The mission of the Quintessential Poetry podcast (https://www.quintessentialpoetry.com) is to provide a live platform for poets from all backgrounds and locations worldwide to showcase their poetry. This includes emerging, mid-level, and established poets. The podcast conducts conversational interviews with poets delving into the essence of poetry within the realms of the mind, heart, and soul. It also provides a platform fo ...
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Hello, everyone, Welcome to a special episode of The Quintessential Poetry podcast, celebrating National Poetry Month's universal theme of Family and our sub-theme, Poetry Beyond Borders. This episode is dedicated to French director, teacher, author, and scenarist France DeMarcy, whose contributions to the arts and storytelling resonate far beyond borders. The theme of Family reminds us of the deep connections that bind us together, whether through birth, choice, or bonds that defy categorization. Poetry Beyond Borders amplifies this idea, showcasing how poetry transcends geographical, cultural, and linguistic boundaries to create shared human experiences. In this episode, we feature Caroline Adler Micó, a French multidisciplinary poet who embodies the spirit of poetry without limits. Caroline shares her journey of transforming personal challenges into poetic innovation, exploring themes that connect us across cultures and experiences. Her artistic path spans multiple disciplines, from earth sciences to avant-garde cinema, creating a rich tapestry of creative exploration. Throughout the podcast, discover Caroline's poetic influences, the intersection of vulnerability and strength in her work, and her advice for emerging poets. Caroline's poetry, spoken entirely in her native French, achieves an extraordinary brilliance, inviting listeners into a deeply authentic and transformative experience. While translations are available for listeners (link below), the episode offers a profound opportunity to experience poetry in its most powerful form—through the musicality and emotion of its original language. Caroline's poetic voice transcends borders, connecting us across languages, cultures, and experiences, illustrating the universal depths of human expression. Join us on this journey as we celebrate the power of poetry to unite us as one global family. 00:41 Special Episode: Poetry Beyond Boundaries 01:27 Interview with Caroline Adler Micó 01:58 Exploring the Essence of Poetry 08:59 Themes and Inspirations 23:12 Cultural Influences and International Perspectives 31:40 The Role of Poets in Society 33:38 Advice for Emerging Women Poets 36:03 Creative Processes and Future Plans 49:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Translation https://docs.google.com/document/d/12g-zFIsSAzu2KmCe1ypYiHB9SW0649T3NCOyVGx15dw/edit?usp=sharing
In Memory of Rawle James Rawle James was a beloved poet and community builder from Toronto, Canada whose sudden passing has left a profound impact on poetry communities worldwide. Known for his melodic voice, warm smile, and spiritual depth, Rawle touched countless lives through his art and generous spirit. Friends and fellow poets remember him as a man with "a great spirit of forgiveness and Love," someone who encouraged others to find their authentic voice. As one friend noted, "He was a friend to everyone he crossed paths with." Rawle's commitment to fostering connections across borders was evident in his global poetic presence, including his appearance on Quintessential Listening: Poetry Online Radio. Those who knew him speak of his "elder grace," "quiet strength," and the deep conversations that left them "a better person for having met him." His legacy lives on through his poetry and in the hearts of the many writers he mentored and inspired. As we share this interview from the archives, we invite you to experience the wisdom and warmth that made Rawle James a quintessential poet whose voice, as one friend simply put, "resounds" even now.
Bio: African-Italian performance poet based in Oakland, California. Active on creative writing & Spoken Word since the early 1990s. Author of 9 books--Boneyard, Unwritten Law, Stormwater, Skeletal Black [all from POOR Press], Elohi Unitsi [Conviction 2 Change Publishing], Rusty Gallows: Passages Against Hate [Vagabond Books], Plans [originally Nomadic Press, now re-issued from Black Lawrence Press], Crimson Stain [ EYEPUBLISHEWE] and his newest, Discovery [ Southern Arizona Press] -- and 73 anthology appearances under his figurative belt so far. Episode Summary: As the episode unfolds, Dee's definition of poetry is explored, as well as his views on the insane nature of modern reality, and the political and environmental issues that motivate his work. Throughout the episode Dee shares personal anecdotes, including his first live performance experience, and reads poems from his latest book, 'Discovery.' The conversation also touches on his influences, such as Langston Hughes, Robert Hayden and Sonia Sanchez. It also examines his thoughts on the poet's role in society, the editing process, and the ways in which his remarkably authentic, powerful and distinctive work contributes to the development of empathy and understanding between groups of different sociocultural and ethnic origins. Book: Discovery https:/www.amazon.com/dp/1960038540
Jules Stevenson is a 21-year-old poet, artist, and social media influencer from Selkirk, Manitoba. She began writing in her early teens as a means of coping with anxiety, depression, anorexia, sexual trauma, abuse, and suicide. Over the years, her writing has evolved into an incredibly intimate and honest body of work. At 16, Jules self-published her first book, ‘atrophy,’ a collection centered around anorexia. Her work frequently explores themes of trauma, the body, feminism, and mental health. In 2023, her poem 'An Apology to My Cat' went viral on TikTok, gaining over 12.6 million views. This global reaction led to the self-publication of her poetry memoir, ‘self portraits of a girl collapsing violently inward,’ which focuses on sexual and digital trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jules has garnered several accolades in the poetry community, including winning first place at Slamdemic, third place with her team at Poetry in Voice, and securing second place multiple times at Poetry Battles. In 2024, she represented her province at the Canadian Individual Poetry Slam, showcasing her talent on a national stage. She was also selected by the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation to co-author and perform a poem on gender equality at the legislature for International Development Week. Currently, Jules spends her time working as a barista, writing, and enjoying the company of her beloved cats, Moth and Lamp. Website https://www.juliestevenson.ca Social Media https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQrLpVSQGKS-pI_6KRe1GJw https://www.tiktok.com/@recently.depressed
Bio David Leo Sirois is a Canadian-American poet published 153 times, in 26 countries. His work has been translated into 13 languages (such as Hindi, Bengali, French, Spanish, Greek, & Romanian). He hosts Spoken World Online, the Zoom arm of SpokenWord Paris. His first collection is called Humbledoves (Poems to Pigeons & Plants). He won Third Prize in Winning Writers' Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest. Sirois has been honored for his “admirable contribution to world literature” by The Fertile Brains, a renowned literary group in India. He teaches workshops online for The Bombay Review, as well as The Poetry Academy of Poetry Global Network. His poetry has appeared in journals such as The Bombay Review, Artemis Journal, The Poetry Village, One Hand Clapping, The Bastille, Poetry Super Highway, & Terre à Cièl (which also publishes his translations of French poetry). Sirois has been featured on countless international programs, podcasts & interviews. His poetry has been featured in films & music. He is also a singer/songwriter, radio DJ, & a film/TV/theater actor. He is currently submitting 5 finished manuscripts for publication & writing several more. Book Humbledoves (poems to pigeons & plants): https://a.co/d/5MRB33i Ko-Fi tip jar: https://ko-fi.com/davidleosirois0412