated for re-publication this year. Their self-published chapbook, Confessions from the Brink of Ecocide, came out in 2023. Their new book, Better Ways of Being Human, is currently being submitted. They are lead singer of "Eli and the Hypotheticals" and yes, they will help you build your garden bed. (More punk than Brice since 2016)

Follow Eli on IG @elithewhittington and follow their band, Eli and the Hypotheticals @eliandthehypotheticals

Eli's book, Treat Me Like You Treat The Earth, published through Suspect Press

Eli's poem, Treat Me Like You Treat The Earth, featured on the Punketry album by Black Market Translation

Eli's poem, Languishing, published through South Broadway Ghost Society

Soundcloud for Eli's band, Eli and the Hypotheticals

In this episode:

Songs

I Don't Want to Go Out (0:24)
Secret and Deep (4:22)
Seek (8:39)

Poems

Idolatry (12:07)
Confession (13:42)
You Will Find No Greater (18:28)
Flickering Lessons (21:16)
Vultures (22:16)
I Am But A Humble Builder (23:07)
Religious Experience (25:26)
Good With God (27:47)

Ep 72 - Faith Diaz

Mon, 22 Apr 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Find Faith on IG @withinlovebloomed2

In this episode:

Why They Call It Peace and Quiet (0:22)
Excerpt from All Kinds of Accountability (7:29)
Seven Days (Until You Leave) (9:05)
For Little Me (36:09 - after the interview)

Ep 71 - Gabe Gravagno

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Gabriel Gravagno is a composer and jazz drummer on the front range. He has hosted the Friday jam session at the Mercury Café since 2020, and has been an active member of the Denver music scene his whole life, starting his musical journey by taking Violin lessons from his mother as a child, becoming a songwriter and drummer in his teens, and beginning to play jazz and pursue drums and composing seriously after high school. Gabriel Gravagno is the leader and founder of Messenger Music Collective, a Denver based consortium focused on playing jazz, latin jazz, free jazz, and groove music with multiple iterations and lineups including jazz combos, RnB songwriter groups, and 8-10 piece bands. He holds a performance degree from CU Denver, and has studied with Colin Stranahan, Todd Reid, Ari Hoenig, Allison Miller, and Tommy Campbell. He has played at Denver Venues such as, Dazzle, Larimer Lounge, The Bluebird, and the Brown Palace, The Muse, and the Century Room, and has been a mainstay of creating a music community at the Mercury Café since 2015. Mentioned in the show—two of Gabe's bands, Tansy Wine and Ojo de Luna, will be playing a show on April 11th, 7pm at the Mercury Cafe. Ticket info can be found on this post and on Gabe's IG account, @gabriel_gravagno_drums — Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 70 - Tony V

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 23:40:47 +0000

Tony V is a streamer, stoner, and self-proclaimed local poet based in Denver, CO. Tony appears at the Friday night open mic at the Mercury Cafe, and has two collections in the works, one of poetry and one of short stories. Find Tony on Instagram ⁠⁠@tony_v_poetry⁠⁠, and TikTok ⁠⁠@zanaro420⁠

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 69 - Derek Pauls

Sat, 30 Mar 2024 16:43:58 +0000

This statement is false: the Pseudobiography of M. Derek Pauls
Paul Derek is dead. Long live Derek Pauls.
Paul Derek had an exquisite if brief existence, beginning with his birth in Denver. Born mulatto to a dead mostly White dad in a mostly White city, Paul Derek was socially programmed, like everybody else, to see Blacks like himself as Lesser and Other. And his experience of familial molestation didn’t help a motherfukcing bit, either, serving to convince him fundamentally that he was unloveable. (Queue world’s smallest violin.)
But Paul Derek was also really fucking smart. All book sense and no common sense, admittedly, but he tested well and got scholarships. And fucking loved music, but let himself get pushed towards conventional academics instead.
As such, although ultimately bound for abject spiritual poverty, Paul Derek amassed access to vast amounts of intellectual wealth. He collected letters after his name. He wrote songs and songs and poems and songs. He delivered babies and sutured wounds. He fathered a daughter.
He saw himself as an Impostor.
And Paul Derek fell into an inexorable slough of despond upon coming to believe that his chosen mate found him repulsive, however subjective that belief may have been. Paul Derek was convinced that his marriage was over before his daughter was even born, and blames himself for lacking the courage to end his stillborn marriage at its inception — on his own terms — rather than accepting mere terms of surrender, years later.
By the end, both Paul Derek and his spouse agreed that each marrying the other was the worst mistake of their respective lives, their child aside. Ironically, Paul Derek could still honestly write a glowing personal ad about the mother of his daughter, a sentiment sincerely unreciprocated.
Bereft of love and comfort, self-absorbed and consumed with loneliness — and apparently whining like a bitch — Paul Derek tumbled from the sky in flames like Icarus, endlessly falling ever deeper in darkness, crashing to the bottom of some yawning abyss, cratering and splintering like obsidian.
Paul Derek died in guttering fire, having lost absolutely everything.
Derek Pauls is choking at the bottom of a pit of phoenix ash, weak as a newborn, but reborn all the same.
Paul Derek is dead. Long live Derek Pauls. —

Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 68 - Stone

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Stone (they/them) is a poet based out of Denver, Colorado. They can be found on social media as @persephone_stone, but they can also be found wherever there are disco balls and mocktails. They explore themes of sobriety, queerness, and love in all forms. As well as a poet, they are a photographer, comedian, and cat parent.

Instagram

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 67 - Sleepy

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Welcome back to the show, the one and only Sleepy.

Sleepy is a dreamer the spirit world has decided to keep wide awake. With no other options to escape reality, he’s infiltrated the poet community in Denver to talk shit, build community, and help create a world that doesn’t need escaping from.

Learn more about the Blackbird Renaissance: Instagram Youtube Discord

Picture by @absolutemoment

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 66 - Ryan Flannigan

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Ryan is a poet who was born someplace, lives somewhere else and writes primarily about some things but not other things — and most of all, he absolutely despises any sort of mystery or vaguery. He doesn't have patience for that sort of silliness. Not one bit.

In this episode:

1. Speechless (0:22) 2. Milk Soap (2:38) 3. Note to Self (2:47) 4. In Miami (8:26) 5. Swimming in a Tar Pit (10:11) 6. Oh Broken Wishing Well (11:31) 7. Hello to This New Future (12:12) 8. I Was Always Like This (12:33) 9. A Tent (15:37) 10. To Plant a Poem (15:48)

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 65 - Grim Vorhees

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 17:22:53 +0000

Grim Vorhees is a Chicago Born, Denver Based Creative that is exploring and experience art in whatever form manifests in his present moments. A community leader that strives to curate evolutionary environments that promote love, respect, and courage to be authentically yourself. His brand Good Vibes Only is one of the many platforms he uses to connect with people of all backgrounds who share his passion for community excellence.

Check out Grim's music here — Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

*Recorded on February 23rd, 2024 but I took forever to get it done and ready.

Ep 64 - MarcusThaPoet

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Marcus Aguirre aka MarcusThaPoet joins The Poets to share music, poetry, and deep thought. We talk about his poetry, songwriting, improv, performance style and development, finding heritage, the Earth, mushrooms, love, and so much more. Find Marcus streaming on all platforms under the name MarcusThaPoet and find him on IG, TikTok, and Snapchat @MarcusThaPoet.

