VS
The VS podcast is a bi-weekly series where poets confront the ideas that move them. Hosted by poets Ajanaé Dawkins and Brittany Rogers, produced by Cin Pim/Ombie Productions, and presented by the Poetry Foundation.
Episodes
Brittany and Ajanaé vs. The Next Adventure
Today on VS, Brittany and Ajanaé commemorate their final VS episode by answering audience questions! Join them as they discuss their favorite VS moments, how their friendship has deepened over the course of the show, their role as curators and archivists, and looking toward the next adventure. Writing Prompt: Write a poem setting intentions for the next season of your life. What will you pursue ev
aja monet vs. Alignment
Today on VS, Brittany and Ajanae record their penultimate episode with aja monet! Join them as they discuss the role of anger and passion as poets and people, identity as a type of performance, the significance of feeling the poem in the body, poetry as a spiritual practice, and navigating the language, ethics, and the care that we give to people vs. causes. Until Next Time:Here is some media to a
Shaina Phenix vs. Firstborn Daughters
Today on VS, Brittany and Ajanae are in conversation with Shaina Phenix. Listen in as they discuss the literary universes of Black femme characters, the process of unlearning for eldest daughters, waywardness, audacity, and the ways that we learn to name and rename ourselves. Until Next Time:Here is some media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until
Khadijah Queen vs. Intuition
Today on VS, Brittany and Ajanae interview Khadijah Queen. Listen in as they discuss their love for their hometowns, approaching non-linear form across genres, navigating projects with long life spans, the importance of leaning into intuition and curiosity, and revisiting past projects and eras in our writing.Until Next Time:Here is some media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writ
Rachel Eliza Griffiths vs. Privacy
On today’s episode of VS, Brittany and Ajanae interview Rachel Eliza Griffiths; join them as they discuss forthcoming projects, their evolving concepts of home and privacy, approaching photography as a poet, writing for the ones that come after us, and the importance of curiosity.Until Next Time: John Coltrane - A Deep Dive into John Coltrane’s ‘A Love Supreme’ by His Biographer, Lewis Porter (Pt.
VS Live! at Poetry Foundation: Cornelius Eady and Major Jackson vs. Legacy
On today’s episode of VS, Brittany and Ajanae have the opportunity to talk with Cornelius Eady and Major Jackson live in Chicago! Join in as they discuss the capacity to feel, the legacy of themselves and others, the importance of community, the way that boundaries and ethics shift after writing for a long time, and what things still scare them about the page.Until Next Time: Here is some media to
Jada Renée Allen vs. Drill
On today’s episode of VS, Brittany and Ajanae interviewed Jada Renée Allen. Listen in as they discuss their rabbit holes of research, “Drill” the manuscript and the music, the relationship between Black women and water, and the influences on our poetics. Until Next Time: Here is some media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again!Alexus
Saúl Hernández vs. Monsters
Today Brittany and Ajanae have the pleasure of talking with Saúl Hernández. Listen in as they discuss writing about tense familial relationships with tenderness, the act of being made invisible, grief as transformation, childhood as a lens, and how to identify a monster (spoiler alert: it could be anyone!). Until Next Time: Walter Mercado - Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado | Official
Barbara Fant vs. Joy
On today’s episode of VS, Ajanae and Brittany interview Barbara Fant. Join them as they discuss the relationship between family and authenticity, the importance of intergenerational connections among poets, writing as a tool for wellness, and joy as a part of chaos. Until Next Time: Here is some media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet a
W.J. Lofton vs. Grief
On today’s episode of VS, Ajanae and Brittany interview W.J. Lofton. Join them as they discuss how they handle failure within their process, grief as a form of generosity, queer intimacy, spiritual expansion, and the process of unlearning harmful beliefs.Until Next Time: Here is some media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again!Danez S
Hanif Abdurraqib vs. Obsession
