Yanyi vs. the Personal

FromVS

Start listening View podcast show

Yanyi vs. the Personal

FromVS

ratings:

Length:

49 minutes

Released:

Sep 17, 2019

Format:

Podcast episode

Description

Recorded at the Asian American Literature Festival in DC, Danez and Franny get a glimpse inside the pages and brain of wonderful poet and human Yanyi. They talk bringing their thoughts to the page, the magic of a prose poem, clarity and directness, and more!
NOTE: Make sure you rate us on Apple Podcasts and write us a review!

Released:

Sep 17, 2019

Format:

Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

The VS podcast is a bi-weekly series where poets confront the ideas that move them. Hosted by poets Danez Smith and Franny Choi, produced by Daniel Kisslinger, and presented by the Poetry Foundation and Postloudness.

Skip carousel

Krista Franklin vs. Time Travel: VS wraps up its wonderful first season with the gawd Krista Franklin. The squad hops through time, collapses the continuum, shares some laughs, and ends the first season in style. Plus a very special treat at the end of the episode… by VS
61 min listen
Fatimah Asghar vs. the People by VS
55 min listen
Vs. Ep 0 - Preview: Check out a preview of the new VS podcast. Need a transcript of this episode? Request a transcript here. by VS
3 min listen
Natalie Diaz vs. the Lexicon: Natalie Diaz joins Danez and Franny to talk the talk on love, language, and words creating worlds on episode 5 of VS. by VS
57 min listen
avery r. young vs. the Page: Chicago legend avery r. young comes through the VS studio and takes poetry off the page with Franny and Danez. The discussion bounces from writing in an enclave, to pain and survival, to holding his mule. Plus, a very special performance. by VS
52 min listen
Erika L. Sánchez vs. High School by VS
56 min listen
Eve Ewing Vs. the Apocalypse: Poet, scholar, and community builder Eve Ewing joins cohosts Danez Smith and Franny Choi to talk survival, Samurai Jack, desire-based thinking, and more on the first episode of VS. by VS
52 min listen
ReVS with Eve Ewing: Apocalypse Now by VS
34 min listen
Parneshia Jones vs. 2020: Season 4, y’all! Danez and Franny kick off the new year with Parneshia Jones. Parneshia is the author of Vessel, and serves as Editorial Director for Trade and Engagement at Northwestern University Press. They talk about the unique potential of art-making in this moment, the space she intentionally carves for Black women in the publishing world, the majesty of the front porch, and much more. Plus, a brand new unpublished poem! Poems read by Parneshia: 2020, The Day After Resurrection Under the Moon NOTE: Make sure you rate us on Apple Podcasts and write us a review! by VS
64 min listen
Raych Jackson vs. the Good Books: Raych Jackson swings through the VS studio to talk her win at NUPIC (The National Poetry Individual Competition), the brilliant kidlets in the third grade class she teaches, and remixing biblical tales in her first book, which is in the works. Plus, a new segment makes its debut, with a poem from a VS alum! by VS
50 min listen
Britteney Black Rose Kapri vs. Black Queer Hoetics: Britteney Black Rose Kapri joins Danez and Franny for a hoot of a podcast, in which the squad breaks down Hoe Poetics, the joys and challenges of mentorship, and much, much more. Britteney’s upcoming book Black Queer Hoe, featuring a foreword by Danez, is dropping September 4th, and is available for preorder now. by VS
59 min listen
Jamaal May vs. The Multiverse by VS
58 min listen
Knockouts: Just because the podcast was in between seasons doesn't mean that Franny and Danez stopped being wrecked by the words and ideas around them. Peep some art that's been knocking them out, and subscribe to VS now. Season 2 premiere on the way next Tuesday March 6th Need a transcript of this episode? Request a transcript here. by VS
6 min listen
Franny and Danez's Season 1 Favorite Moments: With Season 2 of VS on the way, Danez and Franny think back to some of their top Season 1 moments. Subscribe now, and listen to VS Season 2 when it premieres on March 6th! Need a transcript of this episode? Request a transcript here. by VS
