Thank you for joining us on the yearend episode of Poetic Resurrection. The year of 2024 brought about a whirlwind of changes in society, politics, and spirituality. It was a time of both struggle and beauty, as people grappled with the shifting landscape of the world. And as we enter this new year, I am excited to announce an upcoming podcast with author Chuck Rosenthal in January. But that's just the beginning - our next season, starting in February, will feature captivating video and audio episodes focused on my latest book, "Inspire Me: Awakening Dreams." Aptly titled "In Time of Need," this season is set to be a journey of self-discovery and growth for all who tune in. However, as we approach February 2025, the title may evolve to better reflect the essence of the show.

As the New Year approaches, I send my heartfelt wishes for prosperity and blessings to all of my dear family, friends, and listeners. May the coming year bring joy, love, and success in all aspects of your life. And as we bid farewell to this year, I can't help but express my gratitude to each and every one of you for being a part of my journey.

I extend my sincerest gratitude to our esteemed guests of 2024:

Ruben Rodriguez – Book Editor

Jack Remick - Writer

Rha Arayal - Poet

Lynne Thompson - Poet Laureate of Los Angeles

Luis J Rodriguez - Former Poet Laureate of Los Angeles

Inam Inamullah - Multitalented Author and Artist

Hannah Parry - Author

Matthew Carauddo - Writer

TeZa Lord - Author

Nathan Singer - Acclaimed Novelist, I was honored to have Nathan write the foreword of my new book.

So, here's to a fantastic New Year filled with endless possibilities and endless love. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Happy New Year!

Poem/Story

As the clock struck midnight, a cascade of colorful fireworks burst through the darkness, illuminating the sky with bursts of light and sound. The air was filled with the scent of sulfur and the cheers of people hugging and celebrating around me. In that moment, I could feel a surge of emotions - excitement for the future, hope for what is to come, and determination to face whatever challenges may arise. As I looked around at my loved ones and supporters, I felt overwhelming gratitude for their unwavering presence in my life. Together, we stood on the cusp of a new year, ready to embark on a journey filled with unity, health, kindness, and resilience. We held onto the power of hope to fuel our dreams, the courage to stand up for what is right even in the face of adversity and fear, and the wisdom to guide us through the unknown path ahead. And as we stepped into the new year, may we find peace within ourselves, strengthen our relationships with love, fulfill our purpose in our work, and cherish joy in every single moment. Here's to a Happy New Year full of endless possibilities and endless love!

Joining us on the Poetic Resurrection Podcast is author and musician Nathan Singer. He has written numerous books and plays in the band Whiskey Shambles. In this episode, we delve into his latest release, The Duplication House, and he shares how he came up with the concept for this novel. We also touch on two of his other works, Chasing the Wolf and A Prayer for Dawn. It's a lively and engaging conversation filled with laughter and interesting insights. Tune in and enjoy!

About the author

Nathan Singer is a novelist, playwright, composer, and experimental performing artist. He is also the lead vocalist and guitarist for award-winning “ultra-blues” band The Whiskey Shambles. His published novels are the controversial and critically-acclaimed A Prayer for Dawn, Chasing the Wolf, In the Light of You, The Song in the Squall, Transorbital, and Blackchurch Furnace. He currently lives in Cincinnati, Ohio where he is working on a multitude of new projects.

The Duplication House on Amazon

Nathan Singer Author page on Amazon

Join us on the Poetic Resurrection Podcast as we chat with TeZa Lord, author of the captivating novel "The Bridge Tender". In this episode, we delve into the transformative journey of the main character and in the style of magical realism. With poignant observations on life's lessons and joys, this book beautifully explores the theme of unity and interconnectedness. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!

Capturing the sacred in everyday moments is the driving force behind teZa Lord's work. As an artist, writer, yogi, and ocean sailor, she has dedicated her life to sharing this passion with others. Along with co-hosting the ZLORD podcast for years, Lord's body of work includes stunning multimedia art pieces and five published books, all of which can be found on her website, tezalord.com. Her personal mantra, "Love is the weapon of mass illumination," serves as a guiding light for her creative endeavors.

The Bridge Tender available on Amazon

"I'm into joy, seriously," teZa sings, in full color, in the illustrated "We Are ONE."