On today’s episode of VS, Ajanae and Brittany interview Hanif Abdurraqib. Listen in as they discuss burned cd’s, the cost of being a collector, living archives, new projects, and obsession as an origin story. Until Next Time: Here is some media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again!June Jordan - June Jordan at the NYS Writers Institut
m. mick powell vs. Celebrity Culture
On today’s episode of VS, Ajanae and Brittany interview m. mick powell about their forthcoming collection, Dead Girl Cameo (Penguin Random House). Join them as they discuss celebrity culture and conspiracy theories, obsession with the 90’s and 2000’s, Black queer feminist thought, and gathering artifacts across time periods. Until Next Time: Here is some media to accompany your experience of the e
Tiana Clark vs. Burnout
On today’s episode of VS, Brittany and Ajanae have the opportunity to talk with Tiana Clark. Listen in as they discuss navigating burnout and perfectionism, advocacy within the medical system, neurodivergence, and permission as a part of the creative process. Until Next Time: Here is some media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again!Te
Deesha Philyaw and Kiese Laymon vs. Genre
On today’s episode, Brittany and Ajanae talk with Deesha Philyaw and Kiese Laymon—phenomenal writers and co-hosts of the podcast, Reckon True Stories. During this conversation, they discuss the impact of great editors, the overlap between poetry and prose, rejection in the writers room, and the beauty of friendship. Until Next Time: Catherine Coleman (Kiese’s Grandmother) - On Resilience, Tender R
VS Live! at AWP E. Hughes and Lue Hughes vs. Nostalgia
Today’s episode was recorded live at the Sims Library in Los Angeles, California during this year's AWP conference. Join Brittany and Ajanae as they sit down with E. Hughes and Lue Hughes (no relation) to discuss the role that intimacy plays in their writing, memory being true for the moment, the role of grief in the writing process, and moments of messiness in their collections. Until Next Time:
Nicole Sealey vs. Love
On today’s episode, Brittany and Ajanaé have the honor of interviewing Nicole Sealey! Join them as they discuss friendship rituals, surviving writers conferences, learning from mentors, navigating old obsessions in new work, and love, love, and more love. Until Next Time: Here is some media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again!Nicole
Omotara James vs. The Speaker
On today’s episode of VS, Ajanae and Brittany are joined by poet Omotara James. Join them as they discuss the failure of poetry as savior, whistleblowers, art as a meet-cute, resisting shielding the speaker, and building trust with the reader. Until Next Time: Here is some media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again!Sharon Olds: Sharo
Vanessa Angélica Villarreal vs. Magical Realism
On today’s episode, Ajanaé and Brittany talk to Vanessa Angélica Villarreal! Listen in as they discuss mushrooms, quantum entanglements, borders, the ethics of daughters-memory, and the role of Fantasy and The Future in the Western literary canon. Until Next Time: Here is some media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again!Pedro Páramo b
Amanda Johnston vs. The Present
On today’s episode, Brittany and Ajanae chat with Amanda Johnston; join them as they discuss choosing joy, intentional literary citizenship, the history of Torch Literary Arts, recurring selves in the work, and existing in the here and now.Until Next Time: Here is some media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again!Lucille Clifton - i am
Chet’la Sebree vs. Etymology
Welcome to Season 9! On today’s episode of VS, Brittany and Ajanae chat with Chet’la Sebree about love, the origin of words and theory, chronic illness, vulnerability, and using language to explore our curiosities. Until Next Time: Here is some media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again!Natasha Tretheway: Natasha Trethewey’s Poems Ta
VS Live at Furious Flower ft. Mahogany L. Browne and Yona Harvey vs. Sisterhood
For this episode, Brittany and Ajanae had the privilege of talking with Yona Harvey and Mahogany Browne LIVE at Furious Flower 2024! Join them as they discuss the importance of community spaces, what they’ve learned from sistering and being sistered, finding affirmation in each other’s poetry, the process of shifting genres, navigating the tension between public personas and interior lives, and th
Alexa Patrick vs. Prom
