In this episode, I got to speak with an old friend of mine, Louis Bockner. He is a simple, grounded and thoughtful human who practices his values in real time. His love of photography has taken him to many countries, where he has opportunities to help local stories meet a wider audience or where he teaches locals how to tell their own stories, through powerful photography as a form of storytelling.


Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Louie Bockner and Argenta's essence
05:02 - The role of physical and mental effort in rural living
12:05 - Louie’s journey into photography and storytelling
20:48 - Inspiration to photograph: connection and storytelling
24:41 - Teaching photography as a way to empower local voices
26:04 - Documenting the 2024 Argenta wildfire and its stories
36:30 - Reflections on mortality and the value of time with loved ones
42:29 - Navigating global atrocities through community focus
50:39 - Inspirations from mentors, community figures, and family
54:49 - Living intentionally and the value of local, connected living
62:38 - The land and homesteading in Argenta’s forest landscape
64:03 - The comfort and rarity of staying rooted in one place

Learn more about Louis' work: https://www.louisbockner.com

To support this podcast, consider becoming a PATREON contributor by going to www.patreon.com/poembooth

You can find me at www.zaynabmohammed.com & www.instagram.com/poemsbyzaynab

Meghan Beatty, an activist and pharmacist, shares her journey into activism, from protesting old growth logging to fighting for freedom and justice in Palestine. She discusses the privilege and consequences of activism, emphasizing the importance of direct action and the power of standing up for what you believe in. The conversation delves into Meghan's transformative journey from anxiety and fear to activism and community support. It explores the impact of mental health, the importance of community, and the inspiration drawn from matriarchs.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction to Meghan Beatty
• 06:28 Courage and Arrest
• 14:13 Understanding White Privilege
• 25:47 Consequences of Activism
• 32:06 Access Points to Activism
• 39:30 Overcoming Anxiety and Self-Confidence
• 45:58 Understanding Anxiety and Fear
• 57:59 The Vision for Change
• 01:08:58 Inspiration from Matriarchs

To support this podcast, consider becoming a PATREON contributor by going to www.patreon.com/poembooth

You can find me at website or instagram.

Truth Be Told: An interview with Yara Sayegh

Filmed on May 20th and 21st 2026. Between Montreal, Canada and Beirut, Lebanon. Hosted by Zaynab Mohammed.

In this episode, Poem Booth's first, we dive into what it means to be someone who cares deeply for the world, how art transforms and connects with wide audiences and the dreams and visions for a future of unity, justice and hope.

Yara's website: truthbetold.live

Yara's instagram page: www.instagram.com/truthbetold.live

To support this podcast visit: www.patreon.com/poembooth