Kate grew up in the secluded High View Church Farm where children worked and lived in militant conditions, rarely saw their families, and had little contact with the outside world. She left with only a couple of dollars in her pocket and no idea if that was a lot of money or not.

Education was a lifeline but it's also pretty expensive. Kate lived in her car some of the time to save money. Now she advocates for housing for students. She's also the co-founder and managing editor of Red Hen Press, author of seven books of poetry, and a teacher at Chapman University.

Join us to discuss her life and just-released debut novel entitled Under the Neon Sun, which follows the struggles of an unhoused young queer woman trying to get her education after leaving a cult.

**This episode contains descriptions of child abuse

Music by Lee Dunn, opening/closing song by The Chaw Editing by Dhyana Levey