On today’s episode of VS, Brittany and Ajanae speak with Alexa Patrick about all things nostalgic. Join them as they discuss playfulness as a craft tool, memory as a poetic foundation, the harms of being the only, prom season, desire, and having a crush on everything!Until Next Time: Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over unt
Ayokunle Falomo vs. Multiple Selves
During today’s episode, Brittany and Ajanae talk with Ayokunle Falomo, author of the poetry collection Autobiomythography Of. Join them as they discuss the intertwining of mythology, time, and history, as well as the responsibilities of parenthood, keeping secrets, and navigating the multiplicity of the self. Until Next Time: Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episod
Sarah Ghazal Ali vs. Faith
During today’s interview, Brittany and Ajanae sit down with Sarah Ghazal Ali. Listen in as they discuss writing as a spiritual practice, honoring matrilineage, the importance of disbelief, the failed project of purity, and the generative force of fixed forms.Note: this episode was originally recorded in fall of 2024. Until Next Time: Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of th
Tank and Jamila vs. Poetic Roots
In today’s episode, Brittany and Ajanae have the pleasure of talking to poets and artists Tank (from Tank and the Bangas) and Jamila Woods. Tank and Jamila take time before their tour to talk with our VS hosts about their entryways into poetry, how place influences their sound, the questions they hold in their minds while creating, and of course, how poetry intersects with the rest of their c
Daad Sharfi vs. The Law
During this episode of VS, Brittany and Ajanae are joined by poet and advocate Daad Sharfi. In this episode, they discuss the reconstruction of memory, boundary setting, real and imagined borders, and the absurdity of the legal system. Until Next Time: Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again!Family whatsapp
Farah Chamma vs. Language
During this episode of VS, poet and multidisciplinary artist Farah Chamma joins Brittany and Ajanae. Listen in as they discuss the importance of trusting your intuition, the nuances of language, suffering and passion, as well as the necessity of defining oneself as an artist and a person. Until Next Time:Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt
Bettina Judd vs. Theory
On today’s episode, Brittany and Ajanae spend time in conversation with Bettina Judd, who is an amazing poet, scholar, and Professor of African American Studies at Emory University. Join them as they discuss the validity of symbols, living out the tarot, how interior concerns shape research and experimentation, and the importance of Black, queer women seeing themselves reflected in theoretical pra
Phillip B. Williams vs. Ours
During this episode of VS, Brittany and Ajanae interview poet and novelist Phillip B. Williams. Join them as they talk about the process of writing an epic novel, embracing character’s autonomy, Morrisonian poems, and the responsibility of freedom. Until Next Time: Nina Simone: To Be FreeGabriel García Márquez: What To Know About The Master Of Magical Realism & Nobel Prize Winner | TIMELove Song b
Jubi Arriola-Headley VS. Masculinity
For this episode, Ajanae and Brittany interview poet Jubi Arriola-Headley; join them as they discuss the role of humor and play in their poetics, the straightforwardness of erotic writing and kink, and navigating their tensions with masculinity.Until Next Time: Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again!Prince
Sarah Lubala vs. Sentimentality
Season 8 kicks off with Brittany and Ajanae talking with Sarah Lubala, Congolese poet, and author of A History of Disappearance. In this interview, the trio discuss navigating political history and conflict, the role of matriarchal figures in her work, hope as an exercise, and writing about love without leaning into sentimentality.
Edit: In our conversation, Safia Elhillo was said to b
2023 Statement from the VS team
A short statement from Brittany and Ajanaé regarding current events. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Safiya Sinclair vs. The Sea
In today’s episode, Brittany and Ajanae have the pleasure of interviewing Safiya Sinclair. Join them as they discuss the craft of switching to memoir, maintaining self-confidence while navigating academia, what their teenage selves would think of them, and the influence Jamaica has on Safiya’s writing.
