Season 10 of The Poet Speaks opens with a historic conversation with Richard Blanco, Presidential Inaugural Poet, award-winning author, educator, and cultural voice! Born in Spain to Cuban exile parents and raised in Miami, Richard has long explored the universal themes of home, identity, and belonging through his poetry, memoirs, and public work. In this episode, he and Amanda reflect on his journey as the youngest, first Latinx, immigrant, and openly gay Inaugural Poet, the meaning of home within ourselves, and the power of poetry to illuminate personal and collective stories. Tune in for an intimate, thought-provoking, and inspiring dialogue on art, life, and the spaces we carry with us. Richard's Links: https://richard-blanco.com/ CHECK OUT AMANDA'S NEW TV SHOW: The Poet Speaks with Amanda Eke! Now airing on the Archaeology Channel, PBS and Roku! SUBSCRIBE AND STREAM HERE: https://heritagetac.org/programs/the-poet-speaks-with-amanda-eke-i28z2vn9bsc?category_id=65263 PBS: https://www.pbs.org/show/the-poet-speaks-with-amanda-eke/?source=social Be sure to check out The Poet Speaks Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepoetspeakspodcast/ And listen to,The Poet Speaks Podcast, on the go on ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS WORLDWIDE! Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1cM1rdF... Did you know The Poet Speaks is also Amanda's touring global workshop? She teaches people all about how to make, create and the history of Spoken Word and Indigenous oral traditions! To make a booking for The Poet Speaks Workshop with your organization, apply for mentorships with Amanda, book interviews, as well as writing consultations, please use this link: https://www.amandaeke.com/services Music by: Buzu Buzu https://www.instagram.com/bbuzu/

It's the SEASON 9 Finale! Check out Amanda's conversation with Mason Granger ! Mason Granger (he/him) is a spoken word artist with over a decade of experience on stages & in educational settings across all 50 states and nine countries. His work centers around matters of class, nature, and sustainability-- both of ourselves as human beings and the world we share-- all from an imaginative and forward-thinking perspective. As the inaugural Poet in Residence of the Schwarzenegger Institute at USC and an LA-Paris 2024 Poetic Games Olympic Showcase Awardee, Mason is one of Southern California's most engaging poetic voices. Whether inhabiting a stage himself or making space for others' voices to shine, Mason's approach to the craft of spoken word poetry emphasizes engagement, connection, and creativity. His philosophy is simple: Teachers make sure you walk out knowing what you need to know; poets make sure you walk out feeling what you need to feel. Mason's work, intentionally, makes sure you walk out with both cups full. As a poet, Mason has been featured on ESPN (2011) , PBS (2018), the Golden Globes (2021), multiple national magazines, and founded a spoken word YouTube channel (2014), SlamFind, with 100,000 subscribers. As an educator and nonprofit director at Get Lit - Words Ignite in LA (2024) and Bowery Poetry Club in NYC (2019), his students have performed for The Last Poets (2018), Prince Harry & Meaghan Markle (2021), been named National Youth Poet Laureate (2023), and achieved countless other accolades. He created poetry exchange programs in Romania (2019) and The Netherlands (2024), performed at the Austrian World Summit (2024), and did a backflip once (2003). At the end of the day, however, it's not about an individual's past accomplishments, but how we can all build a better future based on the moments we create together in the present. Spoken word poetry, at its very best, is a living art form, and filling a room with that Life--no matter where, when, or with who-- is what inspires Mason every time he steps on stage. Mason's Links: @masongranger CHECK OUT AMANDA'S NEW TV SHOW: The Poet Speaks with Amanda Eke! Now airing on the Archaeology Channel and Roku! STREAM HERE: https://heritagetac.org/programs/the-poet-speaks-with-amanda-eke-i28z2vn9bsc?category_id=65263 Be sure to check out The Poet Speaks Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepoetspeakspodcast/ And listen to,The Poet Speaks Podcast, on the go on ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS WORLDWIDE! Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1cM1rdF... Did you know The Poet Speaks is also Amanda's touring global workshop? She teaches people all about how to make, create and the history of Spoken Word and Indigenous oral traditions! To make a booking for The Poet Speaks Workshop with your organization, apply for mentorships with Amanda, book interviews, as well as writing consultations, please use this link: https://www.amandaeke.com/services Music by: Buzu Buzu https://www.instagram.com/bbuzu/

