In this special episode, recorded live at "Torchlight" last April, I reflect on the defining losses, trials, and awakenings of my life through the lens of poetry and personal story. Drawing on Nietzsche’s insight that “to live is to suffer, to survive is to find meaning in the suffering,” I explore how our deepest wounds can become bridges—not barriers—to human connection.
This is an honest meditation on grief, growth, and the strange alchemy that happens when we turn toward our pain and find each other there.
I'd love to hear what you have to say about the episode including thoughts on the poetry and the topics that were discussed. You can email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com.
My books of poetry are availabe for purchase at
["The Ghost of a Beating Heart", "My Mother Sleeps" and "Haiku Village"](
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When Vesuvius
Rumbled in her deep, Pompeii’s
Blue skies were a lie.
Sometimes our gut warns us to leave, but we stay.
Other times, it calls us to act, but fear keeps us frozen.
And in both moments, the mind often steps in—trying to quiet what the body already knows.
This week on The Poet (delayed), we explore what happens when we ignore that deep inner rumble. Why we override our intuition. Why we stay when we should go. Why we hide when we’re being called to step forward. And what it might look like to finally trust the wisdom of the gut over the noise of the mind.
I'd love to hear what you have to say about the episode including thoughts on the poetry and the topics that were discussed. You can email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com.
My first book of poetry, My Mother Sleeps, is availabe for purchase at
and
God speaks to each of us as he makes us,
then walks with us silently out of the night.
These are the words we dimly hear:
You, sent out beyond your recall,
go to the limits of your longing.
Embody me.
Flare up like a flame
and make big shadows I can move in.
Let everything happen to you: beauty and terror.
Just keep going. No feeling is final.
Don’t let yourself lose me.
Nearby is the country they call life.
You will know it by its seriousness.
Give me your hand.
I was joined this episode by Chris and Elise Jones and Ali Talbot. We gathered in the warm, book-lined library at Chris and Elise Jones’ home and just talked.
We read Rainer Maria Rilke’s poem Go to the Limits of Your Longing, and from there we let the conversation unfold naturally. We talked about suffering — not in a heavy, hopeless way, but in the way you talk when you know that pain and beauty are woven into the same thread. We explored what it means to surrender to life’s difficulties instead of resisting them. We laughed about childhood memories, tofu meatloaf, and the glory of Saturday morning cartoons. We got real about trauma, caretaking, creating from heartbreak, and what it means to show up for each other when life breaks us open.
This episode is about sitting with what’s hard, about finding connection through vulnerability, and about how creativity — whether it’s poetry, baking, music, or just making something out of pain — can save us in quiet, powerful ways.
It’s also about joy. Tangents. Belly laughs. Tears. Root beer ice cream sandwiches.
Give it a listen. It’s not polished, but it’s real. And sometimes that’s exactly what we need most.
I'd love to hear what you have to say about the episode including thoughts on the poetry and the topics that were discussed. You can email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com.
My books of poetry, My Mother Sleeps, The Ghost of a Beating Heart and Haiku Village are availabe for purchase at
Special Guests: Ali Talbot, Christian Jones, and Elise Jones.
Join me and Sherrie Love as we read her poem, Descension and then have a conversation about the slow, brave work of reclaiming ourselves—of getting to know who we are again after life has scattered the pieces. We talk about the struggle, the beauty, and the quiet joy of becoming whole. And we draw wisdom from the sun—how it simply shines, without apology, without hesitation, no matter who is beneath its light. What would it mean for us to live like that?
Descension
Something is shifting.
It has felt heavy and loud
in my soul for a while.
It twists in my stomach
And lurches upward
Squeezing my heart
Tighter and tighter until
I can’t breathe
Then it weaves its slimy black sludge claws
Into my mind
And plants seeds of doubt, fear, hopelessness
Until they bloom
Oozing the thick tar of my descension
What does it mean?
Where does it come from?
I thought I was through
I thought I was in the clear
Didn’t I already learn this lesson?
And I notice the giant black infection
Of fear
expanding, enveloping me
In its unrelenting grip
What am I afraid of?
Fear, what are you trying to show me?
I move toward it now
I embrace it back
Shining every shred of light I have left
Toward it
Begging it to tell me what it wants
And I see
Tiny pricks of light
Piercing through the thick, black darkness
I left my light, my energy, my joy, behind
Somewhere on the trail
Like a lost glove
Being blown away by the wind
Left to dance its way through the wilderness
Is it even still mine?
Did someone find it?
