Welcome to the official podcast of Inspired Word Café. Join hosts Shimshon Obadia and Emmett MacMillen as they sit down for intimate discussions with writers across the Canadian literary sphere. From household name novelists to your next favourite indie chapbook publishing poet, we’ve got it monthly, right here in your headphones at Inspired Word Café!
On our last episode of this season of Inspired Word Café, we sit down with Nehiyaw, Two-Spirit, author and multidisciplinary artist Arielle Twist to talk about her poems of magic and memories.
Find Arielle:
Arielletwist.com
Order Disintegrate/Dissociate from Indigo/Chapters or Amazon today!
Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts and in part by the City of Kelowna.
On this episode of Inspired Word Café, we sit down with poet-scholar Rita Wong to talk about writing in activism.
Find Rita:
Twitter: @rrrwong
Instagram: @mycorrizhalwong
Other links:
@1308trees on Twitter
https://raventrust.com/
Link to to Rita’s essay: https://rabble.ca/indigenous/stand-in-solidarity-with-wetsuweten-on-world-water-day-and-everyday/
Ashlee Cunsolo’s work with climate grief: https://ashleecunsolo.ca/2020/02/04/we-need-to-talk-about-our-ecological-grief/
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts and in part by the City of Kelowna.
On this episode of Inspired Word Café, we chat with acclaimed Oji-nêhiyaw, Two-Spirit author Joshua Whitehead about his forthcoming work "A Geography of Queer Woundings".
Find Joshua:
Twitter and Instagram: @jwhitehead204
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts and in part by the City of Kelowna.
On this special bonus episode of Inspired Word Café we continue our chat with storyteller Ivan Coyote about their book, ‘Care Of’.
Find Ivan:
Website: www.ivancoyote.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ivanecoyote
Twitter:https://twitter.com/ivancoyote
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivancoyote/?hl=en
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts and in part by the City of Kelowna.
On this episode of Inspired Word Café, we talk with storyteller Ivan Coyote about their book ‘Care Of’. Then, we chat with local writer Brianna Ferguson about poetry and her first collection ‘A Nihilist Walks into a Bar’.
Find Ivan:
Website: www.ivancoyote.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ivanecoyote
Twitter:https://twitter.com/ivancoyote
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivancoyote/?hl=en
Find Brianna:
Website: www.briannaferguson.com
Instagram: @brianna.eff
Buy Brianna’s book: http://mansfieldpress.net/2021/11/a-nihilist-walks-into-a-bar/
Brianna’s Book Launch: https://massyarts.com/event/book-launch-brianna-fergusons-a-nihilist-walks-into-a-bar/
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts and in part by the City of Kelowna.
On this episode of Inspired Word Café, we talk with Tasha Spillet-Sumner about poetry, academia, and resistance. Then, we chat with Natalie Hoy live at the December book launch of Matt Rader’s book Ghosthawk.
Find Tasha:
Instagram: @tasha.spillett or @tashaspilletauthor
Facebook: Tasha Spillett
Twitter: @tasha.spillett
Find Natalie:
Instagram: @natalieinpixels
The Permanent Rain Press:
www.thepermanentrainpress.com
Instagram: @theprpress
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance atwww.syilx.org
On our third episode of season 2 of Inspired Word Café, we chat with Sonnet L’Abbé about their songwriting and poetry. Then, we chat with Matt Radar live at the IWC November Open Mic.
Find Sonnet on Instagram: @sonnetlabbe
Buy Sonnet’s books: https://amzn.to/3bmUKBM
Find Matt: www.mattradar.com
Buy Matt’s book: https://nightwoodeditions.com/collections/matt-rader/products/9780889714045
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts and in part by the City of Kelowna.
On this episode of Inspired Word Café, we chat with Lucas Crawford about his work and his forthcoming book Muster Points. Then, we catch Travis Andrews right after his participation in the IWC Kickoff Open Slam to chat a bit about his writing.
CV2 Article: https://contemporaryverse2.ca/issues/2s-qtbipoc-bodies/
Find Lucas Crawford: @faygeleh_fresser on Instagram
Find Travis Andrews: @FranticRhymes on Instagram
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts and in part by the City of Kelowna.
On our first episode of our SECOND SEASON of Inspired Word Café, we chat with Cole Mash about his upcoming broke press chapbook What You Did is All it Ever Means. Then, we catch Mackenzie ‘Ken’ Shaw right after their reading at Kelowna Culture Days Roving Audience Experience to talk a little about her writing.
