The Poets

Today is a special edition of The Poets, and comes to you thanks to Lighthouse Writers Workshop and Lit Fest 2026. I was privileged to be invited to set up a table during LitFest on June 18th, 2026, and I brought a microphone with me. This episode features writers I met at Lit Fest who were kind enough to share their work with me, and with all of you, on the show. All of them will also most likely be featured in full episodes some time in the coming months, so stay tuned.

Because some, but not all of them, said their name in the recording, I’ll start off by listing them here, and then we’ll get into their work. 

Thanks very much to Bridget Gwyn, festival and events manager, and Jasper Burak, Program Coordinator for Lighthouse, for allowing me to be a part of this event.

Thanks to those who featured on this episode: 

Bridget Gwyn

Joe Santini

Jean-Marc Saint Laurent

Malinda Miller

Fin Thomas

J. Diego Frey

Mary Robinette Kowal

Joshua Robinson

and Therese Samson

And of course, thank you all for listening.

If you are going to describe Ashlynn in 3 words it would be “five foot menace”. If you want a longer description it would go like this.

Ashlynn is a recovering overachiever people pleaser who loves to complain in her poetry. When she’s not battling imposter syndrome, she is your Denver Mercury Grand Slam Champion. Other fun facts include Ashlynn likes talking about slavery, blush blindness, flirting with avoidant people and telling people she’s close to graduating with her history degree .

If you find her to be cute and are under 25 or if you are into a poetry vibe similar to Solange coming out the elevator after fighting Jay-Z, you can follow Ashlynn at @yourstrulyashlynn

Aerik Francis, the current Poet Laureate for Adams County, rejoins the show to discuss his recently released collection BODYPOLITIC and a wide range of topics.

Aerik Francis is a poet & teaching artist based in Denver, Colorado, USA. Francis is currently serving as poet laureate of Adams County, Colorado (2025-2027). Francis is the author of three poetry chapbooks: BODYPOLITIC (Abode Press, March 2026 ), MISEDUCATION (New Delta Review, May 2023), and BODYELECTRONIC (Trouble Department, April 2022 [out of print]). Francis has received poetry fellowship support from SAFTA, the Chrysalis Institute, CantoMundo, Letras Latinas, and The Watering Hole. They are also a poetry reader for Underblong poetry journal. Francis has poetry published widely, links of which may be found at linktr.ee/aerik as well as their website phaentompoet.com . Find Aerik on social media @phaentompoet.

Aerik said photo credit is most likely Stone (@persephone_stone/@thewriterstone)

A divorced rat bastard in my mid thirties. An on and off again poet, healing through poetry. New to Denver. New to being openly queer. New to loving myself in ways I've always needed.

Maxwell I. Gold is a Jewish-American author and poet with an extensive body of work comprising over 350 poems and nine poetry collections since 2017. His work has appeared in numerous literary journals, magazines, and anthologies. Maxwell’s work has earned nominations for two Bram Stoker Awards, the Eric Hoffer Award, the Pushcart Prize, the Rhysling Award and others. Find him and his work at www.thewellsoftheweird.com.

Maxwell's book Neurotica is available for purchase here.

Find Maxwell on Instagram, Bluesky, and Threads @cybergodwrites

Silas Vazquez (any pronouns) is an actor, singer, improviser, and poet. You may have seen him in Titanic (UNC), Urinetown (UNC), Sweeney Todd (StageDoor Theatre), Ride the Cyclone (Vintage Theatre), Woodlands And Wyverns (Audacious Immersive Theatre), or as part of the Mercury Slam Poetry Team at Chicharra Poetry Festival (Albuquerque, NM) or Bigfoot Poetry Festival (Portland, OR). You usually can find her on some stage somewhere, opening old wounds and making some new ones.

Instagram is @silasisbusy

The Poets will be back to our regularly scheduled programming (i.e. individual poet features) after this.

The album discussed in the episode is available on Bandcamp and on streaming platforms.

On another slightly different episode of The Poets, I'm joined by BG and the first iteration of the Coven Collective to discuss an album of spoken word and music that recently was released. BG, Lady Julianne, Nikolai Riddle, and Jabe Pazoo all appear on the mic to discuss their contributions to the album, along with a conversation about broader themes like changing landscapes of art, AI usage, and what the hell to do about billionaires and narcissists.

Sidney Shaw is the Events Manager at The Karma House, a community-centered kava bar and gathering space in the Denver metro area. As an intuitive healer, Reiki Master, and tarot reader with over a decade of experience, Sidney weaves together event curation and spiritual practice to create spaces rooted in connection, healing, and authenticity.

At The Karma House, Sidney helps bring people together through a diverse range of offerings—from live music and poetry to wellness events and community gatherings—all designed to foster belonging and meaningful connection. She is especially excited to welcome the legacy of the Mercury Cafe through the Mercury Legacy Jazz Jam and Poetry Open Mic, continuing a cherished tradition in a new home.

The Karma House is a sober-friendly space that offers kava, herbal teas, and a vibrant calendar of events, serving as a hub for creativity, healing, and community in Colorado.

608 Garrison St e, Lakewood, CO 80215 and thekarmahouse.org

Gabriel Gravagno returns to the show to talk about how to continue the legendary Friday Night Jazz Jam and Poetry Open Mic, which began long ago at the Mercury Cafe. Any questions, comments, or concerns can be sent to Gabe, who is eager to hear others' thoughts and ideas.

A trial run of sorts will take place at the Karma House Kava Bar & Tea House, located at 608 Garrison St e, Lakewood, CO 80215 and thekarmahouse.org.

First, a jam and open mic will be held on April 25th, from 7pm to 10pm (this is a chance for the Mercury jazz and poetry crowd to try out integration with an existing Karma House jazz night) followed by a Friday night Jazz Jam and Poetry Open Mic on May 1st, from 7pm to midnight.

The plan is for the Friday night Jazz Jam and Poetry Open Mic to continue in earnest beginning on May 22nd, 2026.

It is understood that there may be confusion and many other feelings regarding this. Once again, Gabe is eager to have a conversation with anyone who wishes to voice concerns, questions, or other ideas.

Much love.

Photo of Gabe credit Amy Jordheim

A brief episode today with Dominick Francois discussing his Imagery EP and upcoming event celebrating its release to held on May 23rd, 2026 at Buell Public Media Center - 2101 Arapahoe St, Denver CO 80205

Tickets available here.

Imagery EP available here.