More info about books, events: teZaLord.com

@teZaLord on Instagram, X, Facebook

Join us for an exclusive interview with author Matthew Carauddo, known for his captivating fantasy series "Diamond Dragons." In this episode, we will embark on a journey through his creative process and explore the influences of other great writers, concepts and films on his work. Get ready to be transported to a world of magic, adventure and dragons as we delve into the mind of this talented storyteller.

OVERVIEW: In addition to acting, writing, singing and voice-over, Matthew Carauddo has over 15 years of experience in fencing, staged combat and martial arts (Wing Chun Kung Fu, Jujitsu, Shotokan Karate, Jeet Kune Do, Tricking). Matthew is a licensed fencing instructor, approved and examined by the Federation Francaise D’Escrime (FFE). He has taught hundreds of group fencing classes and one-on-one lessons behind the mask throughout the California bay area at schools, academies of fencing, summer camps, and parks and recreational facilities.

ORIGINS: Matthew began acting as a child when he was around 9 years old. He pursued on-stage performance throughout middle school, high school, and all throughout college.

https://diamond-dragons.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@diamonddragonstale

The latest episode of the Poetic Resurrection Podcast features the talented author Hannah Parry, as we delve into her novel Breathing for Both of Us. With a background in pediatric nursing, Hannah shares her journey to becoming an author and the inspiration behind her powerful story. Our conversation is filled with thought-provoking insights on life experiences and the dedication it takes to pursue writing. So, tune in and join us for this engaging and enlightening episode that is sure to leave you wanting more!

Hannah Parry trained as a nurse and has a Master’s in Creative Writing from Birkbeck College, University of London.

She has had four short stories published. Farrukh and the Matchmaker made the longlist of the BBC Short Story Award 2021. The Chrysalis was awarded a Pushcart Prize nomination in 2021.

She does beta reading for established authors and was part of the editorial team on Mechanics’ Institute Review Short Story Anthology in 2018.

Hannah has written two middle-grade historical thrillers - Winter’s Bite and Fever Quest - and two commercial fiction novels which she will publish as H.P. Parry. She developed Breathing for Both of Us, a psychological thriller, on the Curtis Brown Creative course in London and it was published in April 2023.

The Baby Exchange, an upmarket fiction manuscript is on submission.

Breathing for the Both of Us on Amazon

Hannah Parry Website

This month, our guest on the Poetic Resurrection Podcast is Inam Inamullah. We delve into his book Whispers of the Flight, a Sufistic novel that explores the journey of self-discovery through life's peaks and valleys. In addition, we take a look at his personal experiences and how he rose to become an internationally recognized artist, with one of his commissioned pieces displayed at the Carnegie Hall Tower in New York City. It was a fascinating conversation with a guest who has much wisdom to share. Don't miss it!

Inam, originally from South Asia, is a world-renowned artist, poet, and playwright. His work has earned international acclaim for its depth, creativity, and spiritual insight. Despite the challenges he faced early in life, including the hardships brought on by polio, Inam found solace in his art. Through resilience and a profound sense of creativity, he transformed his struggles into a source of beauty and inspiration. Inam's artistic journey is not confined to the canvas alone; his passion for the written word is evident in his prolific contributions to poetry and playwriting. His works reflect a deep appreciation for the ancient wisdom imparted by Sufi sages, which has unveiled the mysteries of the universe to him. A graduate of UCLA with an MBA, Inam also serves as a Life Coach, guiding others through their own journeys of transformation. His commitment to giving back to the community led him to found the Glitter of Hope Foundation, a local charity dedicated to supporting single mothers and orphans, primarily within the refugee community. Inam's latest work, "Whispers of The Flight," offers readers a profound journey that promises to illuminate the path to inner transformation. Whether you're a spiritual seeker, a lover of allegorical tales, or someone on a quest for deeper understanding, this work ensures a transformative experience that resonates deeply with the soul.

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/472w8tO - Whispers of the Flight

Find out more about his artwork: https://www.inamgallery.com/

Whisper of Flight site: www.whispersoftheflight.com

Inam’s life coaching site: www.elevatelife.guru

The Whispers of Flight novel invites readers into a world of spiritual discovery and self-recognition, echoing the timeless lessons of self-discovery and the transformative power of following one’s dreams.

