Ever blanked on stage? Ravina has—in front of her entire high school. What could've been the end of her poetry journey became a lesson in resilience, community, and remembering that showing up is the real win. In this episode, learn how support, self-compassion, and a little reframing can turn setbacks into stepping stones.

Visit thepoetrylab.com to find the Show Notes for this episode. The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Danielle Mitchell, with special guest hosts Lori Walker, bridgette bianca, Leonora Simonovis and Ravina Wadhwani.

EPISODE GUIDE

Even the worst moment on stage can become something you carry forward.

03:30 — The Build-Up to the Fall Training, confidence, and the pressure of stepping into a moment that felt like everything.

05:30 — When Your Mind Goes Blank The physical and emotional reality of stage fright, shame, and losing your place.

07:00 — The Lesson That Changed Everything How one conversation reframed perfectionism and made space for being human.

08:30 — You Are Not Your Mistakes Why setbacks feel permanent and how to begin releasing that story.

10:00 — Community Will Hold You What really happens when artists mess up on stage and why you're never alone in it.

12:30 — A Practice in Self-Compassion A writing prompt to help you process setbacks and reconnect with your worth.

***

If this episode sparked something, get our free Creative Care Package with tools, prompts, and checklists to help you keep writing.