Podcasts about poems

Catherine Clarke's new book - and accompanying Radio 4 series - A History of England in 25 Poems, tackles the big issues. And the smaller ones, too. Hannah chats to her about how poetry has helped shape our view of England and whether that view is accurate, as well the importance of local history and her role as the Director of Victoria County History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedians and podcast hosts Elena Crevello and Chelsea Davison (Podstruck: A Romcom Rewind) return to dig even deeper into the mind of Matthew McConaughey as they unpack his new poetry collection, “Poems & Prayers.” From rom-com regrets to not-so-subtle verses about sin and redemption, they revisit his “Greenlights” memoir to dissect poems about burritos, wet dreams, and porta-potty revelations. They also analyze a few poems that will have you wondering if his wife is a woman we need to check on. Plus: a guide to writing your own “McCona-poems.” Join the cookie community:  Become a member of the Patreon Where to find our Guest Hosts:  Elena Crevello & Chelsea Davison Podstruck podcast Podstruck Instagram  Podstruck TikTok  Elena's Instagram  Chelsea's Instagram Show Notes: Matthew McConaughey's Memoir Episode (with Elena and Chelsea) Ione Skye Memoir Episode (with Chelsea Davison) *** Glamorous Trash is all about going high and low at the same time— Glam and Trash. We recap and book club celebrity memoirs, deconstruct pop culture, and sometimes, we cry! If you've ever referenced Mariah Carey in therapy... then this is the podcast for you. Thank you to our sponsors: Quince  - Go to quince.com/glamorous for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.  Libro.fm - Click here to get 2 audiobooks for the price of 1 with your first month of membership using code TRASH. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What do we do when logic isn't enough? Greg sits down with Matthew McConaughey to explore poems, prayers, and the disciplined choice to believe—over cynicism, doubt, and apathy. Together they read new pieces from Poems & Prayers and unpack how language, rhythm, and ritual can metabolize suffering into meaning and forward motion. Buy the Book: Poems & Prayers by Matthew McConaughey Join Greg's weekly ⁠⁠⁠⁠newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about Greg's ⁠⁠⁠⁠books and courses⁠⁠⁠⁠. Join ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Essentialism Academy⁠⁠⁠⁠. Follow Greg on ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠.

On this episode of Currently Reading, Kaytee and Meredith are discussing: Bookish Moments: bookish wishes coming true and picture books we love Current Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we've been reading lately Deep Dive: Kaytee gets silly about how reading can be dangerous The Fountain: we visit our perfect fountain to make wishes about our reading lives Show notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site). .  .  .  .  1:34 - Ad For Ourselves 4:33 - Currently Reading Patreon 5:02 - Our Bookish Moments of the Week 5:50 - The Black Wolf by Louise Penny 7:08 - Novel Neighbor 8:09 - Don't Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson 8:17 - Dog Eared Books 9:34 - Our Current Reads 9:54 - The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion Vol.1 by Beth Brower (Meredith) 10:00 - The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol. 2 by Beth Brower 16:03 - A Game of Lies by Clare Mackintosh (Kaytee) 16:11 - An Unlikely Story 20:09 - 44 Poems on Being with Each Other by Padraig O Tuama (Meredith) 20:18 - Poetry Unbound podcast 24:24 - In the Shelter by Padraig O Tuama 24:40 - A Swim in a Pond in the Rain by George Saunders 25:37 - The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown (Kaytee) 26:27 - The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown 32:45 - Wylding Hall by Elizabeth Hand (Meredith) 34:18 - Feral and Hysterical by Sadie Hartmann 37:41 - Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid 38:11 - 101 Horror Books to Read Before You're Murdered by Sadie Hartmann 38:40 - Best Hex Ever by Nadia El-Fassi (Kaytee) 42:16 - Deep Dive: When Reading Gets Dangerous 46:08 - A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas 51:05 - Meet Us At The Fountain 51:07 - I wish that more books came in volumes. (Meredith) 51:18 - The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion Vol.1 by Beth Brower 53:10 - I wish to press an Immense World by Ed Yong. (Kaytee) 53:11 - An Immense World by Ed Yong 53:15 - The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown 54:15 - An Immense World by Ed Yong (young reader's edition)     Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Grab Some Merch Shop Bookshop dot org | Shop Amazon Bookish Friends Receive: The Indie Press List with a curated list of five books hand sold by the indie of the month. October's IPL takes us back to one of our anchor stores, The Novel Neighbor in St. Louis, Missouri. Love and Chili Peppers with Kaytee and Rebekah - romance lovers get their due with this special episode focused entirely on the best selling genre fiction in the business.  All Things Murderful with Meredith and Elizabeth - special content for the scary-lovers, brought to you with the behind-the-scenes insights of an independent bookseller From the Editor's Desk with Kaytee and Bunmi Ishola - a quarterly peek behind the curtain at the publishing industry The Bookish Friends Facebook Group - where you can build community with bookish friends from around the globe as well as our hosts Connect With Us: The Show: Instagram | Website | Email | Threads The Hosts and Regulars: Meredith | Kaytee | Mary | Roxanna Production and Editing: Megan Phouthavong Evans Affiliate Disclosure: All affiliate links go to Bookshop unless otherwise noted. Shopping here helps keep the lights on and benefits indie bookstores. Thanks for your support!