Until Next Time:
Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode and a
Courtney Faye Taylor vs. Black Girlhood
On today’s episode of VS, Brittany and Ajanae interview Courtney Faye Taylor about their award winning collection Concentrate. Listen in as they discuss writing with an ethic of care, studying oneself as a writer, the nuances of Black girlhood, and the construction of Concentrate.
Until Next Time:
Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to ti
Willie Lee Kinard III vs. The Choir
Today Brittany and Ajanae interview Willie Lee Kinard III, author of Orders of Service. During this episode, they discuss Willie’s history with music, doublespeak as maximalism, queerness as a foundation for craft choices, and developing a love for the land.
Until Next Time:
Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we me
Samiya Bashir vs. Multiple Mediums
For this episode, Brittany and Ajanae interview Samiya Bashir. During this conversation, they discuss Samiya’s role as Executive Director of Lambda Literary, Black opera, opening the door for queer writers, and writing the poem that unlocks the project.
Until Next Time:
Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet ag
Ariana Benson vs The Field
On today’s episode, Brittany and Ajanae speak with 2023 Ruth Lily fellow and author of Black Pastoral, Ariana Benson. Join them for this episode as they discuss nature, artistic influences, sensuality, and soap operas.
Until Next Time:
Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again!
Gwendolyn Brooks: We Real Cool
Victoria Chang vs. Imagination
For their second episode of season 7, Brittany and Ajanae interview Victoria Chang. During this conversation, they discuss following your imagination and creative impulses, trusting your reader to fill in the gaps in a collection, and hidden talents!
Until Next Time:
Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again!
Brittany and Ajanae vs. The Audience
For this first episode of Season 7, Brittany and Ajanae decided to answer audience questions generated via social media. Join them as they tackle hot topics, their writing process, how they navigate friendship and business, and much more!
Until Next Time:
Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode, and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again!
The City G
Ladan Osman vs. Changing Your Life
Ladan Osman steps into the studio with a knowledge of her journey and a commitment to share. The poet and filmmaker talks about how she has traversed the complex and scarring world of the poetry industry, the ways that she pushed herself toward making different media, what she hopes for the poets emerging in her wake, and much more. Plus, some quality shoutouts to the bees and important postcoloni
VS Live Aricka Foreman and Tommye Blount vs. Detroit Poetics
To close out season six, Brittany and Ajanae record LIVE in Detroit with guests Aricka Foreman and Tommye Blount. Join them as they discuss the history of the Detroit School of poets, building authentic community, knowing when a project is done, and creating alternate spaces for Black Queer folks to thrive.
Until Next Time
Here’s some content for you to engage with and 2 writing prompts to keep yo
Jacqui Germain vs. Specificity
Tune in this week as Brittany and Ajanaé interview Jacqui Germain about her debut collection, Bittering the Wound. In this episode, they discuss cartoons as a space of enjoyment, St. Louis as a persona, the intimacy of specificity, and the necessary role of contradictions in everyday life.
Until Next Time:
Here’s some content for you to engage with and a writing prompt to keep you entertained unt
Alexis Pauline Gumbs vs. Chasing Awe
On this week’s episode, Brittany and Ajanae sit down with Alexis Pauline Gumbs; during this interview, they discuss the gift of literary inheritance, unlearning the colonial lens, and allowing curiosity and awe to guide one’s research practice. Alexis also discusses the process of writing a biography on Audre Lorde, a longtime teacher and guide.
Until Next Time:
Here are some pieces of media to ac
Jos Charles Vs. Younger Jos
On today’s episode, Brittany and Ajanae have the pleasure of interviewing Jos Charles. Over the course of this interview, they discuss finding beauty and healing and revisiting younger versions of ourselves, the ways that neurodivergence shapes our writing practice, and the way that devotion has shifted their poetics over time. We also get a surprise pop in from Jos’ cat, Faye!
