The Poets

160. Maxwell Gold

Maxwell I. Gold is a Jewish-American author and poet with an extensive body of work comprising over 350 poems and nine poetry collections since 2017. His work has appeared in numerous literary journals, magazines, and anthologies. Maxwell’s work has earned nominations for two Bram Stoker Awards, the Eric Hoffer Award, the Pushcart Prize, the Rhysling Award and others. Find him and his work at www.thewellsoftheweird.com [http://www.thewellsoftheweird.com/]. Maxwell's book Neurotica is available for purchase here. [https://shortwavepublishing.com/catalog/neurotica-a-poetry-collection-by-maxwell-i-gold/] Find Maxwell on Instagram, Bluesky, and Threads @cybergodwrites [https://www.instagram.com/cybergodwrites]

159. Silas Vazquez

Silas Vazquez (any pronouns) is an actor, singer, improviser, and poet. You may have seen him in Titanic (UNC), Urinetown (UNC), Sweeney Todd (StageDoor Theatre), Ride the Cyclone (Vintage Theatre), Woodlands And Wyverns (Audacious Immersive Theatre), or as part of the Mercury Slam Poetry Team at Chicharra Poetry Festival (Albuquerque, NM) or Bigfoot Poetry Festival (Portland, OR). You usually can find her on some stage somewhere, opening old wounds and making some new ones. Instagram is @silasisbusy [https://www.instagram.com/silasisbusy/]

158. The Coven Collective Discusses "Pieces of a Beautiful Something"

The Poets will be back to our regularly scheduled programming (i.e. individual poet features) after this. The album discussed in the episode is available on Bandcamp [https://covenrecording.bandcamp.com/album/pieces-of-a-beautiful-something?search_item_id%3D966690450%26amp%3Bamp%3Bsearch_item_type%3Da%26amp%3Bamp%3Bsearch_match_part%3D%253F%26amp%3Bamp%3Bsearch_page_id%3D5389601072%26amp%3Bamp%3Bsearch_page_no%3D0%26amp%3Bamp%3Bsearch_rank%3D1=] and on streaming platforms. On another slightly different episode of The Poets, I'm joined by BG and the first iteration of the Coven Collective to discuss an album of spoken word and music that recently was released. BG, Lady Julianne, Nikolai Riddle, and Jabe Pazoo all appear on the mic to discuss their contributions to the album, along with a conversation about broader themes like changing landscapes of art, AI usage, and what the hell to do about billionaires and narcissists.

157. Sidney Shaw: The Karma House Kava Bar Promo Episode

Sidney Shaw is the Events Manager at The Karma House, a community-centered kava bar and gathering space in the Denver metro area. As an intuitive healer, Reiki Master, and tarot reader with over a decade of experience, Sidney weaves together event curation and spiritual practice to create spaces rooted in connection, healing, and authenticity. At The Karma House, Sidney helps bring people together through a diverse range of offerings—from live music and poetry to wellness events and community gatherings—all designed to foster belonging and meaningful connection. She is especially excited to welcome the legacy of the Mercury Cafe through the Mercury Legacy Jazz Jam and Poetry Open Mic, continuing a cherished tradition in a new home. The Karma House is a sober-friendly space that offers kava, herbal teas, and a vibrant calendar of events, serving as a hub for creativity, healing, and community in Colorado. 608 Garrison St e, Lakewood, CO 80215 and thekarmahouse.org [http://thekarmahouse.org/]

156. Gabriel Gravagno - ANNOUNCEMENT RE CONTINUATION OF FRIDAY NIGHT JAZZ JAM AND OPEN MIC

Gabriel Gravagno returns to the show to talk about how to continue the legendary Friday Night Jazz Jam and Poetry Open Mic, which began long ago at the Mercury Cafe. Any questions, comments, or concerns can be sent to Gabe, who is eager to hear others' thoughts and ideas. A trial run of sorts will take place at the Karma House Kava Bar & Tea House, located at 608 Garrison St e, Lakewood, CO 80215 and thekarmahouse.org [http://thekarmahouse.org]. First, a jam and open mic will be held on April 25th, from 7pm to 10pm (this is a chance for the Mercury jazz and poetry crowd to try out integration with an existing Karma House jazz night) followed by a Friday night Jazz Jam and Poetry Open Mic on May 1st, from 7pm to midnight. The plan is for the Friday night Jazz Jam and Poetry Open Mic to continue in earnest beginning on May 22nd, 2026. It is understood that there may be confusion and many other feelings regarding this. Once again, Gabe is eager to have a conversation with anyone who wishes to voice concerns, questions, or other ideas. Much love. Photo of Gabe credit Amy Jordheim