Next Man Up, Poetry in Motion

Next Man Up, Poetry in Motion: Yahya and Living Room Poetry Turn Spoken Word into Social Change

Donavan LeDean hosts "Next Man Up, Poetry in Motion," a show focused on promoting mental health through spoken word. Guest Yahya, a Las Vegas spoken word artist, discusses his journey from high school rap battles to performing poetry with his group, Living Room Poetry. Yahya emphasizes the importance of poetry in addressing social issues and educating the public. He shares his marketing strategy of personal engagement and the organic growth of Living Room Poetry. The show also features various poets, including Chelsea Morae, who shares a deeply personal poem about motherhood and self-discovery, and Walter English, who reads "Thoughts from a Black Boy in America." The program concludes with a message of perseverance and confidence in achieving success.

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.