4 min listen
Kuumba Lynx vs. Transformation: VS gets communal with Jacinda Bullie and Darius Parker of Kuumba Lynx, a youth-focused radical arts organization based in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. The squad talks transformative spaces, becoming an institution, writing joyful poetry, and much more. Four voices in effect! by VS
49 min listen
VS Season 2: Coming March 6!: Franny and Danez get ready for Season 2 of VS, the podcast where poets confront the ideas that move them! Get familiar, and subscribe so that you get the Season 2 premiere when it drops on March 6th! Need a transcript of this episode? Request a transcript here. by VS
2 min listen
José Olivarez vs. Grownups: Poet, educator, and Young Chicago Authors Marketing Director José Olivarez explores adulting and gives some podcast-veteran advice to Danez and Franny. by VS
51 min listen
Nate Marshall vs. Fear: VS hosts Danez and Franny chop it up with poet, editor, professor, and bald-headed cutie Nate Marshall. They discuss the terror of a new book, white supremacist Nate Marshall, masculinity and hero narratives, Voldemort vs. the Joker, and much more. Be sure to subscribe to VS, and leave us a wonderful review on iTunes to help the show grow! by VS
50 min listen
Casey Rocheteau vs. the Deck: Danez and Franny head to Motown and talk with poet, artist, playwright, and self-described sea witch Casey Rocheteau. Together, they write themselves into myth, learn some hidden history, shuffle some cards, and even talk some poetry. by VS
45 min listen
Don Share vs. 150,000 Poems: Don Share is the editor of Poetry Magazine, a poet and translator, and a gem of a human. He chats with Danez and Franny about the mechanics and ethos of his job, Allen Ginsberg editing his first poem, what to do when reading a poem harms someone, and much more. Plus, he reads a poem by Spanish poet Miguel Hernández that is so damn beautiful! NOTE: Make sure you rate us on Apple Podcasts and write us a review! by VS
64 min listen
Emily Jungmin Yoon vs. Femininity by VS
43 min listen
Hanif Abdurraqib & Angel Nafis vs. AWP Live!: VS gets live at AWP, where Danez and Franny hosted a packed show featuring the magnificent Hanif Abdurraqib and Angel Nafis. Hear some poems, some nipple-related discussion, and some rooftop giggles on this episode, recorded in front of a live audience on March 8th, 2018. Need a transcript of this episode? Request a transcript here. by VS
54 min listen
Tarfia Faizullah vs. Beauty by VS
54 min listen
Julian Randall vs. Forgiveness by VS
55 min listen
Cathy Park Hong vs. Triumph: Cathy Park Hong has some thoughts for you, and some thoughts on how best to share them. The poet and essayist talks about her newest essay collection Minor Feelings, waking people up from the American Dream, practicing poetry in the real world, and more. Recorded at the Smithsonian Asian American Poetry Festival in DC–please excuse the “on-location” audio! In this episode, we incorrectly gendered brilliant poet CA Conrad. We apologize for the mistake, and encourage you to check out their work here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/c-a-conrad. NOTE: Make sure you rate us on Apple Podcasts and write us a review! by VS
54 min listen
H. Melt vs. Trans Liberation by VS
53 min listen
Kaveh Akbar vs. Bewilderment: Danez and Franny dive deep with Divedapper creator, poet, professor, and voracious reader Kaveh Akhbar. The squad talks Twitter, trees, memorizing poems while in love, and the Milwaukee Bucks, plus much more. by VS
67 min listen
Kimiko Hahn vs. Portals by VS
55 min listen
Camonghne Felix vs. Romance by VS
61 min listen
VS Live with Fatimah Asghar, José Olivarez, and Paul Tran: Happy new year y’all! VS returns with a special bonus episode to tide you over until Season 3 drops in February. In the meantime, savor and enjoy this live episode with the squad Fatimah Asghar, José Olivarez, and Paul Tran, recorded as part of the Chicago Podcast Festival. Season 3, on the way!!! by VS
60 min listen

