Ink Speak with Maverick Malone

Ink Speak with Maverick Malone

by Maverick L. Malone

Spirituality Personal Journals

Season 2

42. "The Messenger Sings the Message" - On Nature and Creativity as a Spiritual Practice and Learning to Speak the Unspoken

In this spontaneous, soul-led episode, I take you with me on a wisdom walk—a solo hike by the river where I set the intention to receive messages from nature and spirit. What unfolded was a quiet, powerful communion with the unseen through dandelions, trickling water, and the gentle language of the earth. I reflect on how creativity is a spiritual practice, how novelty opens the channel to divine insight, and why getting out of our routines, whether through travel, hiking, or new experiences, awakens our inner magic. Tune in to learn how to listen differently, speak the unspoken, and use nature as your co-creator to guide you to a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you. 🌿✨ 🌊 BONUS: Visit Mentally I'm Here for the exclusive extended content, including photos, poems, and deeper reflections on how you can create your own wisdom walk. Follow Maverick - Instagram ⁠⁠@mavmalone⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Find more of my offerings here

41. “The Pharmacy is Open” - On Love, the Inner Child/Mother, and What Dreams Reveal

This episode begins with a poem (an invocation, really) about love as medicine. The kind that finds us at our most depleted and still asks us to show up, gently. I talk about pushing through a heavy day with no energy left, the moment a song pulled me through, and how a simple reel cracked something open in me, revealing a quiet ache from my inner child that I didn’t expect. What followed was a dream so intense it had me sobbing the next morning… a dream that blurred the line between mother and daughter, hope and heartbreak. I unpack it all (with help from ChatGPT!) and reflect on the sacred work of raising a child while reparenting yourself. I touch on: How you can use shuffle mode for musical divine guidance How to have self-compassion, especially with parenting The importance of decoding dreams and what mine revealed about guilt, hope, and motherhood And how we can use dreams, music, and AI for healing and personal growth This one’s for anyone navigating exhaustion, guilt, healing, and the power of choosing love, even when it’s the hardest thing to do. Follow Maverick - Instagram ⁠@mavmalone⁠ Subscribe to my substack - ⁠Mentally I'm Here ⁠Find more of my offerings here

40. Listen When...You're Metamorphosing 🦋 | Trusting the Void Before the Breakthrough

Are you caught between who you were and who you're becoming? In this soul-stirring episode of Listen When, I dive into the heart of transformation—what it feels like to be in the messy middle of becoming. This inspirational speech explores the liminal space—the hollow, confusing phase when you've outgrown your past self but haven't yet stepped into the fullness of your future. It’s the moment when your reflection and manifestations haven't caught up with your metamorphosis, and the world doesn’t yet reflect the radical inner growth you’ve undergone. I share why believing in the unseen—especially the unseen within you—is essential, and how to navigate the emotional discomfort of the "chrysalis phase" with grace, faith, and inner knowing. If you’ve ever felt lost in the void, this episode will remind you that your intuition is not wrong, and this hollow space is not a failure—it’s sacred preparation. ✨ A must-listen for anyone navigating change, chasing expansion, or wondering when their new life will finally arrive. 🔊 Tune in when you're: Feeling stuck between versions of yourself Grieving your old identity Doubting your timeline or purpose Needing hope in the midst of uncertainty 🎧 Press play and remember: You are not broken. You are becoming. Follow Maverick - Instagram ⁠@mavmalone⁠ Subscribe to my substack - ⁠Mentally I'm Here ⁠Find more of my offerings here

39. "I think you’re beautiful / I believe in magic" - How One Question Created a Miracle & The Power of Believing Before Proof

Can one simple question create a miracle? I hadn’t written in months. I was deep in hermit mode—resting, healing, waiting. But then, I asked myself: What can you find to be joyful about? That one moment shifted everything. I saw my coffee differently. My parking lot view became my future beach house. And then… my creativity unlocked. This episode is about the magic of noticing, the power of believing before there’s proof, and how self-love must start from within. If you're feeling stuck, this might just be the shift you need.✨ Follow Maverick - Instagram ⁠@mavmalone⁠ Subscribe to my substack - ⁠Mentally I'm Here ⁠Find more of my offerings here

38. "If Adam Picked the Apple" with Danielle Coffyn - On Poetry, Vulnerability, and the Female Experience