You can listen to Marcus' song New Year Same Dreams here.

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 63 - Moses Graytower

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Chasing immortality #kingofcongress

Welcome back Moses Graytower to the show. Buckle up, folks—we ended up down the rabbit hole in the best way on this one.

Check out Moses' album ⁠Congress⁠ and find him around town at open mics like the Corner Beat on Monday nights and the Mercury Cafe on Fridays and other nights.

Also, a correction—at one point in the conversation I say Steven Kotler worked as a consultant for some ultra-wealthy nutjobs. That was actually Douglas Rushkoff, although both of their work is worth checking out! Cheers.

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 62 - Will Howell

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 15:30:00 +0000

William Howell is an artist and musician in Denver. He's spent most of his life doing nothing, which continues to be the main source of inspiration for his art.

If you're interested in his upcoming projects, you can find him on Instagram @runofthewill.

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In this episode:

1. Highway (0:22); 2. Into Blue (3:43); 3. Love Poem to My Trumpet (4:49); 4. Questions no. 5 (6:48); 5. Prison Visit (8:22); 6. Of Love (9:12); 7. A Memory Recalled on a Sunny Day in August (9:57); 8. Poem for Dark Souls (10:36); 9. You Put a Hole in Me (11:27) — Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

IG @thepoetspodcast

Ep 61 - Philip Tran

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Philip Tran is a queer poet from Denver, collage artist, paper engineer, florist, handyman, roller derby initiate, and emcee who regularly hosts events and variety shows, and 4th Friday’s hosting the long running weekly poetry open mic at The Mercury Cafe. He is also a dad joke connoisseur. Find his podcast “From My Open Mic” on Spotify for live recordings. In 2023 he launched Bound By The Beat, an event combining local rope bondage and jazz communities, and is currently curating another show for May. With a chose-your-own-adventure poetry book in the works and a desire to perform on new stages, you may find him sharing words near you. When asked what super power he would like he answered “to give superpowers to those ignorant of their own powers.” https://open.spotify.com/episode/0CZcDejgYOUuGXNxaCh67B?si=lcXwvRAbQJGo7M2AL8eYDg Follow Philip on Instagram @invader_4 (SFW) and @invader__4 (NSFW = 2 underscores) — Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 60 - Jonny Schreiber

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Jonny Schreiber loves to create and engage with art in all of its forms and can be described as a poet, musician, comedian, DJ, storyteller, (aspiring) author, (passable) dancer, and (extremely mediocre to below average) drawer (is that even a word??). He likes to think that he is extremely talented at following detailed recipes to cook meals for his friends and family, having abstract existential conversations about the meaning of life in the back of the dance club, and overanalyzing almost any situation that arises in his life. However, since he is writing this bio, we will take that last sentence with a grain of salt.

Jonny is a Colorado native and has a strong passion for the outdoors and partakes in most of the outdoorsy Colorado activities that you would expect. His art is inspired by his emotions, experiences, dreams, and desires. He unfortunately does not have any writing published (yet). However, he does have an album of Indie-Electronic Music called “Angst” that he released in 2022 under his music-persona, “The Elaborate Owl”. You can listen to it here. You can also stay up to date with his artistic endeavors and general shenanigans on his Instagram @elab_owl_music

Jonny has many creative projects in the works, including another album, a novel, and a collection of poetry to name a few (or maybe it’s multiple different collections of poetry, or an album of poetry performed over ambient music, or maybe it’s a series of music videos but for poetry, or maybe it’s a scavenger hunt and each time you get a clue it’s a piece of a poem and then by the end you have the full piece). Unfortunately, we have no idea when these projects will be complete as Jonny switches his medium of art almost daily, and continues to discover new forms of art that inspire him. Damn him! But nonetheless, stay tuned, for he has a lot to share with the world.

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 59 - Q

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Find Q's spoken word album, A Son Never Forgets - Ashe, on Bandcamp

Q moved to Pensacola in 2009 and joined the WFLF in 2010, and has since served a term as Vice-President of that organization. He has even starred in a play entitled “Thru the Eyes of a Child”.

In this episode:

1. A Very Recent and True Story (0:21); 2. The Day My Life Changed (17:00); 3. Untitled (32:18); 4. Untitled (38:08); 5. For the Sake of Love (49:48); 6. Ease the Pain (1:06:34); 7. My Masterpiece (1:25:47)

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 58 - Racine Frank

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 15:30:00 +0000

Racine Frank began writing poetry in December 2019 during her time as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ethiopia. She started by writing haikus and then branched into free verse poetry incorporating rhyming schemes. From an early age, she traveled to and lived in multiple countries with Ethiopia being a time of tremendous growth and transformation. Her writing surrounds the power of love - not only for others, but for oneself. With love being the core of her creative writing, Racine explores other aspects of life that aid in the self-discovery and evolution of individuals. She recently shared with the world her first ever self-published poetry chapbook titled Conversations with Self. She is enthusiastic about creativity, whether that be in the form of dancing, singing, writing, or inspiring others to live life to the fullest.

Follow the link to purchase Racine's new book, Conversations with Self.

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep. 57 - Brandon Doulos Garrett

Sat, 06 Jan 2024 18:35:46 +0000

Welcome Brandon Doulos Garett to The Poets.

Writer, actor, poet, podcaster. Check out Brandon on TikTok and on his Podcast, Self Centered Therapy

Also, check out the Something Different Variety Show for information about upcoming shows.

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 56 - Emily Wiecec

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 17:39:50 +0000

Emily Wiecec returns to The Poets to share new and old poetry, and for a discussion on the darkness and healing that lives within the human experience. ALSO, if you are listening to this on December 31st, 2023 (or any year) the Mercury Cafe New Year's Eve Erotic Poetry Festival is TONIGHT at 7:00pm. $15 entry. 2199 California St, Denver CO.

Today's episode contains discussions about domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or is in need of immediate assistance, please seek help. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. Help is available, and you are not alone.

Emily’s bio:

I am a Denver poet, mother, teacher and lover of words. I am privileged to have a longstanding relationship with the Mercury Cafe as a host of the Friday Night Open Mic and member of the poetry community. The Mercury Cafe is a magical and wonderful place to be. I have also poet-ed elsewhere, with students and with a Boulder group called Word By Word Journeys. Through that work I have come to believe and cherish the fact that poetry is for everyone. The latest adventure for me has been starting a full moon open mic which is a clothing-optional open mic about radical self acceptance and building community. I also have a transcendent love for comedy, which is also new. Aren’t life and it’s surprises amazing!

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 55 - David Price

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 15:30:00 +0000

David Price joins The Poets to share poems on love, grief, politics, and protest. We discuss his history and future with the Mercury Cafe as well as the questions both behind and within his work. David talks inspirations from the crowd, from his life, and from entire letter sections of the dictionary. Work on several of David's projects including poetry collections and an urban fantasy novel is underway, so stay tuned for more. Thanks for listening.

