Confessing Animals

Former librarian and theater kid, current mother and writer 

Anna Francesca won poetry contests at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and Johnson County Public Library. When she lived in Las Vegas, NV, she featured multiple times at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and co-hosted weekly open mic nights at Rejavanate. In the metropolitan Kansas City area, Anna Francesca judged a preliminary round of Louder than a Bomb (LTAB), performed for three years at the KC Storytelling Celebration, and worked as a librarian for the Mid-Continent Public Library and the Kansas City Public Library. She is the proud mother of an anime-loving teen who would probably roll her eyes if she read this bio.

https://www.facebook.com/Anna-Francesca-Poet-106042678335675
IG @annafrancesca18
Twitter @AnnaFrancesca18

Mentions
Hydrocephalus is the buildup of fluid in the cavities (ventricles) deep within the brain.

Post-exertional malaise (PEM) refers to a worsening of ME/CFS symptoms after minimal physical or mental exertion, which can be delayed 24-72 hours or more.

Bell Road Barn Players Monday Minute monologues


Seasoned and fresh-faced artists (of every genre) discuss how to make creativity work within the complexities and challenges of adult life. In the Confessing Animals podcast, co-hosts Jen Harris + Vanessa Aricco, both working writers, unveil the secrets and struggles of creative living in a rapid-fire Capitalist society. One guest at a time, Jen + Vanessa ask, How Does Your Life Translate to Art?

Intro & music provided by Ashley Raines
https://www.ashleyrainesmusic.com

Listen! Rate! Subscribe today wherever you listen!
www.confessinganimalspodcast.com
IG: @confessinganimalspodcast 

Support the show

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Amanda Roth (she/her) is a poet, photographer, and former social worker. Her writing centers around motherhood, mental health, and the wild outdoors. After more than twenty years in the Pacific Northwest, she now lives outside Austin, TX with her husband and two sons. 

IG @amandarothpoetry

 

Seasoned and fresh-faced artists (of every genre) discuss how to make creativity work within the complexities and challenges of adult life. Confessing Animals podcast co-hosts Jen Harris + Vanessa Aricco, both working writers, unveil the secrets and struggles of creative living in a rapid fire Capitalist society. One guest at a time, Jen + Vanessa ask, How Does Your Life Translate to Art?

Intro & music provided by Ashley Raines www.ashleyrainesmusic.com

Follow us on Instagram @confessinganimalspodcast

www.confessinganimalspodcast.com

Support the show

Get full access to Creative Neighbors at creativeneighbors.substack.com/subscribe

Jenn Stark is feeling feelings, keeping her eyes open, growing things, making things, always learning, and doing her best. Born in England to a British mom and Turkish dad, she’s lived in or near Toronto, Canada for most of her life. Mother to a four year old daughter and married for 14 years, Jenn’s been a professional photographer for the past 10 years. She’s traveled quite a bit (pre-baby and pre-covid), and after living on a farm a couple years ago, she’s a new but very enthusiastic backyard food grower!

http://jennanddavestark.com
IG @jenniferstark

READING: The Clearing or The Forest: A Fable 

Seasoned and fresh-faced artists (of every genre) discuss how to make creativity work within the complexities and challenges of adult life. Confessing Animals podcast co-hosts Jen Harris + Vanessa Aricco, both working writers, unveil the secrets and struggles of creative living in a rapid fire Capitalist society. One guest at a time, Jen + Vanessa ask, How Does Your Life Translate to Art?

Intro & music provided by Ashley Raines www.ashleyrainesmusic.com

Follow us on Instagram @confessinganimalspodcast

www.confessinganimalspodcast.com

Support the show

Get full access to Creative Neighbors at creativeneighbors.substack.com/subscribe

Nursing Your Creativity: Haley DaCunha a.k.a. Haley Mike

Haley is a registered nurse who is dedicated to finding human connection despite the harsh realities of the critical care setting. As a songwriter and guitarist, Haley strives to integrate the realities of the human condition in its most vulnerable form with the artistry that music offers.

