Verse & Prose with Connor O'Hara

On this episode, Connor screams into the void on his first episode without a guest!The example poem is the earliest recorded Sijo poem by Woo Tak. Connor then reads his poems that center around desolation, unspoken words, youth, and seaworthiness.This is also the very first INTERACTIVE podcast, so make of that what you will.PLUGS:Poetry SLAMMED Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/0ryQtXCDYY7UNPeHAsfReI?si=2gRKh0PjTOaO2ANHJ6vGPgFollow on twitter:@connorohahaha Please follow us on Instagram: @ThePoetryPodcastsIf you'd like to suggest a form of poetry, or would like your poem read on the podcast, email: ThePoetryPodcasts@gmail.com

Connor's guest is friend, and fellow co-host of Poetry SLAMMED, Mike Marlow. They talk about Mike's general air of whimsy and the similarities between writing a limerick and writing a joke.The example poem is from the Nickelodeon cartoon, SpongeBob SquarePants. Mike also shares the CLASSIC limerick "There once was a man from Nantucket".Connor then reads his poems "It's Time" and "Cat-Scratch Fever", followed by Mike's three APPROPRIATELY UNTITLED Limericks. Then, in true Poetry SLAMMED fashion, they each improvise a limerick based on the words "tickle" and "Texas".PLUGS:Mike Marlow's 12 Months of Christmas:https://open.spotify.com/show/1fq0GUdDe4Gu5SPOxpMGic?si=NKNitlCJRZK0BQkUXv5tVwPoetry SLAMMED Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/0ryQtXCDYY7UNPeHAsfReI?si=2gRKh0PjTOaO2ANHJ6vGPgFollow us on twitter:@connorohahaha @MKEMarlowPlease follow us on Instagram: @ThePoetryPodcastsIf you'd like to suggest a form of poetry, or would like your poem read on the podcast, email: ThePoetryPodcasts@gmail.com

Connor's guest is his improv mentor and fellow co-host of Poetry SLAMMED, Michelle Gilliam. They talk about Michelle's former career as a Slam Poet (if you can find videos of Sankofa's Energy, PLEASE SEND THEM OUR WAY), and the deceptively difficult Diamante form of poetry.The example poem is an uncredited Diamante entitled "Smile/Frown"Connor then reads his original poem "Verse/Prose", followed by Michelle's poem "Ocean/Breeze"PLUGS:Michelle Gilliam with "Spark" (January 9th)http://sparkteamwork.com/Everybody, Get in Here! Improv Festival (Jan 24th-31st)Poetry SLAMMED Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ryQtXCDYY7UNPeHAsfReI?si=2gRKh0PjTOaO2ANHJ6vGPgTwitter-@connorohahaha @missyglilqtPlease follow us on Instagram: @ThePoetryPodcastsIf you'd like to suggest a form of poetry, or would like your poem read on the podcast, email: ThePoetryPodcasts@gmail.com

Connor's guest this episode is his dear friend and former roommate, Robby McGhee. They reconnect after being separated by months of quarantine to talk about Robby's favorite poetry style: The Haiku.The example poem is by Matsuo Basho (1644-1694) which, at first glance, does NOT meet the syllable count! Connor then reads his haiku about his favorite beverage, followed by Robby's haiku "From Cat: Number One"Connor and Robby Reminisce on musicals past, Robby's history with haikus, and his previously published work. Connor expresses his deep appreciation for Robby's band, Funk Summit Bass Team.PLUGS:Christmastown Comes To First Stagehttps://youtu.be/6E41Jhg06D8Funk Summit Bass Team https://open.spotify.com/artist/2MteuKXEJ72wMusadR2Eprhttps://www.facebook.com/FunkSummitBassTeam/https://radiomilwaukee.org/event/414-live/funk-summit-bass-team-414-live/If you'd like to suggest a form of poetry, or would like your poem read on the podcast, email: ThePoetryPodcasts@gmail.com

Connor and his guest, Amanda Diefenbach, tackle the Acrostic form. They begin by considering the use of poetry as a means to translate mental health issues.The example poem is a very short original acrostic entitled: "POEM" . Connor then reads his Acrostic, "WATCH", and Amanda follows with her epic Acrostic "SHE CREATES DEATH".Amanda and Connor dive deep into the topics of Infertility, adoption, and the treatment of women's heath in America.PLUGS:If you want to be Amanda's friend, you can be her friend.Wisconsin Foster Care and Adoption Guidelineshttps://www.adoptuskids.org/adoption-and-foster-care/how-to-adopt-and-foster/state-information/wisconsinIf you'd like to suggest a form of poetry, or would like your poem read on the podcast, email: ThePoetryPodcasts@gmail.com

Third time's the charm! Connor talks Tanka with photographer, magazine editor, and cherished partner, Alisha Hall. The two start by discussing the therapeutic uses of poetry. The example poem, read by Connor, is by Takuboku Ishikawa and is unintentionally SLAMMED. Connor and Alisha then each read their own original Tankas (one of which is then set to a familiar Johnny Cash tune). Alisha and Connor discuss the use of imagery, word choice, and writing a poem that is open to multiple interpretations.PLUGS:IG: @carnegieimagery @zanymag Zany Magazinezanymagazinemke.wixsite.comIf you'd like to suggest a form of poetry, or would like your poem read on the podcast, email: ThePoetryPodcasts@gmail.com

In this episode, Connor is joined by Actor, Singer, Musician,  Producer, Writer, and Podcast Enthusiast, Adam Qutaishat. They describe the rules of Blank Verse and the mechanics of Iambic Pentameter. The example poem, performed by Adam, is a selection from William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Adam then reads his untitled work, that is part of a bigger piece that he is working on regarding political rivals on the campaign trail. They talk about the similarities between poems and political speeches. Then, Connor reads his poem "One Before Bed". PODCASTS & PLUGS:The All Arcadians  (Available on Sexy Hackers &Original 3 Seasons on All In Podcasts Patreon)SHH Season 1Milwaukee Opera Theatre's Doc Danger and the Danger Squad Music Theatre of Madison's Ten Days in a Madhouse Like All In Productions on FacebookIf you'd like to suggest a form of poetry, or would like your poem read on the podcast, email: ThePoetryPodcasts@gmail.com

In this first episode, Connor welcomes his good friend, Anelia Patterson, to discuss The Couplet! They begin by discussing Anelia's relationship with poetry and a scenic depiction of Connor's writing process. Then, Connor presents his original poem "Workhorse" followed by Anelia's original poem "Time". They analyze the meaning of each poem by parsing couplet by couplet, and finally, the two exchange lamentations regarding COVID-19 and their mutual workplace.If you'd like to suggest a form of poetry, or would like your poem read on the podcast, email: ThePoetryPodcasts@gmail.com

Welcome to Verse & Prose! Each episode of this podcast will different form of poetry. Connor and a guest will discuss the rules of the form, look at an example or two, and present their own original poems. Then, they'll discuss the creation process and the meaning behind each work.Let's learn and create more poetry!