In this engaging conversation, Ed Mabrey shares his journey as a spoken word artist, reflecting on his early experiences with poetry, the influence of mentors, and the importance of community in nurturing artistic growth. He discusses the evolution of his craft, the emotional depth of his performances, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in the poetry scene.

In this engaging conversation, Ed Mabrey shares his journey through the world of poetry, detailing his early struggles in contests, the lessons learned from losses, and the eventual acceptance of his calling as a poet. He reflects on the importance of vulnerability in performance, the evolution of his creative process, and the aspirations he holds for the future.

The discussion highlights the significance of personal growth, the challenges of navigating expectations, and the transformative power of storytelling through poetry.

CHAPTERS

• ITB Intro
• 00:00 The Journey Begins: Ed Mabrey's Early Influences
• 10:16 From Heartbreak to Healing: The Power of Poetry
• 20:19 Community and Vulnerability: The Open Mic Experience
• 26:40 Reflections on Legacy and Ignorance
• 31:19 The Importance of Patience and Grace
• 32:18 Navigating Generational Differences in Poetry
• 40:32 The Journey from Loss to Mastery
• 48:12 Understanding the Calling of Poetry
• 53:50 The Weight of Calling
• 56:45 Navigating Community and Identity
• 01:00:53 The Journey of Acceptance
• 01:02:09 Creative Process and Performance
• 01:10:2 Growth and Self-Discovery
• 01:18: ITB Outro Street Seoul.mp3

KEYWORDS: Ed Mabrey, spoken word, poetry, origin story, open mic, mentorship, community, growth, slam poetry, emotional expression, poetry, slam, creative process, calling, performance, personal growth, Ed Mabrey, storytelling, lessons learned, artistic journey

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Ed Mabrey's first performance was in fourth grade.
• A teacher's encouragement shaped Ed's early interest in poetry.
• Ed's first personal poem was written for a high school sweetheart.
• In the Navy, Ed started a business writing poems for fellow sailors.
• The open mic scene provided a space for emotional expression.
• Community support was crucial in Ed's development as a poet.
• Ed's journey reflects the importance of mentorship in the arts.
• The evolution of poetry venues has impacted the spoken word scene.
• Ed emphasizes the need for patience with younger poets.
• The balance between guiding and allowing freedom in artistic growth is essential. Ed Mabrey struggled for a year in poetry contests before finding success.
• Losses in competition taught him valuable lessons about growth.
• He believes poetry is a calling that requires protection and self-care.
• The work of a poet is not just about performance but also about personal expression.
• Ed's creative process has evolved from writing for the stage to writing for self-exploration.
• He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in performance.
• Ed aims to expand his artistic horizons beyond traditional poetry.
• He acknowledges the support of his community in his journey.
• The conversation touches on the weight of expectations in the artistic world.
• Ed expresses gratitude for the journey and the lessons learned along the way.

Available now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. Tune in. Bear witness. Be moved.

@itbspokenwordpod | #SpokenWordPodcast #EdMabrey #1SpokenWordPod #KeepersOfTheCulture #FavoraintFair #GodSaidYes #IAM @iamtashajones

CREDITS:

IN the Beginning Theme Music

Seoul Rep

Music Credit: Dokk Savage

Lyrics: I AM Tasha Jones