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 54 - Sudev

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 22:45:00 +0000

Hridith Sudev is a public-health scientist, writer, poet and community organizer. Born in India, and raised in Oman, Sudev migrated to the United States in 2018 to pursue higher education in Denver, where he has lived ever since. For the past 10 years, Sudev has worked in both governmental and non-governmental capacities to expand healthcare access to historically marginalized communities and create governments of action that fight for working-class interests. His passion for community work began in 2012 when he founded Project Greenworld International, a children’s environmental action group in his hometown in Oman. Over the years, his activism has expanded to the frontlines of immigrant and refugee rights agitation, community building, racial justice movements, student organizing, and labor organizing. Today, his work is mostly centered on addressing the growing epidemic of firearm and bullet injuries affecting black and brown men, as well as the health-impacts of food and income insecurity among working-class Americans. Hridith is the Community Health Specialist at the Sheridan Family Health Clinic and the founder and current President of Colectivo de Paz, a grassroots non-profit in Denver dedicated to creating self-reliant and liberated communities. His poetry is informed by his experiences growing up in Oman, his interactions with the geopolitics of being a third-culture nomad, and his meditations on his journey through the world as an organizer, a dreamer, a brother and a son. Follow Colectivo de Paz on IG @colectivodenver and learn more at www.colectivodepaz.org Hear more about Sudev and his life as an activist on the Blackbird Radio Podcast — Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 53 - Tariq Salem

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Chef, poet, human.

Follow Tariq on IG @tarooksalem

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 52 - Ash Avery

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 01:24:33 +0000

The Poets took a bit of a holiday break, but we're back today with the lovely and talented Ash Avery. Thanks for listening, and more to come!

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Ash’s writing is inspired by their (mis)adventures in fringe living, efforts to balance disparate identities, and compulsion to psychoanalyze uniquely human experiences (for better and worse). Ash has been a social worker, circus artist, amateur skateboarder, competitive rock climber, professional route setter, avid letter-writer, open-mic regular, and that crazy person who finishes their runs by cold-plunging in the Northern Pacific. Born and raised in Berkeley, the open road is now Ash's closest approximation to home. They believe that living intentionally, adventurously, unconventionally and vulnerably is one of the best things they’ve done and will always do for their art.

Ash's prose has appeared in Cipher Magazine, Psychoanalytic Inquiry, and Boulder Poetry Scene. Their first audio-literary album was released through Hello America Stereo Cassette. They do original pen and watercolor illustrations by commission.

You can find Ash at ashaverywriting.com or reach out to them at ash.avery.writing@gmail.com.

Ash encourages you to keep an eye out for the upcoming Bad Victims Zine. The BVZ is an anti-sexual violence publication centered on the experiences of survivors/victims who are genderqueer, BIPOC, sex workers, formerly incarcerated, living with disability, and/or occupying other identities that don’t fit into the dominant narrative of what a victim looks and acts like. If you're interested in submitting your poetry or short-form prose, please reach out to badvictimszine@gmail.com for submission guidelines.

In this episode:

Nothing's Right These Days (0:22); 2. Border Poem (2:22); 3. Landscapes (10:14)

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 51 - Aerik Francis (phaentompoet)

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 15:30:00 +0000

Aerik Francis is a Queer Black & Latinx poet based in Denver, CO. They are the author of the poetry chapbook MISEDUCATION (NDR 2023), named the winner of the 2022 New Delta Review Chapbook Prize, and poetry chapbook BODYELECTRONIC (Trouble Department 2022) which is available also in audiobook form on all streaming platforms under their artist pseudonym phaentompoet. Check out their website phaentompoet.com for more fun poetry stuff & things. — Order Aerik's chapbook, MISEDUCATION, here and follow them on IG @phaentompoet —

Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 50 - JohnnyOsi

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 15:30:00 +0000

JohnnyOsi is a fuzzy ball of lint, tickling the belly button of a collapsing galactic lotus, that smells like death. He is also a National Poetry Slam Finalist, an Individual World Poetry Slam Finalist, a Slaughterhouse Slam Champion, whose work has been featured on Button Poetry, Write About Now, and All Def Poetry. — Find more from Johnny at his website and on Instagram @johnnyosi — In this episode:

Em mE (0:23) 2. Ginger Peach Tea (2:09) 3. Amoebas (3:32) 4. Kiss like a girl (4:56) 5. The devil of orange juice (6:02) 6. Marshmallow (8:14) 7. Glacier (10:57) 8. Em mE (Part II) (11:43) 9. Explosions in the sky (13"22) 10. Monet (15:34)

— Photo by Jase West (IG @abstractxsol)

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 49 - therealelliedm

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Ellie Dawson-Moore is a poet, soon-to-be novelist, and model based in Boulder, Colorado. Originally from Minneapolis, she moved to Colorado to attend the University of Colorado Boulder, where she studies creative writing with a minor in education. On this episode we discuss some of her inspirations—the morbid and the sappy—along with gothic horror, Greek mythology, and selling organs to make ends meet. You can follow Ellie on IG @therealelliedm — In this episode:

1. The Great War (0:37) 2. Yearning Heart for Sale (2:22) 3. The Monster (3:34) 4. The Girl in Seasons (5:30) 5. All Lovers' Eve (6:26) 6. Pepsi Cola (8:32) 7. Curves (9:58) 8. Questions for the Explorer (11:47) 9. Lady of the Lake (16:52) 10. On the Run (18:56)

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 48 - Renée

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 22:12:02 +0000

I began sharing spoken word poetry in Aug 2022. It began as journal entries and took more structure when I started doing open mics. This exploration of myself happened when I realized the many categories I exist in. Viewing myself as the runner Renée, the academic Renée, the friend Renée, the employee Renée, etc—and the writer Renée.
Most of the categories are defined by how others view me, but the ‘writer Renée’ is how I view myself. I decided to share a journal entry with a friend who was struggling with a similar problem, and she hyped me up about my writing.
Since then my writing has become a concept bigger than myself—a way to connect to the collective consciousness. Taking inspiration from different types of relationships as well as social, economic, and environmental issues to expand my understanding of the world.

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 47 - Andrew Bryson & Sleepy

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Former features Sleepy and Andrew Bryson return to the show for a discussion of the occult, death, the collective unconscious, poetic inspirations, and some bald guy.

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You can hear Sleepy and your host on another podcast, where they interview cool folks about all sorts of things, here.

Photo of Sleepy by ⁠@absolutemoment⁠ on IG

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Andrew graduated from CU Denver with a MA in Counseling. Andrew works from an integrative lens and mixes evidence-based practices with a humanistic appreciation of our innate capacity for wisdom and healing.

Before working as a counselor, Andrew studied philosophy and psychology in undergrad, worked as a recruiter, and spent time training in the Zen Buddhist tradition. His journey has been motivated by a deep desire to bring healing and balance to himself and his communities.

In his free time, Andrew spends as much time as possible on the tennis court. He is a writer and poet who enjoys sharing his work with the local creative community. He is sustained by love for his friends and fellow counselors, his family, and his cat, Kaya.

