The Poetry Vessel Podcast

The Poetry Vessel
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The Poetry Vessel Podcast is a video-based podcast that explores creativity, consciousness, and—of course—poetry. Hosted by Malibu’s 5th Poet Laureate, Nathan Hassall, and co-created with his wife, Rachael. The podcast brings together voices from across multiple disciplines—poets, neuroscientists, musicians, psychologists, and more—to examine how language, emotion, and art shape the way we experience the world. Listeners are also invited to become part of the dialogue. Submit your Poetry at www.thepoetryvessel.com/submit for consideration for feature on The Poetry Vessel Podcast.

  1. 4d ago

    #063 - 4 Classic Poems to Read Halloween Night (Shakespeare, Dickinson, Keats, and Byron)

    Come read classic dark poetry with us! 🎃Gather around the candlelight this Halloween as we dive into the chilling, gothic world of classic literature. In this special episode of The Poetry Vessel Podcast, we read four atmospheric and haunting poems from some of history's most iconic poets—William Shakespeare, Lord Byron, John Keats, and Emily Dickinson—exploring themes of mortality, phantom beauty, tragic romance, and, of course, the apocalypse. Whether you are looking for a moody aesthetic to set the October ambiance, inspiration for the scary season, or simply want to appreciate the darker side of classic verse, pour a warm drink, dim the lights, and let these dark poems carry you into the night.*CACKLES*CHECK OUT MORE FROM TPV:👉 JOIN OUR FREE POETRY COMMUNITY: https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/signup🙏 SUPPORT THE POETRY VESSEL:https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/donate👉 ALL OTHER LINKS: https://linktr.ee/nathanhassall🧠 HOW POETRY CHANGES YOUR BRAIN ONLINE COURSE (W/ DISCOUNT):https://www.nathanhassall.com/changeyourbrain📌 CHAPTERS:00:00 Intro & Halloween Special Welcome 01:02 Why Our Recording Locations Keep Changing 02:07 William Shakespeare’s Macbeth (The Witches' Song) 09:05 John Keats' Birthday & Reading "This Living Hand" 10:14 Handling Live Performance Mishaps & Technical Glitches 14:13 Emily Dickinson & Reading "A Certain Slant of Light" 33:09 Lord Byron & Reading the Apocalyptic Poem "Darkness" 48:48 Outro, Community Updates & Stay Spooky! PODCAST DISCLAIMER:The views, opinions, discussions, and statements expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and are intended to represent their personal opinions and perspectives. Listener discretion is advised. The Poetry Vessel is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information presented and disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance on any information presented in this podcast.FTC DISCLAIMER:Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means that if you click on them we may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The commission is paid by the retailers, at no cost to you, and this helps to support our channel and keep our videos free. Thank you!

  2. Oct 25

    #062 - Can dark poetry help us explore our shadow selves?

    How can dark poetry help us explore the hidden parts of ourselves? 👉 JOIN OUR FREE POETRY COMMUNITY: https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/signup Welcome back to the Poetry Vessel Podcast! In this special Halloween episode, we dive deep into the world of dark poetry, gothic verse, and graveyard poetry. Join us as we explore Robert Frost's "In a Disused Graveyard", discuss Jungian shadow work, examine the aesthetic of Duende, and share practical tips for safely channeling darker themes into your creative writing practice without losing your mental balance. If you love atmospheric writing, literary discussions, and exploring the deeper, more haunting sides of poetry, make sure to like, subscribe, and join our mailing list! CHECK OUT MORE FROM TPV: 👉 JOIN OUR FREE POETRY COMMUNITY: https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/signup 🙏 SUPPORT THE POETRY VESSEL: https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/donate 👉 ALL OTHER LINKS: https://linktr.ee/nathanhassall 🧠 HOW POETRY CHANGES YOUR BRAIN ONLINE COURSE (W/ DISCOUNT): https://www.nathanhassall.com/changeyourbrain 📌 CHAPTERS: 0:00 – Exploring Dark Poetry & Graveyard Poetry 3:12 – Defining Dark, Gothic, and Graveyard Poetry 8:15 – How to Explore Your Shadow Self Through Writing 11:35 – Common Themes in Gothic and Dark Literature 20:30 – Federico García Lorca and the Concept of Duende 24:00 – Rasa: Understanding Emotional Distances in Art 31:40 – Writing Dark Poetry Safely and Grounding Practices PODCAST DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, discussions, and statements expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and are intended to represent their personal opinions and perspectives. Listener discretion is advised. The Poetry Vessel is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information presented and disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance on any information presented in this podcast. FTC DISCLAIMER: Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means that if you click on them we may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The commission is paid by the retailers, at no cost to you, and this helps to support our channel and keep our videos free. Thank you!