Until Next Time
Edo
Golden vs. The Self Portrait
In this episode, Ajanae and Brittany spend time in conversation with their guest, Golden; listen as they discuss creating a living archive, their space in the lineage of Black Formalist poets, and the ways that self-portraits have shaped their writing practice. Golden also discusses the process of placing their second collection, and leaning into the vulnerability of writing about the self.
Until
Toi Derricotte vs. Stillness
This week, Ajanae and Brittany have the honor of interviewing Toi Derricotte. The trio speak candidly about preparing for death, the complexity of being a Black women poet, and the origin story of Cave Canem. They also explore the importance of community, trust, and intimacy as tools for survival.
Until Next Time:
Ruth Stone: Ruth Stone's Vast Library of The Female Mind
Galway Kinnell: Wait
Luci
Jericho Brown Vs. Process of Elimination
Brittany and Ajanae conclude their mini-tour of the South by interviewing Jericho Brown; in this conversation, the trio discuss breaking bad writing habits, navigating career longevity, and the things that bring them delight (spoiler alert: friendship, r&b and Beyoncé are on the list)!
Until Next Time:
Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode, and a writing prompt
Mia S. Willis vs. The Black Proverb
On this weeks episode, Brittany and Ajanae continue their mini-tour of Atlanta with an interview with Mia. S. Willis. During this conversation, they discuss learning to slow down, avoiding the “full length” book pressure, and language as a material culture; they also think fondly on friendship, connection, and Black colloquialisms.
Until Next Time:
Here are some pieces of media to accompany your
Maya Marshall vs. Priorities
Join us this week in Atlanta, where Brittany and Ajanae sit down with Maya Marshall to discuss Maya’s debut collection, All the Blood Involved in Love (Haymarket Press). This conversation centers around choice, obligation and priorities, both on and off the page. Listen as they navigate falling in love, managing illness, choosing between work and family, and much more!
Until Next Time:
Here are s
Naomi Shihab Nye vs. Secret Lives
This week, Brittany and Ajanae talk with guest Naomi Shihab Nye about the joy and wonder of youth, poets as vessels, editing as an act of devotion, and the complexity of becoming multiple selves over the course of a lifetime. Join them as they process the possibilities that can emerge over a lifetime of being immersed in poetry.
Until Next Time
Here are some pieces of media to accompany your exper
Lupe Mendez vs. Reverence
On this week’s episode, Brittany and Ajanae continue their mini tour of the South in Houston, Texas. Next, they talk with Texas Poet Laureate Lupe Mendez about familial responsibility, masculinity, education, and the preservation of memory.
Until Next Time:
Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode, and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again!
José
Joy Priest vs. Absurdity
On this week’s episode, Brittany and Ajanae travel to Houston, Texas for the first interview of their (mini) South tour. There, they talk with Joy Priest about landscape, road trips, the process of creating, putting together a collection, and what happens when Blackness meets theory.
Until Next Time:
Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode, and a writing prompt t
Joy Priest vs. Absurdity
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Wes Matthews vs. Wonder
In this episode, Wes reflects on his transition from being a youth to adulthood as it relates to the poetry scene, level of empathy, and approach to wonder. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Kemi Alabi vs Divinity
In today’s episode, Kemi Alabi talks about poetic practice, pleasure, and play as it presents in their collection Against Heaven, winner of the Academy of American Poets First Book Award (Graywolf, 2022). In this conversation, they discuss the relationship between the secular and profane, subverting and breaking language, and the importance of embracing grief and the emotional body.
