The Poetry Lab Podcast

In her debut episode, new host Ravina Wadhwani gets real about a struggle many creatives face: standing in our own way. With warmth and vulnerability, she reflects on impostor syndrome, self-sabotage, and the pressure to succeed even when we’ve already achieved so much. This episode is a compassionate reminder that your magic deserves room to breathe, and you are not alone in this work.

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Sharing your poems aloud can feel intimidating, even though poetry is rooted in oral tradition. In this episode, host bridgette bianca offers practical tips for reading your work with confidence and clarity, along with heartfelt advice on how to connect with your voice and your audience on stage.

Visit thepoetrylab.com to find the Show Notes for this episode. The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Lori Walker and Daniel...

What if yoga could boost your writing practice? In this episode, Lori explores how movement and mindfulness can support your creativity. She shares the unique benefits of yoga for writers and walks you through a simple, seated sequence you can do right at your desk—no mat required.

Visit thepoetrylab.com to find the Show Notes for this episode. The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Lori Walker and Danielle Mitchell. Ho...

In this episode of The Poetry Lab Podcast, we meet new host Leonora Simonovis (Leo), who brings us into her world as a writer living in exile. She reflects on how creative practice becomes a form of resistance and invites you to explore your own. Through personal insight and gentle guidance, Leo models everyday acts of resilience and reminds us that showing up with intention is its own kind of power.

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Feeling overwhelmed? In this episode, Lori shares quick, effective self-care tools to help writers stay grounded and creative, even in chaotic times. Learn how to check in with yourself, calm your mind, and build a self-care routine that actually works.

Visit thepoetrylab.com to find the Show Notes for this episode. The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Lori Walker and Danielle Mitchell. Hosted by Danielle...

Looking to fill your library’s poetry section with more diverse, exciting reads? In this episode, learn the step-by-step process for suggesting poetry books to your local library. Your recommendations can bring indie authors and fresh voices into the spotlight—and make poetry more accessible to your community.

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Many authors are surprised to learn they have to market their books. While a book launch can be uncomfortable, it’s necessary to sell books. In this episode, Lori walks you through how to bootstrap your book launch. She tells you what you need to set up ASAP and how to create a timeline so that your launch runs smoothly. But because book launching is such a big topic, she’s also shared some of her favorite resources to help you lea...

What is the role of the writer when the world feels like it’s on fire? In this episode, poet and professor bridgette bianca shares how she rediscovered her creative spark during challenging times. Drawing on wisdom from Baldwin, Giovanni, and Sanchez, she offers insights on how writers can turn hardship into inspiration and keep creating, even when it's tough.

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Breaking free from genre constraints can expand your creative possibilities. In this episode, we explore how writers working in multiple forms can transition between genres successfully, inspired by Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter. With mini case studies and practical insights, we offer valuable lessons for poets, novelists, and non-fiction writers looking to embrace new creative paths.

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Many writers wonder, “Do I really need to be on social media?” The short answer is yes! But how do you stand out? In this episode, Lori shares how writers can optimize their social media presence, particularly on Instagram and TikTok. She covers the importance of choosing the right profile picture and crafting a strong bio. She dives into how to develop a content strategy. Finally, she emphasizes the importance of engagement and co...

In this episode Lori shares some of her favorite activities for engaging with autumn. These ideas highlight some of the best of what autumn has to offer. Plus! visit the show notes page for Lori's delicious chili recipe. 

Whether you partake in these ideas or they spark new ideas, the goal is to fill your cup so you can create some new art.

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Explore five key strategies for creating attention-grabbing, meaningful poem titles. Whether your titles come easily or feel like the final battle in your revision process, we’ll find you some practical tactics to use the next time you need the perfect title. Stay tuned to the end where Danielle shares a special bonus prompt to guide you when you’re stuck, inspired by the mentoring of poet Shira Erlichman.

Ever wonder how to turn seemingly random words into a powerful poem? In this episode, bridgette bianca introduces you to the art of collage poetry, guiding you step-by-step through the process of creating your own. You’ll hear her build a poem live on the podcast and learn about four occasions when collage poetry can elevate your writing.

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In this episode, we explore five common mistakes new writers make during the submissions process and how to avoid them. From crafting the perfect bio note to navigating correspondence with editors, let’s demystify the submissions process by making these minor tweaks to your publication strategy.

Visit thepoetrylab.com to find the Show Notes for this episode. The Poetry Lab Podcast is prod...

What is a writing sprint and how can they enhance your writing productivity? In this episode, Lori explains how you can overcome writer’s block and generate a lot of words for your project. She covers the essentials of planning a writing sprint and practical tips to help set you up for success. Writing sprints are highly adaptable and allow writers to experiment with different ways of engaging with their craft and making progress o...

Where are the free, reliable resources that elevate your writing game without breaking the bank? In this episode, we explore our top writing tools, from Grammarly to free Craft Chapbooks, our favorite poetry-centric podcasts to the best of BookTok. Whether you’re an emerging poet or a seasoned writer, it won’t hurt to refresh yourself on these practical tips and resources designed to help you thrive.

In this episode, bridgette takes inspiration from Ntozake Shange’s 1976 choreopoem, for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf and compiles a list of five collections by Black women that you should know. Listen in as bridgette chooses one collection from each of the past five years and explains why you should know it.

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In this episode, Lori shares six books she loves to help boost your creativity. We’ve all had creative dry spells, but immersing yourself in the creative struggles and triumphs of other writers can help. The best creative books remind you that inspiration is everything, you only have to be yourself, you are not alone, and creating doesn’t have to be painful. Stick around for a bonus inspiration exercise. Whether in a c...

Meet poet and professor, bridgette bianca. In this episode, bridgette shares how a chance encounter with E. Ethelbert Miller led to a deeper reflection on her future, leading her to get an MFA instead of pursuing a doctorate in English. For bridgette, landing a tenure track position at a community college opened her up to be able to draft her debut collection, be/trouble. If the educational path calls to you, listen fo...