Poet Up

Jul 31, 2026 · 1h 30m

 summaryIn this episode, poet and community engager Sade shares her journey from writing short stories to performing poetry, her insights on the Charlotte poetry scene, and her upcoming album 'The Fanged Fairy.' We explore themes of authenticity, community, and the importance of supporting each other's growth. keywordsPoetry, Charlotte, community, spoken word, music, art, collaboration, authenticity, growth, mental healthChapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:08 PoetUp introduces the episode and guest01:03 The chin strap story and lessons on natural oils05:07 Celebrating Sade's diverse artistic talents08:28 Sade's background from Mobile, Alabama09:20 Starting in poetry and her first poem14:18 Entering the Charlotte poetry scene16:13 Community engagement and supporting others17:37 The beauty of art and sincerity19:43 Poetry competitions and crash outs26:41 Impact of marriage and healing in her work31:31 Challenges in Charlotte's poetry community36:07 Growth, collaboration, and community support43:27 Supporting each other's success49:46 Building a collective and overcoming ego01:00:04 Manifestation and future collaborations01:01:04 That's Cap segment: ranking dance moves and scenes01:08:00 Ranking scenes: World Cup, music, and poetry01:14:01 Sports, fandom, and cultural impact01:19:51 Sade's music career and upcoming album01:22:22 Promoting her upcoming features and projects01:23:49 Freestyle segment and creative expression01:33:19 Closing remarks and gratitudeFreestyle Beat:  Snake BeatsPoetUp Crew: Twitter/X: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @MrBluz @jayward2030IG: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @bluzbluzbluz @jward 2030Facebook: @PoetUpPodcastEmail us: thepoetuppodcast@gmail.comRate us, review us tell a friend to tell a friend about us.Thank you for listening 

Jun 26, 2026 · 1h 37m

In this episode, Mad Skillz shares his journey from childhood to hip hop stardom, emphasizing the importance of preparation, authenticity, and resilience in the music industry. He discusses his early influences, the grind of building a career, and insights into the culture of hip hop. Mad Skillz shares his journey from hip hop artist to spoken word poet, his experiences with Grammy nominations, and the importance of authenticity and community in art. We explore the evolution of spoken word, the significance of representation, and the power of perseverance in creative pursuits. keywordsHip Hop, Rap, Music Industry, Artist Journey, Creativity, Preparation, Resilience, North Carolina, Virginia, Hip Hop Culture Mad Skillz, spoken word, Grammy, hip hop, poetry, creativity, community, representation, perseverance, artistryChapters00:00 Introduction to Mad Skillz05:01 The Early Days of Hip-Hop08:03 First Experiences with Performance11:07 The Journey of Self-Expression14:07 Growing Up in Fayetteville and Richmond17:06 The Turning Point in His Career20:02 Taking Hip-Hop Seriously23:16 The Art of Freestyling25:52 The Journey to Success29:00 The Reality of Fame and Struggles32:43 Performing for the First Time35:06 The Pressure of Freestyling43:43 Transitioning to Spoken Word Poetry49:19 Navigating the Grammy Journey52:54 The Impact of Vulnerability in Poetry56:55 Raising the Bar for Spoken Word58:21 The Importance of Sustaining the Spoken Word Category01:02:13 Transformations and Intentions in Poetry01:14:27 From Loss to Inspiration: The Birth of 'Words for Days'01:17:07 The Art of the Pivot in Music01:18:04 Dreams and Aspirations in the Music Industry01:19:06 Cultural Kinship and Representation01:20:01 The Collective Journey to Recognition01:21:09 The Significance of Awards and Acknowledgment01:23:00 The Importance of Community and Support01:24:07 Mentorship and Guiding the Next Generation01:26:15 Manifesting Dreams and Future Goals01:29:10 Freestyling and Creative ExpressionFreestyle Beat: Snake BeatsPoetUp Crew: Twitter/X: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @MrBluz @jayward2030IG: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @bluzbluzbluz @jward 2030Facebook: @PoetUpPodcastEmail us: thepoetuppodcast@gmail.comRate us, review us tell a friend to tell a friend about us.Thank you for listening 