Kemi will be r
Remica L Bingham-Risher vs, Memory
Remica Bingham-Risher’s reverence for love and relationship is tangible in her work. The author of Soul Culture, Starlight & Error, What We Ask of Flesh, and Conversion talks with Brittany and Ajanaé about the necessity of Black women curating the archive and the value of interiority. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of pers
Danez & Franny VS Getting Grown
Franny and Danez grace us with insight on being grown and dreaming toward the future. These former VS hosts talk with Brittany and Ajanaé about the way sobriety, domesticity, and clarity about their identities as writers is shaping their lives. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Roll Call: Three Castles and the Music City
In October of 1871, the oldest University in Nashville TN, teetered on the brink of collapse. To survive, Fisk University staked its last $40 on a set of field hymns and 10 descendants of American slavery. The singing group carried melodies their families shared in secret from the cotton fields of middle Tennessee to the high court of the Queen of England. The landmark tours of the Fisk Jubilee Si
All The Apostles are Black, All the Saints Queer, and All of Them Are Brave (Pt.2)
All The Apostles are Black, All the Saints Queer, and All of Them Are Brave: towards a queer canon (Pt.2)
Hello, hi Beloveds! Welcome back to the second installment of our Roll Call episode. We are your hosts, Kopano Maroga and Maneo Mohale, and we are sluts for history and sluts for discourse and are going to be picking the brains of our fabulous guests Koleka Putuma (featured in part 1) and Nak
All The Apostles are Black, All the Saints Queer, and All of Them Are Brave (Pt. 1)
All The Apostles are Black, All the Saints Queer, and All of Them Are Brave: towards a queer canon (Pt.1)
Hello, hi Beloveds! We are Kopano Maroga and Maneo Mohale and we have the absolute honour of hosting this 2 part episode of Roll Call for you produced by the Poetry Foundation. We are sluts for history and sluts for discourse and are going to be picking the brains of our fabulous guests Koleka
Roll Call: Gabrielle Civil vs. Black Time or the déjà vu
In this episode, black feminist poet and performance artist Gabrielle Civil grapples with the slippery, urgent nature of black time, what she calls the déjà vu. She talks to fellow poets Rashidah Ismaili and jayy dodd, scholar Michelle M. Wright, and visionary six year old Naima about poetry and history, memories and the future. This episode offers sonic experiments, spotlight readings, and intima
Roll Call: Radical Literary Friendships
This episode is a roundtable discussion between Brittany, Maurisa, and Ajanae. We discuss the way that friendship has sustained us and been the catalyst for our growth as writers. We also highlight other literary friendships that inspire and guide our practices (i.e Pat Parker and Audre Lorde, Cornelius Eady and Toi Derricotte, Willie Kinard and AsiahMae, etc) and how valuable community is to the
Roll Call: Breaking the Line
When many people think of experimental Black poetry, they imagine Jazz, or spoken word, or vernacular––they “envision” sound. But what about poetry you can see? In this episode, Keith S. Wilson talks with poets Alison C. Rollins and Chaun Webster about visual poetry. What is it? Where does it come from? What strange things does it do to our sense of time?
Show Notes:
Hosted by: Keith S Wilson
Pro
Roll Call: What the Water Carries?
Show Description
Can any label or identity explain our freedom, our community or history? How do you identify and what does it mean? In this special episode with Jasminne Mendez, Darrel Alejandro Holnes and Raina J. León explores the fluidity of terms and identity as Black Latinx,o,e,a people from the diaspora. Work featured by Toni Morrison, Aracelis Girmay, Alan Pelaez Lopez and Elizabeth Aceved
Us vs. The Finale
Friends, we’ve reached the end–Franny, Danez, and producer Daniel say their goodbyes after five wonderful years as the crew of VS. The team reminisces on some of their favorite moments from the show, tells some behind the scenes gems, and gets a lil weepy by the end. As we say in the episode, we are so deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to create this show for you. Thank you for your ears
Rachel McKibbens vs. Endings
On our last guest interview (oh god!), the squad is joined by masterful poet and overall champion Rachel McKibbens. Recording from the spooky, amazing bar she runs in Rochester, Rachel breaks down her comfort with violence, the power of stopping without providing an ending, the joy and uniqueness of her Pink Door retreat, and much more.
