Happy Hump Day, Bleeders!
We’ve almost made it to a much-needed holiday weekend. And as a special treat, we have our first poet on the podcast.
This episode features Bridgette Bianca, a woman so talented she made me ugly cry at a magazine launch party with her poems.
*IMAGINE KIM KARDASHIAN CRYING HERE*
Bridgette Bianca is a fantastic spoken word poet with a Grammy nomination on her bucket list. It was so interesting to hear her describe the interplay between performance and her writing process. She also shared a valuable lesson she learned in grad school. Plus, she took us to Howard for an education on the legacy of Black poetry, explained how essential community was to her publishing experience, and more.
Here’s a lil preview from the interview:
“The professors would say, ‘Don't write for the table.’ And they meant it. And I should have listened. And now I listen more, right? I'm like, okay, now I see why you were telling me that. Because I was trying to write to fit in, and it was working to fit in, but it wasn't making me happy. So if anything, this taught me to follow my heart and follow what I believe is right. And to hear the critique — whatever, take it in or don't — but to still keep path what I want to do.”
Where I write:
I'm asking each guest to give us a peek behind the scenes. And oh my, the ergonomics of Bridgette’s setup are showing me the error of my ways.
Episode links:
🏃♀️ Follow Bridgette on Instagram @bridgettebianca and Twitter @thebridgebianca.
💻 Check out Bridgette’s website — especially the events tab if you live in LA!
🛒 Order Bridgette’s book be/trouble.
🎧 And, of course, pop in those earbuds and listen to Chapped: Bridgette Bianca on be/trouble & the Legacy of Black Poetry on your favorite podcast platform.
I’ll leave you with this friendly reminder that sometimes doing nothing IS writing:
Until next time, HAPPY BLEEDING!
So… ROLL CALL! 🗣️
Non-writing question: What are your “fun” plans for this holiday weekend? I’m going on a road trip, and I get to see my fam!!!
Let’s connect on social media! I’m at @courtneykocak on Twitter and Instagram. For more, check out my website courtneykocak.com.