Andrew’s poetry collection, Gentle Poems for Sad Millennials, is available on Amazon

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 46 - Jase West & Sojo

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 14:30:00 +0000

On this episode, former feature Jase West reappears and is joined by Sojo. Together, we discuss god (God?) in all forms of art and the human experience, as well as the process of surrendering to find the beauty in our lives. How to let go in order to receive abundance. We also dip our toes into some conspiracy talk. — Sojo is a multimedia artist who is passionate about investing herself into many forms of art. Her favorites art forms include: poetry, collage, meditation music, fashion, upcycling, photography, as well as combining poetry and collage together. She also loves reading philosophy and experiencing live funky, jazzy music. She's active in a variety of circles, so you can catch her around the city most days of the week at open mics, art events and exhibitions, thrifting, and more. IG @imaginingbutterflies and @groovygalactic — Jase is a poet and visual artist who currently resides in Denver, Colorado. Guided by heightened sensitivity with a burning desire for higher consciousness and transformation, Jase’s poetry brings a multidimensional and rhythmic approach to various topics such as generational trauma, police brutality, romance, heartbreak and collective healing. His first collection of work titled ‘Eternal Sol’ is pending completion. IG @abstractxsol — Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 45 - Jacob S. Friedman

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Find more of Jacob's work at his website and see more from his publishing company, Static Publishing, on IG @staticpublishing. — Jacob S. Friedman is a writer, philosopher, mathematician, and the author of Shorts, An Interesting Book, and My Typewriter Hates the Government But I Don’t, among others. His first two works, collections of poems, employed a method of immersion in the natural world. Shorts, written while hitch-hiking around America and sheltering in the woods, and An Interesting Book, composed in solitary moments traveling by motorcycle, over the course of sixteen months, through jungle and countryside of South-East Asia from the Eastern end of the Himalaya’s southward into the Mekong Delta region. Allowing his travels and the events therein to organically evolve intended themes and subject matter, and each to transmit a unique spirit of the local people and lifestyle into the works composed there, his poems mark real events in the life of the author and intend to elucidate a system of thought and make known something of the ineffable.

Additionally, Jacob has shows an interest in knowledge specifically as its transmitted through the written form. As part of his method, Jacob continues to explore new, and sometimes rare and unusual sections of literary, philosophical, religious, and scientific thought. From contemporary philosophy and mathematical proofs, to romantic poetry, Sanskrit Sutras and Medieval mysticism, Cuneiform tablets, and biblical commentary. Written texts which contain something worth preserving, for him, possess a significant value and a mysterious element not yet fully known to him.

In Jacob S. Friedman’s poetic works, minimalism is functionally employed to a variety of ends. Primarily, minimalism is able, simultaneously, to demonstrate a mastery of the art, while serving to elevate the concept above words, and to accentuate feelings of serenity and liberation through the visually manifest forms of simplicity and perfection. Minimalism is further employed for its ability to reach a contemporary audience accustomed to internet age quips and shares. As well as to startle, into appreciation, a public who have rarely had any moving experience with a poem. Writing for such a public, an effect in which the reader has been fooled into comprehending the piece through sheer simplicity and sincerity, or a kind of carefully tailored direct approach, is necessary to revive what has become, in the minds of the average consumer, a dead art form.

The works written of Jacob S. Friedman do just that, giving form to a distinctly contemporary experience of the poet and the world, while constructing a rigorously developed representation of the Sacred in Nature.

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 44 - Ezra Bram

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 15:08:06 +0000

Hello dear person! My name is Ezra. I’m an old soul born in Bailey, Colorado where I grew up with one older brother and a single mom.

Mad love,

- Ezra

Find more about Ezra and his work at his website, whathappenedezra.com and also on IG @what_happened_ezra

In this episode:

Cleaning My Nails (0:22) 2. Do you remember the day I made you eggs (3:39) 3. I Cried Today (7:11) 4. I Am A Puddle (10:44) 5. Andrew's Poem (14:22)

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 43 - Jeremy Muriungi

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 14:30:00 +0000

My name is Jeremy Muriungi. I'm Kenyan. I moved to Spokane, WA from Nairobi, Kenya in 2014 to pursue my bachelor's degree. My academic journey has been 8 years in the making. I finally got my B.S. in Computer Science in Dec. 2022. I moved to Denver in August 2023 to start a new job.

I rekindled my poetic fire/spark in 2019 and found community at Neato Burrito in Spokane where Broken Mic, a weekly poetry open mic, which happens every Wednesday. I was an avid reader in my younger years. My formal introduction to poetry came in high school in Kenya in 2011 and I fell in love with the form. Most of what we studied was structured poetry. I found it fun to try and fit the form, so most of my compositions back then rhymed and fit a specific structure—mostly quatrains.

My poetry took a hiatus in 2013 when I went to university until 2019 when a good friend (shout out to Tiana) encouraged me to go to Broken Mic after finding out I used to write. I read/performed for the first time a month and a half after attending Broken Mic and getting inspired by my fellow poets there, most of whom became good friends. I've been writing and reading ever since.

I make sense of my emotions and ponder my place in the world through poetry. Most of my pieces are introspective and personal, with a hint of social commentary. I like leaving interpretation to the audience/reader so I often write vaguely using metaphors and references. I'm learning to break structure and write more freely. Lately, I've been exploring musicality and flow in my pieces.

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Follow Jeremy on IG @jeremymcambroze

— In this episode:

Acquiesce; 2. Free Shipping and Handling; 3. Grind; 4. Shell; 5. Rain; 6. A Release; 7. Exploring Pleasure

Ep 42 - Rae Monet

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Rae Monet, the eclectic muse creates spiritually, sexually, sensually; activating the collective “Inna G”. Her soulful, psychedelic sound coalesces stimulating textures and bluesy melodies with sultry vocals to soothe the aching soul. As a poet, the same applies, as her music is riddled with flows rooted in prose. Catch Rae at open mics across Denver to hear her sing, but tonight she shares poetry that she's never shared before. Welcome Rae Monet to The Poets.

Follow Rae on IG @raemonet_ and find links to more of her work here.

In this episode:

1. From Swaddle to Straitjacket 2. Calm 3. Bird's Eye View 4. Today 5. Rock, Paper, Scissors 6. I Been Healing 7.Foul

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 41 - Philip Tran and Q

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Friends of the show and previous feature poets Q and Philip Tran reappear together for a conversation full of laughter, deep thought, and tough questions. Q and Philip are two of the recurring hosts of the Friday night open mic at the Mercury Cafe in Downtown Denver. Q also hosts a music and poetry open mic at the Corner Beet on 14th and Ogden every Monday (doors at 6pm), and Philip hosts his own podcast, “From My Open Mic”.

Follow Philip on Instagram @invader_4 (SFW) and @invader__4 (NSFW = 2 underscores)

Follow Q on Instagram @qtherevolutionary and hear his spoken word album on Bandcamp.

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 40 - Dennis Mulherin

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Dennis Mulherin is a Colorado based poet whose work deals with themes like love, pain, existential crises, and making furniture. Dennis' collection of poetry, An Edge Over End Grain, based on his work as a furniture designer and craftsman, is forthcoming, and he is currently close to completing a novel, which we discuss in this episode. Follow Dennis on IG @make_climb_write and find his spoken word album, Days Like Today on Bandcamp.

In this episode:

The Existential Crisis of a Morning Glory
Earth Tones
I Get What?
Writing 'til It's Good

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.co

Ep 39 - BarZ Brown

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Follow BarZ on Instagram @barzbrown and @barzbrownmusic

Find more about BarZ and his work on his website, barzbrown.com

BarZ Brown is an Independent Artist from Lawnside, NJ.