More Episodes from VS

Skip carousel

2023 Statement from the VS team: A short statement from Brittany and Ajanaé regarding current events. by VS
2 min listen
Safiya Sinclair vs. The Sea: In today’s episode, Brittany and Ajanae have the pleasure of interviewing Safiya Sinclair. Join them as they discuss the craft of switching to memoir, maintaining self-confidence while navigating academia, what their teenage selves would think of them, and the influence Jamaica has on Safiya’s writing. Until Next Time: Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again! Audre Lorde: AUDRE LORDE | Poetry is Not a Luxury Frida Kahlo: Frida Kahlo: The woman behind the legend - Iseult Gillespie Derek Walcott: Derek Walcott discusses his painting and poetry Writing Prompt: Who are you writing for? Who is coming after you that you hope your work makes a difference for? Write them a letter. by VS
64 min listen
Courtney Faye Taylor vs. Black Girlhood: On today’s episode of VS, Brittany and Ajanae interview Courtney Faye Taylor about their award winning collection Concentrate. Listen in as they discuss writing with an ethic of care, studying oneself as a writer, the nuances of Black girlhood, and the construction of Concentrate. Until Next Time: Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again! Toni Cade Bombara: Toni Cade Bambara Black women’s dialogue: For Our Girls: A Conversation with Black Women | The Conversation Remix A24 Movies: Moonlight | Official Trailer HD | A24 Writing Prompt: What research is vital to the art you are making? Add journal entries to research documents you are collecting. by VS
69 min listen
Willie Lee Kinard III vs. The Choir: Today Brittany and Ajanae interview Willie Lee Kinard III, author of Orders of Service. During this episode, they discuss Willie’s history with music, doublespeak as maximalism, queerness as a foundation for craft choices, and developing a love for the land. Until Next Time: Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again! Lynn Harris: E. Lynn Harris's Biography Mariah Carey: It’s Mariah Carey Season, Darling Kirk Franklin: How Kirk Franklin Revolutionized Gospel And Made Hip-Hop A More Spiritual Place | The FADER Andre 3000: Andre 3000 Says He NEEDS To Create In Rare Interview Writing Prompt: Make a playlist of music that scores your poems. Listen to it while revising a poem. by VS
52 min listen
Samiya Bashir vs. Multiple Mediums: For this episode, Brittany and Ajanae interview Samiya Bashir. During this conversation, they discuss Samiya’s role as Executive Director of Lambda Literary, Black opera, opening the door for queer writers, and writing the poem that unlocks the project. Until Next Time: Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again! Torkwase Dyson: Desert X | Torkwase Dyson David Bowie: david bowie interview 1973 June Jordan : June Jordan -- “Poem about My Rights” Cornelius Eady: Poet Cornelius Eady on exploring the everyday lives of Black people in America Writing Prompt: Write a poem only in dialogue. Title it with the name of a theory or theoretical framework. by VS
55 min listen
Ariana Benson vs The Field: On today’s episode, Brittany and Ajanae speak with 2023 Ruth Lily fellow and author of Black Pastoral, Ariana Benson. Join them for this episode as they discuss nature, artistic influences, sensuality, and soap operas. Until Next Time: Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again! Gwendolyn Brooks: We Real Cool / Gwendolyn Brooks at 100 by The Editors | Poetry Foundation Bob Ross: Why Is Bob Ross Still So Popular 2 Chainz: 2 Chainz Interview - Get Inspired and Go Inside His Nail Salon and Restaurant Writing Prompt: In honor of Ariana Benson’s “Theodicy” series, take any non-human thing and explore what it might believe about God it it could talk. by VS
58 min listen
Victoria Chang vs. Imagination: For their second episode of season 7, Brittany and Ajanae interview Victoria Chang. During this conversation, they discuss following your imagination and creative impulses, trusting your reader to fill in the gaps in a collection, and hidden talents! Until Next Time: Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again! Claudia Rankine: Using poetry to uncover the moments that lead to racism Virginia Woolf: Virginia Woolf Was More Than Just a Women’s Writer | The National Endowment for the Humanities Agnes Martin: Documentary "Between the Lines" about the painter Agnes Martin (trailer) Sharon Olds :Sex, Death, Family: Sharon Olds Is Still Shockingly Intimate Writing Prompt: This week, when you sit down to write, close your eyes and listen for the first line of the poem. Anytime you get stuck, close your eyes and listen again. by VS
65 min listen
