Wingless Dreamer Podcast

Today, we are delighted to be joined by Rae Decker Stanley—a writer, lyricist, science educator, and creative force based in Queens, New York. Rae completed her MFA in Poetry at the prestigious Iowa Writers' Workshop and has published her work in literary journals including The Rumpus, Interim, Berkeley Poetry Review, and Lan Turner, among others.

Beyond the page, Rae brings creativity to life in unexpected and inspiring ways. She is an avid synchronized swimmer within the LGBTQ+ aquatics community and is currently working on an innovative musical project that merges artistic swimming with live contemporary music. As a songwriter and lyricist for the band flutter-kick, Rae explores the fascinating intersection of movement, music, storytelling, and community.

Today, we'll be diving into her creative journey, her love for artistic swimming, the power of embracing new passions later in life, and the groundbreaking work she is helping bring to the world.

• 🌐 Flutter Kick Website: flutter-kick.net (Listen to tracks: "Great Northern Sky", "Nothing at All", "Heat")

• 🎙️ Wingless Dreamer Publisher: winglessdreamer.com

• 📖 Book Mentioned: Swimming Pretty: The Untold Story of Women in Water by Vicky Valosik

  
  

  #WinglessDreamerPodcast #ArtisticSwimming #FlutterKick #CreativeJourney #LGBTQAquatics #WomenWhoWrite #IowaWritersWorkshop #MusicAndMovement #BeginnerMindset #IndieMusic #ApplePodcasts #SpotifyPodcasts

  
  

What happens when a writer moves from the intimacy of poetry to the limitless world of the novel?

In this episode of the Wingless Dreamer Podcast, we sit down with writer Emma Wells to explore how poetry, flash fiction, short stories, and novels reveal different kinds of truth. From the discipline of saying more with fewer words to the surprises of writing her sixth novel, Emma shares how motherhood, lived experience, literary community, and years of writing have shaped her voice.

We also dive into the messy, magical reality of writing—from characters taking over the plot to the eternal battle with Chapter One—and discover why sometimes the story knows where it’s going before the writer does.

Tune in for an honest, thoughtful, and wonderfully writerly conversation about finding your voice, trusting the process, and letting words evolve with you. 🎙️

Emma's substack: https://dipitylitmag.substack.com/p/meet-emma-wells-dipity-community

Join Wingless Dreamer Literary Community today! Visit https://winglessdreamer.com/

In this emotionally powerful conversation, author Nicholas Baldwin discusses writing through silence, shame, and unspoken stories. The episode explores mental health, the role of humor in trauma, art therapy, and the importance of speaking out.

KEY TOPICS

• Writing as a tool for healing and self-expression
• The role of humor in coping with trauma
• Literature as a space for honesty and vulnerability

• Writing helps voice unspoken fears and shame.
• Humor can be a coping mechanism for trauma.
• Art therapy offers a non-verbal way to process emotions.

ABOUT THE GUEST SPEAKER

Nicholas Baldwin is a writer from Rochester, New York. He has written three novels and three poetry collections. He is currently working on his fourth novel. Nicholas has also been featured in Kings River Review, Avalon Anthology (Jack Wild Publishing), Neon Origami, Edible Finger Lakes Magazine, Menu Magazine, Syncopation Literary Magazine, The Tulsa Review, and multiple anthologies from Wingless Dreamer Publisher. 

BOOK - GHOST IN THE HEAD

Ghost in the Head tells the story of two unlikely companions who meet at a nearly empty open-mic comedy show. Barrett in his twenties has the world in the palm of his hands, and Thomas, married and on the verge of divorce, is having a mid-life crisis. Through comedy, they form a bond then the real story begins to unfold for both of them, one ending in tragedy and the other, lost and found again. This novel is a true emotional journey with laughs, and twists, true-crime, and turns throughout. The third novel by Nicholas Baldwin, this is a must read for all people dealing with addiction, trauma, anxiety, and depression. It shines a light on everything that lives under the surface of the ordinary person, the stories that make us all extraordinary.