May 1, 2026 · 1h 46m

summaryIn this engaging interview, Black Chakra shares his journey from hip-hop to spoken word, the importance of critique and strategy in slam poetry, and the sacrifices behind success. Discover insights on the evolution of poetry, the role of competition, and how to grow as an artist. In this engaging interview, Black Chakra shares insights on poetry, slam culture, style, and the importance of originality. He discusses his journey, the significance of maintaining unique voice, and offers practical advice for aspiring poets and performers.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties03:55 The Birth and Death of Drunk J03:56 Introducing Black Chakra05:36 The Journey of Black Chakra into Writing09:55 The Evolution of Poetry and Slam Competitions13:25 First Love Poem and Early Competitions22:00 The Impact of Slam Poetry24:09 Confessions of a Young Poet24:39 The Journey of a Slam Poet28:01 Facing Criticism and Growth32:28 The Importance of Mentorship35:25 Understanding the Game of Slam38:29 The Price of Success43:41 Transforming Trauma into Art48:12 Accessibility in Poetry and Mentorship51:38 The Importance of Roles in Poetry Groups52:58 Investing in Coaching for Poets55:23 The Evolution of Spoken Word and Rap55:31 The Unique Voices in Poetry59:06 Imitation vs. Originality in Poetry01:01:16 The Power of Performance in Slam Poetry01:07:17 The Game of Slam Poetry01:09:11 Community and Support in Poetry Circles01:12:11 The Legacy of Slam Teams and Championships01:24:09 Travel Tales and Team Dynamics01:26:33 Grim Jackson: The Legend and His Antics01:28:31 The Cringe and Comedy of Grim's Performances01:31:34 Pop Culture and Movie Rankings01:36:23 Freestyling and Creative Expression01:45:16 Shoutouts and Closing ThoughtsPoetUp Crew: Twitter/X: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @MrBluz @jayward2030IG: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @bluzbluzbluz @jward 2030Facebook: @PoetUpPodcastEmail us: thepoetuppodcast@gmail.comRate us, review us tell a friend to tell a friend about us.Thank you for listening 

Mar 27, 2026 · 1h 25m

 summaryIn this engaging interview, Steph Love shares her journey from writing elementary school poetry to winning a Grammy for her spoken word album with Skillz. She discusses her experiences in the poetry scene, hosting open mics, and her memorable moments at the Grammys, offering valuable insights for aspiring artists. In this engaging interview, Steph Love shares her journey from slam poetry to Grammy recognition, discusses Virginia's unique artistic scene, and plays fun games that reveal insights into the poetry community and industry. Discover how Virginia artists are making waves and the importance of history and community in artistic success. keywordsPoetry, Spoken Word, Grammy, Poetry Scene, Open Mic, Slam, Music Collaboration, Artist Journey, Poetry Tips, Music Awards Poetry, Grammy, Virginia artists, Slam poetry, Music industry, Poetry community, Awards, Virginia scene, Artistic success, InterviewsChapters00:00 The Hot Dog Water Story04:18 Introducing Steph Love07:43 Steph Love's Poetic Journey12:51 The Evolution of Hosting23:11 Advice for Aspiring Hosts24:53 Memorable Slam Experiences32:12 Slam Poetry Experiences and Judging Dynamics35:38 Transitioning to Grammy Conversations35:54 Mad Skills and the Poetry Community36:29 Collaboration and Artistic Integrity38:10 The Journey to the Grammys40:51 Acceptance Speech and Its Impact43:21 The Excitement of the Grammy Experience49:13 Reflections on Virginia's Artistic Identity59:05 The Grammy Conversation: Who Deserves Recognition?59:59 Becoming a Grammy Voter: The Path to Influence01:00:30 Virginia's Grammy History: A Competitive Landscape01:01:55 Blind Ranking: Virginia Slam Teams Showdown01:08:06 The Best Virginia Poet: A Messy Debate01:10:51 North Carolina vs. Virginia: The Poet Showdown01:15:55 Retirement from Slam: A New Chapter for Steph Love01:17:15 Freestyle Challenge: The Final Showdown resourcesSkillz Grammy-winning album - https://www.amazon.com/Skillz-AlbumPoetry Slam Resources - https://poetryslam.comSteph Love's Bandcamp - https://parksandrecs.bandcamp.comPoet Up Podcast - https://podcastlink.comSteph Love on Instagram - https://instagram.com/slfivSteph Love on TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@sl5Steph Love's Website - https://sl5designs.comPoet Up Podcast - https://podcastlink.com

