The Poetry Vessel Podcast

Stuck with lack of poetry writing inspiration or writer's block this winter? Winter has long been a season poets return to—not just for its beauty, but for its darkness, stillness, and psychological depth. In this episode of The Poetry Vessel’s Master Your Craft series, we explore how winter can become a powerful source of creative inspiration rather than a creative block, with poetry analysis...

What actually makes a poem good—and what quietly makes it bad? In this video, Poet Laureate of Malibu Nathan Hassall breaks down how to tell if a poem works, exploring word choice, rhythm, imagery, emotional resonance, and authenticity. You’ll see why some poems feel powerful and others fall flat, with clear examples and practical poetry writing tips you can apply to your own work. Whether you’re...

Want to seriously level up your poetry? In this Master Your Craft episode of The Poetry Vessel Podcast, Nathan Hassall (Malibu Poet Laureate) shares the 14 best poetry craft and theory books to learn how to write poetry – from complete beginner to advanced poet. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a serious poet refining your voice, these poetry writing books will give you the tools, techni...

Can anyone learn to write poetry? Absolutely. Malibu Poet Laureate Nathan Hassall shows you how to write poetry for beginners, covering common mistakes to developing your signature style in this Master Your Craft episode. Rachael Hassall interviews Nathan, combining his 18 years of poetry publishing experience with her Industrial Organizational Psychology expertise to help you master poetry writin...

Welcome to the scariest and deepest episode yet of The Poetry Vessel Podcast! 🎃👻Your hosts, Nathan and Rachael Hassall, kick off the episode with a funny, spooky intro before diving into the serious side of the season. We celebrate Halloween by reacting to your submitted Halloween poems. We pull two amazing pieces of mythic and gothic poetry from our Mystery Box and use them as a springboard to...

Discover how poetry helps us process love, loss, and grief through bibliotherapy and emotional healing. In this episode of The Poetry Vessel Podcast, hosts Nathan Hassall (Malibu's 5th Poet Laureate) and Rachael Hassall explore the neuroscience of empathy, poetic craft, and how writing poetry activates emotional regions of the brain to help us navigate loss and live poetically. Learn about poe...

What happens when attention becomes a sacred act? In this Poetry Vessel episode, Nathan sits down with his brother Alex Hassell to explore vulnerability, masks, therapy, dissociation, faith, and the creative life. We share an excerpt from Ted Hughes’ “Crow Tyrannosaurus,” reflect on Richard Hugo’s The Triggering Town, and wrestle with Kathleen Raine on materialism vs. love in art. This is a conver...

A spiritual love poem, a real ghost story from an English graveyard, and how poetry changes the brain. In this episode of The Poetry Vessel Podcast, we introduce our latest featured poet, share a spooky ghost story, and unpack research on goosebumps, bibliotherapy, and poetry’s effect on the body, and more. ✍️ SUBMIT YOUR POETRY: www.thepoetryvessel.com/submit ABOUT THE FEATURED POET: Lisa Marie B...

⭐ HEAR YOUR POEM ON OUR PODCAST: https://www.nathanhassall.com/submitSorry for the weird audio this week, folks! We'll be back to normal in our next video. 📚 RECOMMENDED READING:📕 ALL Recommended Books — https://shorturl.at/SOYRP⭐ FEATURED POET: Joshua Michael Stewart's work has appeared in Modern Haiku, Massachusetts Review, Brilliant Corners, New Flash Fiction Review, and many others...

OUR FREE VIDEO & AUDIO PODCAST FOR BEGINNERS HOW-TO GUIDE:https://www.nathanhassall.com/blog/how-to-start-your-first-video-podcast Join Malibu Poet Laureate Nathan Hassall and his wife Rachael as they reflect on their 3-week journey through 11 East Coast states—sharing stories from the road, insights on mental health, and the joys and challenges of creative life together. In this cozy episode...

Can poetry unlock hidden truths about the psyche? In this episode of The Poetry Vessel, host, Nathan Hassall welcomes Ian C. Edwards — private psychologist, philosopher, and author of Being and Non-Being in Occult Experience, Torn Letters of Otherness, and A Druid in Psychologist’s Clothing. With a background in Jungian and transpersonal psychology, Ian explores the intersection of poetry, therapy...

