Quintessential Poetry: A Global Poetry & Spoken Word Poetry Podcast

Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram
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Quintessential Poetry is an award‑nominated global poetry and spoken word podcast featuring poets, storytellers, performers, and creative writers from around the world. Established in 2018, the show blends performance with reflective conversation, offering listeners meaningful insights into identity, healing, culture, and the human experience. Hosted by Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram—a four‑time Pushcart Prize–nominated poet, retired professor of Counselor Education, and internationally respected spoken word artist—the podcast is known for its warm, grounded, and emotionally attuned interviews. Each episode highlights global poetic voices and the cultural stories behind their work, creating a thoughtful, performance‑driven space for poetry enthusiasts, cultural storytellers, and audio creatives alike. With thousands of downloads and listeners across more than a dozen countries, Quintessential Poetry has become one of the most widely heard poetry podcasts in the world—a global stage where performance, reflection, and lived experience take center spotlight. With more than 500 episodes, the show has consistently ranked among the top poetry podcasts worldwide, including multiple #2 placements on 2024 global lists and top rankings on Goodpods, Player.fm, Ivy.fm, and the NYC World Podcast Network. Quintessential Poetry has also earned nominations in the Best Arts & Culture categories across major podcasting awards in 2025 and 2026. Poets interested in being featured may contact Dr. Ingram at maingram@gmx.com. Learn more at https://www.quintessentialpoetry.network.

  1. Feb 22

    Quintessential Poetry Spotlight Tribute: Genevieve F. Ray (1987-2026)

    This tribute episode honors the life and poetic legacy of Genevieve F. Ray (1987–2026), a gifted storyteller whose work blended vulnerability, resilience, and emotional truth. Through selected readings and reflection, this spoken word poetry episode celebrates her creative spirit and the impact she made on listeners around the world. This Quintessential Poetry podcast tribute offers a space for remembrance, gratitude, and connection through the power of language. Recorded on a Saturday morning across continents (January 23, 2023), this interview reveals Genevieve at her most luminous—honest, funny, vulnerable, brilliant, and fully herself. We dedicate this rebroadcast to Genevieve’s loving memory. This conversation remains one of the brightest moments ever captured on Quintessential Poetry, reflecting the heart of a poetry podcast rooted in empathy, connection, and the transformative power of language. In this episode, Genevieve speaks about poetry as a living companionneurodiversity and self‑understandingancestry, identity, and belongingmental health and survivalher one‑woman show Free Roaming Adult Womanthe courage it takes to tell the truthHer voice—her laughter, her pauses, her fire—remains a gift. This interview stands as a portrait of who she was when the world wasn’t watching, only listening. About Genevieve Ray: Genevieve was a poet, performer, educator, and community builder whose work uplifted countless voices. Her debut poetry collection, Free Roaming Adult Woman, is still moving readers around the world. May her words continue to rise. May her fire continue to guide. 00:00 Welcome to Quintessential Poetry + Meet Genevieve Ray 01:55 What Is Poetry? Genevieve’s Definition & Why It’s Human Nature 03:49 Finding Her Voice: Pandemic, Identity, Neurodiversity & Advocacy 08:44 Why Poetry Matters: Access, Flexibility & Community Conversations 10:38 Why ‘Genevieve Firepoint’? The Phoenix Metaphor & Creative Rebirth 13:56 Performance: “Free Roaming Adult Woman” (and the Encore) 18:35 Literary Roots & Early Power of Poetic Language (William Blake) 23:43 Reading Together: William Blake’s “The Tyger” + Craft Talk 26:19 Guard Down or Wall Up? Persona, Truth, and the Poet’s Self 28:39 Performance: “For Eulogies” + Does Writing Poetry Hurt? 35:53 Themes & Mission: Love, Protest, Teaching, and Empowering Others 38:37 Performance: “Doubt” + Process—How Poems Start, End, and Get Edited 44:20 Performance: “The Muse Will Not Lift” + Influences & Theater Voice 50:10 Writing for Connection: Making Language Accessible 52:55 From Page to Stage: What Spoken Word Means 54:45 The Poet’s Role Today: Emotional Journalism & Ancestry 57:22 Can Poetry Be About Anything? From Rocks to Stamps 01:07:38 Mentorship & Finding Your Voice: “Collect the Gems, Build the Crown” 01:14:21 Mini Poetry Concert: “Trance (Six Minutes)” & Ophelia Reimagined 01:18:43 Destiny, Surprise, and What Poetry Gives Back 01:24:25 What’s Next Creatively: Travel, Collaborations, One-Woman Show 01:26:15 Poetry UK Behind the Scenes: Building Community on Facebook 01:29:33 Where to Follow Genevieve + Final Farewell

