Song Revolution Podcast – Season 3

Host: John Chisum

Guest: Mary Lou Kayser

Episode Title: The Power of Poetry

Episode Summary

In this episode of Song Revolution, host John Chisum welcomes poet, author, and creative entrepreneur Mary Lou Kayser for a deeply moving and thought-provoking conversation on art, creativity, and what it means to live—and write—fully in a digital age. Mary Lou shares her journey as a teacher, writer, and poet, exploring how the rapid shift into the digital world impacts human connection and creativity. She opens up about loss, love, and the role poetry plays in healing and transformation, reading two poignant pieces from her poetry collections The Far Unlit Unknown and The River Only Runs One Way.

Through her work and wisdom, Mary Lou challenges listeners to reconnect with their creative selves, embrace authenticity, and make peace with their past while courageously stepping into the unknown.

Key Topics & Highlights

• Life in Transition: How Mary Lou moved from teaching literature to fully embracing life as a writer and creative entrepreneur.
• The Digital Dilemma: Understanding how the algorithm era impacts art, purpose, and human connection.
• The Power of Poetry: Why poetry still matters—and how it can heal, illuminate, and connect us.
• Teaching and Transformation: Lessons from the classroom that shaped her creative voice and worldview.
• Loss and Renewal: How grief, love, and change inspired her collections The Far Unlit Unknown and The River Only Runs One Way.
• The Craft of Writing: The importance of revision, reflection, and returning to one's work with new eyes.
• Poetry vs. Songwriting: Exploring the similarities and differences between written verse and lyrical composition.
• The Courage to Create: Why waiting to share your art is the biggest mistake—and how to release your work fearlessly.

Memorable Quotes

"Loneliness is a compass guiding you toward becoming more of who you've always been." – Mary Lou Kayser

"If you are being called to create—don't wait. Time is always moving, and the river only runs one way." – Mary Lou Kayser

"How can we expect to write beautiful words if we're not filled with them?" – John Chisum

Final Thought

Mary Lou reminds us that art is not just about expression—it's about connection, transformation, and courage. Whether you're a poet, songwriter, or storyteller, your creativity is a bridge between the human and the divine. Don't wait for the "right" time. Create now, share freely, and trust the river to carry your words where they need to go.

Resources & Links:

Connect with Mary Lou Kayser and "Play Your Position" Podcast: maryloukayser.com

Learn more: Visit NashvilleChristianSongwriters.com for songwriting resources, coaching, and community.

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