Feb 27, 2026 · 1h 18m

Keywordspoetry, storytelling, creativity, family dynamics, community, writing, identity, humor, faith, artistic expression, poetry, poets of color, HBCU, PWI, Black History Month, community, cultural shock, living poets, manuscript coaching, poetry opportunitiesSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Poet Up and Candace G. Wiley explore the intersections of humor, creativity, and personal experiences in writing. We discuss the importance of community in the poetry world, the impact of family dynamics on artistic expression, and the role of religion in shaping their narratives. Candace shares her journey from childhood poetry to her current work, emphasizing the significance of supportive relationships and the creation of spaces like The Watering Hole for diverse voices in the literary community. In this engaging conversation, Candace and the guys explore the definition of a poet, the importance of recognizing living poets of color, and the cultural shock experienced when transitioning from HBCUs to PWIs. We reflect on the historical context of universities, especially regarding their ties to slavery, and discuss the significance of Black History Month. The conversation also highlights opportunities for poets through the Watering Hole and includes a fun game segment, culminating in a freestyle session that showcases their creativity and camaraderie.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties00:45 The Raccoon Incident: A Comedic Tale03:33 Welcoming Candace Wiley: A Creative Force05:39 Drinks and Origins: Candace's First Poem07:59 Exploring Themes of Faith and Identity11:03 Childhood Memories: Marriage at a Young Age12:24 Growing Up in a Restrictive Environment14:25 Rewriting Biblical Stories: A Creative Journey17:10 Navigating Parental Expectations and Artistic Freedom20:47 The Impact of Sharing Poetry with Family23:32 Reflections on Parenting and Creativity27:16 The Watering Hole: A Creative Community28:48 The Value of Community Education32:55 Creating The Watering Hole36:38 The Intersection of Spoken and Written Poetry36:59 Navigating the Poetry Landscape45:25 The Legacy of Black Poets47:10 Transitioning from HBCU to PWI57:56 The Power of Dreams and Unity01:01:26 Contrasting Leaders: Malcolm X vs. Martin Luther King Jr.01:04:20 The Role of White Allies in the Movement01:06:15 Opportunities in Poetry: The Watering Hole01:13:28 Freestyle Challenge and Closing ThoughtsFreestyle Beat: MallChiPoetUp Crew: Twitter/X: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @MrBluz @jayward2030IG: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @bluzbluzbluz @jward 2030Facebook: @PoetUpPodcastEmail us: thepoetuppodcast@gmail.comRate us, review us tell a friend to tell a friend about us.Thank you for listening 

