Let the Verse Flow: Personal Growth Thru a Creative Lens

Jill Hodge

Join writer and host, Jill Hodge, as she shares her creative self-care journey through a soulful mashup of storytelling, spoken word poetry, and music. Part self-help/part performing arts, this podcast explores personal growth through a creative lens.  Through an immersive backdrop of music and soundscapes, Jill explores a variety of practices and tools drawn from positive psychology, like mindfulness, positive reframing, gratitude, and creative flow. Dive into creative self-care techniques such as journal writing and affirmation meditations. You’ll find journal prompts at the end of every episode to guide your own self-reflection. This podcast was born out of the struggle (and then insight) that Jill experienced as she dealt with her mother’s ailing health. She turned to creative expression for comfort and discovered the life-changing ways that it revealed a path toward a more purposeful life. In verse form: “I thought I’d lost myself along a road that was seldom straight or supple, but after the broken shards fell away, I glimpsed the undergrowth. From every tear that had fallen, nestled in life’s rich soil, there sprang a stalk, now entangled and evergreen. Exhausted, I rested under the lush canopy. This is my story.” Let Jill inspire your creative self-care journey as she shares her “reflections from the bright side of the beat” and join this growing community by connecting with her at https://www.lettheverseflow.com/.  Want to ignite your creative self-care journey? Sign up for Jill’s free companion newsletter, Flow & Voice, a free monthly note with short, practical reflections on creativity and personal growth, plus occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into Jill's audio storytelling journey. 

  1. Take Notice of Little, Beautiful Things — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 3)

    1D AGO

    Take Notice of Little, Beautiful Things — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 3)

    What if one of life’s quiet superpowers is noticing?  What if noticing those things brings you closer to knowing yourself, to connecting with yourself, to cherishing yourself?  Sounds like pretty powerful stuff for a no-cost, simple act, and yet we don’t do it nearly enough. In this episode, I reflect on the third lesson my mother taught me: take notice of little, beautiful things, especially nature. Through spoken word poetry, memories of my mom, reflections on motherhood, and the wisdom of Mary Oliver, we explore how noticing beauty through our five senses can ground us, soften regret, and reconnect us to purpose. From ocean water and wild geese to ginger flowers, scallops, and morning birdsong, this episode is an invitation to slow down, savor, and sit with the small moments that quietly save us. Welcome to my reflections from the bright side of the beat. If you like the podcast, visit my website: lettheverseflow.com for more inspirational insights and resources, and sign up for Flow & Voice, a free monthly note with short, practical reflections on creativity and personal growth, plus occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into my audio storytelling journey. Music: All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe. Songs in this episode: Midnight Memory by Chelsea McGough; Some Kind of Wonderful by Nu Alkemi$t; Con Sazón by In This World Poem:  A Day of Greening Resources: Mary Oliver reading of Wild Geese (On Being Podcast) Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver (contains poem: When I am Among the Trees) Related Episodes:  Recognize the Good in Others — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 2) – Episode #65 Let People Know You Love Them — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 1) - Episode 64 Journal Prompts: 1. Take your journal to your favorite park, beach, pasture or creek and write about beautiful, little things that you notice with your five senses. 2. Write a one-page story about the life of a beautiful object, animal or nature scene.  3. Answer this question: What beautiful, little thing do you keep around for comfort? Why? Please subscribe & leave a review if today’s episode helped you notice little, beautiful things in the natural world. 💜💛 Follow Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillhodgevo/ Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://www.lettheverseflow.com Let the Verse Flow is part of Jill Hodge’s voice actor and audiobook narration work. Learn more at jillhodgevo.com.