Did they pick up
And turn it over, curious who it belonged to
Did they take it home and try it on?
Did something about my essence affect them in some way?
I miss it
Why do I keep doing that?
Giving away my light?
When all I’m trying to do
Is shine on those I love
On those who need a light in their own darkness
Because I know how deeply painful and dark it is
To wander this world in the dark
Alone
Maybe I overwhelm and blind with my light because I feel so desperate to connect
Yet somehow, my light is too bright, too glaring, too intense
Even for those who, at first, thought they liked basking in the glory
And I remember that even the Sun, who shines unapologetically, gets too hot sometimes
And may unintentionally burn you
But she keeps on shining
And we love her for it
And we welcome the clouds and the rain and night and the winter
And when they come, we miss the Sun
And long for her return
For the pink spring sunrise
For the glowing summer sunsets
And bright autumn mornings
I wonder if the Sun misses me too when the night comes
I wonder if she feels lonely and scared too
Maybe she sees me
As much as I see her
I'd love to hear what you have to say about the episode including thoughts on the poetry and the topics that were discussed. You can email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com.
My books of poetry, My Mother Sleeps and The Ghost of a Beating Heart are availabe for purchase at
Special Guest: Sherrie Love.
Some conversations only happen on the road—miles slipping by, the hum of tires, and the kind of quiet that invites reflection. In this episode, I drove with my friend Jason Wheatley to Sun Valley, Idaho, where he was delivering paintings for an upcoming art show. As we drove, we talked about his journey into art, the impulse to create, and the ways beauty can emerge from both solitude and connection.
It’s a meandering, thoughtful exchange—about art, life, and the things we’re still trying to understand. After dropping off his work, we made a stop at Hemingway’s grave and memorial, a silent moment that seemed to echo the themes of the trip: legacy, voice, and what we leave behind.
I'd love to hear what you have to say about the episode including thoughts on the poetry and the topics that were discussed. You can email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com.
My first book of poetry, My Mother Sleeps, is availabe for purchase at
and
Special Guest: Jason Wheatley.
In this conversation, I talk with my friend Christian Jones—a local musician and songwriter who’ll be performing at Torchlight on June 21. We explore the tension between daily responsibilities and the need to stay connected to our creativity. Christian opens up about how songwriting and playing guitar have helped him navigate life, stay emotionally grounded, and build meaningful connections with others. We reflect on how creativity not only heals us, but also creates ripples that reach those around us. The episode ends with Christian sharing his moving original song, A Little Less Blue
I'd love to hear what you have to say about the episode including thoughts on the poetry and the topics that were discussed. You can email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com.
My first book of poetry, My Mother Sleeps, is availabe for purchase at
and
Special Guest: Christian Jones.
In this episode of The Poet (delayed), I sit down with my friend Chris Hales to unpack a journey that pushed him to the edge—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Chris took on the Grand Canyon rim to rim to rim, a grueling 50+ mile hike through one of the most unforgiving landscapes on earth. He spent months preparing, training his body and mind for the challenge ahead. But even with all the planning and readiness, nothing could fully prepare him for the brutal terrain, the heat, the exhaustion—and the moments of doubt that crept in along the way.
What emerged from the struggle, though, was something far greater. Chris shares how the hardship brought him closer to the people he hiked with, including his wife, and how those shared miles—step after painful step—forged memories and connections that will last a lifetime. It’s a story of endurance, humility, and discovering the strength that comes not just from finishing, but from walking the hard road with people you love.
I'd love to hear what you have to say about the episode including thoughts on the poetry and the topics that were discussed.
You can email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com.
My first book of poetry, My Mother Sleeps, is availabe for purchase at
and
Special Guest: Chris Hales.
In this episode of The Poet (delayed), I sit down with my friend Josh Barron to talk about The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis. We just begin to unpack this powerful and thought-provoking book, discussing its clear Christian themes while also exploring how its core ideas—about selfishness, humility, perspective, and human connection—transcend religious boundaries. Whether you’re deeply spiritual, loosely spiritual, or not religious at all, the principles in this book speak to how we can build better relationships, stronger communities, and more compassionate lives. It’s the beginning of a larger conversation, and we’ll be diving deeper in future episodes.
I'd love to hear what you have to say about the episode including thoughts on the poetry and the topics that were discussed. You can email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com.
My books of poetry, My Mother Sleeps, The Ghost of a Beating Heart and Haiku Village are availabe for purchase at
Special Guest: Josh Baron.