Katie and Tim crack open their college-era poems—complete with awkward workshop moments, zany titles, and even Tim's hilarious old pseudonym. From Katie's days at Florida State University with tutelage from Barbara Hamby and David Kirby, to Tim stumbling into an "Intro to Poetry" course with James Longenbach, this episode is fueled by memories. We rip apart our regretful diction, and explore just how far our poetry has come. Or at least, how far we hope it has!At the Table:Katie Dozier

A short message meant to encourage, inspire, and serve as a call to action, THURSDAY FIRE is posted weekly. This is the 316th THURSDAY FIRE, written by BUILD Founder Ben Rogers on October 2nd, 2025. To request a THURSDAY FIRE in print or to learn more about leadership development with BUILD, please visit www.buildthearmy.com or email brogers@buildthearmy.com. Our mission is to build an army of Disciplined Leaders. Thanks for helping us build the army!

President Trump and lawmakers failed to reach a funding deal, causing the government to shut down Wednesday. Tens of thousands of federal workers will be told to stay home – furloughed without pay. Workers deemed essential, like air traffic controllers and the military, will stay on the job, but won't get paid for now either. Vice President JD Vance speaks to "CBS Mornings" about the ongoing shutdown battle, with health care for millions of Americans at the center of the standoff This week, Spirit Airlines will end service to nearly a dozen cities. It is laying off staff, grounding planes and slashing its flight schedule. CBS News' Kris Van Cleave explains what it means for everyone who flies. Napheesa Collier, one of the WNBA's top players and vice president of the players' union, spoke out against the league's officials and the WNBA commissioner. Her comments come after she was injured in a playoff game on a controversial play that was not called a foul. Actor and author Henry Winkler joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about "The Mystery at Emerald Pond," the latest in his "Detective Duck" series. Economist and Wharton professor Corinne Low joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss "Having It All," where she examines the data behind women's lives, gender expectations, and how to build a happier future. Matthew McConaughey sits down with "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King to talk about his new poetry collection "Poems & Prayers" and his latest role in "The Lost Bus." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Speranza: Poems by Jane Wilde (Liverpool UP, 2025) by Dr. Eibhear Walshe and Dr. Eleanor Fitzsimons is the first contemporary edition of the poetry of Jane Wilde, née Elgee, who also wrote as Speranza. Speranza was, in her time, renowned worldwide, with essays, poetry and translated work published in Ireland, England, America and beyond. She was a key figure in the nationalist Young Ireland movement of the 1840s, and her poetry records the hardship experienced by the Irish people - famine and migration in particular. She was also an early advocate for women's rights, who campaigned for the admission of women to higher education. This edition, which contains several previously unpublished poems, will make the poetry of this emblematic figure in nineteenth-century Irish writing accessible to a contemporary audience for the first time. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Speranza: Poems by Jane Wilde (Liverpool UP, 2025) by Dr. Eibhear Walshe and Dr. Eleanor Fitzsimons is the first contemporary edition of the poetry of Jane Wilde, née Elgee, who also wrote as Speranza. Speranza was, in her time, renowned worldwide, with essays, poetry and translated work published in Ireland, England, America and beyond. She was a key figure in the nationalist Young Ireland movement of the 1840s, and her poetry records the hardship experienced by the Irish people - famine and migration in particular. She was also an early advocate for women's rights, who campaigned for the admission of women to higher education. This edition, which contains several previously unpublished poems, will make the poetry of this emblematic figure in nineteenth-century Irish writing accessible to a contemporary audience for the first time. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/literary-studies