    18 min
  2. Recognize the Good in Others — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 2)

    JAN 28

    Recognize the Good in Others — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 2)

    This episode continues my 10-part series What My Mama Taught Me, reflecting on the wisdom, values, and way of being my mother embodied. Telling her stories and sharing her kindness and unique perspective help me honor her memory as I continue to grieve. It also encourages us to lean into loving, kind values during these troubling times. In Lesson #2 — Recognize the Good in Others, I discuss how quickly we categorize people based on outward appearance, and how much we miss when we do. Through poetry, personal storytelling, and memories of my mother’s open-hearted approach to life, this episode invites us to move beyond labels and into real human connection. As a biracial woman, I reflect on the experience of being misread and classified, and why first impressions rarely tell us anything meaningful about who someone truly is. My mother met people with curiosity, kindness, and respect, recognizing the good in others without assumptions. Let's explore how compassion, nonjudgment, identity, and acceptance can deepen relationships with others and ourselves. Welcome to my reflections from the bright side of the beat. If you like the podcast, visit my website: lettheverseflow.com for more inspirational insights and resources, and sign up for Flow & Voice, a free monthly note with short, practical reflections on creativity and personal growth, plus occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into my audio storytelling journey. Music: All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe. Songs in this episode: Cream Soda by BRASKO; Some Kind of Wonderful by Nu Alkemi$t; Con Sazón by In This World Poem:  We Made It Out Related Episodes:  Let People Know You Love Them — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 1) - Episode 64 Journal Prompts: 1. How are you recognizing the good in others? What does that look like for you? 2. Do you judge other people as an extension of self-judgment? Explore that dichotomy. 3. Write about a friendship of acceptance. Who do you accept unconditionally, and how does that enrich your life? Please subscribe & leave a review if today’s episode helped you recognize the good in others. 💜💛 Follow Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillhodgevo/ Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://www.lettheverseflow.com Let the Verse Flow is part of Jill Hodge’s voice actor and audiobook narration work. Learn more at jillhodgevo.com.

    18 min
  3. Let People Know You Love Them — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 1)

    JAN 14

    Let People Know You Love Them — Lessons My Mama Taught Me (Part 1)

    This episode begins a 10-part series, What My Mama Taught Me: 10 Life Lessons on Compassion, Creativity, and Courage, inspired by the wisdom, love, and example of my mother. Today's lesson (#1): Let people know you love them. Over the next 10 episodes, I’ll discuss one piece of wisdom she taught me, weaving together personal stories, reflections on grief, caregiving, creativity, and compassion, along with thoughts on how these lessons can help us live more meaningful, connected lives. Today’s episode explores the practice of saying “I love you”—a simple act that can feel complicated, especially in the context of loss, caregiving, and end-of-life transitions. I hope it offers comfort to listeners navigating grief, caregiving for aging parents, mother–daughter relationships, or the emotional complexity of loving deeply. As I reflect on my mother’s passing after years of caring for her through Alzheimer’s, I share how expressing love openly became a source of comfort, healing, and open-heartedness—for both of us.  Welcome to my reflections from the bright side of the beat. If you like the podcast, visit my website: lettheverseflow.com for more inspirational insights and resources, and sign up for Flow & Voice, a free monthly note with short, practical reflections on creativity and personal growth, plus occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into my audio storytelling journey. Music: All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe. Songs in this episode: La Fin Du Blonde by Tony Sopiano; Some Kind of Wonderful by Nu Alkemi$t; Con Sazón by In This World Poem: "I Love You" Was Said Resources:  When caregiving feels like prayer (NPR interview with writer Jason Reynolds): https://tinyurl.com/54p6repx Journal Prompts: 1. Write a love letter to a friend, parent, family member, or partner that conveys why you love them so much. What qualities are most lovable about them? 2. Write about a difficult relationship and ask yourself if there is any way to release anger or bad feelings by leaning into compassion for them? How does that make you feel? 3. What lovable qualities are present in your relationships, and which ones are you still seeking? Please subscribe & leave a review if today’s episode helped you express love for someone else. 💜💛 Follow Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillhodgevo Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://www.lettheverseflow.com Let the Verse Flow is part of Jill Hodge’s voice actor and audiobook narration work. Learn more at jillhodgevo.com.

