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 words, the art of capturing emotion through voice, and the milestones that you embark through the publishing process.
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 inspire healing, community, and self-expression.
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 the writing process, creativity, and the discipline needed to become a successful author.
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 desire, work and art.
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 writers, offering readers a pure, ad-free experience that will endure for years to come. Don’t miss this deep dive into the power of print and creativity. https://www.theobjectkc.com/giving
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 reality. Each theme resonates, weaving the past into the present, inviting listeners to explore the power of voice in love and adversity.
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, whose book, You Can Go to Hell and Back, promises a journey of resilience.
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 concept to reality.
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. Download, listen, or watch to hear Sheri’s insights directly.
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. Join us for an insightful and inspiring episode that celebrates the power of words and creativity.
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 was now at a still lake witnessing two swans flying over the glassy water. Most people would witness this scene without thinking twice but for Faus this was a moment to wonder in. He didn’t just see these two swans flying but he related them to human relationships, flying in tandem off by one beat.
When talking with Faus, I wanted to discover how to get to that awe moment he so easily put me in. His answer was more complex than you would think, again at first thought you would think it is simple, but it is not. His answer was to observe. Technically we observe moments everyday, all day long, but when diving deeper you find yourself skimming the scene and not really taking it fully in. I realized this when Faus gave the example of a bus stop. There is nothing more boring than waiting for a bus, instead of leaning into that moment, most people would allow distractions to take over like your phone. But, when truly observing, there's nothing boring here. We can watch how people interact with others. Do they circle in conversation or line up? Is this the first time people are riding a bus or is this a daily activity? Is there bus etiquette? How is the weather interacting with us, is it cold? Are people bundled up in coats or are their teeth scattering? Is it raining? Are umbrellas being used to stay dry or are people sticking out their tongue to catch raindrops? Is it hot, are people angry underneath their layers of sweat? How are the animals interacting now that we are in their space? The list of details can go on and on as long as you stay observing, you will find the story. You will find the awe.
“There are a lot of things you could look at to daydream your day way,” Faus told me as he spoke about this bus stop. He wasn’t giving advice, but I took it as such. And it’s a challenge I want to give to you: when you see one moment, try to see a million.
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 grown in size and locations. Currently, The WWKC is being hosted on Tuesday nights through Zoom and Wednesday nights in person at Three Bees Pottery and Coffee shop in Kansas.
She shared with me the reason behind starting WWKC, “We are fostering the kind of people we want to be by being that to other people. I needed this community, so I made it.” And then she shared with me the how, how her therapist was the one that told her to start this community of writers. As she told me this I was a little taken back because the reason why I sought out going to one of her classes was because my therapist encouraged me to start writing. Our leaders in the mental health space, both encouraged us to write and surround ourselves with other like-minded people. This observation seems simple but when you stare at it in the face, it is profound. They are teaching us that suffering and pain can be released from your body if you give it a device to exit. The WWKC is a space where you can put that device to work and release what needs to go. Every week there are smiles, tears, laughs, roars, whispers, hymns, and peace being pulled out of the people. It is one of my weekly pleasures to witness. To learn more about this workshop and how you could join, visit here.
Not only is Harris the founder, host, and leader of WWKC but she also provides one-on-one instruction for people needing guidance on writing a book. Her clients call her, The Book Doula. I have personally heard from people that she is tough, honest, and direct with feedback but in the end it always helps elevate the work. She also has published three poetry books and is currently working on her fourth that may be coming out in 2024. I have read all her books (some multiple times) and each time I read or hear her work, the imagery around verbs and actions takes me into a new world that I have never seen before. My advice would be to experience this writing yourself and purchase your copies – that way you’ll really be able to see why they call her , The Book Doula.
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 smiles to herself at this sweet memory because she knew that writing has always been a part of her self-expression. This is just one small example of how she spreads her love and light through words. On a bigger scale, Mendoza has recently released an album called Bluebird, in collaboration with her band, Feel Good. The release party will be hosted on September 1st, 2023 at the Waiting Room in Omaha, NE.
The last song in the album is called Fly Away Bluebird and has a significant message that can resonate with everyone:
“ Could it be I do deserve
A taste of freedom, even sweeter
Than the rumors I had heard
Fly away bluebird
Could it be what really hurt
Is the cage that kept you
Like a burden
Now its broken
Fly away
Fly away
You know your cage is broken now
If you stay
You’ll never get to figure out how
The wind in your wings feel
Pinch yourself so you know that it’s real ”
When asking Mendoza if she was the bird in this song, her answer was, “I think so.” But, when I sat with these lyrics I realized we are all this bird. For how many of us are feeling trapped by our jobs, relationships, finances, or fears? The answer is too many of us…The first step in stepping out of this cage is to recognize who the gatekeeper in your life is, identify it, write it out, or speak it out so it can stop hosting a life inside of you.
Once you identify what’s holding you back you will ask yourself, “Now, what?” But, that is a question only you can answer. The power of this song is to help you release toxicity so there is space for newness to come.
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 played soccer, spray-painted, drew calligraphy, and even played the drums. I did a lot of activities that people found cool, which means a lot of other kids hung around me. However, I hung out with kids who didn’t have a voice because of my stutter,” said Sissay.
About six years ago, after Sissay moved to America, he started going to therapy. Through therapy he learned that his stutter was manifested from a series of traumatic experiences he faced as a child. He was encouraged to start writing about his progression in therapy which is how he discovered his skill and love for documenting life.
Currently, Sissay is the Founder and CEO of The Freedom Project which is a modern-day multicultural social enterprise focused on mental health education & equity. In other words, this organization is a media company that tackles social issues through legislation, politics, and film.
Their latest project is a film called, I Have A Boyfriend, that is based on a real story that happened in Westport KC, MO.