In this episode, I sit down with poet Danielle Coffyn to celebrate the upcoming March 8th release of her debut poetry collection, If Adam Picked the Apple. We dive deep into her journey into writing and what poetry means to her, exploring how the creative process can be both a personal sanctuary and a public offering. Danielle opens up about navigating the highs and lows of the social media game—from comparison and mental health struggles to dealing with negativity and finding genuine connection. We discuss the delicate balance between writing for yourself versus writing for others, as well as the vulnerability that comes with sharing your art with the world. We also touch on the challenges authors face in today’s literary landscape, including imposter syndrome, wearing multiple hats as creators, and the difficulty of marketing books while staying true to your craft. Danielle shares powerful insights about why writers shouldn’t undervalue themselves by giving their work away for free. Finally, Danielle offers a glimpse into her creative process for If Adam Picked the Apple and reads two poems from her collection. These pieces delve into themes central to the female experience, such as repressed anger and motherhood, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the complexities of being a woman. This is an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation about creativity, resilience, and finding your voice as a writer. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion and a sneak peek into Danielle’s beautifully crafted debut collection. Follow Danielle - Instagram - @daniellecoffyn & Threads - @daniellecoffyn Subscribe to her substack - The Understory Preorder If Adam Picked The Apple Follow Maverick - Instagram ⁠@mavmalone⁠ Subscribe to my substack - ⁠Mentally I'm Here ⁠Find more of my offerings here⁠

37. “The Tender-Hearted Will Save This Place” - Why Your Art Matters (& what to do when the world tells you it doesn’t)

In this episode, I share a deeply personal story of how a simple notification about a new Substack subscriber reignited my passion for creating and reminded me of my "Great Why." When the world feels like it's shouting for you to give up, this episode is a reminder to keep going—because your art does matter. I reflect on the power of art to change the world, one creation at a time, and discuss how even in the face of external doubts, art can fuel hope, connection, and transformation. The episode also includes two of my poems: a short opener and a longer spoken word piece—the second of which was crafted as a "portrait poem" for a friend, where I capture the essence of their art and words, further tying into the message of the episode. Tune in for inspiration to keep creating and trusting in the impact of your voice! YOU MATTER! Follow me on Instagram @mavmalone and subscribe to my Substack, Mentally I'm Here

36. "From the POV of AI" - AI Poetry is not the Problem: Who is to blame & what can we do about it?

Today's episode is crossover from my Substack newsletters, Junk Drawer - more specifically, my "ARTHOUSE" subseries, where I break down a poem I've written, tell the backstory of its creation, and/or dive deeper into the topic. With this one, I'm covering the controversial topic of AI poetry. Sparked by a recent study from the University of Pittsburgh, where participants couldn't distinguish between AI-generated and human-written poems, this episode unpacks the deeper implications of AI within creative writing. I discuss the dangers not of the technology itself, but of how humans may choose to use it. We'll explore the ethical, artistic, and emotional stakes of AI in the world of poetry, and I'll leave you with - hopefully - a much better perspective. Whether you're a poet, a writer, or someone uneasy about AI "artists," this episode offers a cautionary tale on how imperative it is to consciously navigate this new frontier. Follow me on Instagram ⁠@mavmalone⁠ Subscribe to my Substack, ⁠Mentally I'm Here Find everything else⁠ here⁠

35. Listen When...You're Scared

In this episode of the "Listen When" short motivational series, we'll explore how curiosity can help us transcend fear. Through powerful stories and reflections, I’ll discuss shifting our mindset from anxiety to curiosity, empowering us to face challenges head-on. Plus, stay tuned for a reading of my poem, "Pluto's Impetus," which captures the essence of transformation. Tune in for a quick dose of inspiration that reminds you that courage often lies just beyond your comfort zone! Find me at: Instagram: @mavmalone Substack: Mentally I'm Here

34. Verses from the Veil: Spooky Stories, Southern Heritage, and Poetry ft. Chelsea Chatts

Join us for a special episode featuring local Chattanooga poet Chelsea Chatts as we dive into her new collection, Mud Water Will Rise. Chelsea explores Southern identity through the lens of community and culture, highlighting the unwavering resilience that defines what it means to be a Southerner in the 21st century. In this captivating conversation, we discuss the importance of poetry, the interplay of social and political issues, and the magic that inspires us to write. As we embrace the spooky season, Chelsea shares chilling ghost stories and Chattanooga legends, making this episode a perfect listen for Halloween enthusiasts. Tune in for an enchanting blend of poetry, culture, and lore! Connect with Chelsea at ChelseaChatts.com Instagram: @chelsea.chatts Threads: @chelsea.chatts Grab your copy of Mud Water Will Rise here!

33. Reflections from the Red Caboose - the magic of the middle, the grace of darkness, and finding fulfillment

In this episode, join me on a peaceful morning at a charming red caboose Airbnb in Alabama. As I sip my coffee and take in the tranquil surroundings, I dive into the beauty of life’s middle spaces—those moments when we’re grateful for where we are while still dreaming of where we want to be. I share heartfelt musings on motherhood, weathering darkness, the pursuit of fulfillment, and the delicate balance between contentment and ambition. Tune in for a soothing journey of reflection, inspiration, and a reminder to embrace the present while reaching for our dreams.

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