    20 min
  4. Return to You: Creativity, Identity, and the Art of Being Yourself

    11/19/2025

    Return to You: Creativity, Identity, and the Art of Being Yourself

    What does it mean to be true to yourself? It’s often a question that we ponder at pivotal points in our lives, especially during midlife. In this episode, I explore what it means to be yourself creatively, authentically, and with greater self-awareness.  For inspiration, there’s poetry and a discussion of the role of mindfulness in living authentically. I also discuss an inspirational quote by Allen Ginsberg. It’s his iconic advice to writers (but it applies to all creative beings – which is all of us in one way or another). “Follow your inner moonlight, don’t hide the madness.” This episode is an invitation to reconnect with your creative voice, listen to your inner wisdom and make time and space for the parts of yourself that you value most and want to be seen. Check out the journal prompts to help you reflect on Ginsberg’s quote in more depth and reconnect with your creative voice and what it’s trying to tell you about how to live.   Welcome to my reflections from the bright side of the beat. If you like the podcast, visit my website: lettheverseflow.com for more inspirational insights and resources, and sign up for Flow & Voice, a free monthly note with short, practical reflections on creativity and personal growth, plus occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into my audio storytelling journey. Music: All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe. Songs in this episode: Glide by JMPSCR; Some Kind of Wonderful by Nu Alkemi$t; Con Sazón by In This World Poem: Well, who am I? Quote:  “Follow your inner moonlight, don’t hide the madness.” (Allen Ginsberg) Related Episodes: Creative Flow: Self-Care That Matters (Episode #21)  Affirmation Meditation: Cultivate Creative Flow (Episode #22) Journal Prompts: 1. What creative activities speak to you, open you up, and help you release and follow your “inner moonlight?” 2. Have you been hiding your creativity? How and why? 3. How does your creativity help define who you are? Please subscribe & leave a review if today’s episode helped you tap into opportunities for living more creatively (and authentically).  💜💛 Follow Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillhodgevo/ Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://www.lettheverseflow.com

    19 min
  5. Handling Waves of Grief with Self-Compassion

    11/05/2025

    Handling Waves of Grief with Self-Compassion

    Grief comes in waves – successive, unpredictable, fierce or tumbling – and with each wave, we get swept up and taken to another place. It's often a mixed bag of emotions and thoughts, a place of anger, shame, nostalgia and memory, great sorrow, or even laughter and gratitude.  How can we steady ourselves when faced with all these conflicting feelings? With self-compassion. 💝 In today's episode, I talk about: the three elements of self-compassion: self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulnessthe non-linear quality of grief and how to cope with its unpredictable nature how leaning into, and extending, the compassion that friends and family display can help you let go of negative emotions (shame, anger, regret)how an odd combination of sleep, retro TV detective shows, walks in Central Park, and mindfulness (led by my favorite “tell-it-like-it-is” Dharma teacher Vinny Ferraro) is helping me cope. Welcome to my reflections from the bright side of the beat. If you like the podcast, head over to my website: lettheverseflow.com for more inspirational insights and resources, and sign up for Flow & Voice, a free monthly note with short, practical reflections on creativity and personal growth, plus occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into my audio storytelling journey. Music: All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe. Songs in this episode: Sunshine On My Soul by Moments; Some Kind of Wonderful by Nu Alkemi$t; Con Sazón by In This World Poem: The Luckiest Child Resources: What is self-compassion? (positive psychology article): https://positivepsychology.com/self-compassion-self-love/#self-compassion-and-positive-psychology Vinny Ferraro’s website: https://vinnyferraro.org/; see the recordings tab for his Dharma talks and guided meditations Related Episodes: Making Peace with Grief (the Shapeshifter) - Episode #54 Grief & Gratitude (It's Bittersweet) - Episode #15 Journal Prompts: 1. List three activities that could engage you in a compassionate way during a difficult time. 2. In what ways has a friend or family member treated you with compassion as you grieve or struggle with a life transition? 3. What mindful act can help you lean into self-compassion? Write about what that could look like and how it would help. Please subscribe & leave a review if today’s episode helped you handle grief with greater self-compassion.  💜💛 Follow Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillhodgevo/ Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://www.lettheverseflow.com