Now available on Amazon - https://link.amazon/B0fQj7C5i

Website - https://nicholasbaldwin.com

[ mental health, writing, trauma, humor, art therapy, emotional vulnerability, literature, ghost in the head, storytelling, emotional well-being]

Would you like to be our next guest speaker? Join our literary community. More details here: https://winglessdreamer.submittable.com/submit/333922/apple-podcast-spotify-youtube-literary-podcast-opportunity

🎙️ Wingless Dreamer Podcast | From Children’s Stories to Deep Poetry: Writing Across Emotional Ages ft. A.J. Chilson

In this episode of Wingless Dreamer Podcast, we welcome award-winning author A.J. Chilson, whose remarkable literary journey spans more than 60 published books across children's literature, poetry, memoir, and now horror fiction.

From his award-winning children's book Grannie Annie, Grammie Mammie, and Me to deeply personal poetry and forthcoming ventures into horror, A.J. shares how storytelling evolves across genres, audiences, and stages of life. Together, we explore creativity, resilience, emotional growth, the hidden connection between children's stories and poetry, and the courage it takes to keep reinventing oneself as a writer.

Whether you're a reader, writer, teacher, parent, or dreamer, this conversation offers inspiration, honesty, and a reminder that stories have the power to grow alongside us.

✨ Tune in for a heartfelt discussion on imagination, healing, literature, and the many emotional ages of a writer.

A.J. Chilson's Books on Amazon: https://us.amazon.com/stores/A-J-Chilson/author/B07CZPGGFF?

Website: https://winglessdreamer.com/

In a world obsessed with curated perfection, filters, algorithms, and polished identities, are we finally craving something real again?

In this heartfelt episode of the Wingless Dreamer Podcast, Ruchi Acharya sits down with Gabriel to explore the quiet return of intimate storytelling — the kind that embraces vulnerability, imperfections, emotional honesty, and human connection over aesthetic perfection.

From social media exhaustion to the rise of raw conversations, personal essays, slow art, and authentic creative expression, this episode dives into why audiences today are longing for stories that feel lived-in rather than manufactured.

Together, they discuss:
• Why perfection culture is emotionally exhausting
• The beauty of flawed and deeply human storytelling
• How intimate narratives create stronger emotional connection
• The influence of literature, cinema, podcasts, and digital culture on authenticity
• Why creators are beginning to choose honesty over performance

This episode is for writers, artists, creators, and anyone who has ever felt pressured to appear “perfect” in a world constantly watching.

Perhaps the future of storytelling isn’t about being flawless.
Perhaps it’s about being real again.

Hosted by Ruchi Acharya
Guest Speaker: Gabriel McLeod

Presented by Wingless Dreamer Podcast

In this episode of Garden & Page, we sit down with Toya L. Walker to explore what happens when gardening meets storytelling—and honestly, it’s as poetic as it sounds (with a little dirt under the nails and magic in the margins). Wingless Dreamer podcast presents another exciting episode for our beloved artists and writers. Support our literary community.From soil to sentence, we dig into:🌿 How storytelling and land stewardship intertwine—and how a garden can become a living narrative📌 The origins and creative spark behind Post-It: A Story🧬 Memory, ancestry, and ecological awareness shaping the stories we tell🌍 Building regenerative systems—not just in nature, but in writing and life⏳ Translating garden rhythms into storytelling structures and visual language🤝 The deep connection between community, healing, and creative expressionExpect a conversation that feels like:→ part writing workshop→ part nature walk→ part quiet moment of reflection you didn’t know you neededIf you’ve ever wondered whether your creativity has roots… this one’s for you 🌾ABOUT THE GUEST SPEAKER - TOYA L. WALKERToya L. Walker is an educator, gardener, and founder of Organically Grown Queen, where she combines gardening, storytelling, and creative expression to help people reconnect with nature and their own cultural roots. She has presented at conferences including Herbstalk and NOFA, and her work focuses on native plants, urban gardening, and using sensory observation to inspire writing and art. Through her workshops, Toya shows how even the smallest garden space can become a place for imagination, learning, and community connection. Website: https://organicallygrownqueen.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organicallygrownwithme/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089759531345&mibextid=ZbWKwL TikTok: goodGrace87✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that nurture both mind and soul.Golden Hour by Purrple Cat | https://purrplecat.com/Music promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