Brittany and Ajanae vs. The Audience: For this first episode of Season 7, Brittany and Ajanae decided to answer audience questions generated via social media. Join them as they tackle hot topics, their writing process, how they navigate friendship and business, and much more! Until Next Time: Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode, and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again! The City Girls: City Girls Talk Work Ethic, Chemistry & Loyalty Before The Glow Up...PERIOD | Home Grown Radio The Clark Sisters Transcendent in its Reach Christine Swenson and Aunjanue Ellis on the Clark Sisters Toni Morrison: Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am Writing Prompt: Reflect and set some intentions with us. List 5 things you are proud of. List 3 things you want to do. Write an affirmation and say it everyday for the next two weeks. by VS
53 min listen
Ladan Osman vs. Changing Your Life: Ladan Osman steps into the studio with a knowledge of her journey and a commitment to share. The poet and filmmaker talks about how she has traversed the complex and scarring world of the poetry industry, the ways that she pushed herself toward making different media, what she hopes for the poets emerging in her wake, and much more. Plus, some quality shoutouts to the bees and important postcolonial board game critiques. NOTE: Make sure you rate us on Apple Podcasts and write us a review! by VS
78 min listen
VS Live Aricka Foreman and Tommye Blount vs. Detroit Poetics: To close out season six, Brittany and Ajanae record LIVE in Detroit with guests Aricka Foreman and Tommye Blount. Join them as they discuss the history of the Detroit School of poets, building authentic community, knowing when a project is done, and creating alternate spaces for Black Queer folks to thrive. Until Next Time Here’s some content for you to engage with and 2 writing prompts to keep you entertained until next time! Tommye Blount: Bridget Pegeen Kelly - Remembering Brigit Pegeen Kelly Bill T. Jones - by VS
63 min listen
Jacqui Germain vs. Specificity: Tune in this week as Brittany and Ajanaé interview Jacqui Germain about her debut collection, Bittering the Wound. In this episode, they discuss cartoons as a space of enjoyment, St. Louis as a persona, the intimacy of specificity, and the necessary role of contradictions in everyday life. Until Next Time: Here’s some content for you to engage with and a writing prompt to keep you entertained until next time! Joy James: The Revolution Cannot Be Institutionalized Toni Morrison: Toni Morrison on capturing a mother’s ‘compulsion’ to nurture in ‘Beloved’ Gene from Bob’s Burgers: ‘Bob’s Burgers’ Voice of Gene, Eugene Mirman, Reflects on 200 Episodes Writing prompt: Document a location or a city that is important to you as a character. What is their voice? Aesthetic? Do they have quirks? A favorite food? by VS
60 min listen
Alexis Pauline Gumbs vs. Chasing Awe: On this week’s episode, Brittany and Ajanae sit down with Alexis Pauline Gumbs; during this interview, they discuss the gift of literary inheritance, unlearning the colonial lens, and allowing curiosity and awe to guide one’s research practice. Alexis also discusses the process of writing a biography on Audre Lorde,a longtime teacher and guide. Until Next Time: Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode, and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again! Fannie Lou Hamer- Songs My Mother Taught Me Fred Hampton-Fred Hampton on Revolution And Racism Dionne Brand- History as Imagination: Black Dreaming as Liberation | Project Myopia Writing prompt: For a week, read a poem of a writer you admire every day before writing. by VS
51 min listen
Jos Charles Vs. Younger Jos: On today’s episode, Brittany and Ajanae have the pleasure of interviewing Jos Charles. Over the course of this interview, they discuss finding beauty and healing and revisiting younger versions of ourselves, the ways that neurodivergence shapes our writing practice, and the way that devotion has shifted their poetics over time. We also get a surprise pop in from Jos’ cat, Faye! Until Next Time Edouard Glissant: Homage to Edouard Glissant, Martinique’s whole world poet Johann Sebastian Bach: Trio Sonate No. 5 in C major, BWV 529 (Bach Organ Works in February) Emily Dickinson: Fame is a bee. (1788) by Emily Dickinson | Poetry Foundation by VS
60 min listen
Golden vs. The Self Portrait: In this episode, Ajanae and Brittany spend time in conversation with their guest, Golden; listen as they discuss creating a living archive, their space in the lineage of Black Formalist poets, and the ways that self-portraits have shaped their writing practice. Golden also discusses the process of placing their second collection, and leaning into the vulnerability of writing about the self. Until Next Time: Deana Lawson: Deana Lawson’s Nation Danez Smith: Danez performs Summer Somewhere Golden’s family: BTS Glimpse at Golden's Family Archive by VS