In this episode of The Poet (delayed), I read my allegory “The Raft,” which explores what it means to face fear and step beyond the limitations that keep us small. It is about becoming whole again—learning to sit with our younger selves, heal old wounds, and expand into who we truly are. This one’s about transformation, courage, and the quiet power of growth.
I'd love to hear what you have to say about the episode including thoughts on the poetry and the topics that were discussed. You can email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com.
My first book of poetry, My Mother Sleeps, is availabe for purchase at
In Episode 61 of The Poet (delayed), I sit down with my friend Howard Burkholz for a fun and thoughtful chat all about travel. Howard shares what he loves about hitting the road — from local getaways to international adventures — and how those experiences have brought him joy, taught him new perspectives, and helped shape the way he sees the world. We also talk about how photography has been a huge part of his travels, helping him slow down and capture the moments that matter. Whether you’ve got a trip planned or you’re just daydreaming, join us for a fun conversation.
I'd love to hear what you have to say about the episode including thoughts on the poetry and the topics that were discussed. You can email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com.
My books of poetry, My Mother Sleeps, The Ghost of a Beating Heart and Haiku Village are availabe for purchase at
Special Guest: Howard Burkholz.
In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Ali Talbot to explore the healing power of creativity and the importance of sharing our creative work with others. We talk about how the art we make to heal ourselves can also resonate with and support those around us—reminding us that creation is not only personal but deeply communal.
We also introduce Torchlight, a new monthly program we’ve launched to bring people together through art, music, and poetry. Each month, we invite local artists, musicians, and writers to share their work, with occasional open mic nights to encourage participation from the community. It’s all about connection, creativity, and creating space for shared expression.
Tune in for a conversation about why what we make matters—and how it can light the way for others.
I'd love to hear what you have to say about the episode including thoughts on the poetry and the topics that were discussed. You can email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com.
My first book of poetry, My Mother Sleeps, is availabe for purchase at
and
Special Guest: Ali Talbot.
In this episode, I’m joined again by my friend Tim Robison as we read and reflect on the poem “To Satch” by Samuel Washington Allen. What follows is an honest, free-flowing conversation about living with intention, making your own decisions, and figuring out what really matters. We touch on work-life balance, the search for joy, and doing the things you love — even when it’s hard. We also wrestle with questions around success and failure: What does it mean to lose? What does it mean to win? Is one better than the other? And who gets to decide?
This episode is about choosing a meaningful life — and the courage it takes to do so.
To Satch
Sometimes I feel like I will never stop
Just go on forever
Till one fine mornin
I'm gonna reach up and grab me a handfulla stars
Swing out my long lean leg
And whip three hot strikes burnin down the heavens
And look over a God and say
How about that!!!!
I'd love to hear what you have to say about the episode including thoughts on the poetry and the topics that were discussed. You can email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com.
My first book of poetry, My Mother Sleeps, is availabe for purchase at
and
Special Guest: Tim Robison.
This episode of The Poet (delayed) is raw, real, and completely impromptu. No scripts, no pretense—just an honest conversation with four 20/21 years olds (Ian Edgar, Ryan Murphy, Conner Evans and Max Jones) and me about what makes us human. We all carry wounds, scars, and shadows, and instead of hiding them, what if we embraced them? What if our imperfections and life experiences are actually what make us wonderful, relatable, and deeply connected to one another?
Join us as we explore how self-acceptance leads to true happiness and how recognizing our own freedom—freedom to choose, to grow, to be—can transform the way we move through the world. This is a conversation about finding beauty in our brokenness and power in our choices.
MOAB
This land,
wounded and
scarred and
full of shadows,
She turns his head to Her
To see
and he sees
Her stillness and Her beauty
And he understands
What can be.
I'd love to hear what you have to say about the episode including thoughts on the poetry and the topics that were discussed. You can email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com.
My first book of poetry, My Mother Sleeps, is availabe for purchase at
and
Special Guests: Conner Evans, Ian Edgar, Max Jones, and Ryan Murphy.
On this episode of The Poet (delayed), I sit down with my friend Jen Adams, a children’s book author, to talk about her newest project—a board book adaptation of The Great Gatsby, coming out on March 11th. We discuss the classic novel itself, how our understanding of literature shifts over time, and the powerful role books play in shaping our lives. It’s a conversation about storytelling, nostalgia, and the lasting impact of great literature.
I'd love to hear what you have to say about the episode including thoughts on the poetry and the topics that were discussed. You can email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com.
