In this episode of the Oak Spring podcast, environmental writers Ariana Benson and Ashia Ajani reflect on their creative connection and shared sensibilities. The conversation opens with Ashia describing the early spring in Oakland, California, which evokes memories of their Colorado roots and a deep appreciation for urban nature. The two writers explore spring as a season of unexpected harvest—lush, pastel-toned, and filled with wonder—and reflect on the idea of “harvesting” in springtime. Their discussion weaves in the work of luminary authors like Annie Dillard and Toni Morrison, especially the recurring themes of waste, nature, and their entanglement in Song of Solomon.

The conversation then turns toward how books shift in meaning over time. In particular, Ashia and Ariana explore Black migration: the historical compulsion to flee the South, and how literature about that exodus may evolve as more people return to the region. They reflect on the cultural intimacy of the South, acknowledging its structural challenges while also recognizing its potential for transformation and community. The two share other art forms that have shaped their creative lives, with Ariana reflecting on how growing up with dance shaped her storytelling and sense of self, linking choreography to poetic form. They also touch on architecture as a function of nature and highlight how many Black writers today are reckoning with place, displacement, and home. To close, each poet reads a piece by the other, offering listeners an embodied exchange of language, movement, and mutual admiration.

Host: Chris Stafford
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