VS Live with Patricia Smith at Chicago Humanities Festival

2023 Statement from the VS team: A short statement from Brittany and Ajanaé regarding current events. by VS

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

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VS Live with Patricia Smith at Chicago Humanities Festival

VS Live with Patricia Smith at Chicago Humanities Festival

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