    Quintessential Poetry Spotlight Tribute: Genevieve F. Ray (1987-2026)

  2. 12/21/2025

    Quintessential Poetry Presents Jacqueline James: God Gave Me Poetry. I Give Back To Help Change The World

    This episode of the Quintessential Poetry podcast, a quintessential poetry podcast rooted in spoken word and literary expression, aired December 24, 2025, chronicles Jacqueline James’ ongoing artistic evolution through new poems, fresh insights, and expanded dialogue. Author of 19 books, Jacqueline reflects on her creative journey in excerpts from our 2024 interview, now fully remastered and re-edited for new audiences. Selected as a Staff Favorite by the New York Podcast Association, this episode showcases Jacqueline’s extraordinary journey—from raising five children to writing seventeen books in a single year. Her warmth, wisdom, and poetic brilliance make this 2025 release one of the most powerful installments in the Timeless Classics series. What You’ll Discover in This Updated 2025 Edition: • Literary Brilliance — new poems and expanded reflections that showcase Jacqueline’s mastery of language, rhythm, and storytelling. • Artistic Expression — how she transforms lived experience into art, blending humor, faith, and emotional truth with a signature poetic voice. • Wellness & Healing — her groundbreaking use of poetry to support seniors with dementia, nurture children’s literacy, and promote emotional resilience. • Spiritual Insight — the faith journey behind her poems, including how divine inspiration shaped her creative rebirth and her mission to uplift others. • The Radiance of Black Womanhood — Jacqueline’s extraordinary evolution from dormancy to prolific creation, embodying the power, grace, and brilliance of a Black woman’s journey. More About Jacqueline James: Jacqueline is a multidimensional artist whose work spans spiritual poetry, children’s literature, social justice verse, and educational storytelling. She brings poetry into senior residential communities, where her words become a form of cognitive care—helping elders stay connected, engaged, and emotionally grounded. Through her work with the YMCA, she nurtures young voices and builds early literacy with compassion and creativity. She also crafts personalized keepsake poems for families navigating grief, transforming memory into something sacred and enduring. Jacqueline’s poetry doesn’t simply move listeners. It restores, uplifts, and reshapes the way we understand healing, community, and the power of a Black woman’s voice. Blog Post https://www.quintessentialpoetry.com/blog/a-journey-through-poetry-the-inspirational-world-of-jacqueline-james/ 📖 BONUS MATERIAL: This 2025 release includes poems recorded exclusively for the Timeless Classics limited series. Download the PDF collection here: https://pdflink.to/a930e69d/ About Quintessential Poetry Quintessential Poetry is an award-nominated global podcast featuring more than 500 poets across 475+ episodes, reaching 350,000+ listeners worldwide. Created and hosted by four‑time Pushcart Prize nominee Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram, the podcast celebrates diverse voices in contemporary poetry and spoken word, offering a space where creativity, culture, and community flourish. Connect With Us Website: www.quintessentialpoetry.network Facebook: Quintessential Poetry Network Instagram: @quintessentialpoetry

    Quintessential Poetry Presents Jacqueline James: God Gave Me Poetry. I Give Back To Help Change The World

  3. 12/20/2025

    Quintessential Poetry Presents Mike Jurkovic: The Poet Who Makes Jazz Sing and Words Swing|Poems