  3. Oct 11

    #061- How to Become a Better Poet ft. Lynne Thompson

    What does it take to become an award-winning poet and Poet Laureate of Los Angeles? 👉 JOIN OUR FREE POETRY COMMUNITY: https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/signup In this insightful episode of The Poetry Vessel Podcast, host Nathan Hassall (former Malibu Poet Laureate,) sits down with award-winning poet, former lawyer, and fourth Los Angeles Poet Laureate, Lynne Thompson. Lynne Thompson was the 4th Poet Laureate for the City of Los Angeles. The daughter of Caribbean immigrants, her poetry collections include Beg No Pardon (2007), winner of the Perugia Press Prize and the Great Lakes Colleges Association’s New Writers Award; Start With A Small Guitar (2013), from What Books Press; and Fretwork (2019), winner of the Marsh Hawk Press Poetry Prize. Thompson’s honors include the Tucson Festival of Books Literary Award (poetry) and the Stephen Dunn Prize for Poetry as well as fellowships from the City of Los Angeles, Vermont Studio Center, and the Summer Literary Series in Kenya. Discover her inspiring career transition from the courtroom to the page, get expert advice on how to write poetry, and learn why reading poetry widely is essential for every aspiring writer. Thompson also shares her thoughts on creative evolution, the structure of poetry collections, and the powerful role of the blues and the color blue throughout her acclaimed works like Beg No Pardon and Blue on a Blue Palette. Plus, enjoy readings of her wonderful poems. 📚 BUY LYNNE'S BOOKS: - All books: https://www.lynnethompson.us/books - Blue on a Blue Palette - https://amzn.to/4yKZJoX CHECK OUT MORE FROM TPV: 🙏 SUPPORT THE POETRY VESSEL: https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/donate 👉 ALL OTHER LINKS: https://linktr.ee/nathanhassall 🧠 HOW POETRY CHANGES YOUR BRAIN ONLINE COURSE (W/ DISCOUNT): https://www.nathanhassall.com/changeyourbrain 📌 CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction to Lynn Thompson and her journey from lawyer to poet 02:08 - Advice for emerging writers: Reading broadly and developing a practice 07:46 - Transitioning from a legal career to pursuing poetry full-time 11:50 - How a background in law and legal logic influences her poetry 14:20 - Poem Reading: "Blue Night with Scissors" (Discussion on centos and organization) 19:00 - Exploring the pervasive theme of "blue" and the blues in her work 23:00 - Serving as the Poet Laureate of Los Angeles during the pandemic 29:40 - Poem Reading: "Whole and Full" 33:20 - Embracing childlike wonder, strange language, and the Georgia Review publication 42:00 - The importance of revision and letting a draft cool off 48:00 - When is a poem finished? (The concept of abandonment) 49:25 - Poem Reading: "Blues Got Me and Gone" (The mechanics of writing centos) 56:20 - Compiling a "New and Selected" collection and balancing the arc of development 1:00:20 - Poem Reading: "Say Hallelujah" (A praise song dedicated to Peter Harris) PODCAST DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, discussions, and statements expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and are intended to represent their personal opinions and perspectives. Listener discretion is advised. The Poetry Vessel is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information presented and disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance on any information presented in this podcast. FTC DISCLAIMER: Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means that if you click on them we may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The commission is paid by the retailers, at no cost to you, and this helps to support our channel and keep our videos free. Thank you!