Starting out as a producer, BarZ was introduced to the music scene working with 754/Raw Connection in South Jersey at the age of 14. Since then, BarZ has continued to master all parts of the craft by developing his writing and performing skills as well as becoming a certified audio engineer, graduating from SAE Institute in Atlanta, GA.

As an Independent Artist, BarZ has been featured in Hip-Hop Weekly, Unkut Magazine, Secret Society Magazine and has had guest appearances on "Sypher 360 Show", "Destination Hip Hop", and "Lit TV" with Lex Luga shown on Comcast TV. BarZ has also been interviewed by countless internet and fm radio shows, including "Heat Seekers" 107.9fm, and "The Show ATL" WRFG Atlanta 89.3 fm.

BarZ has been making a name for himself performing at major events such as "Atl Hip-Hop Day", "Sweet Auburn Festival", and "The North West Philly Spring Festival". As founder of The Wavverunners brand, BarZ has also curated multiple events spanning across cities and states such as Atlanta, North Carolina, Philadelphia, and Louisiana.

Most recently BarZ partnered with YUA International and MET Atlanta to bring a full outdoor art festival to the city of Atlanta called "The Wavve Festival".

BarZ has also worked as a Radio Producer at Instinct Radio, now known as Status Network and a Radio Manager at Highly Unique radio where he was responsible for booking shows, special guest, and even had a show of his own called King Wavve 'Radio".

With all that he has done in such short time, BarZ truly believes in paying it forward. BarZ has always utilized his company and network to uplift the artistic community specifically in Atlanta. These efforts allowed BarZ to win the nomination and award for "Movement of The Year" at the Atlanta Hip Hop Awards for his company Wavverunners.

In this Episode:

Think Big 2. Legit 3. That's Love 4. Pronoun Love

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 38 - Lottie Dammit

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 19:51:45 +0000

Lottie Dammit is the pseudonym of a Denver local with a lot of opinions about her own shortcomings. She assembled the moniker from the comic book character "Lottie Person" (protagonist of the social media mystery comic "Snotgirl") and her own mishearing of the name "Robert Emmett," an Irish Liberationist.

Lottie has always loved writing and making art but was admittedly averse to poetry until a friend invited her to an open mic so he could read his own in public for the first time. The open mic turned out to be a slam competition and afterwards, she spent the entire rest of the night mentally spinning poems until sunrise. She now writes poetry to make something artful out of her attempts to be vulnerable with herself and others... and then poke fun at those attempt. Just a little. As a treat. Being vulnerable is hard, okay?

Pictured: a self portrait painted by Lottie

Find more and follow Lottie on IG @lottiedammit

In this episode:

I'm Sorry
Mental Masochism
Untitled
Soul Surveillance State
Dolls

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Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 37 - Girl Harbor

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 16:00:52 +0000

Girl Harbor writes haiku. Anime fan, haiku-ist, poet. Welcome Girl Harbor to The Poets.

Find more of her on IG @er5in_

Ep 36 - Tony V

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Tony V is a streamer, stoner, and self-proclaimed local poet based in Denver, CO. Tony appears at the Friday night open mic at the Mercury Cafe, and has two collections in the works, one of poetry and one of short stories. Find Tony on Instagram ⁠@tony_v_poetry⁠ and TikTok ⁠@zanaro420⁠ — In this episode:

1. Cyclical in Motion 2. Tired (part 1) 3. Grammar 4. Why does my poetry... 5. I Wouldn't Call This a Poem 6. Here I Am 7. Tired (part 2) 8. The Change 9. Definition of Bliss 10. When Leaving Tastes of Garlic 11. Untitled Short Story —

Questions? Comments? Want to be featured? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 35 - Christian Lewys Carson

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 15:00:00 +0000

There are many names, and really none of them fit perfectly, and even in combination, they only loosely hold the ideas that have so far reflected me in this lifetime.

Christian Lewys Carson, Courageous Grizzly, Street Preacher, Comfortable Monk, Raven-Heart Bumblebee, Sacred Bull…

While struggling to accurately describe myself, I find energetic nuances and abstractions closer to the truth these days, than the roles, titles, and history more common in such bios. So with that said: I’m a servant, aspiring to be whole, humble, helpful, and real, through the portal of this lifetime, bringing my unique gifts of leadership, motivation, and passion to relationship, community, and business.

Two mission statements, that have come through over the last 10 years are:

I create a world of peace and love by compassionately connecting.

And

I harmonize world systems, illuminating our fundamental human sameness.

Thanks for listening.

Find Christian on Twitter @comfortablemonk

In this episode: 1. Remember 2. Ego Death 3. The Renaissance 4. Change 5. Untitled 6. A Poem by Rumi (I couldn't find the title anywhere, sorry)

Ep 34 - Simeon

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Simeon, aka Dylan Rudolph, is a Denver based poet who hails from a small town in North Dakota. An Orthodox Christian, Simeon's beliefs infuse his poetry with spiritual and esoteric principles that describe to listeners the benefits of a life emulating Christ. Simeon loves living and working in Denver, CO, which he describes as a highly spiritual town. Simeon loves engaging with the poetry crowd of Denver and is always looking to grab meals or coffee with fellow poets to discuss art, spirituality, religion, and the human condition.

— Questions? Comments? Use the contact page above or email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com to connect

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Ep 33 - El Rima

Fri, 25 Aug 2023 15:29:28 +0000

Rapper, singer, poet, artist, and philosopher El Rima joins The Poets to share his work, his past, and a glimpse into the mindset behind his art.

Find more from El Rima on Youtube and IG @elrimasoyyo

Photo by BarZ Brown (IG @barzbrown)

— Questions? Comments? Reach out to thepoetspodcast@gmail.com to connect.

Ep 32 - AJ Shap

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 16:07:00 +0000

AJ is the guy behind the bar who enjoys conversations that start with wandering the great outdoors, glide into politics, stumble through pop culture, joke about comedy, reiterate sports commentary, and land safely in music. Also, he hates run-on sentences. AJ is originally from Atlanta, which he proudly claims as the cultural Mecca of the world, and the source for any creative inspiration flowing through his head. A writer by trade, he found his footing in advertising; brainwashing you with silly jokes, infectious tag lines, and Sarah McLaughlin songs. While he would never dare don the label of a comic, he also would never miss the opportunity to crack a joke. Still, poetry was always his first love and his most consistent creative outlet. You can find him on Instagram @philosophical_chillin, where he does have a collection of photography but is rarely active these days. On his website at ajshap.com. Or at the Mercury Cafe on Friday nights, where you are more than welcome to come hang, order food, get drinks or coffee, and tip the staff really really well.

In this Episode: 1. The Reason I Write 2. Peter Pan Complex 3. Love Games 4. I Will Never Forget You 5. Reaching for the Moon 6. Untitled 7. Dear Lover 8. Lupe 9. Method Man

Ep 31 - Alyssa Nadolny

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 21:11:49 +0000

Alyssa Nadolny is a gifted poet with a lifelong passion for writing. Her debut book, "Dissociative Fusion," is a collection of poems that showcases her unique perspective and poetic voice. Alyssa believes that her writing is not solely her own creation, but rather a collaboration with spirit. She sees herself as a conduit for inspiration, and her poetry is a reflection of her deep connection to the world around her. With her debut publication, Alyssa invites readers to join her on a journey of self-discovery and introspection through the power of poetry.