    🎷EPISODE 2: MIKE JURKOVIC Poetry That Swings, Sings, and Refuses to Sit Still Mike Jurkovic joins the Quintessential Poetry podcast for a vibrant conversation blending poetry, jazz, rhythm, and creative expression. Known for making “jazz sing and words swing,” he shares insights into sound‑driven writing, performance, and the emotional energy that shapes his work. This spoken word poetry interview highlights his unique voice and artistic approach. Mike is the host of an acclaimed jazz radio show, as well as the Ulster County Poet Laureate for 2025. As a poet, Mike's work is a wonderful blend of humor, wisdom, and folksy charm. The vivid imagery and surrealist style that characterize his poetry have brought him widespread renown. His understanding of rhythm's importance is another defining feature of his jazzy, melodic, lyrical poetry. Rhythm is an inherent part of Mike's poetry. BACKGROUND Mike is originally from the South Bronx and has lived in Ulster County, New York, for over 30 years. He is the president and co-founder of Calling All Poets, a prominent poetry organization in the Hudson Valley that has been fostering poetic expression for 26 years. His widely read poetry collections and acclaimed poetry readings often explore themes of everyday life, absurdity, and human connection, making them relatable and impactful. THE CONVERSATION This conversation, originally recorded live on May 13, 2024, explored the deep connections between jazz improvisation and poetic rhythm, how music and poetry inform each other, and the art of making complex ideas feel accessible and inviting after being edited and remastered for rebroadcast. From getting nauseous listening to Bob Dylan at 14 to becoming a poet who puts a backbeat in every line—this is Mike's journey. "This conversation has rhythm. It has laughter. It has depth." 📖 BONUS: Podcast includes six poems from Mike Jurkovic exclusively for Timeless Classics (in order): The Whereabouts of Heaven, Your North Star Still stirs (Sojourner Truth), Mama's Meatballs (off Jerome Avenue), Charming Ineptness You’ve Taken to Heart, Only Here and Saltwater Taffy with Nick Bisanz. WHEN Catch the episode on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 8:00 PM (EST) by visiting the Quintessential Poetry website at https://rss.com/podcasts/quintessential-poetry/2393065. OR Visit this link on YouTube to listen to the episode: https://youtu.be/o2Swis9mWRQ?si=hRKd17ksu2EwEGsd About Quintessential Poetry: The award-nominated podcast, Quintessential Poetry, has featured 500+ poets across 450+ episodes, reaching 350,000+ listeners globally. Created and hosted by four-time Pushcart Prize nominee Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram, the podcast celebrates diverse voices in contemporary poetry and spoken word. Connect with us: Website: www.quintessentialpoetry.networkFacebook: Quintessential PoetryInstagram: @quintessentialpoetryKeywords: poetry podcast, spoken word, John Patrick Robbins, contemporary poetry, literary interviews, American poets, creative writing, poetry performance, literary podcast, Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram, poetry community, alternative poetry, P.S. We're nominated for Best Arts & Literature Podcast! Vote by Dec 25: https://shorturl.at/EGtV5 🏆

    Quintessential Poetry Presents Mike Jurkovic: The Poet Who Makes Jazz Sing and Words Swing|Poems

  4. 12/19/2025

    Quintessential Poetry Presents John Patrick Robbins - Raw, Unfiltered Poetry From The Mad Editor

