eMerge Unchained

In this episode of eMerge Unchained, host Aubrey Green sits down with writer and candy-maker Uriah Greer for a conversation as layered and lyrical as the confections he crafts. Uriah reflects on his path from skeptical middle-school reader to emotionally attuned poet and prose writer—one shaped by personal loss, a deep respect for craftsmanship, and an ever-present desire to turn the bitter into something sweet.

Together, they explore how poetry became a tool for healing after his mother’s death, why prose serves as a playground for discovery, and how the writing community offers both accountability and belonging. Uriah shares his winning eMergeessay “Candy Mantle,” a meditative tribute to family legacy, grief, and the art of transformation. With humor, humility, and a reverence for words, he reminds us that the flame we carry is ours alone—but community helps it burn brighter.

Tune in for stories of small joys, big losses, and the quiet courage it takes to keep writing anyway.

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In this heartwarming and insightful episode of eMerge Unchained, host Aubrey Green sits down with poet and writer Linda Neal Reising. 

From being the official eclipse poet of Indiana to reading at the iconic Scissortail Creative Writing Festival, Linda shares how community, history, and narrative poetry have shaped her creative life. We talk about the welcoming spirit of Scissortail, the joy of being "adopted" by fellow poets, and her unique path from the classroom to full-time writer with an impressive catalog—including two chapbooks, four full-length poetry collections, and an upcoming book of short stories.

Linda offers an accessible explanation of the difference between a chapbook and a full-length poetry collection, and gives us a peek into her prose writing and her compelling poetic novelette. Whether you’re a poet, a reader, or someone who simply loves stories that matter, this episode is a celebration of language, legacy, and literary kinship.

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In this episode of eMerge Unchained, host Aubrey Green sits down with poet and retired professor Todd Sukany, a self-described “sentence nerd” with a deep love for structure, clarity, and the occasional hidden truth. Todd shares his journey from teaching freshman comp and linguistics to discovering poetry through the encouragement of colleagues and the quiet pressure of monthly deadlines.

A lover of Proverbs, Tang poets, and early morning runs, Todd reflects on his shift from writing “poetry-adjacent” work to developing a distinct voice steeped in lyricism, humility, and surprise. He discusses the evolution of his craft, the power of critique, and his long-running poetic collaboration with fellow writer Ray Kirk—a project spanning sixteen books and counting.

With insight, humor, and a reverence for the well-placed word, Todd reminds us that poetry is both practice and play. Tune in for an honest conversation about feedback, hidden meanings, and the joy of sentences that sing.

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n this episode of eMerge Unchained, host Aubrey Green talks with poet, performer, and podcaster Bailey Rodfield, whose work merges raw emotion, queer identity, and the healing power of art. From the high desert of rural New Mexico, Bailey reflects on grief, isolation, and the unexpected solace of shouting at her father’s headstone for poetic inspiration.

She shares how loss, political unrest, and the need for authentic connection led her to create a virtual collective for queer artists across the Southwest—offering space for community, expression, and the occasional virtual open mic mishap.

Bailey also opens up about her upcoming novella, podcast Life Isn’t That Bad, and her creative process, which balances introspection, intuition, and urgency. Whether writing poetry or producing intricate audio storytelling, Bailey’s work is grounded in survival, solidarity, and the messy, beautiful fight to be seen.

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In this episode of eMerge Unchained, host Aubrey Green sits down with writer and poet Diane Morrow-Kondos, whose memoir-in-progress draws from decades of life alongside her brother with disabilities. Written during a powerful retreat at the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Diane’s story is a deeply honest reflection on caregiving, family, and the quiet strength of resilience.

Diane shares how swimming laps sparks her best ideas, how poetry surprised her late in life, and why submitting your work—rejection and all—is part of the creative journey. With warmth and humor, she offers insight into balancing personal truth with research, and the unexpected healing that comes through writing.

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In this episode of eMerge Unchained, host Aubrey Green sits down with historical fiction writer Jeanean Doherty, whose deep dive into genealogy led to an extraordinary novel decades in the making. What began as a fascination with her seven-times-great-grandfather, Richard Paris, an Anglo-Irish trader among the Cherokee, evolved into a compelling story—one that demanded to be told through the voice of his Cherokee wife, Hester.

Jeanean shares how her nursing background, love of research, and personal connections to history shaped her storytelling. She discusses the challenges of bringing overlooked voices to life, the importance of preserving cultural heritage through fiction, and her experience navigating the publishing world. Plus, she gives us a glimpse into her upcoming novel, a powerful narrative of survival, resilience, and identity set during the Revolutionary War.

With plans for a possible trilogy spanning generations, Jeanean’s journey is a testament to patience, passion, and the power of untold stories. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about writing historical fiction, trusting the creative process, and embracing the unexpected voices that demand to be heard.

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In this episode of eMerge Unchained, host Aubrey Green sits down with emerging writer Joyce Goforth-Hanewinkel, whose journey into writing started as an escape and quickly turned into a passion. With four contest wins, three published pieces, and a novel on the way, Joyce shares how a daily writing challenge led to her first big break and opened the door to the literary community.

Joyce talks about finding mentorship, overcoming self-doubt, and the power of critique in shaping her craft. She also gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming novel, An Unforeseen Chance, a women's fiction story with elements of mystery, resilience, and justice. Plus, she shares the unexpected ways research—like courtroom observations—shaped her storytelling.

From military service to writing conferences, Joyce’s journey is one of persistence, discovery, and embracing the surprises that come with the creative process. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about learning the craft, trusting the process, and taking that first leap into the world of writing!

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In this episode of eMerge Unchained, host Aubrey Green sits down with acclaimed poet, writer, and former Kansas Poet Laureate Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg. As the author of over 20 books spanning poetry, memoir, fiction, and more, Caryn shares her lifelong journey of using words to heal, inspire, and connect. From her deeply personal memoir, The Magic Eye: A Memoir on Saving a Life and a Place in the Age of Anxiety, to her leadership in founding the Transformative Language Arts movement, Caryn offers profound insights into the intersection of creativity, resilience, and community.

In this conversation, she reflects on the challenges of writing and publishing, the joy of leading workshops that empower others to unearth their voices, and the connection between land, body, and healing in her work. Caryn also shares moving stories of transformation from her workshops and gives practical advice for writers on embracing creativity and trusting their own instincts. Join us for a heartfelt and inspiring discussion with a true pioneer in the literary arts.

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In this episode of eMerge Unchained, host Aubrey Green sits down with acclaimed poet and Vietnam veteran Bill McCloud. Known for his evocative narrative poetry and candid storytelling, Bill shares his journey from penning love poems in college to crafting award-winning collections like The Smell of the Light. He discusses how his Vietnam experiences shaped his writing, the value of persistence in submitting poetry, and his unique approach to autobiographical storytelling.

With insights on blending history, emotion, and personal perspective, Bill offers practical advice for poets while exploring the power of narrative to surprise, challenge, and connect with readers. Join us for an unforgettable conversation about poetry, war, and the stories we carry within us.

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In this episode of eMerge Unchained, host Aubrey Green sits down with poet and NSU Dean of Liberal Arts, Audell Shelburne, to discuss balancing creativity with academic leadership. Audell shares how his writers' group keeps him motivated, how poetry became his passion, and why he believes reading and perseverance are keys to success.

With insights on teaching, writing, and fostering community, Audell offers practical advice for poets at every stage of their journey. Join us for a conversation that celebrates creativity, resilience, and the joy of writing.

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