It's All Poetry

How did a word rooted in plunder and violence become a symbol of creativity, courage, and rebellion? In this swashbuckling episode, Nicole is joined by educator and strategic mischief-maker Rachel Ropeik to explore the word pirate — from its violent etymological roots to its reclaimed modern spirit. Together, they unpack the surprising history behind pirate codes, the difference between stealing a...

What if dancing again could heal something you thought was unchangeable? In this episode, Jess Grippo joins Nicole to talk about dance as more than choreography. It’s expression. It’s story. It’s healing. Together, they explore how movement changes across a lifetime, what dance reveals about our inner world, and why it’s never too late (or too awkward) to start dancing again. Tune in to discover:...

Today I’m joined by the incredible Christina Jones—brand photographer, creative coach, and (fun fact) the first guest I’ve ever met in real life! Christina did my most recent brand shoot, and let me tell you… it was an unexpectedly emotional experience. There’s something deeply vulnerable about being the focus of the lens, and Christina held that space so beautifully. In this episode, we unpack th...

In this episode, Nicole welcomes back her very first repeat guest (🥳), Cleoniki Kesidis, copywriter extraordinaire and fellow funnel-skeptic. The two dig into the uncomfortable origins and metaphors behind the word funnel , asking why such a common marketing term so often feels…well, kinda icky. What starts as a conversation about email sequences and sales paths becomes a beautifully winding jour...

What does it really mean to write? Is it an act or a process? And can AI truly replicate it? In this episode, writer, editor, and book coach Katie Wolf joins Nicole to break down the layers of the word write —from its ancient roots to the modern fear of simply getting started. Katie shares her personal journey with writing, how self-doubt held her back for years, and the unexpected ways she overca...

Hi, welcome to season three of It's All Poetry. My name is Nicole Cloutier, your host and resident word nerd... and for someone who her whole life has been told how quiet and shy she was and thought she would never ever start a podcast, this is a pretty exciting milestone. So as we enter season three, I find myself re-reflecting on what this podcast actually is, why I'm doing it, why we're all her...

Have you ever wondered if you even had an intuition? Or if it was buried under years and years of people-pleasing, shoulds, etc? That’s how I felt …. before this conversation. But not after. Lauren Levine—a movement teacher, psychic medium, and someone whose intuition practically glows—opened my eyes to what intuition really is: a skill. In this episode, we unpack what it means to connect with tha...

What does “design” truly mean, and how does it shape more than just our screens? Sarah Jutras, founder of Huzzah Studio and creator of the "Freelance for Life" Substack, joins Nicole to take a deep dive into the expansive world of design—from user experience and app development to designing a fulfilling freelance life. With a journey rooted in childhood crafts and inspired by mentors and Italian a...

When Cody Cook-Parrott joined me to explore the word "landscape," I thought we'd talk about pretty views and garden design. Instead, we discovered poetry hiding in 1800s dictionary definitions, learned that landscape is secretly related to friendship (what?), and somehow ended up having a fascinating conversation about compost. As one does. In this episode you'll discover... Why looking up old dic...

So how is trust like a basket of grapes? Guess you have to listen to find out. :) In this episode, Nicole sits down with Taylor LeCours, a fellow copywriter and brand strategist, to explore the word "trust" - diving deep into its meanings, etymology, and implications for both business and personal relationships. You’ll also get some impromptu (and very valuable!) copywriting lessons! In this episo...

"We all have it. We all have problems with it. We all want it. And we all also are really terrified of the ways in which we want it." In this episode, Nicole Cloutier sits down with Shivani Mehta Bhatia, founder of Tulsi Strategies and host of the Intimate Practice podcast to talk about the word "intimacy." Tune in to learn… The etymology of "intimacy" and how it relates to both internal and exter...

What if the word 'pleasure' has been whispering "approve me" all along? Today, I'm thrilled to dive deep into a word that's more complicated than it seems: pleasure. In this episode, Sarah Diedrick (writer, sex educator, yoga teacher) and I explore the multifaceted nature of pleasure and its importance in our lives. In this episode, you'll learn: How the definition of pleasure has evolved over tim...

