Poetry Spotlight

Learn more about Alissa and her work at https://alissasammarco.com/

Career educator and author Amanda Hayden describes the effect of travel on her writing, her use of instinct and metaphor, and the role feminism plays in her work.

Sandra Rivers-Gill talks about her newest poetry collection "As We Cover Ourselves with Light," the trappings of performance, and her innate drive to support the community at large.

Award-winning transgender author Barbara Marie Minney talks about her newest poetry collections, her complicated relationship with God, and the personal forces that ignited her poetic Renaissance. Learn more about Barbara at: https://www.barbaramarieminneypoetry.com/

Wildly prolific author and screenwriter John Dorsey discusses his pragmatic approaches to writing, his view of the Ohio community, and how the writing drive changes in the face of existential uncertainty. Learn more about John at: https://rustytruck.wordpress.com/category/john-dorsey/

Podcast host Jeremy Jusek gets a taste of his own medicine when Ohio beat poet laureate Sandra Feen conducts a brilliant interview of her own. Visit Jeremy's website here: www.jeremyjusek.com .

Calil Cage, a.k.a. Just C.O.S., is a performance poet and founder fo The Sparrow's Fortune that talks about wanderlust & finding his home in Cleveland, finding purpose in the poetry community, and his appreciation for lineage.

Poet laureate of Athens Stephanie Kendrick discusses her social and community work, the recurring themes in her writing, and the ethical concerns surrounding real-life representations.

Today's chat is with Debbie Allen and Patricia Thrushart, the co-founders of PARH USA. We discuss their group's origins, personal convictions, and the vitally important Underground Railroad project they're engaged with in conjunction with the OPA. Please visit the organization's website at https://poetsagainstracism-usa.org/

Double city laureate and author of 'Urbanshee,' Siaara Freeman details the underpinnings of the repetition in her work, why dark humor is such an important part of her life, her love of animation, and the underpinnings of the repetition in her work. Check out 'Urbanshee' from Button Poetry here: https://buttonpoetry.com/product/urbanshee/

Author and 2021 Ohio Poet of the Year Quartez Harris discusses the challenges involved with teaching in an impoverished school system, his award-winning collection 'We Made it to School Alive,' and his unique & informative perspectives on the creative process.

Re-emergent writer, lawyer, and author Beth Mulcahy discusses the importance of healing through writing, her family history, and what it feels like to return to writing after decades.

Lauded poetry and fiction author Paula J. Lambert describes how she discovered her poetic prowess while writing fiction, the importance of breathing, and her deep avian knowledge. Learn more about Paula's work, books, and publications on her website: https://paulajlambert.weebly.com/ And check out the OPA's other craft-focused podcast, Versecraft! https://www.ohiopoetryassn.org/versecraft

Lima, Ohio laureate and career educator Tim Cheeseman discusses theatre's influences on how he visualizes his poems, how his close proximity to the Mennonite community has shaped his worldview, and his thoughts on educating & guiding new minds.

Multi-talented Cleveland-based performing artist Raja Belle Freeman talks about what it was like to receive an intensely creative high school education, her writing process, and the myriad of projects she's currently working on.

Author and Northern Ohio operative Tim Richards talks about his work with Ray McNiece on the "Poem for Cleveland" project, the myriad of ways his career gave him the confidence to write, and his upcoming poetry collection.

This episode features updates on the activities from several of Ohio's poet laureates. Listen to them share their progress, future plans, and personally-written poetry. This episode features updates from: Jonie McIntire Raymond McNiece Kari Gunter-Seymour John Burroughs Doc Janning Wendy McVicker Jeremy Jusek Sandra Feen

Green thumb poet Dick Westheimer discusses his collection "A Sword in Both Hands," his monthly haiku habit, and he reflects on how to write about the traumatic experiences of others truthfully and with respect. Learn more about Dick's writing at: https://dickwestheimer.com/ --

OPA management team member and boomer-era rebel Tom Barlow delivers not just an interview, but warm conversation. His thoughtfulness, creative aptitudes, and work ethic are apparent throughout. Check out Tom's website: https://barlowtom.wixsite.com/author-blog Twitter: @TomBarlow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barlow.thomas

Michigan expatriate and poetic alchemist Marion Boyer talks about the trajectory of her five books including her most recent collection "Ice Hours," her creative trajectory, and how Lit Youngstown & Lit Cleveland saved her life. Visit Marion's website at: https://www.marionstarlingboyer.com/

Novelist and poet Bonnie Proudfoot talks about her work as a custom glass artisan, her love of writing place, and the fundamental experiences that drove a lifetime of creativity. Check out Bonnie's website at: https://bonnieproudfootblog.wordpress.com/

Author and Oberlin professor Lynn Powell describes how she used writing and travel to express herself, shed upbringing, and bring the writing gospel to her students. Find Lynn's books at https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/lynn-powell/566910/

Author and doula Erica Manto Paulson discusses how her professional work converges with her creative writing, motherhood, and her deeply moving collection "Hunger." Learn more about Erica at https://www.ericamantopaulson.com/

The second poet laureate of Lucas County (Toledo) and disabilities scholar Jim Ferris reflects on his writing, the Toledo writing scene, and how his disability and the medical establishment has shaped his life. Learn more about Jim Ferris at: https://www.utoledo.edu/al/disability/faculty/ferris-jim.html

Northern Ohio creative power couple and authors Geoffrey Landis and Mary Turzillo talk about their shared interest in space, their creative dynamic, and lifelong interest in fencing.