  4. Oct 4

    #60 - 5 Things That Are More Important Than Getting Published

    Stop stressing over publication and rediscover the true joy of writing poetry! In this episode of The Poetry Vessel Podcast, Rachael and Malibu Poet Laureate Emeritus Nathan Hassall break down why getting published is actually one of the last things you should worry about when learning about how to write poetry. Instead, we explore the five foundational aspects of writing that matter far more—including mastering the craft, reading extensively and studying your contemporaries, developing a consistent daily writing practice, finding your unique voice, and mastering the art of revision—plus a special bonus tip at the end. 📚 BEST BEGINNER - ADVANCED CRAFT BOOKS: - A Poetry Handbook by Mary Oliver - https://amzn.to/4ywrUI4 - The Poetry Home Repair Manual: Practical Advice for Beginning Poets by Ted Kooser - https://amzn.to/4ytHZy5 - That Wondrous Pattern: Essays on Poetry and Poets - https://amzn.to/4ALv0Jx CHECK OUT MORE FROM TPV: 👉 JOIN OUR FREE POETRY COMMUNITY: https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/signup 🙏 SUPPORT THE POETRY VESSEL: https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/donate 👉 ALL OTHER LINKS: https://linktr.ee/nathanhassall 🧠 HOW POETRY CHANGES YOUR BRAIN ONLINE COURSE (W/ DISCOUNT): https://www.nathanhassall.com/changeyourbrain 📌 CHAPTERS: 0:00 Why Getting Published Is the Wrong Goal for New Poets 0:22 Why the Act of Writing Matters More Than Publication 1:26 What to Read: Essential Poetry Books and Critical Thinking Tips 4:53 How to Build a Consistent Daily Writing Practice 7:29 How to Find and Refine Your Unique Poetry Voice 9:32 Why Mastering the Art of Revision Will Transform Your Poetry 15:24 How to Find and Build a Supportive Poetry Community PODCAST DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, discussions, and statements expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and are intended to represent their personal opinions and perspectives. Listener discretion is advised. The Poetry Vessel is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information presented and disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance on any information presented in this podcast. FTC DISCLAIMER: Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means that if you click on them we may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The commission is paid by the retailers, at no cost to you, and this helps to support our channel and keep our videos free. Thank you!

  5. Sep 27

    #059 - How to Edit Your Poem Like a Pro (10 Tips)

    Discover 10 poetry writing and poem editing tips in this brief and punchy video. 👉 JOIN OUR FREE POETRY COMMUNITY: https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/signupDrawing on over twenty years of practice, Malibu Poet Laureate Emeritus Nathan Hassall outlines ten essential poetry editing strategies to help poets transition from raw draft to polished verse. This poetry editing guide examines foundational elements of revision—from interrogating syntax, diction, and sensory concreteness to evaluating the strategic weight of silence and form. Whether you are refining a lyric poem or restructuring stanzas for narrative impact, these tips offer a helpful framework to sharpen your creative output and continue your quest for how to write a poem that deeply affects your readers.As always, we at The Poetry Vessel hope you enjoy!CHECK OUT MORE FROM TPV:🙏 SUPPORT THE POETRY VESSEL:https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/donate👉 ALL OTHER LINKS: https://linktr.ee/nathanhassall🧠 HOW POETRY CHANGES YOUR BRAIN ONLINE COURSE (W/ DISCOUNT):https://www.nathanhassall.com/changeyourbrain📌 CHAPTERS:0:00 Introduction: What is Poetry Editing?0:20 Tip 1: Set Your Ego Aside0:41 Tip 2: Take a Break From Your Draft1:11 Tip 3: Identify the Theme, Narrative, and Emotion2:10 Tip 4: Scrutinize Every Word and Verb3:22 Tip 5: Read Your Poems Aloud4:09 Tip 6: Use Concrete vs. Abstract Language4:51 Tip 7: Avoid Overly Complex Words (Clarity is Key)6:14 Tip 8: Check for Fresh Language and Avoid Cliches6:59 Tip 9: Shift Stanzas and Experiment with Form8:50 Tip 10: Harness the Power of the Unsaid (Silence in Poetry)PODCAST DISCLAIMER:The views, opinions, discussions, and statements expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and are intended to represent their personal opinions and perspectives. Listener discretion is advised. The Poetry Vessel is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information presented and disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance on any information presented in this podcast.FTC DISCLAIMER:Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means that if you click on them we may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The commission is paid by the retailers, at no cost to you, and this helps to support our channel and keep our videos free. Thank you!