Find Cole Mash: @c.a.mash on Instagram
Buy Cole’s chapbook: www.brokepress.ca
Find Mackenzie ‘Ken’ Shaw: @dontcryken on Instagram
Buy Ken’s stuff: www.kendontcry.bigcartel.com
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded by the Canada Council for the Arts and in part by the City of Kelowna.
On last episode of season one of Inspired Word Café, we chat with Corinna Chong about her recently published short story. Then, we talk about what words have been inspiring us.
Find Corinna Chong at www.corinnachong.com, on Twitter @corinnaschong, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/corinnachong.author
Find issue 59.3 of Prism International at http://prismmagazine.ca/issues/
Rules for the Hot Book Summer Contest:
-Follow us on Instagram or Facebook
-Leave a written review of the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
-Screenshot your review and message it to us on Facebook or Instagram
Please note that this contest is only applicable to contestants within Canada.
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded in part by the City of Kelowna.
On this episode of Inspired Word Café, we chat with Inspired Word Café creator Rawle James about some of his poetry. Then, we talk with Inspired Word Café regular Natalie Hoy about what words have been inspiring us.
Find Rawle James at www.rawlejames.ca or @rawleiam on Instagram
Find The Permanent Rain Press at https://thepermanentrainpress.com
Find Natalie Hoy at @natalieinpixels on Instagram
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded in part by the City of Kelowna.
On this LIVE episode of Inspired Word Café, we take a listen to our highlights and favourite moments from the April 2021 Open Mic/Slam event, originally on April 1st 2021.
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded in part by the City of Kelowna.
On this episode of Inspired Word Café, we chat with Kurt Slauson about his newest poetry collection Ghost Atlas. Then, we talk with Inspired Word Café Collective Member and Executive Director Erin Scott about what words have been inspiring us.
Find Kurt Slauson at www.kurtslauson.com or @kurtslauson on Instagram
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded in part by the City of Kelowna.
On this LIVE episode of Inspired Word Café, we take a listen to our highlights and favourite moments from the March 2021 Open Slam event, originally on March 4th 2021.
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded in part by the City of Kelowna.
On this episode of Inspired Word Café, we chat with Clare Thiessen about some of her poetry, and her small publishing company broke press. Then, we talk with Inspired Word Café Collective Member Henry Greyson about what words have been inspiring us.
Find broke press at: www.brokepress.ca or on Instagram @brokepress
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded in part by the City of Kelowna.
On this LIVE episode of Inspired Word Café, we take a listen to our highlights and favourite moments from the February 2021 Open Mic event, originally on February 4th 2021.
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded in part by the City of Kelowna.
On this episode of Inspired Word Café, we chat with Daniel G. Scott about his poetry anthology ‘Voicing Suicide: an Anthology of Suicide Poems’. Then, we talk about what words have been inspiring us.
CONTENT WARNING: this episode contains topics of self harm, suicide, anxiety and depression. For those inclined, please make sure you do what you need to take care of yourself and your own wellbeing before and after listening. We have included local resources for crisis lines below and encourage those affected by the issues discussed in today’s episode to reach out to them or an equivalent service in your area.
Buy ‘Voicing Suicide’: http://www.ekstasiseditions.com/recenthtml/voicingsuicide.htm
Find more from Daniel G. Scott: http://www.danielgscott.com
RESOURCES:
1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433): Available anywhere in BC, 24/7 in up to 140 languages and for individuals who are or who know someone who is having thoughts of suicide.
www.CrisisCentreChat.ca: Online chat service available from noon to 1AM daily for one-on-one support for adults in BC in a range of topics, including suicide, mental illness, stress, physical health, work, relationship conflicts, parenting, caregiving, and other family issues.
For additional resources and information: www.CrisisCentre.bc.ca
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded in part by the City of Kelowna.
On this LIVE episode of Inspired Word Café, we take a listen to our highlights and favourite moments from the January 2021 Open Mic event, originally on January 14th 2021.
Check out more Gauche Coach at www.gauchecoach.bandcamp.com
See more from Kurt Slauson at www.kurtslauson.com/portfolio
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded in part by the City of Kelowna.
On this episode of Inspired Word Café, we chat with Kathleen Gros about her graphic novel ‘Jo: An Adaptation of Little Women (Sort Of)’. Then, we talk with Inspired Word Café Collective Member Mackenzie Shaw about what words have been inspiring us.
