Next Man Up, Poetry in Motion

Donavan LeDean

The mission of this Music Poetry Podcast is to provide the essence of poetry in motion promoting peace, love and growth for the existence of humanity and the culture. This show will motivate, educate and inspire you with spoken word through cultural expression. It consists of musical poetry reads and storytelling from various talented poets and artists along with power messages to uplift our listeners. This is Next Man Up, Poetry In Motion.

  1. Sep 13

    Art as Coping: Tristan Buttigieg Discusses Creativity and Resilience, Plus Spoken Word on Identity, Grief, and Discipline

    This program features spoken word poetry and discussions regarding the intersection of artistic expression and mental health. Guest Spotlight Donavan LeDean interviews Tristan Buttigieg, a self-taught multidisciplinary artist, about his journey through music and poetry. Tristan discusses his early influences, including Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan, and how he developed a gritty writing style. He shares how managing type one diabetes and facing bullying served as catalysts for using art as a coping mechanism. Tristan highlights his current creative projects: The published books Have Nine Lives and Perlesk.An upcoming third poetry collection tentatively titled Va Va Voom.A debut music album currently in progress.Artistic Expressions The program transitions into a series of spoken word performances focused on various themes of resilience and identity. Acamea Deadwiler presents an excerpt from her memoir, Daddy's Little Stranger, explaining the importance of distinguishing between a person's "situation" (the facts) and their "story" (the meaning) to avoid stigmatizing mental health struggles. Other featured poets include: Joshua Gray, who performs a piece about the drive to conquer and succeed.Mei-Mei Mijares, who shares a song regarding emotional vulnerability and healing.Alaina Noelle, who uses the metaphor of a dishwasher to explore themes of fitting in and pressure.Protected Poet, who discusses the complexities of grief and legal struggles within a family.The Unknown Odist, who delivers a poem regarding the unpredictable nature of life.Concluding Thoughts Donavan LeDean closes the session with a message on the necessity of discipline and poise when making life decisions. He encourages listeners to analyze whether new interests are beneficial or detrimental before committing to them.

    Art as Coping: Tristan Buttigieg Discusses Creativity and Resilience, Plus Spoken Word on Identity, Grief, and Discipline

  2. Sep 6

    Mei-Mei Mijares and Fellow Poets Explore Mental Health, Identity, and Resilience

    Donavan LeDean hosts "Next Man Up, Poetry in Motion," a radio show focused on mental health advocacy through spoken word. Guest Mei-Mei Mijares, a Filipino American poet, discusses her journey with mental health, influenced by her traditional Filipino upbringing and experiences as an army brat. She emphasizes the importance of poetry as a form of expression and resistance, particularly in a technologically panopticon society. Mei-Mei shares her book "Unabashed," available at Barnes & Noble and Barter Mall. The show features various poets, including Malikabella, Rachel DeVera Weninger , and Protected Poet, who perform their works, highlighting themes of identity, resilience, and societal challenges.

    Mei-Mei Mijares and Fellow Poets Explore Mental Health, Identity, and Resilience

  3. Aug 9

    Internationally Ranked Las Vegas Poet Alaina Noelle Shares Her Journey Through Off-the-Dome Poetry, Resilience, and Life After Death

    Donavan LeDean hosts a poetry show featuring Alaina Noelle, an internationally ranked poet from Las Vegas. Alaina shares her journey into poetry, starting from her early love for words and a pivotal sixth-grade poetry workshop. She discusses her experiences performing nationwide with the Spotlight Slam team and the impact of off-the-dome poetry on audience engagement. Alaina emphasizes the importance of life after death and the message of resilience in her performances. The show also features various poets who share their personal and cultural experiences through poetry. Donavan concludes with a message on unity and encourages listeners to connect with him for bookings and further engagement.

    Internationally Ranked Las Vegas Poet Alaina Noelle Shares Her Journey Through Off-the-Dome Poetry, Resilience, and Life After Death

  4. Aug 2

    Donavan LeDean Hosts Guest Protected Poet on a Mental Health Poetry Show, Discusses His Acting Debut in "Back in the Day," and Poets Perform Works on Resilience and Growth

    Donavan LeDean hosts a poetry show focused on mental health, featuring  Protected Poet. He discusses his road trip experiences, national recognition, and acting debut in the 2026 musical "Back in the Day." He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and unity in the poetry community, noting the need for cross-promotion among platforms. He shares his journey, including a pivotal audition experience. The show also features various poets performing their works, addressing themes of resilience, personal growth, and the impact of negative energy on mental health. Donavan concludes with a message on managing negative energy and promoting positive mental health.

    Donavan LeDean Hosts Guest Protected Poet on a Mental Health Poetry Show, Discusses His Acting Debut in "Back in the Day," and Poets Perform Works on Resilience and Growth

  5. Jul 12

    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.

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

  6. Jul 5

    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.

    Melikabella on Turning Ruminating Thoughts into TEDx-Worthy Poetry, Plus Spoken Word on Motherhood and the Fear of Being a Black Boy in America

  7. Jun 14

    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.

    Filipina American Poet Rachel De Vera Weninger Shares Her Journey From Divorce to Newlywed

  8. Jun 7

    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.

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About

The mission of this Music Poetry Podcast is to provide the essence of poetry in motion promoting peace, love and growth for the existence of humanity and the culture. This show will motivate, educate and inspire you with spoken word through cultural expression. It consists of musical poetry reads and storytelling from various talented poets and artists along with power messages to uplift our listeners. This is Next Man Up, Poetry In Motion.

Information

  • Creator
    Donavan LeDean
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Donavan LeDean