Alexis Pauline Gumbs vs. Chasing Awe

04/25/23 • 50 min

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.

Writing prompt: For a week, read a poem of a writer you admire every day before writing.

Previous Episode

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

Next Episode

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?