Follow Alyssa on IG @poetry_and_prophesy and find more information at her website.

Dissociative Fusion is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble

In this episode:

Dissociative Fusion 2. Lessons 3. Liar 4. Abused Woman's Manifesto 5. Cycle 6. Direction 7. Runaway 8. Transgenerational Trauma 9. How Secrets Lose Their Power 10. EMDR 11. Bender 12. Phoenix 13. Change 14. Homecoming 15. Veteran 16. The Root of Rage 17. Pointing in the Mirror 18. Death Grip 19. Caught in the Ruins 20. Letting Go 21. Sisterhood 22. Hooch in a White Horse 23. Poor Taste 24. The Lies I Tell Myself 25. An Answered Prayer 26. Cracked Concrete

Ep 30 - Old Turtle

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Multidimensional and always evolving, Old Turtle is the umbrella artist name for Kae Barcus and her many endeavors and outlets for creation — writing poetry and stream of consciousness prose, symbolistic universal flatwork creations of what she deems “Beings,” Clinical Herbalism (private 1:1 sessions and education), Yin Yoga private + group instruction (guiding people through the art of slowing down and surrender), music, massage therapy, wilderness exploration, shadow + light work, ceremonial psychedelic traveling, elemental play and becoming (communing with the four directions + fire, water, wind, earth, ether), finding balance and stillness and being the bridge for others to find their way home to the Earth (with Kae).

Website in the works - Message Kae through Instagram @oldturtlekae or email oldturtlekae@gmail.com to book a session or to simply connect

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Hear more from Kae on Soundcloud.

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Song: Be the Medicine by Old Turtle, produced by John Holt. Find John on Instagram @subocybin and on Soundcloud.

— Photo by Simon Shah (IG @shahsome1138) — In this episode:

Be the Medicine
Wild Creatures
Through the Eye of the Tree
Celestial Heroes
Let it All Be
Ineffable Library

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Ep 29 - Ricardo Bogaert-Álvarez

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0000

[1] Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra

Pictured - Ricardo with his book, Chronicles of a Young Dominican, and a picture of him at 25 years old.

In this episode:

General Trujillo the Tyrant 2. The Bullfrog 3. The Ice Cream 4. My First Kiss 5. My Chess Set 6. Journey Through the Love Dimension 7. The Banda Colora

Ep 28 - Niko

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Follow Niko on IG @nyxxpoetry

Pictured: Niko’s unofficial author’s photo for whenever he gets around to publishing something in a somewhat professional capacity. Niko is a Denver native, freelance writer, musician, healthcare worker and casual open mic attendee. Writing is how he navigates life in all its messiness, high points, and all else in between. He hopes that through his writing he can help people feel seen and move others whether through humor, commentary on the existential dread that comes with adulthood, or more serious themes. Like holding an uncomfortable mirror to yourself at times. Needless to say, he doesn’t take his writing seriously or professionally but hopes it may be healing to anybody who comes by and listens. (Author’s note: good tea may be essential for the enjoyment of this episode)

In this episode:

1. Introduction 2. A Conversational Checklist for Your Writer Friends 3. The Quiet Moments in the Car Before a Social Event 4. Smoke Signals 5. I Hate that You’re Happy 6. Chimera 7. An Artist’s Touch 8. Untitled (I Thought About Killing Myself Today) 9. Quiet Mind 10. Alchemic Recipe for a Less Reluctant Life 11. You Kill Radicalism with Pussy 12. Nineteen

Ep 27 - Maria Muller

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 15:00:00 +0000

When she dreams Maria travels to alternate realities. She's had some crazy adventures and gets a lot of her story ideas from there. She raised 5 kids, mostly as a single mom, and her identifier has been "so & so's mom" most of her life. She grew up partly in Colorado but mostly on her grandparents' farm where she got to do fun stuff like take care of the animals and drive tractors around. She started collecting comic books at age 8 (so became a nerd) and still buys them when she can afford it. She loves all things Marvel, especially the X-Men, but her 1st comic love will always be Elfquest. She's also addicted to watching anime and kdramas and recently started doing cosplay. She isn't sure if that made her a bigger nerd or if she's one of the cool kids now.

She's always loved writing and started pursuing a bachelor's degree in journalism when she was 18, and finally got it 25 years later in 2017. After college she worked as a writer for Denver Parent and Ms Mayhem Magazine.

As one of her poems says, she's been through some shit. Stints of being unhoused with her mom, six years of very abusive relationship with her older kids' dad, alcoholism that led to losing her kids for a week, going to jail because she couldn't afford car insurance but still needed to get to work, and a dirt biking accident in 2007 that left her completely paralyzed. But it's hard to keep her down and eventually she learned to walk and move her arms and hands again.

In 2020, she lost her youngest daughter. She was only 22 when she died, and her death wasn't quick or painless. Eight months later, she started writing poetry as a way to deal with that loss. Her life has inspired her poetry, but she writes about her daughter and domestic violence the most.

She's published feature articles, op-eds, and personal essays, and hopes to publish her poetry one day. She's also working on a few short scripts that she intends to film.

But none of that stuff pays the bills, so for now she has a few Airbnb rooms in her house and that's been its own experience, mostly good.

Her therapy these days is poetry, riding on the bike trails in Aurora with her cat Pumpkin in a basket on the handlebars, and time with her grandbabies.

She currently attends open mics at the Mercury Cafe, The Corner Beet, the Gypsy House cafe and is the opener poet at the Barfly for their Den Drama night.

In this episode: 1. A Toast 2. Monster 3. Fucking Bob 4. The Weight of You

Ep 26 - Nate Hopp

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 15:57:27 +0000

Nate Hopp is a dude who lets the gift, the grit, and the grime of his mind unwind from time to time with a pen and a line.

Ep 25 - Sleepy

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Sleepy is a dreamer the spirit world has decided to keep wide awake. With no other options to escape reality, he's infiltrated the poet community in Denver to talk shit, build community, and help create a world that doesn't need escaping from.

1. A Revolutionary Love Poem 2. Puppet Man 3. I Am a Religious Man 4. Untitled 5. The Civilized Man 6. Drugs on Trial 7. A Good Soldier 8. Escape Artist 9. So Scientific Picture by @absolutemoment Learn more about the Blackbird Renaissance: Instagram Youtube Discord

Ep 24 - Nathan Pollack

Fri, 28 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Nathan Pollack’s head is stuck in his own belly-button as a fourteen year-old raconteur/troubadour/swain, an old beatnik poet who never sold a line so he got a day job as a people doctor (not smart enough to be a veterinarian). Even though he has read pretty well since the third grade he never learned to write well, so you get a gold star if you can listen to him without fainting. He has read poems from an early age in coffee houses in his native Oklahoma, and when the sheriff ran him out, up and down the East coast wandering from school to school. He has been reading in Denver for the past fifty years or so, especially at Bread and Butter evenings, Muddy’s Java Café, Faces, Café Euphrates, the Black Pearl, and recently at The Corner Beet and the Mercury Café (I thought I’d name those since only the Beet and the Merc still exist--I thought you might want a list of dead coffee houses).