Check out Amanda's conversation with Adela Najarro! Adela Najarro is the author of four poetry collections, including Volcanic Interruptions, which earned an Honorable Mention at the 2024 International Latino Book Awards. Her forthcoming collection, Variations in Blue, will be published in March 2025 by Letras Latinas/Red Hen Press. A California Arts Council Fellow, Najarro is a passionate advocate for Latine/x arts and social justice, serving on the board of Círculo de Poetas and Writers. She holds a doctorate in literature and creative writing from Western Michigan University and an M.F.A. from Vermont College. Adela's Links: @adelanajarro CHECK OUT AMANDA'S NEW TV SHOW: The Poet Speaks with Amanda Eke! Now airing on the Archaeology Channel and Roku! STREAM HERE: https://heritagetac.org/programs/the-poet-speaks-with-amanda-eke-i28z2vn9bsc?category_id=65263 Be sure to check out The Poet Speaks Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepoetspeakspodcast/ And listen to,The Poet Speaks Podcast, on the go on ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS WORLDWIDE! Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1cM1rdF... Did you know The Poet Speaks is also Amanda's touring global workshop? She teaches people all about how to make, create and the history of Spoken Word and Indigenous oral traditions! To make a booking for The Poet Speaks Workshop with your organization, apply for mentorships with Amanda, book interviews, as well as writing consultations, please use this link: https://www.amandaeke.com/services Music by: Buzu Buzu https://www.instagram.com/bbuzu/

Check out Amanda's conversation with Yetvart S. Majian! Yetvart S. Majian, a first-generation Armenian-American native of Hudson County and Saint Peter’s University alum, is a local poetry facilitator, active performer and literary organizer in the tristate area. Yetvart's Links: @emajian CHECK OUT AMANDA'S NEW TV SHOW: The Poet Speaks with Amanda Eke! Now airing on the Archaeology Channel and Roku! STREAM HERE: https://heritagetac.org/programs/the-poet-speaks-with-amanda-eke-i28z2vn9bsc?category_id=65263 Be sure to check out The Poet Speaks Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepoetspeakspodcast/ And listen to,The Poet Speaks Podcast, on the go on ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS WORLDWIDE! Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1cM1rdF... Did you know The Poet Speaks is also Amanda's touring global workshop? She teaches people all about how to make, create and the history of Spoken Word and Indigenous oral traditions! To make a booking for The Poet Speaks Workshop with your organization, apply for mentorships with Amanda, book interviews, as well as writing consultations, please use this link: https://www.amandaeke.com/services Music by: Buzu Buzu https://www.instagram.com/bbuzu/

Check out Amanda's conversation with Larry Love! Larry Love is a dynamic professional spoken word artist who performs powerful pieces of poetry with an urgent intent to highlight the need for social change. He is also the Writer, Producer and Director of several spoken Word musical stage plays which center on love and the unpredictability of relationships. As founder and CEO of the entertainment and outreach organization, Creative Love Network, Larry believes that poetry, music and the arts can both entertain and positively impact lives. To that effect, he utilizes his experience as a Life Mastery classroom mentor and a certified Emotional Intelligence facilitator to add impactful substance to his projects and performances. Having graced stages across the country and beyond, Larry Love is a multi talented creative force and a champion for the people. Larry's Links: @poetlarrylove CHECK OUT AMANDA'S NEW TV SHOW: The Poet Speaks with Amanda Eke! Now airing on the Archaeology Channel and Roku! STREAM HERE: https://heritagetac.org/programs/the-poet-speaks-with-amanda-eke-i28z2vn9bsc?category_id=65263 Be sure to check out The Poet Speaks Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepoetspeakspodcast/ And listen to,The Poet Speaks Podcast, on the go on ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS WORLDWIDE! Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1cM1rdF... Did you know The Poet Speaks is also Amanda's touring global workshop? She teaches people all about how to make, create and the history of Spoken Word and Indigenous oral traditions! To make a booking for The Poet Speaks Workshop with your organization, apply for mentorships with Amanda, book interviews, as well as writing consultations, please use this link: https://www.amandaeke.com/services Music by: Buzu Buzu https://www.instagram.com/bbuzu/

Check out Amanda's conversation with Shay.thepoet ! Shataysha Byrd was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. Shataysha originally started poetry in fifth grade but did not get the courage to perform in front of an audience until 20 years old. After the first performance, she knew the stage was her home from that moment on. Then the pandemic took a different turn in the world that stopped many different artists from performing and or producing. This did not stop Shay.thepoet, it instead has opened up a new world for her. Since the pandemic, she has performed in Atlanta, Los Angles, Florida, Ohio, and many other states. Shay is the first Poetry Me Please grand slam champion and has many goals and aspirations for the future. Shay's Links:@shay.thepoet CHECK OUT AMANDA'S NEW TV SHOW: The Poet Speaks with Amanda Eke! Now airing on the Archaeology Channel and Roku! STREAM HERE:https://heritagetac.org/programs/the-poet-speaks-with-amanda-eke-i28z2vn9bsc?category_id=65263 Be sure to check out The Poet Speaks Podcast on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thepoetspeakspodcast/ And listen to,The Poet Speaks Podcast, on the go on ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS WORLDWIDE! Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1cM1rdF... Did you know The Poet Speaks is also Amanda's touring global workshop? She teaches people all about how to make, create and the history of Spoken Word and Indigenous oral traditions! To make a booking for The Poet Speaks Workshop with your organization, apply for mentorships with Amanda, book interviews, as well as writing consultations, please use this link: https://www.amandaeke.com/services Music by: Buzu Buzu https://www.instagram.com/bbuzu/