WINNER OF "I DON'T FEEL ANYTHING" WRITING CONTEST 2026

In this episode of Garden & Page, we sit down with Toya L. Walker to explore what happens when gardening meets storytelling—and honestly, it’s as poetic as it sounds (with a little dirt under the nails and magic in the margins). Wingless Dreamer podcast presents another exciting episode for our beloved artists and writers. Support our literary community.From soil to sentence, we dig into:🌿 How storytelling and land stewardship intertwine—and how a garden can become a living narrative📌 The origins and creative spark behind Post-It: A Story🧬 Memory, ancestry, and ecological awareness shaping the stories we tell🌍 Building regenerative systems—not just in nature, but in writing and life⏳ Translating garden rhythms into storytelling structures and visual language🤝 The deep connection between community, healing, and creative expressionExpect a conversation that feels like:→ part writing workshop→ part nature walk→ part quiet moment of reflection you didn’t know you neededIf you’ve ever wondered whether your creativity has roots… this one’s for you 🌾ABOUT THE GUEST SPEAKER - TOYA L. WALKERToya L. Walker is an educator, gardener, and founder of Organically Grown Queen, where she combines gardening, storytelling, and creative expression to help people reconnect with nature and their own cultural roots. She has presented at conferences including Herbstalk and NOFA, and her work focuses on native plants, urban gardening, and using sensory observation to inspire writing and art. Through her workshops, Toya shows how even the smallest garden space can become a place for imagination, learning, and community connection. Website: https://organicallygrownqueen.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organicallygrownwithme/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089759531345&mibextid=ZbWKwL TikTok: goodGrace87✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that nurture both mind and soul.

🎙️ Podcast Season Title

Wingless Dreamer Podcast: Hall of Fame — Inside the Minds of Master Poets

“Okay… let me ask you something.
Have you ever read a poem and thought—
‘How on earth did they even come up with this?’

Like… are they drinking stardust? Are they secretly time travellers? Or do they just have a Notes app that deserves a Nobel Prize?

Well—guess what? 👀
We’re about to find out.

Hi, this is Ruchi Acharya, founder of Wingless Dreamer, and I am so excited to welcome you to a brand-new season of the Wingless Dreamer Podcast—

✨ Hall of Fame: Inside the Minds of Master Poets ✨

Yes, this season is special. Why?
Because we’re bringing in our winning writers—the ones who didn’t just write poems… they created impact, emotion, and something unforgettable.

And instead of just reading their work, we’re doing something way more fun…
We’re going behind the scenes.

We’re asking questions like:
👉 What does their creative process actually look like?
👉 Do they wait for inspiration—or chase it down dramatically at 2 AM?
👉 What makes a poem go from “nice” to Hall of Fame-worthy?

Basically, we’re decoding the magic. ✨

And trust me, it’s not always what you think.
Sometimes it’s chaos. Sometimes it’s discipline. Sometimes it’s heartbreak… and sometimes, it’s just really good chai and a stubborn idea that refuses to leave.

This season is for every writer who has ever:

• stared at a blank page

• doubted their words

• or secretly dreamed of seeing their name in the Hall of Fame

Because here’s the truth—
great writers aren’t born in perfect conditions…
they are built through consistency, courage, and a little bit of madness.

And that’s exactly what we celebrate at Wingless Dreamer.

💫 For the writers. By the writers.

Now, if you’re listening to this and thinking—
“Okay, I want to be part of this world…”

Then don’t just listen—participate.

Visit our website, explore our literary space, submit your work, interact with our community, and if you’re serious about your craft—check out our editorial services.

Because sometimes, all a writer needs is:
👉 the right guidance
👉 the right platform
👉 and the right people who actually get it

And that’s what we’re building here.

So, whether you’re an aspiring poet, a seasoned writer, or just someone who loves beautiful words—
this season is going to feel like home.

🎙️ New episodes. Real conversations. Unfiltered creativity.

