Quintessential Poetry: A Global Poetry & Spoken Word Poetry Podcast

This tribute episode honors the life and poetic legacy of Genevieve F. Ray (1987–2026), a gifted storyteller whose work blended vulnerability, resilience, and emotional truth. Through selected readings and reflection, this spoken word poetry episode celebrates her creative spirit and the impact she made on listeners around the world. This Quintessential Poetry podcast tribute offers a space for remembrance, gratitude, and connection through the power of language.

Recorded on a Saturday morning across continents (January 23, 2023), this interview reveals Genevieve at her most luminous—honest, funny, vulnerable, brilliant, and fully herself. This episode explores themes of identity, reflection, and the emotional landscape of spoken word poetry.

We dedicate this rebroadcast to Genevieve’s loving memory. This conversation remains one of the brightest moments ever captured on Quintessential Poetry, reflecting the heart of a poetry podcast rooted in empathy, connection, and the transformative power of language.

In this episode, Genevieve speaks about

• poetry as a living companion
• neurodiversity and self‑understanding
• ancestry, identity, and belonging
• mental health and survival
• her one‑woman show Free Roaming Adult Woman
• the courage it takes to tell the truth

Her voice—her laughter, her pauses, her fire—remains a gift. This interview stands as a portrait of who she was when the world wasn’t watching, only listening. This episode also creates a thoughtful, performance‑driven space for poetry enthusiasts, spoken word poetry performers, cultural storytellers, and audio creatives alike.

About Genevieve Ray: Genevieve was a poet, performer, educator, and community builder whose work uplifted countless voices. Her debut poetry collection, Free Roaming Adult Woman, is still moving readers around the world.

May her words continue to rise. May her fire continue to guide.

00:00 Welcome to Quintessential Poetry + Meet Genevieve Ray

01:55 What Is Poetry? Genevieve’s Definition & Why It’s Human Nature

03:49 Finding Her Voice: Pandemic, Identity, Neurodiversity & Advocacy

08:44 Why Poetry Matters: Access, Flexibility & Community Conversations

10:38 Why ‘Genevieve Firepoint’? The Phoenix Metaphor & Creative Rebirth

13:56 Performance: “Free Roaming Adult Woman” (and the Encore)

18:35 Literary Roots & Early Power of Poetic Language (William Blake)

23:43 Reading Together: William Blake’s “The Tyger” + Craft Talk

26:19 Guard Down or Wall Up? Persona, Truth, and the Poet’s Self

28:39 Performance: “For Eulogies” + Does Writing Poetry Hurt?

35:53 Themes & Mission: Love, Protest, Teaching, and Empowering Others

38:37 Performance: “Doubt” + Process—How Poems Start, End, and Get Edited

44:20 Performance: “The Muse Will Not Lift” + Influences & Theater Voice

50:10 Writing for Connection: Making Language Accessible

52:55 From Page to Stage: What Spoken Word Means

54:45 The Poet’s Role Today: Emotional Journalism & Ancestry

57:22 Can Poetry Be About Anything? From Rocks to Stamps

01:07:38 Mentorship & Finding Your Voice: “Collect the Gems, Build the Crown”

01:14:21 Mini Poetry Concert: “Trance (Six Minutes)” & Ophelia Reimagined

01:18:43 Destiny, Surprise, and What Poetry Gives Back

01:24:25 What’s Next Creatively: Travel, Collaborations, One-Woman Show

01:26:15 Poetry UK Behind the Scenes: Building Community on Facebook

01:29:33 Where to Follow Genevieve + Final Farewell

This episode of the Quintessential Poetry podcast, a quintessential poetry podcast rooted in spoken word and literary expression, aired December 24, 2025, chronicles Jacqueline James’ ongoing artistic evolution through new poems, fresh insights, and expanded dialogue. Author of 19 books, Jacqueline reflects on her creative journey in excerpts from our 2024 interview, now fully remastered and re-edited for new audiences.

Selected as a Staff Favorite by the New York Podcast Association, this episode showcases Jacqueline’s extraordinary journey—from raising five children to writing seventeen books in a single year. Her warmth, wisdom, and poetic brilliance make this 2025 release one of the most powerful installments in the Timeless Classics series.

What You’ll Discover in This Updated 2025 Edition:

• Literary Brilliance — new poems and expanded reflections that showcase Jacqueline’s mastery of language, rhythm, and storytelling.

• Artistic Expression — how she transforms lived experience into art, blending humor, faith, and emotional truth with a signature poetic voice.

• Wellness & Healing — her groundbreaking use of poetry to support seniors with dementia, nurture children’s literacy, and promote emotional resilience.

• Spiritual Insight — the faith journey behind her poems, including how divine inspiration shaped her creative rebirth and her mission to uplift others.

