In this engaging conversation, Ed Mabrey shares his journey as a spoken word artist, reflecting on his early experiences with poetry, the influence of mentors, and the importance of community in nurturing artistic growth. He discusses the evolution of his craft, the emotional depth of his performances, and the lessons learned from both successes and failures in the poetry scene. In this engaging conversation, Ed Mabrey shares his journey through the world of poetry, detailing his early struggles in contests, the lessons learned from losses, and the eventual acceptance of his calling as a poet. He reflects on the importance of vulnerability in performance, the evolution of his creative process, and the aspirations he holds for the future. The discussion highlights the significance of personal growth, the challenges of navigating expectations, and the transformative power of storytelling through poetry. CHAPTERS ITB Intro 00:00 The Journey Begins: Ed Mabrey's Early Influences 10:16 From Heartbreak to Healing: The Power of Poetry 20:19 Community and Vulnerability: The Open Mic Experience 26:40 Reflections on Legacy and Ignorance 31:19 The Importance of Patience and Grace 32:18 Navigating Generational Differences in Poetry 40:32 The Journey from Loss to Mastery 48:12 Understanding the Calling of Poetry 53:50 The Weight of Calling 56:45 Navigating Community and Identity 01:00:53 The Journey of Acceptance 01:02:09 Creative Process and Performance 01:10:2 Growth and Self-Discovery 01:18: ITB Outro Street Seoul.mp3 KEYWORDS: Ed Mabrey, spoken word, poetry, origin story, open mic, mentorship, community, growth, slam poetry, emotional expression, poetry, slam, creative process, calling, performance, personal growth, Ed Mabrey, storytelling, lessons learned, artistic journey KEY TAKEAWAYS Ed Mabrey's first performance was in fourth grade. A teacher's encouragement shaped Ed's early interest in poetry. Ed's first personal poem was written for a high school sweetheart. In the Navy, Ed started a business writing poems for fellow sailors. The open mic scene provided a space for emotional expression. Community support was crucial in Ed's development as a poet. Ed's journey reflects the importance of mentorship in the arts. The evolution of poetry venues has impacted the spoken word scene. Ed emphasizes the need for patience with younger poets. The balance between guiding and allowing freedom in artistic growth is essential. Ed Mabrey struggled for a year in poetry contests before finding success. Losses in competition taught him valuable lessons about growth. He believes poetry is a calling that requires protection and self-care. The work of a poet is not just about performance but also about personal expression. Ed's creative process has evolved from writing for the stage to writing for self-exploration. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in performance. Ed aims to expand his artistic horizons beyond traditional poetry. He acknowledges the support of his community in his journey. The conversation touches on the weight of expectations in the artistic world. Ed expresses gratitude for the journey and the lessons learned along the way. Available now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. Tune in. Bear witness. Be moved. @itbspokenwordpod | #SpokenWordPodcast #EdMabrey #1SpokenWordPod #KeepersOfTheCulture #FavoraintFair #GodSaidYes #IAM @iamtashajones CREDITS: IN the Beginning Theme Music Seoul Rep Music Credit: Dokk Savage Lyrics: I AM Tasha Jones