    John Patrick Robbins joins the Quintessential Poetry podcast for a raw and unfiltered conversation about craft, honesty, and the uncompromising voice that defines his work. Known as “The Mad Editor,” Robbins brings a fierce commitment to truth-telling through poetry, exploring themes of grit, survival, and emotional clarity. This spoken word poetry interview highlights his distinctive style, his editorial insight, and the lived experiences that shape his creative expression. Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram, host of this episode, returns to his impactful conversation with John Patrick Robbins. John is the editor-in-chief of ten magazines, one of which is the Rye Whiskey Review. Nominated for the Pushcart Prize, he is also a renowned author of Southern Gothic-style short stories and poetry. This conversation focuses on his poetry collection, 'Are We Dead Yet?' published by Black Circle Publishing in 2023 (https://www.amazon.com/Are-Dead-John-Patrick-Robbins/dp/B0BL52F4HH). The poetry book reached the number one spot on the Amazon charts. Dark and unapologetic, Robbins delivers poetry that is both raw and unfiltered. Robbins stands out as one of the most innovative and thought-provoking figures in the realm of contemporary poetry. His unabashed candor and biting humor invigorate the poetry scene. Here is a link to a bonus collection of his three poems: https://pdflink.to/e372857d/. What You Will Discover: Why this conversation continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.His uncompromising approach to writing and performanceBehind-the-scenes stories from the poetry circuitInsights on authenticity in creative workThe intersection of rebellion and artistry in modern poetryAbout Quintessential Poetry: The award-nominated podcast, Quintessential Poetry, has featured 500+ poets across 450+ episodes, reaching 350,000+ listeners globally. Created and hosted by four-time Pushcart Prize nominee Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram, the podcast celebrates diverse voices in contemporary poetry and spoken word. Connect with us: Website: www.quintessentialpoetry.comFacebook: Quintessential PoetryInstagram: @quintessentialpoetry

    Quintessential Poetry Presents John Patrick Robbins - Raw, Unfiltered Poetry From The Mad Editor

  5. 04/19/2025

    Kolawole Alatishe — Poetry, Unity, and Human Togetherness: A Book Club Discussion

    Kolawole Alatishe, a Nigerian poet and thinker, joins the Quintessential Poetry podcast for a thoughtful exploration of the power of poetry, language, and creative expression. In this book club discussion, he reflects on the emotional, cultural, and philosophical dimensions of poetry, offering insights shaped by lived experience and a deep commitment to storytelling. His 2025 book, HUMAN TOGETHERNESS: Promoting Human Mutual Inter‑dependence, expands on these themes by championing unity, cooperation, and the transformative potential of human interconnectedness. This spoken word poetry conversation highlights his reflective voice, his approach to meaning-making, and the ways poetry connects us across borders and identities.

  6. 04/19/2025

    Laura Grevel — Poetry, Interconnectedness, and the Stories That Shape Us

    Join host Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram as he inaugurates the newly rebranded Quintessential Poetry platform with acclaimed poet and spoken word artist Laura Grevel in this quintessential poetry podcast conversation rooted in spoken word and literary expression. In this episode, Laura shares profound insights from her extensive life across five different countries. Exploring her poetic influences, the importance of capturing human stories, and the themes that drive her work, Laura reads a number of her poetic pieces. Topics range from migration and identity to politics and nature. Additionally, she discusses the unique power of poetry to inspire empathy, touching on her personal experiences and the universal emotions encapsulated within her words. Listen as they explore the essence of poetry, its ability to convey deep human truths, and Laura's fascinating journey as a poet.

