Quintessential Poetry: A Global Poetry & Spoken Word Poetry Podcast

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.

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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.

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In this conversation, poet Dee Allen brings a powerful blend of honesty, presence, and emotional depth to the mic, exploring how poetry becomes a space for healing, clarity, and self‑expression. His voice carries both strength and vulnerability, inviting listeners into the lived experiences and inner truths that shape his work across various communities.

Bio: African-Italian performance poet based in Oakland, California. Active on creative writing & Spoken Word since the early 1990s. Author of 9 books--Boneyard, Unwritten Law, Stormwater, Skeletal Black [all from POOR Press], Elohi Unitsi [Conviction 2 Change Publishing], Rusty Gallows: Passages Against Hate [Vagabond Books], Plans [originally Nomadic Press, now re-issued from Black Lawrence Press], Crimson Stain [ EYEPUBLISHEWE] and his newest, Discovery [ Southern Arizona Press] -- and 73 anthology appearances under his figurative belt so far. Episode Summary: As the episode unfolds, Dee's definition of poetry is explored, as well as his views on the insane nature of modern reality, and the political and environmental issues that motivate his work. Throughout the episode Dee shares personal anecdotes, including his first live performance experience, and reads poems from his latest book, 'Discovery.' The conversation also touches on his influences, such as Langston Hughes, Robert Hayden and Sonia Sanchez. It also examines his thoughts on the poet's role in society, the editing process, and the ways in which his remarkably authentic, powerful and distinctive work contributes to the development of empathy and understanding between groups of different sociocultural and ethnic origins. Book: Discovery https:/www.amazon.com/dp/1960038540

Keywords:

• African‑Italian poet
• Oakland spoken word
• Discovery book
• political poetry
• environmental poetry
• contemporary poetry
• spoken word since the 1990s
• Langston Hughes influence
• Robert Hayden influence
• Sonia Sanchez influence
• poetry and empathy
• sociocultural understanding
• Poetry Beyond Borders
• National Poetry Month
• Quintessential Poetry Podcast

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In this conversation, 21‑year‑old poet, artist, and social media influencer Jules Stevenson of Selkirk, Manitoba shares the deeply personal and resilient journey that shaped her writing. Beginning in her early teens as a way to cope with anxiety, depression, anorexia, sexual trauma, abuse, and suicide, Jules has developed an intimate and unflinchingly honest body of work.

Jules began writing in her early teens as a means of coping with anxiety, depression, anorexia, sexual trauma, abuse, and suicide. Over the years, her writing has evolved into an incredibly intimate and honest body of work. At 16, Jules self-published her first book, ‘atrophy,’ a collection focused on anorexia. Her work frequently explores themes of trauma, the body, feminism, and mental health. In 2023, her poem 'An Apology to My Cat' went viral on TikTok, with over 12.6 million views. This global reaction led to the self-publication of her poetry memoir, ‘self portraits of a girl collapsing violently inward,’ which focuses on sexual and digital trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jules has garnered several accolades in the poetry community, including winning first place at Slamdemic, third place with her team at Poetry in Voice, and securing second place multiple times at Poetry Battles. In 2024, she represented her province at the Canadian Individual Poetry Slam, showcasing her talent on a national stage. She was also selected by the Manitoba Council for International Cooperation to co-author and perform a poem on gender equality at the legislature for International Development Week. Currently, Jules spends her time working as a barista, writing, and enjoying the company of her beloved cats, Moth and Lamp. Website https://www.juliestevenson.ca Social Media https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQrLpVSQGKS-pI_6KRe1GJw https://www.tiktok.com/@recently.depressed

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In this international episode of Quintessential Listening Poetry Online Radio and YouTube, Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram engages Canadian‑American poet David Leo Sirois in a quintessential poetry podcast conversation highlighting his global literary reach, spoken word presence, and multidisciplinary artistry. Published 153 times across 26 countries and translated into 13 languages, Sirois is one of the most widely circulated contemporary poets of his generation. He hosts Spoken World Online, the Zoom arm of SpokenWord Paris, and his first collection, Humbledoves (Poems to Pigeons & Plants), showcases his signature blend of humor, tenderness, and imaginative observation.

Sirois has earned international recognition, including Third Prize in Winning Writers’ Wergle Flomp Humor Poetry Contest and an honor for his “admirable contribution to world literature” from The Fertile Brains, a renowned literary group in India. He teaches workshops for The Bombay Review and The Poetry Academy of Poetry Global Network, and his work appears in journals such as The Bombay Review, Artemis Journal, The Poetry Village, One Hand Clapping, The Bastille, Poetry Super Highway, and Terre à Ciel, which also publishes his French translations.

Beyond poetry, Sirois is a singer/songwriter, radio DJ, and film/TV/theater actor whose work has appeared in films, music, and countless international programs and interviews. He is currently submitting five finished manuscripts for publication while writing several more. This conversation explores his creative process, global collaborations, multilingual reach, and the expansive artistic life that fuels his work. Book Humbledoves (poems to pigeons & plants): https://a.co/d/5MRB33i Ko-Fi tip jar: https://ko-fi.com/davidleosirois0412

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Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

In honor of Juneteenth, QLPORYT presents a special episode titled ‘Two Sisters and a Brotha,’ a quintessential poetry podcast that celebrates Black literary expression and cultural heritage. Hosted by Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram, this powerful poetry reading brings together renowned poets and real-life sisters Cheryl J. Jackson and Lyris Dee Wallace, who are not only best-selling authors but have also achieved the remarkable feat of reaching number 1 on Amazon's list of poetry books, alongside Dr. Ingram himself. Through a series of solo readings, the poets present a compelling collection of works that explore the Black experience, exploring a wide range of human emotions and addressing crucial issues of social justice. Their poems touch on themes of love, resilience, family, relationships, racial oppression, identity, and personal well-being. As the poets share their art on this significant day, they reflect on their rich heritage, pay tribute to influential figures who have shaped their lives and communities, and deliver impactful messages that resonate with listeners.

The episode serves as a testament to the transformative power of poetry and its ability to shed light on the complexities of the human experience while also honoring the legacy of Juneteenth and the ongoing struggle for equality. "Two Sisters and a Brotha" offers a thought-provoking and emotionally charged listening experience that celebrates the talent and wisdom of these three remarkable poets. Tune in on this Juneteenth to be inspired, challenged, and moved by their words as we commemorate this pivotal moment in American history and celebrate the incredible success of best-selling authors and sisters Cheryl J. Jackson and Lyris Dee Wallace in the world of poetry. Additional Information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2574804195871925/permalink/7887257831293175/

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This encore presentation revisits a powerful quintessential poetry podcast conversation with Virgin Islands poet Lynette Rabsatt, whose literary journey spans more than two decades. Since beginning her writing in 1996, Lynette has created over 200 poems that illuminate identity, resilience, social issues, and the emotional landscape of lived experience. Encouraged early on by Dr. Vincent Cooper, she transformed her struggles with high school literature into a thriving poetic voice that now inspires readers across her blog and social media platforms. In this interview, Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram guides a rich dialogue exploring Lynette’s influences, creative process, thematic concerns, and the role poetry plays in uplifting communities. The episode features multiple poem readings, reflections on how poetry highlights social issues, and insights into the impact of online poetry gatherings during the pandemic. This conversation celebrates Lynette’s dedication to literary expression and her commitment to using poetry as a tool for healing, awareness, and cultural connection. For additional information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10231774469801483&set=gm.7875321479153477&idorvanity=2574804195871925