Joining us from the continent of Africa, Beauty, or Beauty in Words (b.i.w) is the pin-name of an up and coming anonymous online poet/writer, who is also the sole founder and creator of the Instagram page @beauty_in_words._ which has amassed a following of over 6,000 through Beauty's online presence and poetry. Her content varies from both short and long poems in both modern and traditional style, employing enjambment, irony, personification and other poetic devices to tell her sometimes allegorical stories. Her mesmerizing words are illustrated by other artists on the platform she has collaborated with and credited, further contributing to the online artistic community. Beauty's poems have been published in several print and online publications, including witchesnpink, Dizzie magazine, Twist in Time Literary Mag and Spoken Word Scratch Night. I have loved getting to know Beauty after our phone call over a year ago, and again being able to see her in person over zoom. I can't wait until we can do this in person! As Beauty said in the livestream, "that's when we'll know we've made it!" 

Poems featured on this episode: 

A letter to a rejection letter

I could, but alas it's me

They bear a burden 

Thee to history 

Special thanks to @philasocial, co host Ron Johnson, @chadsby1993, @steffilouba, @mbooey, @beauty_in_words, and Adam Lucas for sharing his rad tunes.

Musical credit: lukapotomas "Stop laughing at me"

Hiphop culture requires participation. RJ Wayne, (Ron Johnson) aka MC Philasifer, knows that more than anyone. Here is the first part of our SEASON FINALE! You'll get to hear about Ron's history from him, as well as how the Milkcrate Monologues came to be a play. Tune in for PART TWO with the rest of the 7 monologues recited by RJ Wayne himself, as well as a brief history of Towne Street Theatre, and a projection of where this amazing content is going next. 

Tracks recited by PHILASIFER tonight:

1) Don't give me that weak shit

2) Love or something like it

3) Marching to nowhere

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HIPHOP is a culture of participation, accountability, and passion. Hiphop and rap are not the Webster's Dictionary, they're WIKIPEDIA.

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That means you're required  to ADD something to the message, and contribute your voice, without pretending that this is a spectator sport. 

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Speak the truth even if your voice shakes. 

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@poetsreturn©

@philasifer

@capnbooey

@townestreettheatre 

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Ron Johnson is a rapper, beatboxer, producer, actor, playwright and teaching artist. Originally from Gilroy, CA, Ron AKA Phlasifer, is known for his thought provoking lyrics and instrumentals. Heavily rooted in the time-honored traditions of Hiphop as a culture, Phlasifer also joined the fraternity as part of the Conscious Rapper wave of the Mid 90's. His credits include albums distributed by SONY BMG and Universal Music Group, and is currently a part of the Music Divisions of Utah-based label, Ellie Beetle Entertainment, as well as CATO CREATIVE in Glendale. His first book , “The MilkCrate Monologues” (out soon) was recently turned into a stage play in association with Towne Street Theatre in Los Angeles. Above all things in his work , Ron hopes to promote awareness, keep authentic Hiphop Culture alive, and continue to be a more complete human being.

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Original Piece from "The Milkcrate Monologues" titled "Infinite" performed and written by Philasifer

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Original music "A Proper Introduction" by Philasifer from his title album

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Copyright Poets Return Podcast © all music and poetry belongs to the artists featured in the episode. No duplication of any kind is allowed without written permission from Melissa Booey or Ron Johnson 

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Ron Johnson AKA Philasifer @philasocial 

Hosted by Melissa Booey @capnbooey

Poet's Return @poetsreturn

Mental health is still a widely stigmatized topic everywhere, and knowing you are not alone and that help is available to you is more important than ever. This week’s episode “Taking Your Power Back” features poet and creative, Megan Turoci, a writer, actress, and advocate for the mental health community. Megan delves into her personal experiences and the stories that have formed her, while speaking on her own journey to share that story in the hope of helping others in similar times of loneliness, struggle, and despair. Her online platform “We’re All a Little Mad” gives others a safe space to find connections, feel supported, while also giving Megan a place to share her words and stories with the world. Today Megan shares three poems, titled:

1) What is Love

2) The Precipice of Love

3) Never Alone

The third one she and I discuss and were interested in eventually visualizing as it has absolutely dynamic imagery just begging to be seen. Megan’s website wereallalittlemad.com has an amazing mission statement with positivity and merchandise that’s not only filled with encouragement and empowerment, but is also trendy and fun to wear!

Megan’s writing can be found on her website as well as her instagram @wereallalittlemad

@poetsreturn Poetry Podcast bringing you the best storytellers you haven’t heard from

Original music by tbc.records “This Feeling” with DeShawn Cavanaugh, Ravel Ward and Christopher Schuchert @tbc.records 

Cocoa Rigal is a multifaceted, multitalented artist living in downtown Los Angeles. She works with many mediums including animation, video game creation, set design, costume design, acting, poetry, music, and more. She is a crafty and resourceful talent to have on set, behind the scenes, and in front of the camera. Today we delve into her process, and creative ideology while also learning a bit more about her improv-based poetry album, "The Myst: Wisdom of the Serpent" and how it came to be. We give you a sneak peek by featuring two of the tracks on today's episode:

1) Reality 101

2) Far Beyond Myths

@cocoarigal

Original music by @luckybeaches

@poetsreturn

@capnbooey

***Hello Poet's Return listeners! We hope you're staying inside and staying afloat during these COVID-19 times. We're releasing some extra content during this time of isolation and semi-hiatus, and we'll be sharing some teasers for season two with you on our social media pages! We know that times are tough, but if you're able to donate in any way, please go to our page on Apple Podcasts, or see the link to our Anchor profile on our instagram @poetsreturn. Any donations, subscriptions, likes, or reviews will help us to also stay afloat for you during this crisis! Our listeners are most important and we want to keep sharing artists and their stories with you :) Now, for the fun stuff...

We're back with Daniel Botello for Part Two of the Proof is in the Process. Daniel shares two more of his poems as we talk more about process, writing styles, and differences in how writers edit. (Host Melissa and Daniel both agree you need a good friend/mentor to help you edit things, or you'll never get anywhere.) The first poem Daniel shares today, he wrote a few months back, titled:

1) Bad Sagittarius 

Host Melissa Booey (like many listeners probably will be) was deeply affected by the themes in this one, highlighting how timing can affect everything, and even if you love someone sometimes you can never quite make the connection work. It just misses. 

The second poem he shares is one that he wrote some years back. Tell us if you agree with Melissa that this poem is perfect just the way it is, and it needs no further editing!

2) Love like Jazz

Daniel is a romantic by nature, and he discusses  the excitement of falling in love and the electricity of feeling that attraction to someone and not yet knowing if they reciprocate. 

"With love it’s like jazz, it never really resolves."

@danielbotello

@poetsreturn

@capnbooey

Original music by RJ Wayne, Ron Johnson aka PHILASIFER. "That Magic" featuring Otis Johnson.