15 episodes

Stories with a Heartbeat is a WUNC podcast hosted by Will McInerney that uses poetry, music, and conversation to explore the human condition in conflict.

Stories With A Heartbeat North Carolina Public Radio - WUNC

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.6 • 16 Ratings

Stories with a Heartbeat is a WUNC podcast hosted by Will McInerney that uses poetry, music, and conversation to explore the human condition in conflict.

    Bonus Episode: Kane Smego

    Bonus Episode: Kane Smego

    North Carolina is one of only two states in the US where 16 and 17 years old kids are routinely charged as adults for even the most minor offenses. This policy has serious consequences for the youth involved. In this bonus podcast episode, poet Kane Smego shares a gripping poem called, “Oh Carolina” about justice and conflict in North Carolina. Download the Bonus Episode Now Season 1 of the Stories with a Heartbeat podcast is over, but you can still download all the episodes today! Stories with

    • 6 min
    Bonus Episode: Amin Drew Law

    Bonus Episode: Amin Drew Law

    Amin Drew Law is a Palestinian-American poet and educator based in Washington D.C. In his poem, "The Secret Weapon of Chubby Boys," Amin taps into a classic schoolyard conflict and provides a hilarious and heartwarming solution. On this bonus episode of Stories with a Heartbeat, we reflect on some of the classroom conflicts we covered in season 1 of the podcast. From the first days of elementary to college graduation, we explored the spectrum of friction at school. This week we hear from poet

    • 6 min
    Bonus Episode: Rafeef Ziadah

    Bonus Episode: Rafeef Ziadah

    Rafeef Ziadah is a Palestinian poet and human rights activist living in London. Her poem, “We Teach Life, Sir,” is powerful and poignant reminder of the human condition in conflict. On this bonus episode of Stories with a Heartbeat, host Will McInerney reflects on some of the stories from our past episodes covering the Chapel Hill Shooting in season 1. Rafeef's beautiful and moving poetry is emblematic of the legacy and the lasting message of life that Deah Barakat , Yusor Abu Salha , and Razan

    • 8 min
    Episode 12: Graduation

    Episode 12: Graduation

    Graduation speeches tend to be predictable and repetitive. They rarely leave a lasting impression. But a couple months ago, Harvard Graduate School of Education student Donovan Livingston's voice echoed around the world as his poetic commencement speech went viral .

    • 13 min
    Episode 11: How to Win a Poetry Slam

    Episode 11: How to Win a Poetry Slam

    As athletes from around the world compete for gold in Rio this summer, poets from across the U.S. are facing off in a different kind of competition. It is called a poetry slam. On this episode of Stories with a Heartbeat , we talk to poetry slam champion Dasan Ahanu to figure out what this poetic conflict is all about, and how to win. Download Episode 11 Now In 2010, Dasan Ahanu and host Will McInerney were on a slam team together. They were competing in the Southern Fried Poetry Slam . Southern

    • 14 min
    Episode 10: Would I Be Shot?

    Episode 10: Would I Be Shot?

    CJ Suitt is a young black poet living in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. And he has a simple and frightening question, "Would I be shot if I called the police?" CJ uses his poetry to combat stereotypes and to build bridges of understanding. But he admits, in the wake of yet another series of high profile killings of black men by the police, something has changed. CJ no longer feels safe walking at night. This week on Stories with a Heartbeat, CJ Suitt shares his thoughts and poetry on the fear of

    • 18 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
16 Ratings

16 Ratings

Jaclyn G. ,

Personal and universal

This podcast does a great job making personal stories feel universal, shared, and intimate. I'm always excited for the next episode to come out. Can't wait to see how Stories with a Heartbeat continues to grow and develop, twist and turn over time. Don't miss this one!

Perspectives00 ,

Well Done

A beautifully composed podcast. Will takes on a tragic subject in this first episodes- one that has caused bewilderment and sadness to the local community and world. He tells the story of Our Three Winners, cementing who they are and their legacy in an audio journey.

Also the music is great.

bpleas ,

Listen up

Powerful documentary storytelling. My favorite new short-form podcast.

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