• The Radiance of Black Womanhood — Jacqueline’s extraordinary evolution from dormancy to prolific creation, embodying the power, grace, and brilliance of a Black woman’s journey.

More About Jacqueline James:

Jacqueline is a multidimensional artist whose work spans spiritual poetry, children’s literature, social justice verse, and educational storytelling. She brings poetry into senior residential communities, where her words become a form of cognitive care—helping elders stay connected, engaged, and emotionally grounded. Through her work with the YMCA, she nurtures young voices and builds early literacy with compassion and creativity. She also crafts personalized keepsake poems for families navigating grief, transforming memory into something sacred and enduring. Jacqueline’s poetry doesn’t simply move listeners. It restores, uplifts, and reshapes the way we understand healing, community, and the power of a Black woman’s voice.

Blog Post

https://www.quintessentialpoetry.com/blog/a-journey-through-poetry-the-inspirational-world-of-jacqueline-james/

📖 BONUS MATERIAL:

This 2025 release includes poems recorded exclusively for the Timeless Classics limited series. Download the PDF collection here: https://pdflink.to/a930e69d/

About Quintessential Poetry

Quintessential Poetry is an award-nominated global podcast featuring more than 500 poets across 475+ episodes, reaching 350,000+ listeners worldwide. Created and hosted by four‑time Pushcart Prize nominee Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram, the podcast celebrates diverse voices in contemporary poetry and spoken word, offering a space where creativity, culture, and community flourish.

Connect With Us

Website: www.quintessentialpoetry.network

Facebook: Quintessential Poetry Network

Instagram: @quintessentialpoetry

🎷EPISODE 2: MIKE JURKOVIC Poetry That Swings, Sings, and Refuses to Sit Still

Mike Jurkovic joins the Quintessential Poetry podcast for a vibrant conversation blending poetry, jazz, rhythm, and creative expression. Known for making “jazz sing and words swing,” he shares insights into sound‑driven writing, performance, and the emotional energy that shapes his work. This spoken word poetry interview highlights his unique voice and artistic approach.

Mike is the host of an acclaimed jazz radio show, as well as the Ulster County Poet Laureate for 2025. As a poet, Mike's work is a wonderful blend of humor, wisdom, and folksy charm. The vivid imagery and surrealist style that characterize his poetry have brought him widespread renown. His understanding of rhythm's importance is another defining feature of his jazzy, melodic, lyrical poetry. Rhythm is an inherent part of Mike's poetry.

BACKGROUND

Mike is originally from the South Bronx and has lived in Ulster County, New York, for over 30 years. He is the president and co-founder of Calling All Poets, a prominent poetry organization in the Hudson Valley that has been fostering poetic expression for 26 years. His widely read poetry collections and acclaimed poetry readings often explore themes of everyday life, absurdity, and human connection, making them relatable and impactful.

THE CONVERSATION

This conversation, originally recorded live on May 13, 2024, explored the deep connections between jazz improvisation and poetic rhythm, how music and poetry inform each other, and the art of making complex ideas feel accessible and inviting after being edited and remastered for rebroadcast. From getting nauseous listening to Bob Dylan at 14 to becoming a poet who puts a backbeat in every line—this is Mike's journey. "This conversation has rhythm. It has laughter. It has depth." This episode creates a thoughtful, performance‑driven space for poetry enthusiasts, spoken word poetry performers, cultural storytellers, and audio creatives alike.

📖 BONUS:

Podcast includes six poems from Mike Jurkovic exclusively for Timeless Classics (in order): The Whereabouts of Heaven, Your North Star Still stirs (Sojourner Truth), Mama's Meatballs (off Jerome Avenue), Charming Ineptness You’ve Taken to Heart, Only Here and Saltwater Taffy with Nick Bisanz.

WHEN

Catch the episode on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 8:00 PM (EST) by visiting the Quintessential Poetry website at https://rss.com/podcasts/quintessential-poetry/2393065.

OR

Visit this link on YouTube to listen to the episode: https://youtu.be/o2Swis9mWRQ?si=hRKd17ksu2EwEGsd

About Quintessential Poetry: The award-nominated podcast, Quintessential Poetry, has featured 500+ poets across 450+ episodes, reaching 350,000+ listeners globally. Created and hosted by four-time Pushcart Prize nominee Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram, the podcast celebrates diverse voices in contemporary poetry and spoken word.

Connect with us:

• Website: www.quintessentialpoetry.network
• Facebook: Quintessential Poetry
• Instagram: @quintessentialpoetry

Keywords: poetry podcast, spoken word, Mike Jurkovic, contemporary poetry, literary interviews, American poets, creative writing, poetry performance, literary podcast, Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram, poetry community, alternative poetry,

John Patrick Robbins joins the Quintessential Poetry podcast for a raw and unfiltered conversation about craft, honesty, and the uncompromising voice that defines his work. Known as “The Mad Editor,” Robbins brings a fierce commitment to truth-telling through poetry, exploring themes of grit, survival, and emotional clarity. This spoken word poetry interview highlights his distinctive style, his editorial insight, and the lived experiences that shape his creative expression.

Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram, host of this episode, returns to his impactful conversation with John Patrick Robbins. John is the editor-in-chief of ten magazines, one of which is the Rye Whiskey Review. Nominated for the Pushcart Prize, he is also a renowned author of Southern Gothic-style short stories and poetry. This conversation focuses on his poetry collection, 'Are We Dead Yet?' published by Black Circle Publishing in 2023 (https://www.amazon.com/Are-Dead-John-Patrick-Robbins/dp/B0BL52F4HH).

The poetry book reached the number one spot on the Amazon charts. Dark and unapologetic, Robbins delivers poetry that is both raw and unfiltered. Robbins stands out as one of the most innovative and thought-provoking figures in the realm of contemporary poetry. His unabashed candor and biting humor invigorate the poetry scene. Here is a link to a bonus collection of his three poems: https://pdflink.to/e372857d/. This episode creates a thoughtful, performance‑driven space for poetry enthusiasts, spoken word poetry performers, cultural storytellers, and audio creatives alike.

What You Will Discover:

• Why this conversation continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
• His uncompromising approach to writing and performance
• Behind-the-scenes stories from the poetry circuit
• Insights on authenticity in creative work
• The intersection of rebellion and artistry in modern poetry

About Quintessential Poetry: The award-nominated podcast, Quintessential Poetry, has featured 500+ poets across 450+ episodes, reaching 350,000+ listeners globally. Created and hosted by four-time Pushcart Prize nominee Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram, the podcast celebrates diverse voices in contemporary poetry and spoken word.

Connect with us:

• Website: www.quintessentialpoetry.com
• Facebook: Quintessential Poetry
• Instagram: @quintessentialpoetry

Kolawole Alatishe, a Nigerian poet and thinker, joins the Quintessential Poetry podcast for a thoughtful exploration of the power of poetry, language, and creative expression. In this book club discussion, he reflects on the emotional, cultural, and philosophical dimensions of poetry, offering insights shaped by lived experience and a deep commitment to storytelling. His 2025 book, HUMAN TOGETHERNESS: Promoting Human Mutual Inter‑dependence, expands on these themes by championing unity, cooperation, and the transformative potential of human interconnectedness. This spoken word poetry conversation highlights his reflective voice, his approach to meaning-making, and the ways poetry connects us across borders and identities.

Join host Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram as he inaugurates the newly rebranded Quintessential Poetry platform with acclaimed poet and spoken word artist Laura Grevel in this quintessential poetry podcast conversation rooted in spoken word and literary expression. In this episode, Laura shares profound insights from her extensive life across five different countries. Exploring her poetic influences, the importance of capturing human stories, and the themes that drive her work, Laura reads a number of her poetic pieces. Topics range from migration and identity to politics and nature. Additionally, she discusses the unique power of poetry to inspire empathy, touching on her personal experiences and the universal emotions encapsulated within her words. Listen as they explore the essence of poetry, its ability to convey deep human truths, and Laura's fascinating journey as a poet.

Hello, everyone,

Welcome to a special National Poetry Month 2025 episode of The Quintessential Poetry Podcast, a spoken‑word and literary arts platform celebrating this year’s universal theme of family and our sub‑theme, Poetry Beyond Borders. In this fully French‑language conversation, Caroline Adler Micó shares her multilingual artistry and the emotional depth of her work, offering listeners a rare opportunity to experience her poetry in the language where her voice resonates most powerfully. This episode honors French director, teacher, author, and scenarist France DeMarcy, whose contributions to the arts and storytelling resonate far beyond borders.

The theme of family reminds us of the deep connections that bind us together, whether through birth, choice, or bonds that defy categorization. Poetry Beyond Borders amplifies this idea, showcasing how poetry transcends geographical, cultural, and linguistic boundaries to create shared human experiences. In this episode, we feature Caroline Adler Micó, a French multidisciplinary poet who embodies the spirit of poetry without limits. Caroline shares her journey of transforming personal challenges into poetic innovation, exploring themes that connect us across cultures and experiences. Her artistic path spans multiple disciplines, from earth sciences to avant-garde cinema, creating a rich tapestry of creative exploration. Throughout the podcast, discover Caroline's poetic influences, the intersection of vulnerability and strength in her work, and her advice for emerging poets. Caroline's poetry, spoken entirely in her native French, achieves an extraordinary brilliance, inviting listeners into a deeply authentic and transformative experience. While translations are available for listeners (link below), the episode offers a profound opportunity to experience poetry in its most powerful form—through the musicality and emotion of its original language. Caroline's poetic voice transcends borders, connecting us across languages, cultures, and experiences, illustrating the universal depths of human expression. Join us on this journey as we celebrate the power of poetry to unite us as one global family.

