We dedicate this rebroadcast to the loving memory of British poet and spoken word artist Geneviève F. Ray (1987–2026).

This conversation is one of the brightest moments ever captured on Quintessential Poetry. 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.

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.

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

Welcome to Episode 3 of Timeless Classics: In this remarkable episode, host Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram revisits a conversation with Jacqueline James that was broadcast on July 11, 2024. Jacqueline—a self-made poet whose gift lay dormant for many years before exploding into an unprecedented creative awakening. After decades of raising five children and building a life for others, Jacqueline's poetic voice returned with such force that she wrote 17 books in a single year! Now releasing her 19th book, Jacqueline proves that some callings arrive exactly when they're meant to—and that poetry's greatest gift is in the giving.

The New York Podcast Association (July 18, 2024) selected this episode as a Staff Favorite, and you'll understand why within minutes of listening. Jacqueline's warmth, wisdom, and steadfast dedication to helping others through verse create a conversation that feels less like an interview and more like sitting with a beloved friend who happens to have magic in her words.

What You'll Discover:

• Jacqueline's incredible origin story: how her mother saved her first poem from third grade.

• In 2016, a medical crisis reignited Jacqueline's dormant talent and led to an unstoppable creative flood.

• How she uses poetry to slow dementia progression in seniors and build literacy in young people

• Her mission of "poetry with a purpose"—creating healing, connection, and hope through words

More About Jacqueline James:

A phenomenal woman in the truest sense, Jacqueline writes across genres—from spiritual poetry to children's books, and from social justice pieces to educational verse. She visits senior residential facilities where poetry serves as medicine, slowing cognitive decline and keeping elders connected. She teaches young people through the YMCA, helping them find their voices. And she transforms life stories into keepsake poems for families navigating loss. This is poetry that doesn't just move you. It changes you.

Blog Post

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

WHEN

Catch the episode on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at 7:00 PM (CST)/8:00 PM (EST) by visiting the Quintessential Poetry website at https://www.quintessentialpoetry.com/blog/a-journey-through-poetry-the-inspirational-world-of-jacqueline-james/

📖 BONUS:

The podcast includes six poems recorded exclusively for Timeless Classic. Here's a link to the PDF versions of the poems: https://pdflink.to/a930e69d/

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

Keywords: poetry podcast, spoken word, Jacqueline James, contemporary poetry, spiritual poetry, literary interviews, American poets, creative writing, poetry performance, literary podcast,

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

This episode is the second installment of Timeless Classics, a series that has been painstakingly put together to bring you the most memorable discussions from the Quintessential Poetry podcast archives. This episode revisits Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram's interview with celebrated poet, author, spoken word artist, and music critic Mike Jurkovic.

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."

📖 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.com
• Facebook: Quintessential Poetry
• Instagram: @quintessentialpoetry

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

P.S. We're nominated for Best Arts & Literature Podcast! Vote by Dec 25: https://shorturl.at/EGtV5 🏆

Welcome to the premiere episode of Timeless Classics—a curated series bringing you the most memorable conversations from 450+ episodes of the Quintessential Poetry podcast.

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/.

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

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

Join host Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram for the first Quintessential Poetry Book Club discussion featuring renowned poet and peace advocate Kolawole Alatishe. In this episode, Kolawole shares readings from his impactful poetry collection 'Human Togetherness,' which delves into themes of global unity, hope, and moral development. Through powerful verses, Kolawole addresses significant issues such as poverty, climate change, social injustice, and the importance of community. Additionally, Kowale discusses his personal journey, the role of poetry in bridging cultural divides, and his vision for future works. Discover how poetry can be a transformative force as Kolawole Alatishe and Dr. Ingram explore the essence and potential of poetic expression.

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 episode, Laura shares profound insights from her extensive life across five different countries. Delving into 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 episode of The Quintessential Poetry podcast, celebrating National Poetry Month's universal theme of Family and our sub-theme, Poetry Beyond Borders. This episode is dedicated to 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 now be available upon request from Quintessential Poetry at [email protected]. https://docs.google.com/document/d/12g-zFIsSAzu2KmCe1ypYiHB9SW0649T3NCOyVGx15dw/edit?usp=sharing

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 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.