My first book of poetry, My Mother Sleeps, is availabe for purchase at
and
Special Guest: Jennifer Adams.
New Episode: The Power of Friendship
In this episode, I read On Friendship by Khalil Gibran and sit down with my friend Sarah Daniels for a heartfelt conversation about what it truly means to be a friend. We explore the importance of boundaries in friendships, the value of being our own best friend, and how cultivating a strong relationship with ourselves allows us to build deeper, more meaningful connections with others. Friendship is not just about companionship—it’s about growth, healing, and becoming the best versions of ourselves.
Listen in as we share insights, stories, and reflections on the role of friendship in our lives.
And a youth said, Speak to us of Friendship.
And he answered, saying:
Your friend is your needs answered.
He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.
And he is your board and your fireside.
For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace
When your friend speaks his mind you fear not the “nay” in your own mind, nor do you withhold the “ay.”
And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;
For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unacclaimed.
When you part from your friend, you grieve not;
For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.
And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.
For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth: and only the unprofitable is caught.
And let your best be for your friend.
If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know its flood also.
For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?
Seek him always with hours to live.
For it is his to fill your need but not your emptiness.
And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.
For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.
I'd love to hear what you have to say about the episode including thoughts on the poetry and the topics that were discussed. You can email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com.
My first book of poetry, My Mother Sleeps, is availabe for purchase at
and
Special Guest: Sarah Daniels.
In this episode, Elise Lechtenberg and I dive into the fascinating world of foot zoning—exploring its origins, the benefits of integrating it with Western medicine, and the powerful experiences we’ve both had with this practice. We also discuss the resurgence of energy work and how it’s helping people find balance and healing in new ways. Tune in for an insightful conversation on the impact of foot zoning and holistic wellness!
I'd love to hear what you have to say about the episode including thoughts on the poetry and the topics that were discussed. You can email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com.
My first book of poetry, My Mother Sleeps, is availabe for purchase at
and
Special Guest: Elise Lechtenberg.
In this episode, I sit down with music video and documentary director Danny Drysdale. We talk about his journey in filmmaking, including his work with The Killers and directing multiple music videos for them, and how he’s continued to push forward in an unpredictable industry. We discuss what it takes to achieve goals, the uncertainty that comes with creative work, and the importance of moving forward even when we don’t have all the answers.
I'd love to hear what you have to say about the episode including thoughts on the poetry and the topics that were discussed. You can email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com.
My first book of poetry, My Mother Sleeps, is availabe for purchase at
and
Special Guest: Danny Drysdale.
Links:
Harbors
A friend is a harbor, calm
In whom is found
A healing balm
And asks for nothing in return
Save this:
That if the tide should turn
There I’d be, ever true,
That he with me
Might harbor too.
I was joined in this episode by Allison Spencer and Rachel Waters. Both of whom were my friends in the fifth and sixth grade at Hannah Holbrook Elementary school in Bountiful Utah.
Allison was on the podcast almost exactly 2 years ago and we had a great conversation about her diagnosis and fight against Hodgkins lymphoma cancer. The other part of that story is that less than two months after Allison was diagnosed, Rachel's daughter Haley was diagnosed with the same type of cancer.
In this episode, we talked about among other things what it was like to have each other to lean on and the value of friends and community in our lives, especially in dark and difficult moments.
I'd love to hear what you have to say about the episode including thoughts on the poetry and the topics that were discussed. You can email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com.
My books of poetry are availabe for purchase at
and
Special Guests: Allison Spencer and Rachel Waters.
SHARING MY SKY
If you ever have some time
Stop by for a bit.
I've got a beautiful sky
And no one to share it with.
It's really nothing much,
Just a moon and some friendly stars,
But what is mine,
I'll make ours.
So, if you've got some time,
Just stop by
The gate is always open
And I've saved you a spot
Right next to me
On the soft and welcoming grass.
We'll have a breath of cool fresh air
And sit and share
My sky together.
I'd love to hear what you have to say about the episode including thoughts on the poetry and the topics that were discussed. You can email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com.
My first book of poetry, My Mother Sleeps, is availabe for purchase at
and
Special Guest: Mike Sessions.
Last episode, I discussed a passage from The Old Man and the Sea. This week I’m joined again by Josh Baron as we discuss the book itself.
I'd love to hear what you have to say about the episode including thoughts on the poetry and the topics that were discussed. You can email me at poetdelayed@gmail.com.
My first book of poetry, My Mother Sleeps, is availabe for purchase at
and
Special Guest: Josh Baron.