00:41 Special Episode: Poetry Beyond Boundaries

01:27 Interview with Caroline Adler Micó

01:58 Exploring the Essence of Poetry

08:59 Themes and Inspirations

23:12 Cultural Influences and International Perspectives

31:40 The Role of Poets in Society

33:38 Advice for Emerging Women Poets

36:03 Creative Processes and Future Plans

49:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Translations will be available upon request from Quintessential Poetry at [email protected]. https://docs.google.com/document/d/12g-zFIsSAzu2KmCe1ypYiHB9SW0649T3NCOyVGx15dw/edit?usp=sharing

• Keywords

• French poetry
• multilingual poet
• spoken word poetry
• French literature
• National Poetry Month
• Poetry Beyond Borders
• Argentinian poet
• French poetry performance
• bilingual poetry
• French‑language interview
• literary arts podcast
• global poetry
• poetry and identity
• poetry and culture
• France DeMarcy

In Memory of Rawle James

This conversation, originally recorded in 2023, honors the late Rawle James—a beloved poet and community builder from Toronto, Canada, whose sudden passing in 2025 left a profound impact on poetry communities worldwide. Known for his melodic voice, warm smile, and spiritual depth, Rawle brought openness, clarity, and generosity to every space he entered, and his presence on this quintessential poetry podcast continues to resonate.

Friends and fellow poets remember him as a man with "a great spirit of forgiveness and Love," someone who encouraged others to find their authentic voice. As one friend noted, "He was a friend to everyone he crossed paths with. " Rawle's commitment to fostering connections across borders was evident in his global poetic presence, including his appearance on Quintessential Listening: Poetry Online Radio.

Those who knew him speak of his "elder grace," "quiet strength," and the deep conversations that left them "a better person for having met him." His legacy lives on through his poetry and in the hearts of the many writers he mentored and inspired.

As we share this interview from the archives, we invite you to experience the wisdom and warmth that made Rawle James a quintessential poet whose voice, as one friend simply put, "resounds" even now.

In Memory of Rawle James

Rawle James was a beloved poet and community builder from Toronto, Canada whose sudden passing has left a profound impact on poetry communities worldwide. Known for his melodic voice, warm smile, and spiritual depth, Rawle touched countless lives through his art and generous spirit.

Friends and fellow poets remember him as a man with "a great spirit of forgiveness and Love," someone who encouraged others to find their authentic voice. As one friend noted, "He was a friend to everyone he crossed paths with." Rawle's commitment to fostering connections across borders was evident in his global poetic presence, including his appearance on Quintessential Listening: Poetry Online Radio.

Those who knew him speak of his "elder grace," "quiet strength," and the deep conversations that left them "a better person for having met him." His legacy lives on through his poetry and in the hearts of the many writers he mentored and inspired.

As we share this interview from the archives, we invite you to experience the wisdom and warmth that made Rawle James a quintessential poet whose voice, as one friend simply put, "resounds" even now.

In this conversation, poet Lauren Martin offers a thoughtful and introspective exploration of her creative process, reflecting on how poetry becomes a space for truth, vulnerability, and emotional clarity. Her voice brings a quiet strength to the episode, inviting listeners into the inner landscapes that shape her work and her understanding of connection across borders.

Lauren Martin is a psychotherapist, poet, and a devoted Iyanifa practitioner featured in this quintessential poetry podcast conversation exploring the intersections of healing, spirituality, and literary expression. She lives in Oakland, California. Lauren studied poetry at Sarah Lawrence College. She spent years writing without submitting her work due to a long shamanic journey, which led her to both Ifá and writing "Night of the Hawk: Poems." Summary: In this episode, Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram interviews Lauren Martin, a psychotherapist, Iyanifa practitioner, and poet. Lauren discusses her debut poetry collection, "Night of the Hawk: Poems," inspired by her shamanic journey.

The collection explores the experiences of marginalized and disabled individuals, highlighting the intersection of poetry, psychotherapy, and shamanism. Lauren shares her unique ability to dream poems, which she believes are messages from the other side. She reads emotionally charged poems inspired by real-life events, such as the Nigerian Chibok girls' kidnapping and her experiences with sickness and spirituality. The episode also explores Lauren's personal journey, the concept of destiny in Ifa tradition, her perspectives on empathy, and her inspirations from both literary and musical realms. Throughout the interview, Lauren emphasizes the importance of authentic expression and the resilience of the human spirit through her evocative poetry. Website: https://www.laurenmartin.net Social Media https://www.instagram.com/frankyisastar Book https://www.amazon.com/Night-Hawk-Poems-Lauren-Martin/dp/1647426588mU.