64 min listen
Toi Derricotte vs. Stillness: This week, Ajanae and Brittany have the honor of interviewing Toi Derricotte. The trio speak candidly about preparing for death, the complexity of being a Black women poet, and the origin story of Cave Canem. They also explore the importance of community, trust, and intimacy as tools for survival. Until Next Time: Ruth Stone: Ruth Stone's Vast Library of The Female Mind Galway Kinnell: Wait Lucille Clifton: On What Poetry Is James Baldwin: From Meeting the Man Writing Prompt: While we wait for the next episode, we challenge you to set your intentions by writing a haiku each morning! by VS
55 min listen
Jericho Vs. Process of Elimination: Brittany and Ajanae conclude their mini-tour of the South by interviewing Jericho Brown; in this conversation, the trio discuss breaking bad writing habits, navigating career longevity, and the things that bring them delight (spoiler alert: friendship, r&b and Beyoncé are on the list)! Until Next Time: Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode, and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again! Earth Wind and Fire: Fantasy Poet’s of the late 1950’s The Black Church: The Role of Music Prompt: Make a playlist of the music that has most deeply shaped your writing. by VS
54 min listen
Mia S. Willis vs. The Black Proverb by VS
64 min listen
Maya Marshall vs. Priorities: Join us this week in Atlanta, where Brittany and Ajanae sit down with Maya Marshall to discuss Maya’s debut collection, All the Blood Involved in Love (Haymarket Press). This conversation centers around choice, obligation and priorities, both on and off the page. Listen as they navigate falling in love, managing illness, choosing between work and family, and much more! Until Next Time: Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode, and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again! Charles Bukowski: The Difference Between a Bad Poet and a Good one is Luck Nina Simone: Nina Simone Little girl blue Black Woman Barista at Coffee Shop Writing Prompt: Write a poem where the reader gets to choose their own ending. This may involve writing the poem in multiple stanzas or sections and asking the reader to skip ahead. by VS
52 min listen
Naomi Shihab Nye vs. Secret Lives: This week, Brittany and Ajanae talk with guest Naomi Shihab Nye about the joy and wonder of youth, poets as vessels, editing as an act of devotion, and the complexity of becoming multiple selves over the course of a lifetime. Join them as they process the possibilities that can emerge over a lifetime of being immersed in poetry. Until Next Time Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode, and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again! Carl Sandburg: Carl Sandburg- Poet of the People Mahmoud Darwish: To a Young Poet by Mahmoud Darwish | Poetry Magazine E.B white: All nearness pauses while a star can grow Prompt: Create a map. Make each plot point a past, current or future version of yourself. What is significant about each location? by VS
56 min listen
Lupe Mendez vs. Reverence: On this week’s episode, Brittany and Ajanae continue their mini tour of the South in Houston, Texas. Next, they talk with Texas Poet Laureate Lupe Mendez about familial responsibility, masculinity, education, and the preservation of memory. Until Next Time: Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode, and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again! José Alfredo Jiménez - El Ultimo Trago Janet Jackson - Rhythm Nation Sylvia Plath - Daddy Prompt: Write a singular moment or story from three separate generations of your family. The stories do not have to have any obvious connection. by VS
62 min listen
Joy Priest vs. Absurdity: On this week’s episode, Brittany and Ajanae travel to Houston, Texas for the first interview of their (mini) South tour. There, they talk with Joy Priest about landscape, road trips, the process of creating, putting together a collection, and what happens when Blackness meets theory. Until Next Time: Here are some pieces of media to accompany your experience of the episode, and a writing prompt to tide you over until we meet again! Read: Sharon Olds - “The Unborn” “After Making Love in Winter” Patricia Smith - “When Burning Begins” Terrence Hayes - “American Sonnet for My Past and Future Assasin” Prompt: Write your own theory of living. Consider: What things must be present for you to feel sustained? What truths ground you? What are the facts that make you possible? by VS
50 min listen