Jan 30, 2026 · 1h 53m

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, we chat with Steven Willis and explore the evolution of poetry, the impact of the New York scene, and the challenges faced by contemporary poets. We discuss the significance of trauma poetry, the importance of diversifying styles, and the balance between artistic integrity and commercial success. Steven shares his personal journey, the lessons learned from competition, and the need for poets to understand their worth in the industry. In this engaging conversation, we delve into the competitive nature of slam poetry, discussing the importance of facing the best poets and the evolving dynamics of judging in slam competitions. We explore the challenges of maintaining anonymity among judges and the impact of audience expectations on performance. The discussion also touches on the Mount Rushmore of poets, recognizing both celebrated and underappreciated voices in the poetry community. Chapters01:15 Personal Stories and Compliments07:18 Stephen's Journey into Poetry10:18 The Evolution of Stephen's Stage Name13:18 New York: The City of Poetry Challenges16:13 The Impact of Competition on Growth19:16 The Changing Landscape of Poetry Post-Pandemic21:48 Regional Influences in Contemporary Poetry24:47 Top White Poets and Their Influence26:19 Exploring Poetic Themes and Styles28:34 The Importance of Study and Archiving in Poetry30:43 The Balance of Slam Poetry and Personal Growth33:30 The Debate on Trauma Poetry38:35 Navigating the Corporate Side of Poetry45:38 The Value of Versatility in Poetry49:48 Self-Reflection and Authenticity in Poetic Expression58:11 Facing the Best: The Competitive Spirit in Slam Poetry01:01:04 The Evolution of Slam: Anonymity and Judging Dynamics01:05:52 The Pressure of Performance: Expectations and New Work01:11:05 Mount Rushmore of Poets: Personal Favorites and Under-Recognized Voices01:17:25 Trivia Time: Testing Knowledge in the Poetry Community01:25:46 The Battle of the Rappers: Kendrick vs. Drake01:36:22 The Evolution of Hip-Hop: Standards and Hypocrisy01:41:40 Cultural Context in Rap Battles01:45:07 Final Thoughts and Freestyle SessionSteven Willis Info: PoetUp Crew: Twitter/X: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @MrBluz @jayward2030IG: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @bluzbluzbluz @jward 2030Facebook: @PoetUpPodcastEmail us: thepoetuppodcast@gmail.comRate us, review us tell a friend to tell a friend about us.Thank you for listening 

Oct 31, 2025 · 1h 11m

SummaryIn this episode of the Poet Up Podcast, we engage in a lively discussion about racial unity, personal experiences at concerts, and the journey into poetry. We explore how education and performance shape a poet's career, the importance of business acumen in the arts, and the influence of military life on creativity. The conversation also touches on community engagement and the diverse avenues available in the poetry scene. This conversation explores the journey of Josephus and the evolution of the Poetry Cafe, highlighting the importance of community, networking, and overcoming adversity in the arts. From its inception in 2009 to its expansion into a radio show and national platform, the discussion emphasizes the significance of local investment and the potential for international opportunities. Josephus shares personal anecdotes about challenges faced and the lessons learned, ultimately inspiring listeners to embrace growth and creativity in their own artistic endeavors. In this engaging conversation, we explore the importance of community in poetry, the value of language learning, and the significance of supporting artists through album purchases. We discuss the Grammy spoken word category, the journey of creating an album, and of course, we freestyle.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Life Updates04:25 Exploring the Journey into Poetry09:36 Transitioning from Hobby to Profession13:50 Connecting with the Audience through Poetry17:58 Navigating Friendships and Creativity22:14 Inspiration from Def Poetry26:48 Community Engagement Through Poetry30:30 International Poetry and Opportunities34:24 Leveraging Opportunities for Growth42:42 The Journey of Poetry Cafe43:12 From Local to National: Expanding Reach45:00 Overcoming Challenges and Seizing Opportunities45:49 Growth Through Adversity46:59 The Importance of Community and Sharing Knowledge48:03 The Value of Language Learning49:31 Cultural Perspectives on Language Acquisition50:21 Fun and Games: That's Cap Segment51:58 Grammy Considerations and Spoken Word Poetry54:23 Creating a Cohesive Album Experience56:40 The Creative Process Behind the Album57:37 Balancing Art and Family Life58:34 The Journey of an Artist59:29 Inspiration from Fellow Artists59:58 The Importance of Supporting Artists01:01:19 Audience Engagement and Feedback01:02:21 Promoting the Album and Its Singles01:03:18 Connecting with the Community01:04:30 Freestyling and Fun Moments01:07:21 Shoutouts and Global ReachCheck out Josephus at www.josephusiii.com and buy his latest album Changing The World One Poem At A Time. Follow Josepus on IG @josephusiii Freestyle Beat courtesy of Mall ChiPoetUp Crew: Twitter/X: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @MrBluz @jayward2030IG: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @bluzbluzbluz @jward 2030Facebook: @PoetUpPodcastEmail us: thepoetuppodcast@gmail.comRate us, review us tell a friend to tell a friend about us.Thank you for listening 