👉 SUBSCRIBE TO MY POETRY NEWSLETTER: https://www.nathanhassall.com/subscribenow 🌟 SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL: https://www.nathanhassall.com/support-our-journey ✍️ FOLLOW FOR MORE: - Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nathanhassall - The Poetry Vessel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepoetryvessel - Nathan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathanhassallpoetry/ - FIND OUR FAVORITES: https://www.amaz...

Don't let them take away your voice. In this episode of The Poetry Vessel Podcast, Nathan Hassall sits down with his wife, Rachael to explore why poetry, love, & truth matters more than ever. 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO MY POETRY NEWSLETTER: https://www.nathanhassall.com/subscribenow 🌟 SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: https://www.nathanhassall.com/support-our-journey ✍️ FOLLOW FOR MORE Linktree - https://linktr...

👉 SUBSCRIBE TO MY POETRY NEWSLETTER: https://www.nathanhassall.com/subscribenowIn this episode of The Poetry Vessel Podcast, Nathan Hassall sits down with poet and educator Sean Colletti for a thoughtful (and metal-infused) conversation about their poetic origins, the differences between writing in the US and UK, and the role of theory in creative practice. Sean is the author of Saeculum (Bare Fi...

In the latest episode of The Poetry Vessel Podcast, Cynthia Good, acclaimed author and speaker, explores the importance of using your voice and writing through difficult emotions like shame and grief. Discover why Cynthia believes your voice matters and how she uses writing as a tool for healing and empowerment. 📚 BUY CYNTHIA GOOD'S LATEST POETRY BOOK:- In The Thaw of Day - https://amzn.to/4h...

What if a single yawn could unlock your creative voice? In this episode of The Poetry Vessel Podcast, world-famous neuroscience researcher and National Best-selling author, Mark Waldman, dives into mindful yawning, poetic language, and how to quiet the brain to speak with more impact. It’s equal parts science and soul. 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO MY POETRY NEWSLETTER: https://www.nathanhassall.com/subscribeno...

Dive into the inaugural episode of "The Poetry Vessel Podcast" with Nathan Hassall and his creative partner, Rachael! This isn't your typical poetry discussion; it's a vibrant exploration of creativity, attention in the digital age, and the profound power of poetry to cut through the noise of everyday life. Hear about Nathan's unique perspective as Malibu's Poet Laureate, and discover the dynamic...

Yes, really. In this episode, my wife, Rachael, and I talk about the holidays, our favorite (and least favorite) Christmas movies, new releases like Wicked, navigating the balance between gratefulness and ambition, mysterious Victorian Children's Diseases, and of course, writing and poetry! We've been discussing making a podcast for a couple of years, and more seriously for the last few months. Wa...

In this inspiring podcast episode, Nathan and Rachael Hassall dive deep into the connection between poetry, art, and joy. Join us as we explore how poetry can inspire happiness, the profound emotional impact of art, and the way music evokes deep feelings and creativity. Whether you’re a poetry lover, a creative soul, or someone looking to bring more beauty and joy into your life, this discussion w...

In this special episode, Nathan sits down with Dr. Ann Buxie, the Fourth Poet Laureate of Malibu, renowned poet, artist, mentor, and storyteller, to dive deep into the intersection of poetry, philosophy, community, and the art of attention. 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO MY POETRY NEWSLETTER: https://www.nathanhassall.com/subscribenow 🌟 SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL: https://www.nathanhassall.com/support-our-journey ✍️...

In this powerful episode, we explore how creative expression helps prevent relapse and supports deep healing. Our guest, Dr. Ericha Scott, an expert in trauma-informed art therapy and international bestseller, shares insights on the transformative power of art and poetry in recovery. 📚 BUY ERICHA'S BOOKS:- Moments That Matter - https://amzn.to/4ksgXAK- Believe Beyond - https://amzn.to/4kdLCSb...

In this episode of The Poetry Vessel, Nathan Hassall sits down with Grammy-nominated musician, composer, and producer Eduardo Del Signore for a conversation that blends poetry, music, and storytelling. 👉 SUBSCRIBE TO MY POETRY NEWSLETTER: https://www.nathanhassall.com/subscribenow Eduardo shares powerful reflections on his early life growing up in Uruguay during a dictatorship, his journey travel...