    24 min
  6. You Are Seen: Poetry & Reflection to Support Family Caregivers

    10/22/2025

    You Are Seen: Poetry & Reflection to Support Family Caregivers

    This episode begins with an ode to an overwrought caregiver. I'm reaching out to my fellow caregiver tribe to remind you that what you do matters. When we care for an aging parent, child, partner, or neighbor, we impact our small piece of the world with our hearts and hands and unseen strength.  We can get so wrapped up in our caregiving tasks that we lose sight of what our caring means. There often isn't much time to reflect on how we are showing up for our loved one or friend. We just do it, but there are times when we may come very close to burnout. That's a painful place to be because we still want to take care of our loved one, but we may not have the internal resources (emotionally, physically, or spiritually).  I hope this episode helps restore your resilience and reminds you that you are seen and appreciated for your caring.   Welcome to my reflections from the bright side of the beat. If you like the podcast, head over to my website: lettheverseflow.com for more inspirational insights and resources, and sign up for Flow & Voice, a free monthly note with short, practical reflections on creativity and personal growth, plus occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into my audio storytelling journey. Music: All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe. Songs in this episode: Some Kind of Wonderful by Nu Alkemi$t; Con Sazón by In This World Related Episodes: Caregiver Burnout & Crisis: Care for the Carer (Episode #49) Finding Balance in Struggle: Exploring Yin and Yang in Daily Life (Episode #41) Embracing Uncertainty: Feeling Faithful & Taking Action (Episode #30) Finding Balance: Caregiver Self-Care (Episode #27) Dealing with Dementia (Caregiver Tips & Journal Prompts) (Episode #13) Journal Prompts: 1. What is the most important thing you get out of your caregiving?  2. Are you giving yourself enough praise and appreciation for your caregiving? If not, why? 3. What positive impact does your caregiving have on your family, community or the world? Please subscribe & leave a review if today’s episode helped you reflect on the positive benefits of caregiving.  💜💛 Follow Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lettheverseflow/ Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://www.lettheverseflow.com

    19 min
  7. Feasting on Anger: How to Break the Pattern of Avoidance

    10/08/2025

    Feasting on Anger: How to Break the Pattern of Avoidance

    Do you have difficulty handling strong emotions like anger or frustration? Do you find yourself reaching for distractions like food or shopping, or alcohol to deal with stress or emotional overload? What does it look like to process emotions like anger successfully?  In this episode, I walk you through one recent instance in which I transformed my anger without engaging in any negative avoidance or distraction behaviors. I explore how I sat with my feelings, reframed emotionally-charged situations, and tried to listen to what my anger needed to tell me.  This episode is filled with hope and honesty about what it takes to face your uncomfortable feelings, sit with them, and ultimately make peace with them, thereby disrupting negative, fear-based habits.  Welcome to my reflections from the bright side of the beat. If you like the podcast, head over to my website: lettheverseflow.com for more inspirational insights and resources, and sign up for Flow & Voice, a free monthly note with short, practical reflections on creativity and personal growth, plus occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into my audio storytelling journey. Music: All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe. Songs in this episode: Don Cheadle by GRAMATTYK; Some Kind of Wonderful by Nu Alkemi$t; Con Sazón by In This World Related Episodes: Personal Growth Is In the Process: How to Love Where You Are (Episode #42) The Power of Habits: A Poetic Exploration on Building Healthy Routines (episode #34) Build a Personal Growth Practice (with Creative Self-Care) (Episode #14) Sitting with S****y Feelings (episode #4) Journal Prompts: 1. Write about a recent time when you felt angry. How did you handle it, and are you satisfied with how things turned out? 2. What do your avoidance behaviors tell you about the strong emotions that trigger you? 3. If you could talk to your anger like a friend, what questions would you ask it? Write them out. Please subscribe & leave a review if today’s episode helped you think about your uncomfortable emotions differently.  💜💛 Follow Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lettheverseflow/ Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://www.lettheverseflow.com

