Every great literary event starts with a “why.” Join bridgette as she shares a decade of hard-won lessons from the LA poetry scene, from curating unforgettable readings to keeping the mic open with intention. Let’s talk about what it really takes to plan a lit event—vibes, budgets, and boundaries and all.

Visit thepoetrylab.com to find the Show Notes for this episode. The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Danielle Mitchell. With special guest hosts Lori Walker, bridgette bianca, Leonora Simonovis and Ravina Wadhwani.

Creative hustle culture pushes artists to constantly produce, post, and perform, often at the expense of their voice and joy. In this episode, Lori shares how to break free from the cycle of overexposure and burnout with practical strategies to reclaim your time and creativity. This is about building a sustainable artistic practice that prioritizes authenticity over algorithms.

Visit thepoetrylab.com to find the Show Notes for this episode. The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Danielle Mitchell. With special guest hosts Lori Walker, bridgette bianca, Leonora Simonovis and Ravina Wadhwani.

Ever blanked on stage? Ravina has—in front of her entire high school. What could’ve been the end of her poetry journey became a lesson in resilience, community, and remembering that showing up is the real win. In this episode, learn how support, self-compassion, and a little reframing can turn setbacks into stepping stones.

Visit thepoetrylab.com to find the Show Notes for this episode. The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Danielle Mitchell. With special guest hosts Lori Walker, bridgette bianca, Leonora Simonovis and Ravina Wadhwani.

Collaborative poems can break creative blocks wide open. In this episode, Leo shares her experience writing with partners and groups, along with tips and playful exercises to help you try it yourself. Whether you're stuck or just craving connection, collaboration can reignite your writing in unexpected and joyful ways.

Visit thepoetrylab.com to find the Show Notes for this episode. The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Lori Walker and Danielle Mitchell. Hosted by Danielle Mitchell and Lori Walker, with special guest hosts bridgette bianca, Leonora Simonovis and Ravina Wadhwani.

Theme song: "Simply Upbeat" by Christian Telford, Kenneth Edward Belcher, and Saki Furuya.

In this episode, bridgette shares five powerful personal lessons from How We Do It: Black Writers on Craft, edited by Jericho Brown. With insight from writers like Rita Dove, Frank X Walker, and E. Ethelbert Miller, this episode explores how Black writers define craft on their own terms, offering healing, joy, revolution, and permission to speak directly to your people.

Visit thepoetrylab.com to find the Show Notes for this episode. The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Lori Walker and Danielle Mitchell. Hosted by Danielle Mitchell and Lori Walker, with special guest hosts bridgette bianca, Leonora Simonovis and Ravina Wadhwani.

Theme song: "Simply Upbeat" by Christian Telford, Kenneth Edward Belcher, and Saki Furuya.

Feeling stuck in the shame of not writing “enough”? In this episode, Lori Walker dismantles the myth of writing discipline and explores how to build a sustainable creative practice rooted in rhythm, curiosity, and compassion. It’s not about writing every day—it’s about finding your way back, again and again.

Visit thepoetrylab.com to find the Show Notes for this episode. The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Lori Walker and Danielle Mitchell. Hosted by Danielle Mitchell and Lori Walker, with special guest hosts bridgette bianca, Leonora Simonovis and Ravina Wadhwani.

Theme song: "Simply Upbeat" by Christian Telford, Kenneth Edward Belcher, and Saki Furuya.

In her debut episode, new host Ravina Wadhwani gets real about a struggle many creatives face: standing in our own way. With warmth and vulnerability, she reflects on impostor syndrome, self-sabotage, and the pressure to succeed even when we’ve already achieved so much. This episode is a compassionate reminder that your magic deserves room to breathe, and you are not alone in this work.

Visit thepoetrylab.com to find the Show Notes for this episode. The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Lori Walker and Danielle Mitchell. Hosted by Danielle Mitchell and Lori Walker, with special guest hosts bridgette bianca, Leonora Simonovis and Ravina Wadhwani.

Theme song: "Simply Upbeat" by Christian Telford, Kenneth Edward Belcher, and Saki Furuya.

Sharing your poems aloud can feel intimidating, even though poetry is rooted in oral tradition. In this episode, host bridgette bianca offers practical tips for reading your work with confidence and clarity, along with heartfelt advice on how to connect with your voice and your audience on stage.

Visit thepoetrylab.com to find the Show Notes for this episode. The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Lori Walker and Danielle Mitchell. Hosted by Danielle Mitchell and Lori Walker, with special guest hosts bridgette bianca, Leonora Simonovis and Ravina Wadhwani.

Theme song: "Simply Upbeat" by Christian Telford, Kenneth Edward Belcher, and Saki Furuya.