Joy Priest vs. Absurdity by VS
50 min listen
Wes Matthews vs. Wonder: In this episode, Wes reflects on his transition from being a youth to adulthood as it relates to the poetry scene, level of empathy, and approach to wonder. by VS
54 min listen
Kemi Alabi vs Divinity by VS
54 min listen
Remica L Bingham-Risher vs, Memory: Remica Bingham-Risher’s reverence for love and relationship is tangible in her work. The author of Soul Culture, Starlight & Error, What We Ask of Flesh, and Conversion talks with Brittany and Ajanaé about the necessity of Black women curating the archive and the value of interiority. by VS
42 min listen
Danez & Franny VS Getting Grown: Franny and Danez grace us with insight on being grown and dreaming toward the future. These former VS hosts talk with Brittany and Ajanaé about the way sobriety, domesticity, and clarity about their identities as writers is shaping their lives. by VS
65 min listen
Roll Call: Three Castles and the Music City: In October of 1871, the oldest University in Nashville TN, teetered on the brink of collapse. To survive, Fisk University staked its last $40 on a set of field hymns and 10 descendants of American slavery. The singing group carried melodies their families shared in secret from the cotton fields of middle Tennessee to the high court of the Queen of England. The landmark tours of the Fisk Jubilee Singers rescued a university, gave Nashville its identity, and set the course of American music. One hundred fifty years later the journey of the Fisk Jubilee Singers continues. Immerse yourself in the music and voices of the original chorus and hear how their stories are transformed through poetry in this one-hour special “Three Castles and the Music City.” Produced in partnership with Nashville Public Radio [WPLN] Hosted by: Destiny Birdsong Co-Written and Produced by: Joshua Moore and Colleen Phelps Editing by: Anita Bugg Transcription by: Ayind by VS
60 min listen
All The Apostles are Black, All the Saints Queer, and All of Them Are Brave (Pt.2): All The Apostles are Black, All the Saints Queer, and All of Them Are Brave: towards a queer canon (Pt.2) Hello, hi Beloveds! Welcome back to the second installment of our Roll Call episode. We are your hosts, Kopano Maroga and Maneo Mohale, and we are sluts for history and sluts for discourse and are going to be picking the brains of our fabulous guests Koleka Putuma (featured in part 1) and Nakhane (featured in part 2) speaking all things blackness, South Africanness, craft, microaggressions, white twinks and black queer ancestors. We are joined in these episodes by voicenote interludes from black, queer South African artists Gugulethu Duma (aka Dumama who opens and closes the show), Lindiwe Mngxitama and Kneo Mokgopa. Special thanks to our magnificent producer, Maia McDonald, and our generous mentors, Danez Smith and Jenna Wortham, for holding space for us and holding our hands through the process. by VS
51 min listen
All The Apostles are Black, All the Saints Queer, and All of Them Are Brave (Pt. 1): All The Apostles are Black, All the Saints Queer, and All of Them Are Brave: towards a queer canon (Pt.1) Hello, hi Beloveds! We are Kopano Maroga and Maneo Mohale and we have the absolute honour of hosting this 2 part episode of Roll Call for you produced by the Poetry Foundation. We are sluts for history and sluts for discourse and are going to be picking the brains of our fabulous guests Koleka Putuma (featured in part 1) and Nakhane (featured in part 2) speaking all things blackness in these episodes. South Africanness, craft, microaggressions, white twinks and black queer ancestors. We are joined in these episodes by voicenote interludes from black, queer South African artists Gugulethu Duma (aka Dumama who opens and closes the show), Lindiwe Mngxitama and Kneo Mokgopa. Special thanks to our magnificent producer, Maia McDonald, and our generous mentors, Danez Smith and Jenna Wortham, for holding by VS
48 min listen
Roll Call: Gabrielle Civil vs. Black Time or the déjà vu: In this episode, black feminist poet and performance artist Gabrielle Civil grapples with the slippery, urgent nature of black time, what she calls the déjà vu. She talks to fellow poets Rashidah Ismaili and jayy dodd, scholar Michelle M. Wright, and visionary six year old Naima about poetry and history, memories and the future. This episode offers sonic experiments, spotlight readings, and intimate chats to bring the déjà vu alive. (Also check out Gabrielle’s new book the déjà vu, available 2/22/22.) Hosted by: Gabrielle Civil Featuring: Rashidah Ismaili, jayy dodd, Michelle M. Wright and Naima Produced by: Tyree Rush Transcription by: Kristen Jeré Poets: Octavia Butler Nikki Giovanni Alexis Pauline Gumbs by VS
35 min listen