YouTube: Haley Mike
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMxWRput-Pd0ouao8Fv7_0w
IG @itshaleymike

Mentions:
Synecdoche, New York movie 

Seasoned and fresh-faced artists (of every genre) discuss how to make creativity work within the complexities and challenges of adult life. Confessing Animals podcast co-hosts Jen Harris + Vanessa Aricco, both working writers, unveil the secrets and struggles of creative living in a rapid fire Capitalist society. One guest at a time, Jen + Vanessa ask, How Does Your Life Translate to Art?

Intro & music provided by Ashley Raines www.ashleyrainesmusic.com

Follow us on Instagram @confessinganimalspodcast
www.confessinganimalspodcast.com

Support the show

Get full access to Creative Neighbors at creativeneighbors.substack.com/subscribe

Content warning: We discuss alcoholism, AA & the journey to sobriety 

Amber Baudler is a Gemini. Boss. Student. Educator. Networker. Poet. Mentee. Mentor. Visual Designer. Video editor. Camera operator. Director and Storyteller. She co-owns Stellar Image Studios with her sister, the only 100% women-owned video production company in KC. Founder of SHOW (SIS HANDS ON WORKSHOP) where the mission is to reduce the gender gap in video production, and co-founder of On Stage with SIS, an annual event showcasing emerging talent in the local music scene in KC. The next OSWS will be on June 17th at the Black Box Theater in West Bottoms. 20% of ticket sales will be going to the non-profit Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Get your tix now!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/on-stage-with-sis-2021-tickets-147191294123 

https://stellarimagestudios.org/
https://www.facebook.com/amber.baudler
https://www.instagram.com/amber_baudler/

Mentions:
José Faus visual artist, performer, writer, teacher, and founder of the Latino Writers Collective in Kansas City

*Confidential free help, from public health agencies, to find substance use treatment and information. SAMHSA’s National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Alcohols Anonymous

Seasoned and fresh-faced artists (of every genre) discuss how to make creativity work within the complexities and challenges of adult life. Confessing Animals podcast co-hosts Jen Harris + Vanessa Aricco, both working writers, unveil the secrets and struggles of creative living in a rapid fire Capitalist society. One guest at a time, Jen + Vanessa ask, How Does Your Life Translate to Art?

Intro & music provided by Ashley Raines
www.ashleyrainesmusic.com

Follow us on Instagram @confessinganimalspodcast
Come write with us @ Writing Workshop KC
www.confessinganimalspodcast.com

Support the show

Get full access to Creative Neighbors at creativeneighbors.substack.com/subscribe

We are back with Season 2!

“Modern oracles have modern ways,” says visual storyteller, multidisciplinary artist, writer, illustrator, and designer Sandy Lynn. In this episode we discuss the daily non-negotiables, oracles, sirens & lost girls, knowledge in nature, and mythology as a portal to build bridges with other people. 

https://sandylynnstudio.com
https://www.facebook.com/SandyLynnStudio
Instagram: @sandylynnstudio @writedrawdaily

MENTIONS:
Emily Carroll, Through the Woods
Edith Hamilton, Mythology
Willa Cather 

Reading “Wild Soul”
Prompt: Describe your happiness and yours alone

Seasoned and fresh-faced artists (of every genre) discuss how to make creativity work within the complexities and challenges of adult life. Confessing Animals podcast co-hosts Jen Harris + Vanessa Aricco, both working writers, unveil the secrets and struggles of creative living in a rapid fire Capitalist society. One guest at a time, Jen + Vanessa ask, How Does Your Life Translate to Art?

Intro & music provided by Ashley Raines
www.ashleyrainesmusic.com

Follow us on Instagram @confessinganimalspodcast
www.confessinganimalspodcast.com

Support the show

Get full access to Creative Neighbors at creativeneighbors.substack.com/subscribe

That's a wrap on Season 1!