We are thrilled to welcome back Luis J. Rodriguez, former Los Angeles Poet Laureate from 2014 to 2016, in this episode. We discuss the Always Running festival, which is named after his well-known book - Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A. Since our last interview, Luis has been traveling with his wife Trini for poetry readings and speaking engagements around the world. Currently, he is working on a script with Freddy Negrete based on the true story of the killing of David Dominguez, a gang member, by San Gabriel ex-cop Billy Joe McIlvain. We also touch on a project that Luis was involved in with John Leguizamo, though unfortunately it was not completed. One of the most heartbreaking topics we discuss is the growing homeless population in Los Angeles and how expensive housing is causing many people to leave the city or move to Mexico. Take a listen to this insightful conversation with an accomplished author and activist.

In addition to being a novelist, memoirist, short story writer, children's book writer, and essayist, Luis is also a poet. He is also known as a mentor, healer, youth and arts advocate, community and urban peace activist, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

And if you find yourself in the Los Angeles area, be sure to visit Tia Chucha Bookstore and Cultural Center. He has 16 books in all genres (poetry, children's books, fiction, and nonfiction), including the best-selling memoir, "Always Running, La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A." His latest memoir is the sequel, "It Calls You Back: An Odyssey Through Love, Addiction, Revolutions, and Healing." His last poetry book is 2016's "Borrowed Bones" from Curbstone Books/Northwestern University Press. In 2020, Seven Stories Press released his first book of essays, "From Our Land to Our Land: Essays, Journeys & Imaginings from a Native Xicanx Writer."

Among his many awards and fellowships, in 2022 Luis was given a California Arts Council Legacy Fellowship and a Los Angeles Times' Robert Kirsch Lifetime Achievement Award.

Luis is founding editor of Tia Chucha Press, now for over 30 years, and more than 20 years ago he co-founded with his wife Trini Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural & Bookstore in the San Fernando Valley. He has traveled across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, Europe, and Japan to speak, do poetry readings, indigenous ceremonies, or reportage over the past 40 years. This includes prisons, jails, and juvenile lockups in around 20 U.S. states, as well as Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Argentina, Italy, and England. Dedicated to his indigenous roots and Native American spirituality, Luis has a Mexika name: Mixcoatl Itztlacuiloh. With his wife Trini (Tlazohteotl) he has a podcast called "The Hummingbird Cricket Hour"--http://hchpodcast.libsyn.com/ Luis is dedicated to a clean, balanced, abundant, cooperative, healing world. No more capitalist private property relations, exploitation, war, or inequities. "In essential things, unity; in nonessential things, liberty. In all things compassion."

Always Running – La Vida Loca, Gang Days in LA by Luis J. Rodriguez

The Concrete River: Poems by Luis J Rodriguez

Tia Chucha Bookstore & Cultural Center

Freddy Negrete: Smile Now, Cry Later

Good Cop or Bad Cop? The Story of Billy Joe McIlvain and the Murder of David Dominguez

Los Angeles Poet Laureate, Lynne Thompson, as our distinguished guest. Her words flow gracefully and effortlessly as she reads several of her poignant poems, including Ode to Bones and A Woman’s Body, Aging, Still Loves Itself from her latest book Blue on a Blue Palette. Through our conversation, Lynne shares insight into her poetic process, the lessons she has gleaned along her journey, and powerful observations on the current state of women's lives and history. Tune in to experience the eloquent wordsmith at work and delve into an enlightening dialogue with this remarkable poet.

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 Dun Prize for Poetry as well as fellowships from the City of Los Angeles, Vermont Studio Center, and the Summer Literary Series in Kenya.

https://www.lynnethompson.us/

Lynne Thompson’s Blue on a Blue Palette (2024) reflects on the condition of women—their joys despite their histories, and their insistence on survival as issues of race, culture, pandemic, and climate threaten their livelihoods. The documentation of these personal odysseys—which vary stylistically from abecedarians to free verse to centos—replicate the many ways women travel through the stages of their lives, all negotiated on a palette encompassing various shades of blue. These poems demand your attention, your voice: “Say history. Claim. Say wild.”

Blue on a Blue Palette

Fretwork

Beg No Pardon

Start with a Small Guitar