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Sarah Kay vs. Sarah
We’re dancing in the reflection pool with the inimitable Sarah Kay. On this penultimate interview led by Franny and Danez, the magnificent poet and poetry community member talks about what happened when she turned internal in the pandemic, the relationship between public persona and personal growth, and the gift of connecting with the form that she’s trying to pay forward to as many people as poss
Douglas Kearney vs. Protection
Douglas Kearney is developing some new armor for his people. The visionary poet breaks down how he is exploring the limits and possibilities of poems as protection, how he loves to share what he’s learned across generations, the power of drum machine prosody, and much more.
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Cyrée Jarelle Johnson vs. Satisfaction
Cyrée Jarelle Johnson knows how to find satisfaction on the page. The brilliant poet breaks down where satisfaction lives in his poems, where the confessional meets the surreal, how sexy poetic form can be, and much more.
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George Abraham vs. Returning
George Abraham is ready to return. The Palestinian-American poet and professor talks with Franny and Danez about the experience of revisiting their first book Birthright, carving a past and future for themselves in the face of colonialism and homophobia, learning to spur their readers into action, and much more.
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Evie Shockley vs Gathering
Evie Shockley is ready to bring us together. The poet, critic, and professor breaks down how she builds spaces to gather and exchange in her poems, the lineages she pulls from, balancing her critical and artistic lenses, and much more. Plus, some VERY important info about next season of VS!
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Aria Aber vs. Ruins
Aria Aber knows how to find the space between the buildings, the beauty in the ruins. The poet talks with Franny and Danez about her masterful book Hard Damage, sharing the fragments of her past with her family, writing toward city and landscape, and much more.
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francine j. harris vs. Being a Hater
The illustrious francine j. harris is in the proverbial building, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. The award-winning poet breaks down the transformative potential of being a hater, mourning the loss of anonymity at the open mic, championing the poets she’s in lineage of, and much much more.
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Cynthia Dewi Oka vs. Spectacle
Cynthia Dewi Oka writes across generations, and what emerges is spectacular. The poet talks with Franny and Danez about flipping spectacle on its head as a way of subverting power, bringing both her mother and her son into the creative process, writing surreality as a young mother, and much more. This is a gem, y’all!
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Destiny O. Birdsong vs. Mess
Destiny O. Birdsong is happy to up to her elbows in the mess of life. The poet, essayist, and fiction writer talks about the joy of creating complex characters, writing auto-fiction, building books from a joke, and much more!
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Shira Erlichman vs. The Unknown
Come dance in the unknown with Shira Erlichman! Franny and Danez talk with the brilliant poet and musician about how she’s always thrived in the mystery, what she has learned about transformation from both her mental health journey and meditation practice, first draft explosions, her study of death and dying over the course of the pandemic, and much more!
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Carmen Giménez Smith vs. Amplification
Carmen Giménez Smith is ready to get down to the word. The poet and editor takes a deep dive with Franny and Danez into how she approaches editing, how she pushes writers to build off of the most effective parts of their poems, how she takes in feedback from her peers, and much more.
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Tommy Pico vs Instinct
Tommy Pico might not like games, but he came to play. The poet, screenwriter, and podcaster talks about adjusting to life off of the road, stepping into a role in a TV writers room, beginning to write as a social media practice, instinct vs. taste, the texture of balls on one’s taint, and so much more. Plus, a fastpunch round for the ages!
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Taylor Johnson vs. Listening
Taylor Johnson is listening, and they’re inviting you to listen too. The poet, whose first collection Inheritance was released into the world last year on Alice James Books, talks with our fearless hosts about how they’re listening for the sounds, colors, words, and structures they’re encountering, what they learn when they listen, and much much more.
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Suzi F. Garcia vs. Oz
We’re off over the rainbow with the wonderful wizard of this pod, Suzi F. Garcia! The poet and editor takes Franny and Danez on a deep dive into the nuances and oddities of The Wizard of Oz, and it’s a wild wild world. Come down the yellow brick road with the squad!
NOTE: Make sure you rate us on Apple Podcasts and write us a review! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com fo
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