Related podcast episodes

Skip carousel

Ilya Kaminsky vs. The Republic by VS
57 min listen
VS Live in Mississippi w/ Helene Achanzar, Beth Ann Fennelly, and Aimee Nezhukumatathil: VS wraps up its visit to Oxford, Mississippi with a dynamite live show featuring the wonderful poets Helene Achanzar, Beth Ann Fennelly, and Aimee Nezhukumatathil. Recorded at Off Square Books in Downtown Oxford, the squad shares their poems as well as some selected operatic insights, penis-photo literature, and narwhal factoids! Get into it! NOTE: Make sure you rate us on Apple Podcasts and write us a review! by VS
48 min listen
Wo Chan vs. Drag: If hearing the brilliant Wo Chan talk with Danez and Franny about the mystical ritual of drag isn’t enough for you, maybe the spoiler alert that this episode is the first in VS history to need a crying break for all participants will get you to push that play button. Wo talks about the similarities of drag and poetry, the extreme loneliness of a childhood spent at Table 4a, and much more. Recorded at the Smithsonian Asian American Literature Festival! NOTE: Make sure you rate us on Apple Podcasts and write us a review! by VS
40 min listen
Sarah Kay vs. Sarah: We’re dancing in the reflection pool with the inimitable Sarah Kay. On this penultimate interview led by Franny and Danez, the magnificent poet and poetry community member talks about what happened when she turned internal in the pandemic, the relationship between public persona and personal growth, and the gift of connecting with the form that she’s trying to pay forward to as many people as possible. Savor this convo, pals–we’re almost at the end of the road! NOTE: Make sure you rate us on Apple Podcasts and write us a review! Need a transcript of this episode? Request a transcript here. by VS
90 min listen
Pat Frazier vs. Solitude: Pat Frazier is the National Youth Poet Laureate of these here United States, and alone. Franny and Danez talk with Pat about the fertile soil of solitude, falling in love with horror movies, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and more. Plus, a poem about titties! NOTE: Make sure you rate us on Apple Podcasts and write us a review! by VS
52 min listen
VS Live at the Asian American Literature Festival with Cathy Linh Che, Joseph Legaspi, and Sarah Gambito: Live from the Asian American Literature Festival, it’s VS! Danez and Franny talk with Cathy Linh Che, Joseph Legaspi, and Sarah Gambito about the remarkable work they’ve done building and maintaining Kundiman. Plus we hear some beautiful poems by all three guests, and some truly excellent shade is thrown. NOTE: Make sure you rate us on Apple Podcasts and write us a review! by VS
54 min listen
Cathy Park Hong vs. Triumph: Cathy Park Hong has some thoughts for you, and some thoughts on how best to share them. The poet and essayist talks about her newest essay collection Minor Feelings, waking people up from the American Dream, practicing poetry in the real world, and more. Recorded at the Smithsonian Asian American Poetry Festival in DC–please excuse the “on-location” audio! In this episode, we incorrectly gendered brilliant poet CA Conrad. We apologize for the mistake, and encourage you to check out their work here: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/c-a-conrad. NOTE: Make sure you rate us on Apple Podcasts and write us a review! by VS
54 min listen
Cynthia Dewi Oka vs. Spectacle: Cynthia Dewi Oka writes across generations, and what emerges is spectacular. The poet talks with Franny and Danez about flipping spectacle on its head as a way of subverting power, bringing both her mother and her son into the creative process, writing surreality as a young mother, and much more. This is a gem, y’all! NOTE: Make sure you rate us on Apple Podcasts and write us a review! by VS
70 min listen
Grandma Turned Me into a Ghost: Anelise Chen tells her story of how she became a ghost by Sidedoor
21 min listen
John Murillo vs. The Business: Danez and Franny hop on the ole zoom zoom with legendary poet and beard icon John Murillo. John talks about his new book Kontemporary Amerikan Poetry, learning how to focus on the work instead of po-biz, remembering who he writes for, and much more. Plus, a hilarious story involving a staged adulterous act. NOTE: Make sure you rate us on Apple Podcasts and write us a review! by VS
65 min listen
Parneshia Jones vs. 2020: Season 4, y’all! Danez and Franny kick off the new year with Parneshia Jones. Parneshia is the author of Vessel, and serves as Editorial Director for Trade and Engagement at Northwestern University Press. They talk about the unique potential of art-making in this moment, the space she intentionally carves for Black women in the publishing world, the majesty of the front porch, and much more. Plus, a brand new unpublished poem! Poems read by Parneshia: 2020, The Day After Resurrection Under the Moon NOTE: Make sure you rate us on Apple Podcasts and write us a review! by VS