  6. Sep 20

    #058 - How I Wrote an Award-Winning Poetry Book ft. José Enrique Medina

    What's the secret to writing award-winning poetry? 👉 JOIN OUR FREE POETRY COMMUNITY: https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/signup In this episode of The Poetry Vessel Podcast, Malibu Poet Laureate Emeritus, Nathan Hassall, sits down with award-winning contemporary poet José Enrique Medina to discuss the making of his award-winning poetry chapbook, Haunt Me, published by @RattlePoetry José shares insights from his 2025 Rattle Chapbook Prize-winning collection, Haunt Me, which was his first poetry book he published at 55 years old. Tune in as we dive deep into the philosophy of writing books versus individual poems, bilingual poetry, the mechanics of grief and humor, and how memory and ghosts shape contemporary verse. LEARN MORE ABOUT JOSÉ ENRIQUE MEDINA: - Website: https://medinawrites.com/ - Buy Haunt Me: https://rattle.com/publications/haunt-me/ - Follow José on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medinawrites/ CHECK OUT MORE FROM TPV: 🙏 SUPPORT THE POETRY VESSEL: https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/donate 👉 ALL OTHER LINKS: https://linktr.ee/nathanhassall 🧠 HOW POETRY CHANGES YOUR BRAIN ONLINE COURSE (W/ DISCOUNT): https://www.nathanhassall.com/changeyourbrain 📌 CHAPTERS: 0:00 Introduction to the Poetry Vessel podcast and guest José Enrique Medina 1:38 - Reading the title poem "Haunt Me" 3:17 - Designing the Cover Art and Imagery for Haunt Me 7:38 - Winning the 2025 Rattle Chapbook Prize 9:55 - The Metaphor of Ghosts and Memory in Contemporary Verse 14:48 - Discussing the new book Man without a Skirt and writing an epic poem 19:38 - Using Humor to Balance Grief and Heavy Subjects in Poetry 25:48 - Reading the poem "My dream name is Sinfalda" 28:19 - Bilingual Writing, Translation, and Built-In Editors 50:54 - Childhood Memories, Private School, and Feeling Like a Phantom 58:15 - Poem Reading "Even Without a Body" 01:01:22 - What Chickens and Poetry Residences Have in Common 01:08:00 - My First Lesson as a Poetry Mentor PODCAST DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, discussions, and statements expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and are intended to represent their personal opinions and perspectives. Listener discretion is advised. The Poetry Vessel is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information presented and disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance on any information presented in this podcast. FTC DISCLAIMER: Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means that if you click on them we may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The commission is paid by the retailers, at no cost to you, and this helps to support our channel and keep our videos free. Thank you!

  7. Sep 13

    #057 - How to Read (And Even Enjoy) Poetry

    You've never tried reading it like this. 👉 JOIN OUR FREE POETRY COMMUNITY: https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/signup In this episode of The Poetry Vessel podcast, hosts Rachael and former Malibu Poet Laureate Nathan Hassall reveal how to read poetry with confidence and ease, offering practical tips to help beginners enjoy verse without feeling self-conscious or intimidated. By busting common myths—like the idea that every poem has a secret code to crack—they explore the neuroscience of metered rhyme versus free verse, the connection between song lyrics and poetic form, and why your personal interpretation matters more than the poet's intent. Discover simple strategies to analyze poems using sensory details, read aloud for texture, build daily reading rituals with haiku, and connect with vibrant poetry communities. Whether you want to overcome early school anxieties or deepen your creative expression, learn how approaching literature with curiosity and playfulness can unlock the transformative joy of reading poetry every day. EVERYTHING ELSE: 👉 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/nathanhassall 🧠 HOW POETRY CHANGES YOUR BRAIN COURSE (LIMITED TIME DISCOUNT): https://www.nathanhassall.com/changeyourbrain 🙏 SUPPORT US ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ThePoetryVessel 📌 CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Why People Avoid Poetry (And How to Overcome It) 1:32 - Rhyme vs. Free Verse: What Neuroscience Says About Preference 3:05 - Mindset Tips Before Reading Your First Poem 5:02 - The secret to Reading Poetry 6:42 - Why Poems Don't Have One Meaning 11:16 - How to Trust Your Personal Response to Art 12:11 - Embracing Play, Joy, and Curiosity in Language 14:03 - Nathan's Favorite Poet 15:26 - How to Analyze a Poem 16:46 - The Power of Local Poetry Communities 19:28 - Daily Rituals: How to Easily Incorporate Poetry Into Your Routine 21:28 - Starting Small: Why Reading Daily Haiku Works PODCAST DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, discussions, and statements expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and are intended to represent their personal opinions and perspectives. Listener discretion is advised. The Poetry Vessel is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information presented and disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance on any information presented in this podcast. FTC DISCLAIMER: Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means that if you click on them we may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The commission is paid by the retailers, at no cost to you, and this helps to support our channel and keep our videos free. Thank you!

