Poet, short story writer and novelist (Morning Will Come), Billy Lombardo, joins Marc and Mark for the first of two conversations about the history of the Slam and thoughts on writing and performing. 

Recorded by Tony Scott-Green and Joe Velez

Edited by Kevin O’Rourke

Produced by Emily Calvo 

Directed by Hugh Schulze 

Sicilian slam poet and scholar, Eleonora Fisco, joins Marc and Mark to discuss slam poetry in Italy and perform one of her own compositions.

Recorded by: Tony Scott-Green

Edited by: Kevin O'Rourke

Directed by: Hugh Schulze 

BONUS MATERIAL

For this episode, we’ve included a bonus video of a recent Green Mill Slam collaboration with our Italian contingent, including poets Alessandro Minnucci, Eleonora Fisco, Andy Karol, Ryan Doyle, and Jeffrey Helgeson 

Recorded by: Joe Velez    

Produced by: Emily Calvo

In this episode, Marc and Mark discuss how the Slam grew from Chicago to Tours, France and Osaka, Japan and many cities in-between. How does the Slam transcend language and what exactly is the So What Academy?
Recorded by: Tony Scott-Green Edited by: Kevin O’Rourke
Directed by: Hugh Schulze

The relationship between poetry and alcohol is a complicated one. In this episode, Marc and Mark discuss the early, inebriated years of the Poetry Slam and the lessons learned that have helped shape the Slam as it spread internationally.

Marc and Mark talk the Chicago Poetry Ensemble, Green Mill and motorcycles with poet, Jean Howard. 

Recorded by: Joe Velez

Directed by: Hugh Schulze

In this episode, Marc and Mark are joined by Slam Poet alum, Jean Howard, to talk about the early days in the evolution of the slam at Butchies’ Get Me High Lounge in the much-changed Wicker Park.

Recorded by: Joe Velez

Directed by: Hugh Schulze

In this episode, Marc Kelly Smith, the founder of the poetry slam movement, traces its origins from a Chicago jazz lounge to a global phenomenon that merges performance with poetry. He highlights the transformative power of slams in fostering community and empowering diverse voices, showcasing the movement's lasting impact on the art of spoken word.

Recorded by: Tony Scott-Green

Directed by: Hugh Schulze