Host Intro / Journal to Have Deep Conversations with Yourself

06/21/23 • 8 min

Let the Verse Flow: Personal Growth Thru a Creative Lens

There comes a time in life when the shit hits the fan. Where you look around and wonder, is this all my life will be? How did I get here, and why am I not doing more joyful things in my life? Why am I not more creative, self-aware, and positive about my life and where it’s going?
When Kendrick Lamar began his masterful song, United in Grief, with a line about how for 1,855 days he’d been going through something, I felt that instantly in my core. He echoed my feelings about the last year and a half. He was in my head, the way only good music can be. Music, poetry, stories, musings—it’s all a reflection of our unpredictable life journey, and so I’ve taken these creative pieces and woven them together to create this new podcast, Let the Verse Flow.
Before you can decide if you want to take this journey with me (and I hope you do), you’ll need to know the “facts” about me. You’ll discover who I am in time, but I’m breaking it down here. I want you to understand that whether the world sees me as a biracial woman of a certain age, first and foremost, I’m a human. I hurt, I cry, I laugh, I try. And as a human, I don’t fit into any boxes neatly (I don't think you do either).
During my mom's recent illness, I've had to push through internal chaos and fear to find my inner strength. I did it by having deep conversations with myself (through my poetry and journaling). Now, I'm inviting you into this practice. To join me, you'll need an important ally: a journal. Listen in as I make a case for journaling (even for those of you who think you have to be a certain type of person to journal). You don’t. I’ll set you up so that you can join me in journaling to start the best conversation you’ll ever have—the ones you have with yourself.
Welcome to my reflections from the bright side of the beat.
Have a listen, then connect with me at lettheverseflow.com to sign up for my newsletter and receive journal prompts and resources on creativity and personal growth.
Like written form? Blog articles are available at: lettheverseflow.com
Music: (My thanks to all the musicians who make incredible music and have the courage to put it out into the world. All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe.)
Songs in this episode:
"Toronto Winters" by Ghost Beatz; "Winning Streak" by JeesGuy; "Path of Purpose" by Cody Martin

LTVF Season One Music Playlist: Check out the songs that inspire me, and connect with artists from many genres who add to our collective, human soundtrack.

Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://
www.lettheverseflow.com/host-intro-journal/

LTVF Season One Music Playlist: Check out the songs that inspire me, and connect with artists from many genres who add to our collective, human soundtrack.

Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://
www.lettheverseflow.com/host-intro-journal/

Previous Episode

A Mashup of Stories, Poetry & Music for Personal Growth

Living on autopilot may keep things going. The trouble is, we rarely want to go where it takes us. I’m Jill Hodge, a writer who loves a good beat. I created this new, immersive personal growth podcast, Let the Verse Flow, to put the fun and creativity back into my life (and yours). Lovingly dedicated to my mother, this podcast is about finding more purpose through creative exploration, mindfulness, and positive reframing.
It's a unique mashup of stories, poetry, and music to inspire you to uncover moments of clarity on your personal growth journey. Together, we’ll cut through the confusing maze of self-help tips and happiness science to get to the fun, actionable steps that ring true to our inner spirit (and creative soul).

Let’s share our stories, turn up the music and let the verse flow!
Have a listen, then connect with me at lettheverseflow.com to sign up for my newsletter, read blog articles and find resources mentioned in the show.
Music: (My thanks to all the musicians who make incredible music and have the courage to put it out into the world. All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe.)
Songs in this episode:
"Empty Space" by Sean Daugherty; "Vali Drop" by Reggie B.
Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://www.lettheverseflow.com/podcast-trailer/

Next Episode

Losing My Mother: a Catalyst for Personal Growth

Struggle is a teacher, and while we may not want to learn what it has decided to teach us, it’s coming for us! Truthfully, we need it, because how we respond to struggle determines our life’s purpose. It is in response to struggle that we do what needs to be done to find our strength. And one of the most brilliant and pleasurable pathways to this fountain of inner strength is through creative expression. Together we’ll explore how creativity and purposeful actions help uncover our strong, vibrant selves. Strangely, these revelations often appear at times when we feel most weak and unprepared to handle life.

To get us started, I’m sharing my stories, poetry, and love of music with you. They have been my constant companions this last year and a half as I face my mother’s ailing health.

When dealing with grief, poetry helped me find new words, offering up a comforting voice and familiar language to express my emotions. Music from many genres (hip-hop, R&B, electronica, disco, and classic rock) also came along for the ride, allowing me to release negative emotions and get in touch with the words and melodies that spoke to my true self.

In this episode, I’ll tell you the story behind what led me to create Let the Verse Flow, and share three things I’ve learned about turning my struggle into personal strength.

Find moments of joy in creative expression
Let go of judgment
Put the breaks on people pleasing

Welcome to my reflections from the bright side of the beat.

Have a listen, then connect with me (and subscribe to my newsletter) at lettheverseflow.com or on Instagram.

Music: (My thanks to all the musicians who make incredible music and have the courage to put it out into the world. All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe.)

Songs in this episode:
"Minimalism" by Nu Alkemi$t; "Winning Streak" by JeesGuy; "Interdimensional" by Cody Martin; "An Old Soul" by Nu Alkemi$t; “Pyaar Kee Seemaen” by Cast of Characters

LTVF Season One Music Playlist: Check out the songs that inspire me, and connect with artists from many genres who add to our collective, human soundtrack.

Resources:
The Figure a Poem Makes by Mark Twain

Maternal Archetypes & Grief (Psychology Today)

Journal Prompts:

How can loss and struggle push your personal growth forward?
Is there a loving “mother” figure in your life, and how do you feel their positive presence?

Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https:// www.lettheverseflow.com/losing-my-mom-personal-growth/