And who knows…
maybe next time, you’ll be the one sitting in the Hall of Fame.

This is Ruchi Acharya, and you’re listening to Wingless Dreamer Podcast.

Let’s create, let’s connect, and let’s make literature unforgettable.

Register here:

https://winglessdreamer.submittable.com/submit/333922/spotify-literary-podcast-opportunity

How Personal Essays Become Universal | Ft. Gabrielle Nigmond | Wingless Dreamer PodcastHello Wingless Dreamers,Welcome back to our literary podcast— a safe and fun-loving space where literature is raw, reflective, and beautifully human.We've got a brand new episode where we explore a question every writer has quietly wrestled with: How does a deeply personal essay become something universal?Joining us is the brilliant Gabrielle Nigmond, a Creative Writing MFA student and memoir essayist whose work navigates grief, memory, and the unexpected intersections of life—with a touch of dark humor and botox. Yes, you heard us right? Together, we dive into the craft of transforming intimate experiences into stories that resonate far beyond the self.In this episode, we talk about:— Turning personal moments into universal narratives— Writing grief with honesty (and even humor)— Structuring memoir essays with emotional depth— Balancing vulnerability without overwhelming the reader— The art of choosing which moment to tellWhether you're a writer, reader, or someone seeking meaning in your own experiences—this conversation will stay with you.So grab your coffee, tea, or existential notebook… and let’s wander through words together.

About Gabrielle NigmondGabrielle Nigmond (@gabbilee) is a Creative Writing MFA student specializing in memoir essays. Her work often explores grief and Botox with dark humor and can be read online in literary journals like "The Smart Set" and "As You Were".

Her Publications:

https://militaryexperience.org/as-you-were-the-military-review-vol-20/winded-intimacy/amp/https://www.thesmartset.com/about-face/https://www.assignmentmag.com/micromag/tag/motherhoodAbout Wingless DreamerA creative community for readers and writers who believe stories have the power to connect, heal, and transform. Founded by Ruchi Acharya, Wingless Dreamer is where voices rise, stories breathe, and creativity finds its home.Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more literary conversations, writing insights, and soulful storytelling.Connect with us:Instagram: @winglessdreamerlitWebsite: https://winglessdreamer.com/#WinglessDreamer #Podcast #WritingCommunity #MemoirWriting #CreativeWriting #WritersOfYouTube #LiteraryPodcast #AmWriting

Welcome back, Dreamers. ✨In this special episode of the Wingless Dreamer Podcast, host Ruchi Acharya, founder of Wingless Dreamer Publisher, sits down with Ghanaian writer and poet Naa Shika Coleman to explore the powerful literary theme of identity and belonging in literature.Stories are more than words on a page—they are reflections of memory, culture, grief, and the quiet search for where we truly belong. In this thoughtful conversation, Shika shares insights into her intimate storytelling style, how memory shapes narrative voice, and why emotionally honest writing often creates the deepest connection with readers.We also celebrate a special milestone as Shika’s story “Thresholds” was selected as the Grand Winner of the Letters Beneath the Mistletoe Contest 2026 by Wingless Dreamer Publisher. 🎉Together, we discuss:• How writers discover identity through storytelling• The role of memory and grief in shaping narratives• Different forms of belonging in literature• Writing authentically without representing an entire culture• Advice for emerging writers searching for their voicePlus, stay till the end for a fun rapid-fire round where Shika answers quirky questions about writer habits, procrastination, and the hilarious realities of the creative process. 🎙️At Wingless Dreamer Publisher, our mission is to uplift English literature by providing writers across the world with opportunities through anthologies, writing contests, podcasts, editorial guidance, and creative collaborations. We believe every voice deserves a platform—and every story deserves to be heard.If you love literature, storytelling, and meaningful conversations about writing, this episode is for you.Publisher: https://winglessdreamer.com/Author: https://substack.com/@colemansk#WinglessDreamer #LiteraryPodcast #IdentityInLiterature #Belonging #WritingCommunity #PoetryCommunity #AfricanWriters #EmergingWriters #Storytelling #LiteraryConversation #EnglishLiterature #PodcastForWriters #writerslife