64 min listen
Introducing Ten Thousand Things: Book by Books and Boba
25 min listen
Silly Little Goose with Hanif Abdurraqib by Gayotic with MUNA
61 min listen
Frederick Luis Aldama, "Graphic Indigeneity: Comics in the Americas and Australasia" (UP of Mississippi, 2020): Almada presents a comprehensive collection examining Indigenous comic book artists and the history of representations of Indigenous peoples throughout comic book history.... by New Books in Literary Studies
52 min listen
Paige Lewis vs. Tiny Things by VS
71 min listen
"Just a Bunch of Ohio Boys" with Zach Adkins by DRAMA. with Connor & Dylan MacDowell
44 min listen
VS Live with Patricia Smith at Chicago Humanities Festival: Season 3 of VS goes out with a bang! Franny and Danez take the stage as part of the Chicago Humanities Festival with the true gawd of this poetry world Patricia Smith. They talk about the most bone-chilling prompt ever, discuss form as a way to invite readers into the room, and finally settle the page vs. stage question once and for all. VS will return in early 2020! In the meantime, jump into the archives and enjoy three seasons of amazing conversations. NOTE: Make sure you rate us on Apple Podcasts and write us a review! by VS
62 min listen
Read By: Anne Carson: Anne Carson on her selection: Edwin Denby is a pleasure and an education to read.  He lived from 1903 to 1983 and wrote dance criticism, more general cultural criticism, and poetry. His observation of what happens on stage is so punctilious, his... by 92Y's Read By
16 min listen
Airea D. Matthews vs. What Haunts: Airea D. Matthews knows her ghosts. The poet and professor talks with Franny and Danez about the spectres and phantasms that live in her work, the ways she wants her poems to exist beyond paper and ink, the journey back to her original name. Plus, a dollop of Greek myth on top! NOTE: Make sure you rate us on Apple Podcasts and write us a review! by VS
65 min listen
Julian Randall vs. Forgiveness by VS
55 min listen
Anne Lounsbery, "Life is Elsewhere: Symbolic Geography in the Russian Provinces" (Cornell UP, 2019): Lounsbery investigates the long-standing trope of the “provinces” – an imaginary space of static non-modernity where time stands still and where residents nurse an inferiority complex... by New Books in Literary Studies
71 min listen
The Stories of J.F. Powers by Particular Good
53 min listen
Aria Aber vs. Ruins: Aria Aber knows how to find the space between the buildings, the beauty in the ruins. The poet talks with Franny and Danez about her masterful book Hard Damage, sharing the fragments of her past with her family, writing toward city and landscape, and much more. NOTE: Make sure you rate us on Apple Podcasts and write us a review! by VS
63 min listen
The Diné Reader: An Anthology of Navajo Literature: An interview with Esther G. Belin and Jeff Berglund by The Academic Life
61 min listen
The Diné Reader: An Anthology of Navajo Literature: An interview with Esther G. Belin and Jeff Berglund by New Books in Literary Studies
61 min listen
Episode 7 - "The Dragon Waiting" by John M. Ford (feat. Eden from Death//Sentence) by The Infinite Library
77 min listen
Ceremony & Beauty: The Pillow Book of Sei Shōnagon: What is it to write? What roles do ceremony, beauty, and material play in the act of writing? Not only is The Pillow Book of Sei Shōnagon an early classic of Japanese literature, written in the 10th century by a lady of the Heian-era court, it is al... by Continuing the Conversation: a Great Books podcast by St. John’s College
53 min listen
The Quarantine Tapes 061: Natalie Diaz: “One way that I am looking at truth is that it’s a way of being asleep. As soon as something becomes true, there’s a way that I quit making inquiry or that I quit asking questions of it. Truth is also something that is gathered and then it becomes a power. When things become powers, solidified powers, that’s when I really question them.” - Natalie Diaz by The Quarantine Tapes
30 min listen
Episode 122: Nichole Perkins: In conversation with Maris Kreizman by The Maris Review
40 min listen
Mark Bender and Aku Wuwu, trans., "The Nuosu Book of Origins: A Creation Epic from Southwest China" (U Washington Press, 2019): An interview with Mark Bender by New Books in Religion
63 min listen

Discover this podcast and so much more

Yanyi vs. the Personal

Yanyi vs. the Personal

Description

Titles in the series (100)

More Episodes from VS

Related podcast episodes