Every great literary event starts with a "why." Join bridgette as she shares a decade of hard-won lessons from the LA poetry scene, from curating unforgettable readings to keeping the mic open with intention. Let's talk about what it really takes to plan a lit event—vibes, budgets, and boundaries and all.

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

Behind every great reading is a series of deliberate choices. Here bridgette breaks them down.

02:00 — Open Mics vs Readings (The What) Understand the difference between open mics and curated readings—and what each demands from a host.

05:00 — Start with Your Why Define your purpose for hosting, whether it's community-building, visibility, or creating space for specific voices.

08:00 — When and Where to Host Choose the right timing and venue, and think through logistics like capacity, accessibility, and cost.

10:30 — Who You Need in the Room From featured readers to support staff, build your lineup and your team so you're not doing it alone.

13:00 — Budgeting Your Event (The How) Plan for real costs—space, materials, marketing, and paying artists—and create multiple budget scenarios.

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