Jul 4, 2025 · 1h 3m

SummaryIn this episode, we engage in a lively conversation with Frank Expression, exploring his journey from a trumpet player to a poet. We discuss the significance of time, resilience, and determination in the creative process, as well as the challenges he faced, including overcoming Bell's Palsy. The conversation also delves into the business side of poetry, the importance of consistency, and the role of supportive relationships in artistic growth. Frank shares insights on building a poetry platform and the necessity of understanding the mechanics of running creative events. In this engaging conversation, we explore the journey of success in the creative arts, emphasizing the importance of determination, collaboration, and community building. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of organizing events, the significance of profitability, and the need for transparency in the arts. The dialogue also touches on the evolution of information sources in the digital age and offers valuable advice for new poets navigating a new city. And of course, we freestyle.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Swearing-In Ceremony Insights05:39 Frank's Journey into Poetry11:29 Reflections on Family and Loss16:14 Determination and Rehabilitation22:45 First Dates and Personal Growth26:03 Vision and Purpose in Life27:08 Engineering and Creativity28:53 Relocating for Creative Growth30:45 Building a Poetry Platform31:43 Navigating Venue Conversations32:43 The Importance of Consistency34:28 Collaborating for Success35:51 Profitability and Growth38:10 Community Over Competition39:34 Creating Exceptional Experiences41:00 Reflecting on Success41:30 Reflecting on Show Experiences42:57 The Importance of Real Numbers in Events44:27 Enhancing the Show Experience45:36 Building Community Through Poetry46:48 Establishing Yourself as a Poet in a New City48:48 Understanding the Business Side of Poetry51:04 The Evolution of Information Sharing52:58 Musical Influences and Personal Growth55:25 Sports Moments and Personal Reflections56:44 Upcoming Poetry Events and Platforms57:43 Freestyle Challenge and Creative Flow01:01:12 Global Listener Shoutouts and Community EngagementFor all of Frank's info go to his IG @frank_expressionFreestyle Beat: Arpeggios by Mall ChiPoetUp Crew: Twitter/X: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @MrBluz @jayward2030IG: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @bluzbluzbluz @jward 2030Facebook: @PoetUpPodcastEmail us: thepoetuppodcast@gmail.comRate us, review us tell a friend to tell a friend about us.Thank you for listening 

Jun 13, 2025 · 1h 10m

SummaryIn this episode of the Poet Up podcast, we engage in a lively conversation with Jah Smalls about his journey from New York City to Charlotte, the creation of the Black Charlotte Project, and the importance of community and storytelling in poetry. We discuss the cultural misconceptions about the South, the aspirations for Grammy recognition, and the emotional impact of the project on both participants and listeners. And as always, we freestyle. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts06:49 Journey from NYC to Charlotte12:06 The Impact of Community and Culture17:55 The Future of Black Charlotte and Its Legacy39:44 Unity Through Poetry45:01 Stories of Competition and Identity49:35 New York vs. The South: A Cultural Exchange51:30 Humor and Anecdotes: Life Experiences57:08 The Black Charlotte Project: A Celebration of Community01:10:22 PoetUp Intro Slide.mp4Jah Info: IG @The_JahSmalls @grannaesboyz @respectdamicFreestyle Beat: MallChiPoetUp Crew: Twitter/X: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @MrBluz @jayward2030IG: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @bluzbluzbluz @jward 2030Facebook: @PoetUpPodcastPoetUp YouTube: @⁠PoetUpPodcast⁠Email us: ⁠thepoetuppodcast@gmail.com⁠Rate us, review us tell a friend to tell a friend about us.Thank you for listening