    21 min
  8. Can You Snorkel at 80? Turning “I Can’t” Into Possibility

    09/24/2025

    Can You Snorkel at 80? Turning “I Can’t” Into Possibility

    In this episode, I explore how I transformed a recent fear-based question about the limits of aging into a reflection on possibilities, presence, and personal growth. In my last days of vacation, blissfully snorkeling in Oahu, Hawaii, I had a lingering question pop up in my mind about how much longer I would be able to snorkel. Could I snorkel at age 80 and beyond? This fear-based question about the unknown future (which I affectionately call "the Undiscovered Country" -- yes, I'm a Trekkie) was festering in my mind. I wasn't having that! So I reframed it, and now I'm sharing what I found out about those thoughts. So let's get into how we can turn fear-based questions on the limits of aging into interesting reflections that allow us to see more possibilities, deepen our mindfulness practice, and even spark healthy personal goal setting.   Welcome to my reflections from the bright side of the beat. If you like the podcast, head over to my website: lettheverseflow.com for more inspirational insights and resources, and sign up for Flow & Voice, a free monthly note with short, practical reflections on creativity and personal growth, plus occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into my audio storytelling journey. Music: All music for my podcast is sourced and licensed for use via Soundstripe. Songs in this episode: Billion Air by Ivy Bakes; Some Kind of Wonderful by Nu Alkemi$t; Con Sazón by In This World Resources: Sharon Salzberg: https://www.sharonsalzberg.com/ Related Episodes: Hawaii: Quietly Stirring – Reflections on Nature, Wonder, and Presence (episode #58) Sylvia Plath on Wanting Everything (and Nothing) (episode #46) Khalil Gibran and the Trap of Overthinking (episode #45) Mindful Living Through Meditation (episode #26) Journal Prompts: 1. What do I fear most as I consider getting older? Why are those fears appearing? 2. If I had to give up some activity that I loved, what could I put in its place? 3. The next time you notice your monkey mind full of fearful questions, write some of them down and then examine them from different angles. What can you learn from them? Please subscribe & leave a review if today’s episode helped you rethink a limiting ageist question or fear. 💜💛 Follow Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lettheverseflow/ Prefer to read this episode? Read the complete episode in blog format here: https://www.lettheverseflow.com

    18 min
5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Join writer and host, Jill Hodge, as she shares her creative self-care journey through a soulful mashup of storytelling, spoken word poetry, and music. Part self-help/part performing arts, this podcast explores personal growth through a creative lens.  Through an immersive backdrop of music and soundscapes, Jill explores a variety of practices and tools drawn from positive psychology, like mindfulness, positive reframing, gratitude, and creative flow. Dive into creative self-care techniques such as journal writing and affirmation meditations. You’ll find journal prompts at the end of every episode to guide your own self-reflection. This podcast was born out of the struggle (and then insight) that Jill experienced as she dealt with her mother’s ailing health. She turned to creative expression for comfort and discovered the life-changing ways that it revealed a path toward a more purposeful life. In verse form: “I thought I’d lost myself along a road that was seldom straight or supple, but after the broken shards fell away, I glimpsed the undergrowth. From every tear that had fallen, nestled in life’s rich soil, there sprang a stalk, now entangled and evergreen. Exhausted, I rested under the lush canopy. This is my story.” Let Jill inspire your creative self-care journey as she shares her “reflections from the bright side of the beat” and join this growing community by connecting with her at https://www.lettheverseflow.com/.  Want to ignite your creative self-care journey? Sign up for Jill’s free companion newsletter, Flow & Voice, a free monthly note with short, practical reflections on creativity and personal growth, plus occasional behind-the-scenes glimpses into Jill's audio storytelling journey.