Ep 23 - BB

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 01:50:01 +0000

BB is a nobody. A few months ago he started writing poetry and randomly walked into Mercury Cafe and took the stage at the open mic. He claims that he is not a person of words. This podcast he delves into his personal experiences and shares his insights on spirituality.

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We’d love to hear from you!

Questions? Comments? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 22 - Moses

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 16:07:36 +0000

The elusive yoot known as Moses. Rapper, poet, revolutionary.

Find Moses on Soundcloud and Spotify and Instagram @mosesgraytower

In this episode:

1. The View from '19 2. Merci 3. The Party's Over 4. Kyoto

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We’d love to hear from you!

Questions? Comments? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 21 - Nikolai Riddle

Sat, 15 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Follow Nikolai on IG @thenikolairiddle and at his website.

In this episode:

BetterHelp Snowy Owl 2. Resignation ABCs 3. Triumph Over Disappointment 4. The Deal 5. The Night Sky is an Unpolished Onyx 6. A History of Violence 7. Bigger than Statues

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We’d love to hear from you!

Questions? Comments? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 20 - Cleo Lockhart

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Find Cleo's work at their website and on Instagram @deer.hart

Cleo Lockhart is a Denver-raised poet and novelist currently attending school in Portland, Oregon. An alum of Denver School of the Arts, they discovered and cultivated their passion for writing in the school's seven-year Creative Writing program, and are now studying the history and literature of Theatre at Lewis & Clark College. They have published works in collections including Rare Byrd Review, High Shelf Review and And We Created Worlds, and they published their first novel, The Well Where the World Ends, in July of 2022. Their poetry often settles into genres of the surreal, dreamlike, and magical realist, and topics such as queerness, belonging, and storytelling.

In this feature:

Mutiny 2. Cornfields of Tomorrow 3. Burying the Virgin Mary Alive by the Interstate 4. Festering Season 5. A Poem for the Dream Devil 6. Poem for A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Portland Center Stage 7. To Picture a City

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We'd love to hear from you!

Questions? Comments? Email thepoetspodcast@gmail.com

Ep 19 - Stan Astrovsky

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 23:07:43 +0000

As a very young child Stan became fascinated with the rhythmic storytelling of song lyrics and the diamond shape of haikus. Stan writes to a melody he hears in his head and originally wrote song lyrics. Having never learned to play an instrument or read music Stan transitioned to poetry. Stan started attending Friday night open mic poetry at the Mercury Cafe in the 90's, became one of the hosts in the early 2000's. Stan was one of the editors/publishers of a poetry zine based on the Merc poetry scene, The Mercury Reader, for which he received The James Ryan Morris Memorial Tombstone Award. Stan also has a self published poetry book, "Moon Of Mercury". Stan was also a public radio DJ from 2002 to 2015. Stan started a monthly poetry salon at RPO gallery in 2022, and hopes to have a new poetry collection out soon, "The Denver Sad".

In this feature:

Untitled
Like A Houseplant
Merc Swing Haiku
Triptych
Atlantis
Winter White
Poetic Vision
Between
Loneliness
Who Cares
Churchianity
Defense of Mercury
Blue Light
Blood Tie
Untitled (A Holiday Poem)
A True Story Poetically Told

Ep 18 - Smiley Gatmouth

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Find Smiley:

Spotify

Instagram @smileygatmouth

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[] [] [] Eli is a chill guy that can still fly in the real sky and tonight you will feel why [] [] []

Elijah Lynch Aka smiley gatmouth aka the Flomingo aka Suavocado Jones.
Eli is a Denver based poet/musician/event organizer/unicorn. He is also one of the organizers for the Mercury Cafe slam that happens every Sunday at 7:30pm Eli has been artsy for a very long time in facts he is so hip hop that got him into college but then he drop all his classes cause he kept dropping knowledge.

Writers Block is a poetry workshop that happens every Wednesday at 9pm at Mi Chantli and we hope to see you there.

Bio by Changa Hernandez (IG @changa_lives)

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Smiley shares the following songs and poems in this feature:

The Recurring Dreams of Oliver Twist
Stargazing
Triflin’
Clock Punchers 2
Haunted
Junkyard
The Blizzard
Matches
Silence
Scar

Ep 17 - Stephen Baird

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 23:13:31 +0000

Find Stephen on:

Bandcamp

Instagram @crowned_lyric_poet

Stephen Baird is a Colorado Native whose lyric poetry sprouted over break-beats on the Chicago lakefront during his undergraduate pursuit for the meaning of life. By the end of his decade in Chicago he had refined his metaphysical style, completed his first EP (Bandcamp), and achieved a degree in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. Another eight years in Seattle offered real life experience of stifled inspiration, trying to make relationships work in unfamiliar environments. After eighteen years away, Stephen returned home to Colorado at the beginning of 2022, bringing a resolve to use his poetry and music to offer liberating twists of concept to the listener or reader. His poetic imagery draws from the ink wells of both Taoist Alchemy and Western Mysticism, knowing that the reawakening of natural harmony sets one free from the trap of artificial and oppressive sense-of-self inherited from our “Modern” society.

Stephen shares the following in this feature:

Ouroboros
This is Missed
Terra
Strife
Water Walkers
Cooking Organs
Masonry

Ep 16 - Dominick Francois

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 21:57:17 +0000

My name is Dominick I go by Dom. I been in Colorado for three years and looking forward to the next 10-15 years here. I'm madly in love with the city of Denver. I'm a poet that stumbled into literary art. The goal is to a raise a daughter and retire my mom. I'm here for the city and like everybody else serving a purpose I want to be used not misused. Write on!

Ep 15 - Bailey O'Sullivan

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 15:00:00 +0000

Bailey O'Sullivan is a Denver based poet originally from Chicago. She describes her entry into writing poetry as having "tripped and fallen" into it. Now, if life is an ever-changing ocean, writing is her life raft. Bailey hopes through her poetry to inspire solidarity in the face of the chaos we face and the shared experiences that we all have. Her goals include writing a book of poetry, joining a competitive poetry team, and performing at arts festivals. After that, "the sky's the limit."

You can follow Bailey on Instagram @occams_razor96

Set list:

Rehab
Dumb Slut
Therapy
Cockroach
Up My Stream of Consciousness
The Ghost of Bob Ross
Je Donne de la Deuleur

Ep 14 - Emma Johnson

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 17:34:27 +0000

Follow Emma on Instagram @wordswith.emocean Emma Johnson aka Em was born and raised in New York. From the minute she was born she had a story to tell. Writing was and always has been her greatest outlet. She has written blogs, poems, and short stories. Emma’s poetry is about the black experience, relationships, being a single mother, love, childhood trauma, sexual abuse, and how she transmuted it and has become the woman she is today. While in NY Emma has performed spoken word at Nuyorican café, at personal engagements and for events. In 2021 she moved to Denver and has made a home here solidifying her spot amongst the poets. She has curated and hosts an open mic on Tuesdays called Words With Emocean at green spaces. Her goals are to publish a book of poetry. As well as start a nonprofit for children to take their feelings and emotions and turn it into power and poetry.