  8. Sep 6

    #056 - How to Write Poetry About Trauma ft. Isabelle Correa

    How do you write a poem about trauma? 👉 JOIN OUR FREE POETRY COMMUNITY: https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/signup In this episode of The Poetry Vessel Podcast, host (Malibu Poet Laureate Emeritus) Nathan Hassall, sits down with Isabelle Correa, Jack McCarthy prize-winning poet and author, to discuss the delicate balance of writing poetry about trauma, grief, and mental health without sacrificing literary quality. Learn how to use surrealism, vivid imagery, and emotional truth—rather than strict legal facts—to craft powerful, resonant poems that connect with readers. Isabelle shares live readings of her work, including her viral poem "On My History of Kissing Everyone at Parties," and breaks down practical writing techniques on enjambment, line breaks, community feedback, and performance. Whether you are a seasoned poet looking to refine your craft or someone seeking accessible entry points into contemporary poetry, this conversation provides essential tips on transforming painful personal experiences into art. CHECK OUT MORE FROM TPV: 🙏 SUPPORT THE POETRY VESSEL: https://www.thepoetryvessel.com/donate 👉 ALL OTHER LINKS: https://linktr.ee/nathanhassall 🧠 HOW POETRY CHANGES YOUR BRAIN ONLINE COURSE (W/ DISCOUNT): https://www.nathanhassall.com/changeyourbrain 📚 BUY ISABELLE CORREA'S NEW BOOK: - Portrait of a Person Who Pushes Love Away in Fear of Losing it (@arcanapoetrypress) - https://amzn.to/4xEmpGJ - Good Girl and Other Yearnings ( @WriteBloodyPublishing ) https://amzn.to/4yqec9i - Isabelle's Website: https://www.isabellecorrea.com/ - Isabelle's Substack: https://substack.com/@isabellecorrea - Follow Isabelle on Instagram: @isabellecorreawrites 📌 CHAPTERS: 0:00 – How do you write poetry about trauma without sacrificing quality? 1:19 – When should you refrain from writing about personal trauma? 5:05 – How surrealism and wild imagery help process difficult emotions 6:43 – Poem Reading: "The Tower" by Isabel 13:04 – How to generate original imagery and avoid clichés 15:16 – Emotional truth vs. strict facts in autobiographical poetry 17:13 – How to give yourself permission to fictionalize real-life details 29:42 – Poem Reading: "On My History of Kissing Everyone at Parties" 30:34 – How to tackle shadow emotions and embrace shame in writing 33:56 – Why you should let a poem find its ending instead of forcing a revelation 39:48 – Poem Reading: "The Demon in My Bathroom Never Takes a Day Off" 42:43 – Why should you involve your reader community in the title selection process? 46:18 – Poem Reading: "In the Garden" 50:00 – How line breaks and intentional enjambment affect a poem's meaning 57:20 – How to structure a full-length poetry collection around complex themes 1:00:30 – How can accessible poetry help make the art form popular again? PODCAST DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, discussions, and statements expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and are intended to represent their personal opinions and perspectives. Listener discretion is advised. The Poetry Vessel is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any information presented and disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance on any information presented in this podcast. FTC DISCLAIMER: Some of the links above may be affiliate links, which means that if you click on them we may receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The commission is paid by the retailers, at no cost to you, and this helps to support our channel and keep our videos free. Thank you!

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About

The Poetry Vessel Podcast is a video-based podcast that explores creativity, consciousness, and—of course—poetry. Hosted by Malibu’s 5th Poet Laureate, Nathan Hassall, and co-created with his wife, Rachael. The podcast brings together voices from across multiple disciplines—poets, neuroscientists, musicians, psychologists, and more—to examine how language, emotion, and art shape the way we experience the world. Listeners are also invited to become part of the dialogue. Submit your Poetry at www.thepoetryvessel.com/submit for consideration for feature on The Poetry Vessel Podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    The Poetry Vessel
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Poetry Vessel
  • Show Website
    The Poetry Vessel Podcast

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