Thanks to everyone involved for making this happen and thank you to all the listeners.
We are taking few weeks off and will be back with Season 2 April 27.
In the meantime, catch up on all the episodes and let us know what you think.
Subscribe wherever you listen to your podcast, leave us a review and if you want all the extras, including full interviews and more readings from each guest, support us on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/poetjenharris

Intro & music provided by Ashley Raines
www.ashleyrainesmusic.com

Follow us on Instagram @confessinganimalspodcast
www.confessinganimalspodcast.com

Seasoned and fresh-faced artists (of every genre) discuss how to make creativity work within the complexities and challenges of adult life. In Season One of Confessing Animals podcast, co-hosts Jen Harris + Vanessa Aricco, both working writers, unveil the secrets and struggles of creative living in a rapid fire Capitalist society. The theme for Season One is Translation. One guest at a time, Jen + Vanessa ask, How Does Your Life Translate to Art?

Support the show

Get full access to Creative Neighbors at creativeneighbors.substack.com/subscribe

Elizabeth G. Howard aka Zed is a poet, journalist, and SEO specialist in Kansas City. She started blogging in 2004 while living in London, writing on the three topics that matter to her most: Culture, Angst, and Love. She is the creator of Demand Poetry, an on-demand poetry experience between her and her Olivetti Lettera typewriter. 

“You have more in you than you think.” - Zed

 IG & Twitter @demandpoet
http://elizabethhoward.net
CultureAngstLove.com
DemandPoetry.com

Mentions
UMKC professor and poet Michelle Boisseau 
Melody Beattie, Codependent No More 


Seasoned and fresh-faced artists (of every genre) discuss how to make creativity work within the complexities and challenges of adult life. In Season One of Confessing Animals podcast, co-hosts Jen Harris + Vanessa Aricco, both working writers, unveil the secrets and struggles of creative living in a rapid fire Capitalist society. The theme for Season One is Translation. One guest at a time, Jen + Vanessa ask, How Does Your Life Translate to Art?

Intro & music provided by Ashley Raines
www.ashleyrainesmusic.com

Follow us on Instagram @confessinganimalspodcast
www.confessinganimalspodcast.com

Support the show

Get full access to Creative Neighbors at creativeneighbors.substack.com/subscribe

Mark Schlake spent most of his career creating and designing software for country clubs. He is now in his third act, spending his days painting and writing with us at the WWKC. Mark and his wife Janet have a very special red bag, and if you join us on Patreon you will get to see said bag and its contents. Plus an extra reading by Mark and our full conversation. 

https://www.artfilling.com/ 

Seasoned and fresh-faced artists (of every genre) discuss how to make creativity work within the complexities and challenges of adult life. In Season One of Confessing Animals podcast, co-hosts Jen Harris + Vanessa Aricco, both working writers, unveil the secrets and struggles of creative living in a rapid fire Capitalist society. The theme for Season One is Translation. One guest at a time, Jen + Vanessa ask, How Does Your Life Translate to Art?

Intro & music provided by Ashley Raines
www.ashleyrainesmusic.com

Follow us on Instagram @confessinganimalspodcast
www.confessinganimalspodcast.com

Support the show

Get full access to Creative Neighbors at creativeneighbors.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode we talk about identity, balance, and the access points to storytelling with David Wayne Reed. David (he/him/his) is an actor, writer, director, and producer from Kansas City, Missouri. His debut film, Eternal Harvest premiered in 2018 and has played multiple film festivals. Reed hosts and produces the popular ‘show and tell’ storytelling series, Shelf Life, and he is currently working on his second film, land and flower.  

www.davidwaynereed.com
Instagram @davidwaynereed
www.facebook.com/davidwaynereed 

Mentions:
Shelf Life http://shelflife.club/
Richard Rohr Falling Upward
The Tibetan Book of the Dead

Seasoned and fresh-faced artists (of every genre) discuss how to make creativity work within the complexities and challenges of adult life. In Season One of Confessing Animals podcast, co-hosts Jen Harris + Vanessa Aricco, both working writers, unveil the secrets and struggles of creative living in a rapid fire Capitalist society. The theme for Season One is Translation. One guest at a time, Jen + Vanessa ask, How Does Your Life Translate to Art?

Intro & music provided by Ashley Raines
www.ashleyrainesmusic.com

Follow us on Instagram @confessinganimalspodcast
www.confessinganimalspodcast.com

Support the show

Get full access to Creative Neighbors at creativeneighbors.substack.com/subscribe