Poetry, Conversation, a New Mayor in NYC, New Music

[link to transcript]

s4e1
January 8, 2026

Azúcar, poet, therapist and open mic host, is Martha’s guest in the audio garden. Also featured, a hidden track from Groove Collective, Sarah Sophie Flicker talks about the Mamdani Campaign, and Zakiyyah Modeste, aka SistaZock, on her training in theater and track.

CREDITS– HOSTS: Martha Cinader, Jay Rodriguez Sierra. FEATURED GUESTS: Azúcar, Sarah Sophie Flicker, Zakkiyah Modeste POETRY: Azucar, Martha Cinader MUSIC: Where Are Your White Shoes, Groove Collective. ORIGNAL SOUNDTRACK, MIXING, MASTERING, SOUND DESIGN: Jay Rodriguez Sierra.

Sarah Sophie is an activist, producer, writer, filmmaker, cultural organizer, creative director, and aerialist. Founder and Creative Director of celebrated political cabaret group, The Citizens Band, she is the Editor-At-Large for Violet Book. Her writing can be found at Hello Giggles, Rookie Magazine, W Magazine, Vogue, Refinery29, The Cut, Cosmo.com, Violet Book, Stylist, Rizzoli’s publication…

Simone “Azúcar” Nikkole is a songwriter, screenwriter, author, Spoken Word poet, and Sí.Nik Productions and L.A. Sugar Factory founder. Her work is featured in Silver Tongue Devil Anthology (Amazon), Poets Without Limits IncarNATION Anthology, Mo’ Joe Anthology along with The Voices Project, Learn to Love and Enhance Online Magazines.

Zakiyyah’s creative journey began as a child when, at the age of three, she won her school’s Valentine’s Day Poetry Contest. Early exposure to the arts through Mount Vernon’s Creative Arts Program allowed her to act in plays alongside talented peers, including saxophonist Michael Philips. Outside the program, she trained under Tina Satin—who also taught…

The Resistance Revival Chorus, a collective of more than 70 women and non-binary singers have announced their debut album This Joy to be released on October 16th via Righteous Babe Records. The album features original compositions along with protest classics and was recorded in New York City with GRAMMY-nominated producer Tiffany Gouché. The album is 100% created by women, non-binary artists and…

Sidepiece Sanctifications is the second poetry chapbook of work written by Simone “Azúcar” Nikkole. In Sidepiece Sanctifications, Simone “Azúcar” Nikkole documents the journey of love, infatuation and three-way relationships. She explores the experience of “the other woman” or “sidepiece” in a romantic relationship and how the woman returns to herself in recognizing her true self…

Existing in the liminal space of sound of spoken word and music, Sista Zock introduces a unique Afro Jazz Fusion Sound with a touch of Hip-hop. Her latest project, Zock Solid, Where the Stem Meets the Root, features a collaboration with Abiodun of The Last Poets, adding depth and resonance to her musical journey.

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PEN America reported ‘While the movement to ban books is driven by a vocal minority demanding censorship, a 2022 poll conducted by The American Library Association found that over 70% of parents oppose book banning leaving many public school districts in a bind.  We invite you to share your voice on the banning of books in schools and libraries in the USA. 

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