Ep 13 - Nic Sequeira

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 13:09:31 +0000

Local mail-order cartoonist Nic Sequeira is also a painter, author, filmmaker, musician, and poet. His poems are generally either abstract manifestations of his mental state or sardonic throwbacks with an extremely blunt delivery. As with all his work, they ooze Denver.

You can get a copy of Nic's sci-fi anthology by sending $30 ($26 for Denver residents) to

Nicolas Sequeira

1424 Columbine St #1

Denver, CO 80206

Ep 12 - Mike Chappelle

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 20:38:25 +0000

Mike Chappelle is a Denver based musician and poet. Mike has been a part of multiple music groups including The Gluons, and currently writes the lyrics and performs vocals for Roller Coaster. Roller Coaster's Album "Now is Different" is available on Bandcamp. Mike's other works include multiple stage productions such as Dr. Antonioni's Imaginary Disease, which ran for over a year with performances in Colorado, Maine, Iowa, and Michigan, as well as "The Incredible Comeback of Frankie Pera." Mike can often be heard at open mics across the city of Denver including the Mercury Cafe on Fridays, The Corner Beet on Mondays, and Words with 'Em.Ocean at Green Spaces on Tuesdays.

Ep 11 - Maggie Daniels

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 15:00:04 +0000

Maggie Daniels is a poet, writer, and director passionate about storytelling through her raw perspective. She was born and raised in the bible belt. The notorious culture of southern grit and charm shines through her words giving readers a sense of home and familiar comforts. Maggie’s work reflects the mountains of emotion one can experience with life, love, & loss in a way that is deeply honest and healing for those reading. Her mother used to tell her she was a magenta girl living in a khaki world—that analogy shows through in her work as a unique take on the human experience.

Find more of Maggie's work and where to follow her at maggielogic.com

Ep 10 - Jase West

Mon, 26 Jun 2023 15:00:32 +0000

Jase is a poet and visual artist who currently resides in Denver, Colorado. Guided by heightened sensitivity with a burning desire for higher consciousness and transformation, Jase’s poetry brings a multidimensional and rhythmic approach to various topics such as generational trauma, police brutality, romance, heartbreak and collective healing. His first collection of work titled ‘Eternal Sol’ is pending completion.

Jase shares the following poems in this feature:

1. Poverty Into Poetry

2. Ponderosa Party

3. Voices from the Past

4. God is a Woman

Follow Jase on Instagram @abstractxsol

Ep 9 - Emily Wiecec

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 23:00:12 +0000

Emily's Bio:

Ep 8 - Philip Tran

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 15:00:56 +0000

Philip Tran is a queer native Denver Poet, collage artist, florist, handyman, roller derby initiate, and emcee who regularly hosts open mics and variety shows. Find his podcast “From My Open Mic” on Spotify for live recordings. In May he launched Bound By The Beat, an event combining area rope bondage and jazz communities, and is currently curating another show for December. When asked what super power he would like he said “to give superpowers to those ignorant of their own powers.”

Follow Philip on Instagram @invader_4 (SFW) and @invader__4 (NSFW = 2 underscores)

Ep 7 - Alisa Ndoci

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 15:00:27 +0000

Born and raised in Fushe-Arrez, Albania, Alisa is a 23 year old poet local to Denver. Alisa immigrated to the United States at the age of 16 and has lived between Seattle, Spokane and Denver the past 7 years. They have spent these years building community, pursuing their education and navigating the life of immigration in the search to discover themselves and who they are.

This search led to many passions such as upcycling of clothes, jewelry making, painting, dancing and finally poetry. Alisa re-found passion for poetry at the doors of Mercury Cafe and uses poetry as a means to speak to her immigration experience. Her poems embody the duality of her existence—a bridge between two worlds, navigating the fragility of belonging while blossoming in the boundless realm of creativity. Their verses weave tales of fractured identities seeking reunion, systemic injustices, longing for home encapsulating both the pain and triumphs of her journey. Through her passion and words, she reminds us that the human spirit knows no boundaries and that poetry, like life itself, transcends borders. Alisa shares the following poems in this feature:

Visa
First-Born Daughter
Boundaries
Back to Soil
Manhater
Ghosts of Me
Service Worker
Baked Goods

Ep 6 - Simon Shah

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 15:43:48 +0000

Simon has two collections of poetry, "Miasmic as Me" and "The Last Love Letters," both of which can be found on Amazon. He is currently working on several exciting sci-fi projects.

You can also follow his visual work and blog at shahsomeproductions.wordpress.com

Ep 5 - BG

Mon, 12 Jun 2023 15:59:50 +0000

From Henrico, Virginia (near Richmond), BG brings a hip-hop flow to spoken word conveying messages of peace, resistance, justice, and eroticism. BG also lived for a time near D.C. (Silver Spring, MD) and in Chicago for 6 years. BG has a Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and a Masters degree in Public Administration. BG currently runs a small business and also works at a nonprofit home energy efficiency organization. BG has been married for 12 years.

You can find more of BG's work on Soundcloud under the name iLLbg

BG also features regularly at the Mercury Cafe on Fridays in downtown Denver.

BG shares the following poems in this feature:

Untitled - Summer 2001
Too Through
Bang They Heads
God in the Breaks
Dimes to Dollars
Pain Away
Psyche Delos

Ep 3 - Manon Nadeau

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 15:00:16 +0000

Manon is 24 years old and has been writing poetry for as long as she can remember. Born and raised in Western Massachusetts, she first found her love for spoken word in high school thanks to an amazing educator and mentor. She then entered a small open mic scene in New Hampshire during her college years. Manon moved to Denver in 2021 and has been honing her craft since then, entering the local slam scene, and trying to use poetry both as a means of sense making and sharing experiences with others.

Whether it’s her reflections on homelessness & social work, or her experience with personal losses — grief weaves its way into much, if not all, of Manon’s poetry. When introducing her, a fellow poet in the scene recently said : “I love when this person gets on the mic, because you can just feel how much she cares” — and that is what means the most to Manon. You can hear more of what she has to say at the Mercury Cafe on Sunday nights or The Corner Beet on Mondays.

You can follow Manon on Instagram: @manon_nadeau

Ep 2 - Q

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 23:14:54 +0000

Follow Q:

Instagram – @qtherevolutionary

https://stillblacksee.bandcamp.com/

Q moved to Pensacola in 2009 and joined the WFLF in 2010, and has since served a term as Vice-President of that organization. He has even starred in a play entitled “Thru the Eyes of a Child”.

Q describes his most important role in life, and his primary source of pride and joy, as being a father to his daughter, Zahria Sage.

Ep 1 - Julian Thomas

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 15:07:45 +0000

The inaugural episode of The Poets features Julian Thomas. Hailing from Tulsa Oklahoma and Spanish Harlem, Julian brings a Neoclassical style to poetry with nods to the mystical and the esoteric. Julian is an actor known for his work on the series Hunters and the series For Life, and has also appeared on the Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. Julian has done extensive voice-over work including the audiobook Hack Your Bureaucracy by Marina Nitze and Nick Sinai, along with many other works.

Find Julian on Instagram @thomas_artandlife and on Twitter @JulianThomas99