Where are the free, reliable resources that elevate your writing game without breaking the bank? In this episode, we explore our top writing tools, from Grammarly to free Craft Chapbooks, our favorite poetry-centric podcasts to the best of BookTok. Whether you’re an emerging poet or a seasoned writer, it won’t hurt to refresh yourself on these practical tips and resources designed to help you thrive.

The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Lori Walker, Danielle Mitchell, and Karen Zheng. Hosted by Danielle Mitchell and Lori Walker, with special guest host bridgette bianca.

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

Visit thepoetrylab.com/podcast for more information.

In this episode, bridgette takes inspiration from Ntozake Shange’s 1976 choreopoem, for colored girls who have considered suicide / when the rainbow is enuf and compiles a list of five collections by Black women that you should know.

Listen in as bridgette chooses one collection from each of the past five years and explains why you should know it.

The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Lori Walker, Danielle Mitchell, and Karen Zheng. Hosted by Danielle Mitchell and Lori Walker, with special guest host bridgette bianca.

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

Visit thepoetrylab.com/podcast for more information.

In this episode, Lori shares six books she loves to help boost your creativity. We’ve all had creative dry spells, but immersing yourself in the creative struggles and triumphs of other writers can help. The best creative books remind you that inspiration is everything, you only have to be yourself, you are not alone, and creating doesn’t have to be painful. Stick around for a bonus inspiration exercise. Whether in a creative rut or looking for an uplifting read, check out these books to reignite your passion and fuel your imagination.

The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Lori Walker, Danielle Mitchell, and Karen Zheng. Hosted by Danielle Mitchell and Lori Walker, with special guest host bridgette bianca.

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

Visit thepoetrylab.com/podcast for more information.

Meet poet and professor, bridgette bianca. In this episode, bridgette shares how a chance encounter with E. Ethelbert Miller led to a deeper reflection on her future, leading her to get an MFA instead of pursuing a doctorate in English. For bridgette, landing a tenure track position at a community college opened her up to be able to draft her debut collection, be/trouble. If the educational path calls to you, listen for bridgette's essential questions to ask yourself if you’ve gone (or are thinking about going) the MFA route and what to do if you want to teach.

The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Lori Walker, Danielle Mitchell, and Karen Zheng. Hosted by Danielle Mitchell and Lori Walker, with special guest host bridgette bianca.

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

Visit thepoetrylab.com/podcast for more information.

What does your revision process look like? In this episode, Danielle reveals how most of her writing happens in revision and shares her essential revision tactics. It’s never too late to re-approach your writing practice, and revision might just be your missing link. Take these practical prompts and rethink, reimagine, and refine your work. Tune in and discover how poets become their best poems.

The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Lori Walker, Danielle Mitchell, and Karen Zheng. Hosted by Danielle Mitchell and Lori Walker, with special guest host bridgette bianca.

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

Visit thepoetrylab.com/podcast for more information.

Why is a website crucial for your writing career? In this simple, but effective walkthrough Lori covers the must-haves for your site, what can wait, and shares best practices to ensure your online presence stands out. Tune in and take the first step toward creating your digital calling card. Or, if you already have a website, check your progress against Lori’s sitemap recommendations.

The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Lori Walker, Danielle Mitchell, and Karen Zheng. Hosted by Danielle Mitchell and Lori Walker, with special guest host bridgette bianca.

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

Visit thepoetrylab.com/podcast for more information.

What's your summer crush? Lori's ideas for creative expansion highlight some of the best of what summer has to offer. Whether you partake in these ideas or they spark new ideas, the goal is to fill your cup so you can create some new art.

The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Lori Walker, Danielle Mitchell, and Karen Zheng. Hosted by Danielle Mitchell and Lori Walker, with special guest host bridgette bianca.

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

Visit thepoetrylab.com/podcast for more information.

What are the essential ingredients you need to write about the hardest things in your life? In this week’s episode of The Poetry Lab Podcast, Danielle draws from her experiences as a California Creative Corps grantee, creating a project based on her personal hardships. What happens when a traumatic event becomes the focus of your art and career? Listen in as Danielle shares three actionable steps that may help you navigate your most challenging subject matter.

The Poetry Lab Podcast is produced by Lori Walker, Danielle Mitchell, and Karen Zheng. Hosted by Danielle Mitchell and Lori Walker, with special guest host bridgette bianca.

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

Visit thepoetrylab.com/podcast for more information.