Welcome to Season 9! Check out Amanda's conversation with Brandon Leake! Brandon Leake is the season 15 winner of America’s Got Talent, a 7x Telly Award Winner, 1x SOVAS Award Winner, and 1x Emmy Award Winner. Brandon has been a Poetic Performer, Keynote Speaker, and Workshop leader for over a decade, traveling locations such as: New Zealand, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, and 42 States. Brandon has collaborated with companies such as Meta, CBS, California Hospital Association, Good Morning America, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, and many others. Brandon’s use of personal narrative with his gifting in poetic prose allows him to speak not merely to crowds, but to their inner being, to connect one soul to another, to connect people to an intrinsic sense of communal humanity that is at times severely lacking in our world. Brandon Leake is a visionary, whos words, but most importantly actions reflect his love of Christ, people, and the world. Brandon's Links:https://brandonleake.com/ CHECK OUT AMANDA'S NEW TV SHOW: The Poet Speaks with Amanda Eke! Now airing on the Archaeology Channel and Roku! STREAM HERE:https://heritagetac.org/programs/the-poet-speaks-with-amanda-eke-i28z2vn9bsc?category_id=65263 Be sure to check out The Poet Speaks Podcast on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thepoetspeakspodcast/ And listen to,The Poet Speaks Podcast, on the go on ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS WORLDWIDE! Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1cM1rdF... Did you know The Poet Speaks is also Amanda's touring global workshop? She teaches people all about how to make, create and the history of Spoken Word and Indigenous oral traditions! To make a booking for The Poet Speaks Workshop with your organization, apply for mentorships with Amanda, book interviews, as well as writing consultations, please use this link: https://www.amandaeke.com/services Music by: Buzu Buzuhttps://www.instagram.com/bbuzu/

Join Amanda as she gives her globally touring workshop, The Poet Speaks, in Fez Morocco! Did you know The Poet Speaks is also Amanda's touring global workshop? She teaches people all about how to make, create and the history of Spoken Word and Indigenous oral traditions! To make a booking for The Poet Speaks Workshop with your organization, apply for mentorships with Amanda, book interviews, as well as writing consultations, please use this link: https://www.amandaeke.com/services CHECK OUT AMANDA'S NEW TV SHOW: The Poet Speaks with Amanda Eke! Now airing on the Archaeology Channel and Roku! SUBSCRIBE AND STREAM HERE:https://heritagetac.org/programs/the-poet-speaks-with-amanda-eke-i28z2vn9bsc?category_id=65263 Be sure to check out The Poet Speaks Podcast on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thepoetspeakspodcast/ And listen to,The Poet Speaks Podcast, on the go on ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS WORLDWIDE! Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1cM1rdF...

Join Amanda on her Moroccan adventure as she was invited by the Kingdom of Morocco as 1 of 100 Storytellers worldwide to be apart of the Marrakech International Storytelling Festival! Delve deep as she explores the streets of the medina and gives her globally touring workshop, The Poet Speaks, in the heart of Marrakech! And to top it off, watch as she participates in breaking the Guinness World Record for the Longest Storytelling Session in humanity! Did you know The Poet Speaks is also Amanda's touring global workshop? She teaches people all about how to make, create and the history of Spoken Word and Indigenous oral traditions! To make a booking for The Poet Speaks Workshop with your organization, apply for mentorships with Amanda, book interviews, as well as writing consultations, please use this link: https://www.amandaeke.com/services CHECK OUT AMANDA'S NEW TV SHOW: The Poet Speaks with Amanda Eke! Now airing on the Archaeology Channel and Roku! SUBSCRIBE AND STREAM HERE:https://heritagetac.org/programs/the-poet-speaks-with-amanda-eke-i28z2vn9bsc?category_id=65263 Be sure to check out The Poet Speaks Podcast on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thepoetspeakspodcast/ And listen to,The Poet Speaks Podcast, on the go on ALL STREAMING PLATFORMS WORLDWIDE! Apple:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1cM1rdF...