    Laura Grevel — Poetry, Interconnectedness, and the Stories That Shape Us

  7. 04/05/2025

    Quintessential Poetry Presents Caroline Adler Micó: Poetry Beyond Boundaries

    Hello, everyone, Welcome to a special National Poetry Month 2025 episode of The Quintessential Poetry Podcast, a spoken‑word and literary arts platform celebrating this year’s universal theme of family and our sub‑theme, Poetry Beyond Borders. In this fully French‑language conversation, Caroline Adler Micó shares her multilingual artistry and the emotional depth of her work, offering listeners a rare opportunity to experience her poetry in the language where her voice resonates most powerfully. This episode honors French director, teacher, author, and scenarist France DeMarcy, whose contributions to the arts and storytelling resonate far beyond borders. The theme of family reminds us of the deep connections that bind us together, whether through birth, choice, or bonds that defy categorization. Poetry Beyond Borders amplifies this idea, showcasing how poetry transcends geographical, cultural, and linguistic boundaries to create shared human experiences. In this episode, we feature Caroline Adler Micó, a French multidisciplinary poet who embodies the spirit of poetry without limits. Caroline shares her journey of transforming personal challenges into poetic innovation, exploring themes that connect us across cultures and experiences. Her artistic path spans multiple disciplines, from earth sciences to avant-garde cinema, creating a rich tapestry of creative exploration. Throughout the podcast, discover Caroline's poetic influences, the intersection of vulnerability and strength in her work, and her advice for emerging poets. Caroline's poetry, spoken entirely in her native French, achieves an extraordinary brilliance, inviting listeners into a deeply authentic and transformative experience. While translations are available for listeners (link below), the episode offers a profound opportunity to experience poetry in its most powerful form—through the musicality and emotion of its original language. Caroline's poetic voice transcends borders, connecting us across languages, cultures, and experiences, illustrating the universal depths of human expression. Join us on this journey as we celebrate the power of poetry to unite us as one global family. 00:41 Special Episode: Poetry Beyond Boundaries 01:27 Interview with Caroline Adler Micó 01:58 Exploring the Essence of Poetry 08:59 Themes and Inspirations 23:12 Cultural Influences and International Perspectives 31:40 The Role of Poets in Society 33:38 Advice for Emerging Women Poets 36:03 Creative Processes and Future Plans 49:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Translations will be available upon request from Quintessential Poetry at quintessentialpoetry@gmail.com. https://docs.google.com/document/d/12g-zFIsSAzu2KmCe1ypYiHB9SW0649T3NCOyVGx15dw/edit?usp=sharing KeywordsFrench poetrymultilingual poetspoken word poetryFrench literatureNational Poetry MonthPoetry Beyond BordersArgentinian poetFrench poetry performancebilingual poetryFrench‑language interviewliterary arts podcastglobal poetrypoetry and identitypoetry and cultureFrance DeMarcy

    Quintessential Poetry Presents Caroline Adler Micó: Poetry Beyond Boundaries

  8. 03/21/2025

    In Memory of Rawle James — Poetry, Openness, and the Spirit He Shared

    In Memory of Rawle James This conversation, originally recorded in 2023, honors the late Rawle James—a beloved poet and community builder from Toronto, Canada, whose sudden passing in 2025 left a profound impact on poetry communities worldwide. Known for his melodic voice, warm smile, and spiritual depth, Rawle brought openness, clarity, and generosity to every space he entered, and his presence on this quintessential poetry podcast continues to resonate. Friends and fellow poets remember him as a man with "a great spirit of forgiveness and Love," someone who encouraged others to find their authentic voice. As one friend noted, "He was a friend to everyone he crossed paths with. " Rawle's commitment to fostering connections across borders was evident in his global poetic presence, including his appearance on Quintessential Listening: Poetry Online Radio. Those who knew him speak of his "elder grace," "quiet strength," and the deep conversations that left them "a better person for having met him." His legacy lives on through his poetry and in the hearts of the many writers he mentored and inspired. As we share this interview from the archives, we invite you to experience the wisdom and warmth that made Rawle James a quintessential poet whose voice, as one friend simply put, "resounds" even now.

    In Memory of Rawle James — Poetry, Openness, and the Spirit He Shared
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About

Quintessential Poetry is an award‑nominated global poetry and spoken word podcast featuring poets, storytellers, performers, and creative writers from around the world. Established in 2018, the show blends performance with reflective conversation, offering listeners meaningful insights into identity, healing, culture, and the human experience. Hosted by Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram—a four‑time Pushcart Prize–nominated poet, retired professor of Counselor Education, and internationally respected spoken word artist—the podcast is known for its warm, grounded, and emotionally attuned interviews. Each episode highlights global poetic voices and the cultural stories behind their work, creating a thoughtful, performance‑driven space for poetry enthusiasts, cultural storytellers, and audio creatives alike. With thousands of downloads and listeners across more than a dozen countries, Quintessential Poetry has become one of the most widely heard poetry podcasts in the world—a global stage where performance, reflection, and lived experience take center spotlight. With more than 500 episodes, the show has consistently ranked among the top poetry podcasts worldwide, including multiple #2 placements on 2024 global lists and top rankings on Goodpods, Player.fm, Ivy.fm, and the NYC World Podcast Network. Quintessential Poetry has also earned nominations in the Best Arts & Culture categories across major podcasting awards in 2025 and 2026. Poets interested in being featured may contact Dr. Ingram at maingram@gmx.com. Learn more at https://www.quintessentialpoetry.network.

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