The Poetry Podcast with A

This week, we’re joined by Ayah Abdul-Rauf, an award-winning writer, filmmaker, and professor, known for her novel The Fox and The Stag. In this episode, we dive into her unique approach to crafting unforgettable characters and writing authentic dialogue that resonates. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about her creative process and storytelling journey.

Have you ever felt life’s chaos steal away the simple joy of reading? Rachel Pierce did, and she transformed her desire to reconnect with books into the viral “Book Bowl Challenge.” Join us as we explore her story of rekindling a lost love and building a vibrant community of readers!

This Thursday, we dive deeper into the world of audiobooks with a review of Just The Nicest  Couple . In this episode, we explore the craft of storytelling through voice and how narration can add new dimensions to a story.   Join me as we uncover the suspense, tension, and hidden intricacies in Just The Nicest Couple   and reflect on the unique way audiobooks can transform the written word. 

In celebration of the first book birthday of Seasons of Sobriety , I embarked on a new journey—bringing my words to life through my first audiobook. This episode unveils the intricate layers of this process: the hours in the recording booth, the detail of production, and the vulnerable moments that arise when you vocalize your story for others to hear. Join me as I reflect on the power of spoken w...

Kansas City’s first poet laureate, Melissa Ferrer Civil, was appointed in February 2024, bringing a powerful spirit to the community through her words. In this episode, I reflect on her moving appointment ceremony and dive into what it truly means to be a poet laureate. We also explore Civil’s work beyond poetry, including her programs A Nation in Exile and Melanated Measures , which aim to inspir...

In this episode, we dive into Stephen King's memoir On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft . I chose to review this book now because we’re featuring an interview with Kansas City’s first Poet Laureate, and it also marks one year since the release of my debut book. I thought it would be fitting to explore something more educational in celebration of this milestone. The book offers valuable insights on t...

A recently received a message on LinkedIn, asking how she manages to balance the weight of work with the pursuit of passion. In this episode, she thoughtfully unravels that very question—reflecting on the delicate balance between her demanding career and the soul-driven journey of writing her debut book. With intention and depth, A shares her insights on weaving together the threads of duty and de...

In this episode, A sits down with Michael Smith, the visionary Editor in Chief behind The Object , a one-of-a-kind newspaper breathing new life into Kansas City’s art scene. They dive into the inspiration behind this living tribute to print and its roots in timeless storytelling. With the second issue set to release on November 1st, 2024, Michael shares how The Object unites local artists and writ...

In this episode, A dives into Lessons in Chemistry , a New York Times bestseller set in the 1960s. Through reflections, she unpacks its themes of romance, motherhood, and the struggle against workplace discrimination. As the pages of the novel stir thoughts of resilience, A shares a personal story of navigating tough conversations in her own life—highlighting the intersections of fiction and reali...

In this solo episode, we explore the power of stepping outside our comfort zones and joining new communities. A shares personal stories of times when she embraced new groups of people, even when she didn’t know anyone. Through these experiences, she shows the value of saying yes to the unfamiliar and finding connection in unexpected places.

Christina Santiago, an author and poet moved by the stillness of the night, shares how she wove words into "The Journey Through" exhibit. Her poetry, crafted to enrich Brittany Noriega's art, mirrors her deep connection to community—reminding us that even when fear lingers, showing up is where true connections begin.

A talks about the transformative power of The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo, exploring how it reshaped the landscape of poetry for her. She reflects on her favorite poems that resonate like echoes, the characters who linger long after the pages turn, and the moments of revelation that forever altered her perspective. A concludes with a thoughtful introduction to our local guest, Christina Santiago,...

In this solo episode, A goes deep into the journey of self-publishing her debut book, 'Seasons of Sobriety.' She shares the challenges, triumphs, and the step-by-step process that brought her vision to life. Whether you're an aspiring author or simply curious about the world of self-publishing, A's insights will inspire and guide you through the intricacies of bringing a book from...

Sheri Purpose Hall defies simple categorization. As a multi-faceted writer, she creates from a deep sense of humanity, believing true connection is achieved through sharing this with others. In our latest episode, Sheri shares how her aunt and mother, both educators, turned her into a “dictionary kid,” fostering her love for words. Her thirst for knowledge and unique word usage shine in her work....

In this series, we focus on book reviews that make an IMPACT for you as a writer. How could Elizabeth Gilbert be any more of an inspiration for living a creative life? We also dive into some of my favorite poems by our upcoming guest, exploring their themes and the stories behind them. Additionally, we discuss writing tips, creative processes, and how to stay motivated in your own writing journey....

S2 | E1 Welcome to Season Two! In this episode, we delve into the origins of this podcast, explore its journey so far, and discuss its future direction. A also introduces herself and shares all the behind-the-scenes happenings in her life.

Ep: 4 The first time I met Jose Faus, I was at work, filming a video that told the stories of local artists. During filming, we had him read a poem. When he started to read, he put me in a state of awe. The power of an awe moment can be briefly described as microdosing mindfully and that is what Faus did to me in those moments, his words transformed me into a new world. I wasn’t at work anymore, I...

Ten years ago The Writing Workshop KC (WWKC) was formed in the psyche of Poet Jen Harris. She dreamed about what it would be like to have a community of writers gather and share drafts of unpublished work in order to become aggressively vulnerable. In 2019, Harris decided to make that dream a reality and held the first class at Our Daily Nada in the River Market. Over the years this community has...

Ep: 2 As a young girl and adult woman Mary Mendoza has been a songbird to light up the lives of many – including myself.  “I have always been a writer. Growing up I would write lyrics for my mother and tape them on her mirror,” Mendoza explains. “For the longest time she thought that I was writing someone else’s lyrics but one day I told her the lyrics were mine. She couldn’t believe it.”  Mendoza...

Ebrima Abraham Sissay, is a documenter and writer of real things. He grew up on the smallest island in West Africa called, Gambia, which stretches about 450 km along the Gambia River and is surrounded by Senegal, except for a 60-km Atlantic oceanfront. As a child, he grew up smelling the ocean and tinkering with technology like building radios.  “I have always been praised for being a good kid; I...