Find Kathleen Gros: www.kagcomix.com or @kagcomix on Twitter and Instagram
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is a production of Inspired Word Café Society and is funded in part by the City of Kelowna.
On this LIVE episode of Inspired Word Café, we take a listen to our highlights and favourite moments from the December 2020 Open Mic event, originally on December 3rd 2020
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded in part by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the City of Kelowna.
On this episode of Inspired Word Café, we sit down with Šari Dale and Ashleigh Giffen and listen to them read from their upcoming chapbook BC Bitches. Then, we talk with Inspired Word Café Collective Members Cole Mash and Maddie Bishop about what words have been inspiring us
Content Warning: This podcast contains themes of underage substance use. Listen discretion is advised.
Find Šari Dale on Instagram: @sari.docx
Find Ashleigh Giffen on Instagram: @galaxiiee_
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded in part by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the City of Kelowna.
On this LIVE episode of Inspired Word Café, we take a listen to our highlights and favourite moments from the November 2020 Open Mic event, originally at the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art on November 5th 2020.
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded in part by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the City of Kelowna.
On this episode of Inspired Word Café, we sit down with Bronwyn Berg and listen to a segment of her reading her short story Get Well Soon (And Best Wishes). Then, we talk with Inspired Word Café Collective Members Cole Mash and Matthew Rader about a document that’s inspiring us: Carmen Papalia’s Open Access Tenets.
Content Warning: This podcast contains themes of death of a parent during childhood and terminal illness. Listen discretion is advised
Preorder the March Issue of Room Magazine at www.roommagazine.com
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
Find Carmen Papalia’s work at https://carmenpapalia.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded in part by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the City of Kelowna.
On this LIVE episode of Inspired Word Café, we take a listen to our highlights and favourite moments from the October 2020 Open Mic event, originally at the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art on October 8th 2020.
Credit Notes: "In Celebration of my Breasts: Call and Response, with Anne Sexton’s “In Celebration of My Uterus”" by Lesley-Anne Evans
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded in part by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the City of Kelowna.
On this episode of Inspired Word Café, we sit down with Michael V. Smith, hear a few poems from his collection Bad Ideas, and talk about the magic of poetry. Then, we talk with Inspired Word Café Collective Member (and Board President!) Rikki Bassett about what we’ve been reading this month that’s inspiring us.
Content Warning: Please note that this episode contains references to violence, death, and childhood sexual abuse.
Find Michael at www.michaelvsmith.com
See Michael’s show Have I Told You the One About? at www.youtube.com/michaelvsmith71
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded in part by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the City of Kelowna.
On our first Special LIVE episode of Inspired Word Café, we take a listen to our highlights and favourite moments from the 2020 Kickoff Classic Slam event, originally at the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art on September 17th 2020.
Find more IWC at www.inspiredwordcafe.com
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded in part by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the City of Kelowna.
Please note: this content was recorded live and has not been censored for sensitive content. Listener discretion is advised.
In our first episode of Inspired Word Café, we sit down and hear Erin Scott read from her new chapbook Atrophy , as well as talk about her process about writing it. Then, we chat with Inspired Word Café Collective Members Mackenzie (Ken) Shaw and Henry Greyson about what’s inspiring them this month.
Content advisory: this episode references miscarriage.
Buy Atrophy at www.kalamalkapress.ca
Find Erin at www.erinhscott.com, on Instagram, or on Facebook
Find Ken at www.kendontcry.bigcartel.com, or on Instagram
We recognize that this podcast is made on the unceded traditional territory of the syilx Okanagan nation. For more information about the Okanagan Nation Alliance at www.syilx.org
This podcast is funded in part by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the City of Kelowna.
This is a podcast that brings all the excitement of the written, and spoken words of the Inspired Word Café home to your headphones! Whether you’ve been to one of our reading events, poetry slams, or workshops before — or even if this is your first time hearing about the Inspired Word Café — we’ve got a little something to scratch your writerly-readerly-literary itches! Every month, we’ll be bringing you a well caffeinated dose of poetry, prose, and all the fresh brewed goodness of the written word. Here, we’ll be shining our coffee house spotlight on local writers from in and around the Okanagan Valley. Plus, stay tuned for our special episodes of Inspired Word Café LIVE events which we’ll be dropping while they're hot!
Subscribe now to the Inspired Word Café podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify, and the Google podcasts app.
Thanks… for stopping by the café.