In Let’s Get Lit, Rayanne Haines and Matthew Stepanic interview poets based in Alberta and Western Canada about their work and about the power and relevance of poetry to support and promote poetry, arts, and literacy. In a conversational style, we'll enjoy a glass of wine, chosen to match the poet's personality and style, while learning more about each poet and asking why poetry matters. Wine expert Gurvinder Bhatia provides wine for this series from his private cellar. Let's Get Lit is presented with the Writer's Guild of Alberta. Follow us on twitter @lets_lit.
Let's Get Lit: A Drunk Poetry Podcast
Co-Hosts Rayanne Haines and Matthew Stepanic parlent avec Pierrette Requier, author of DETAILS FROM THE EDGE OF THE VILLAGE (Frontenac House, 2009) and Edmonton's 6th Poet Laureate. As we sip a Merlot by Bartier Bros. paired with Pierrette's poetry, we discuss bilingualism, motherhood, and the upcoming braided poetry event: SHE, THE RIVER.
After a brief hiatus, Rayanne Haines and Matthew Stepanic are back to talk with Claire Kelly, author of One Thing--Then Another (ECW Press, 2019). As we sip OMG by Blasted Church (a sparkling white blend as effervescent as our feature poet) paired with Claire's poetry, we discuss horror writing, cross-country migration, and the realities of have and have-not provinces.
In our seventh episode, Rayanne Haines and Matthew Stepanic talk with Titilope Sonuga, author of THIS IS HOW WE DISAPPEAR (Write Bloody North, 2019). As we sip Lambrusco by Monte delle Vigne (a sparkling red as charming as our feature poet) paired with Titilope's poetry, we discuss new motherhood, musical collaborations, and the power of forgiveness in processing personal and political grief.
In our sixth episode, Rayanne Haines and Matthew Stepanic talk with Iman Mersal, author of HOW TO MEND: MOTHERHOOD AND ITS GHOSTS (Sternberg Press, 2018). As we sip Callas by Monte delle Vigne (a citrus-y & fresh white) paired with Iman's writing, we discuss dreams, what's lost in translation, and how writing can help us seek reconciliation with our past.
In our fifth episode, Rayanne Haines and Matthew Stepanic talk with Kelly Shepherd, author of INSOMNIA BIRD (Thistledown Press, 2018). As we sip a Cabernet Franc paired with Kelly's poetry, we discuss the ever-watching magpie, a fire drill during a polar vortex, and our social responsibilities as citizens.
In our fourth episode, Rayanne Haines and Matthew Stepanic talk with Mary Pinkoski, Edmonton's fifth Poet Laureate and the 2019 Metro Federation Regional Writer in Residence. As we sip the Glenora Breakfast Blend tea from Acquired Taste Tea Company paired with Mary's own bold poetry, we discuss oddly inspiring motivational posters, the value of museums, and the power of the spoken word.
In our third episode, Rayanne Haines and Matthew Stepanic talk with Anna Marie Sewell, author of FOR THE CHANGING MOON (Thistledown Press, 2018). As we sip a festive apple cider paired with her book, we discuss multi-artist collaborations, moons and moonmoons, and poetry walks in the river valley. Listen along with the apple cider recipe we used: www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/slow-cooker-cider
In our second episode, Rayanne Haines and Matthew Stepanic talk with Jenna Butler, author of the prose-poetry travelogue, MAGNETIC NORTH (University of Alberta Press, 2018). As we enjoy a Pinot Noir (and a Rosé!) paired with her book, we discuss sea voyages to Svalbard, the character of darkness, and the looming threat of climate change.
In our first episode, Rayanne Haines and Matthew Stepanic talk with Lisa Martin, author of the poetry collection, BELIEVING IS NOT THE SAME AS BEING SAVED (University of Alberta Press, 2017). As we enjoy a Pinot Grigio paired with her poetry, we discuss Myers-Briggs personality types, vulnerability, and whether or not poetry can save us.