Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt episode, we chat with Kelsey Bigelow, a poet whose journey is nothing short of incredible. Kelsey opens up about how poetry became her lifeline during challenging times and how she turned that passion into a full-time career.
Tune in as we explore:
Kelsey's journey from personal struggles to finding healing through poetry.
The pivotal moments that led her to embrace poetry as a career.
Tips and advice for creatives looking to turn their passion into a profession.
Whether you're an aspiring artist, a lover of poetry, or someone in need of a motivational boost, this episode is for you!
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Timestamps & Highlights
(00:00) Introduction to Kelsey Bigelow: A poet's journey in grief and connection through poetry.
(00:34) The transformative power of sharing poetry and fostering connections.
(01:04) Welcome by host Ryan Snod, introduction of podcast purpose, and guest Kelsey.
(01:33) Discussion on Kelsey’s recent poetry tour: performing and leading workshops.
(02:35) Challenges and joys of being a poet in a non-mainstream art form.
(03:07) Educating others about the accessibility of poetry beyond traditional formats.
(10:08) Kelsey shares her personal journey of leaving home and finding a voice through poetry.
(12:26) The decision to embrace a creative career outside teaching.
(15:26) Life changes in 2022, balancing work, personal growth, and poetry.
(18:32) Overcoming people-pleasing tendencies and focusing on personal happiness.
(21:01) Insights on self-prioritization and its positive ripple effects on others.
(23:48) Navigating relationships and staying focused on personal goals.
(28:24) Kelsey’s revenue streams: workshops, performances, and diverse audiences.
(33:35) Challenges with Spotify US but leveraging other platforms for spoken word poetry.
(36:16) Importance of diversification in creative careers.
(38:46) Audience impact stories: using poetry to encourage self-discovery and therapy.
(43:29) Business strategies for poets: building a ladder of offers and value.
(46:22) Adjusting expectations in relationships when others don't fully support your vision.
(49:00) Sponsorship plug and its importance in sustaining the podcast.
(51:20) Discussion on Amanda Gorman's impact as a young, celebrated poet.
(54:06) Transition from traditional page poetry to spoken word.
(56:51) Using platforms like UA-cam to showcase spoken word pieces and gain visibility.
(59:12) Influences and inspirations: poets who shaped Kelsey’s craft.
(1:06:31) Balancing the art of writing with the business side of poetry.
(1:11:03) Memorable creative projects and pushing boundaries in collaboration.
(1:16:29) Overcoming fear and self-doubt: the power of taking risks.
(1:19:33) A day in the life of a full-time poet: flexibility and creative process.
(1:24:10) Kelsey’s vision for the future: expanding poetry into corporate spaces.
(1:26:55) Closing remarks: Where to find Kelsey Bigelow and her book Far From Broken.
Thanks for tuning in for this episode of the Rhymes with Odd podcast.
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