Next Man Up, Poetry in Motion Showcases Chelsea Maraee’s Spoken Word Journey, Motherhood and Autism Advocacy, Mental Health Themes, and Poetic Expressions of Resilience and Self-Acceptance

Melikabella on Turning Ruminating Thoughts into TEDx-Worthy Poetry, Plus Spoken Word on Motherhood and the Fear of Being a Black Boy in America

Donavan LeDean hosts "Next Man Up, Poetry in Motion," a show focused on promoting mental health through spoken word. Guest Melikabella, a multidisciplinary artist from Las Vegas, discusses her journey into poetry, inspired by her ruminating thoughts. She shares her experience as a headline speaker at TEDx Las Vegas, emphasizing the importance of intentional performance. Melikabella advises aspiring poets to start small and be inspired by others. The show features various poets, including Chelsea Marae, who shares a personal poem about motherhood, and Walter English, who reads a powerful piece on the fear of being a black boy in America. The program concludes with a message on the importance of love, sharing, and humility.

Filipina American Poet Rachel De Vera Weninger Shares Her Journey From Divorce to Newlywed

Donavan LeDean hosts "Next Man Up, Poetry in Motion," featuring guest Rachel DeVera Weninger, a Filipina American poet from Las Vegas. Rachel discusses her journey from divorce survivor to newlywed, emphasizing self-acceptance and personal growth. She highlights her daily writing practice and the integration of her life experiences into her poetry. Rachel also promotes her upcoming event at the Holo Holo Market in downtown Las Vegas. The show features various poets, including Chelsea Marae, who shares a powerful poem about black resilience, and Sheldon Alex Sebastian, who reflects on personal growth and leadership. Donavan concludes with a message on the importance of leadership and moral choices.

Tracing Roots and Finding Resilience: Walter English Brings Free Genealogy Resources to Descendants of American Chattel Slavery While Poets Explore Love, Identity, and Healing

Donavan LeDean hosts "Next Man Up, Poetry in Motion," a show promoting mental health through spoken word. Guest Walter English discusses his nonprofit, the Brister English Project, which helps descendants of American chattel slavery access genealogical resources for free. The project has assisted over 200 family trees in four years and will host a Juneteenth event in Las Vegas, featuring activities for kids, elder interviews, and a scavenger hunt. English shares his personal journey inspired by his parents' experiences during the Jim Crow era. The show also features various poets, including Chelsea Maraee and Jenny Uddin, who share their works on themes like love, identity, and resilience.

Dr. Joshua Gray Joins Donavan LeDean to Champion Mental Health Through Poetry, Creativity, and Community

Donavan LeDean hosts "Next Man Up, Poetry in Motion," a show focused on promoting mental health through spoken word. Guest Dr. Joshua Gray discusses his mission to integrate positivity and creativity into daily life, highlighting his workshops and books, including a children's coloring book and a multi-generational one. Gray emphasizes the importance of changing thoughts to improve mental health. The show features various poets who share their personal and cultural experiences through poetry. The program concludes with a message on community and self-improvement.

Ms. Nise Brings "Nuance" to the Stage: Grammy-Nominated Poet Champions Mental Health, Youth Empowerment, and the Healing Power of Spoken Word

Donavan LeDean hosts "Next Man Up, Poetry in Motion," a program promoting mental health through spoken word. Guest Ms. Nise, a spoken word poet and recording artist from Inglewood, California, discusses her journey, including her debut album "Nuance," which won Spoken Word Artist of the Year at the 2025 Las Vegas Black Music Awards and received a 2026 Grammy nomination. Ms. Nise also highlights her nonprofit, Manifest Academy, which provides underserved youth with access to education and resources in the Recording Arts. The show features various poets sharing their works, emphasizing themes of resilience, self-acceptance, and community.