Next Man Up, Poetry in Motion

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.

Liz Prince Bridges Modeling, Poetry, and Cannabis Advocacy While Championing Community Impact Through Puffessionalz

Donavan LeDean hosts "Next Man Up, Poetry in Motion," featuring Liz Prince, a model, poet, and cannabis advocate. Liz discusses her journey from modeling cannabis shoots to performing poetry, emphasizing the importance of creativity and community. She highlights her role as treasurer for the nonprofit Puffessionals, which focuses on community cleanups, feeding the homeless, and cannabis education. Liz promotes her book "Whispers from the Sun" and encourages support for the nonprofit. The show also features various poets sharing their works, touching on themes of mental health, love, and personal growth.

Wellness Practitioner Asheena Burke Shares Her Holistic Approach to Healing Domestic Violence Survivors, While Poets Explore Resilience, Identity, and the Power of Words

Donavan LeDean hosts a discussion with Asheena Burke, a divine feminine wellness practitioner and poet, about her work with domestic violence survivors. Asheena emphasizes the importance of self-care, therapy, and holistic practices like Yoni steaming. She advises survivors to embrace solitude and rediscover themselves. Asheena's brand, Flower Blossom Feminine Care, offers womb healing and emotional restoration. The show also includes various poets sharing their works, covering themes of resilience, identity, and the power of words. Donavan concludes with a message on the impact of words.

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

"Next Man Up, Poetry in Motion" hosted by Donavan LeDean features spoken word artist Chelsea Maraee, who discusses her journey as a poet and mother raising an autistic son. Chelsea shares her experiences performing at Amazon's Black History poetry slam and the impact of her mother's influence. She recites an original poem which touches on themes of resilience, motherhood, and self-acceptance. The show also includes performances by various poets, addressing topics like mental health, autism, and personal growth, emphasizing the importance of self-expression and mental well-being.