These days, "performance" is often used with a negative connotation. We don't want anything we do to look like a performance... we'd much rather be authentic. But what if performance is necessary for collective growth and acknoledgement and celebration. That's Melinda Beck's argument — and honestly, I'm on board. In this episode, you'll discover: The surprising etymology of "performance" and how i...

In this episode, I sit down with bookkeeper, jewelry designer, and budding mushroom farmer Sarah Loertscher, to explore the poetic (and yet also rather technical) word "fallow." Together, we unpack the complexities of creative rest, the shame often associated with taking breaks, and the natural cycles of productivity and regeneration. In this episode you'll learn: The etymology and v...

Sometimes a word surprises me with how spiritual it is. Connection is one of those words. It seems to be a word without time or space. A web just connecting everything to everything else. My guest is Kyle Wood, a business coach for group fitness instructors and also a human design coach. As such, this episode covers quite some ground: From Legos to friendship — what is connection really? What role...

How did a word once meaning "murderer" become the holy grail of modern branding? In this episode, Nicole and guest Leanne Knight trace the surprising journey of "authentic" from its dark origins to its pivotal role in today's business world. And a question: In a world obsessed with genuineness, how can we truly embody authenticity in our personal and professional lives? In...

In today’s episode, I sat down with the amazing Podge Thomas, founder of Small Business Co-Pilot. Our word? “Decolonization,” especially how it relates to our workplaces. I know it sounds heavy (and it is), but it’s also important, Podge brings a unique perspective as a business strategist passionate about reimagining workplace practices. Our conversation covers: The etymology and history of words...

One of my favorite things about diving deep into words in these episodes is tracing how the history of the word affects the way we use it today. Even if that old definition feels incredibly different from what we know. “Career” is a perfect example.* Today, I explore that word with career coach, Rianne BeCraft. I’ve worked with Rianne through some of my own career transitions, and I’m so excited t...

At first glance, the two definitions of “revolution” might seem to contradict each other: Motion of anything which brings it to the same point or state. A material or entire change in the constitution of government. The first definition implies a return to the same point repeatedly, while the second suggests a complete and abrupt change of course. This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with...

In this episode of "It's All Poetry," Nicole and guest Erin Monahan explore the complex and dangerous implications of the word (and construct) "wilderness." This discussion delves deep into the colonial roots and violent connotations associated with "wilderness," as well as its intersection with issues of race, privilege, and systemic oppression. Erin, a trauma-in...

What do you think of when you hear the word “hypnosis?” Is it a on-stage comedy act? Or a deep healing modality? This week, I was so honored to sit down with Laurnie Wilson, a seasoned hypnotherapist, yoga teacher, and intuitive guide, to explore the history, transformative power, and misunderstood aspects of the word (and practice) “hypnosis.” Diving into this word also served as a good reminder...

Today, Nicole Cloutier is thrilled to sit down with Amelia Hruby, a writer, podcaster, and founder of the feminist podcast studio, Softer Sounds. Together, they explore a word we so often take for granted... "listen." In this episode you'll learn... The etymology, history, and rich philosophical nuances of the word "listen." How listening—more than just hearing—is an act of...

"Embody" is a popular word in the spiritual and online realm -- which makes it a very important word to get to know a bit better. And there is no one better to explore this word with than the one and only Elle Bower Johnston . Elle is a breath work specialist, rest teacher, embodiment guide, and body witch. Together, Nicole and Elle tackle what it means to "embody" our experien...

When I started this podcast, I promised myself that I would commit to 8 episodes, and here we are! Episode 11! So I thought I would take a moment to celebrate AND check-in. I'll tell you what I've loved so far, what I didn't love, and what I'm going to do differently moving forward (because spoiler alert, I'm gonna keep going!). This episode is for anyone who’s been thinking of...

Today is a rare solo-episode / mini-copywriting lesson all about learning how to craft your words with the same precision and care of making wishes on a genie. Tune in to learn: My most crucial (yet often misunderstood) copywriting tip. Exactly how to create the kind of copy that turns words into money. All about an opportunity write better copy, make friends, and work 1:1 with Nicole. More info o...