Sufism is one of the doors to Islam for many in the West and the story of the Sufi mystic poet Jalal Ad-Din Ar-Rumi has captivated people for centuries. Rumi brought Islam to the Greek speaking world of his time and still his poetry reveals the beauty of Islam today across the world. In this episode we learn the history of Rumi with Muhammad Ali Mojaradi aka Sharghzadeh, a Persian translator, Persian language teacher, and founder of Persian Poetics. Listen and learn from the life of the beloved poet Rumi and how his words still stir hearts of Muslims and non-Muslims alike even to this day.Check out the book!“The Flame of Love” Translated by Muhammad Ali Mojaradihttps://www.sharghzadeh.com/the-flame-of-love-bookLearn Persian Poetry with Muhammad Ali Mojaradi at Persian Poeticshttps://www.persianpoetics.com/#muslimpodcast #islamicpodcast #sufism #rumi #islamicpoetry #islamichistoryPomoroi: https://pomoroi.com/ansariMention the podcast for a FREE ConsultationProvision Capital: https://www.provisioncapital.comHabbah: https://www.habbah.ioAyubi CollectiveFREE 10-Part Masterclass “How to Build Your Own Multi-Billion Dollar Business”https://www.ayubi.com/ansariAlif Network: https://Alif.build/network-tapSupport Us On Patreon @ ⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/ansaripodcast0:00 The Life Story of Rumi6:00 The Conference of the Birds12:55 Shams, The Mystical Teacher27:05 The Jurists Teach Law, Not Love32:37 Teachings and Death of Shams36:48 Why the Poems about Shams?45:56 Why Was Rumi so Beloved by People?59:38 Sufi Orders, Cults, or Hippie Islam?1:09:35 Rumi's Poetry and Fame1:13:37 Sharghzadeh's Personal Journey1:24:05 A Final PoemListen on All Audio Platforms: https://tr.ee/JeX-ILYSyjFollow The Ansari PodcastInstagram: https://instagram.com/ansaripodcastTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@theansaripodcastTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/ansaripodcast

Speranza: Poems by Jane Wilde (Liverpool UP, 2025) by Dr. Eibhear Walshe and Dr. Eleanor Fitzsimons is the first contemporary edition of the poetry of Jane Wilde, née Elgee, who also wrote as Speranza. Speranza was, in her time, renowned worldwide, with essays, poetry and translated work published in Ireland, England, America and beyond. She was a key figure in the nationalist Young Ireland movement of the 1840s, and her poetry records the hardship experienced by the Irish people - famine and migration in particular. She was also an early advocate for women's rights, who campaigned for the admission of women to higher education. This edition, which contains several previously unpublished poems, will make the poetry of this emblematic figure in nineteenth-century Irish writing accessible to a contemporary audience for the first time. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/biography

Speranza: Poems by Jane Wilde (Liverpool UP, 2025) by Dr. Eibhear Walshe and Dr. Eleanor Fitzsimons is the first contemporary edition of the poetry of Jane Wilde, née Elgee, who also wrote as Speranza. Speranza was, in her time, renowned worldwide, with essays, poetry and translated work published in Ireland, England, America and beyond. She was a key figure in the nationalist Young Ireland movement of the 1840s, and her poetry records the hardship experienced by the Irish people - famine and migration in particular. She was also an early advocate for women's rights, who campaigned for the admission of women to higher education. This edition, which contains several previously unpublished poems, will make the poetry of this emblematic figure in nineteenth-century Irish writing accessible to a contemporary audience for the first time. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Speranza: Poems by Jane Wilde (Liverpool UP, 2025) by Dr. Eibhear Walshe and Dr. Eleanor Fitzsimons is the first contemporary edition of the poetry of Jane Wilde, née Elgee, who also wrote as Speranza. Speranza was, in her time, renowned worldwide, with essays, poetry and translated work published in Ireland, England, America and beyond. She was a key figure in the nationalist Young Ireland movement of the 1840s, and her poetry records the hardship experienced by the Irish people - famine and migration in particular. She was also an early advocate for women's rights, who campaigned for the admission of women to higher education. This edition, which contains several previously unpublished poems, will make the poetry of this emblematic figure in nineteenth-century Irish writing accessible to a contemporary audience for the first time. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Speranza: Poems by Jane Wilde (Liverpool UP, 2025) by Dr. Eibhear Walshe and Dr. Eleanor Fitzsimons is the first contemporary edition of the poetry of Jane Wilde, née Elgee, who also wrote as Speranza. Speranza was, in her time, renowned worldwide, with essays, poetry and translated work published in Ireland, England, America and beyond. She was a key figure in the nationalist Young Ireland movement of the 1840s, and her poetry records the hardship experienced by the Irish people - famine and migration in particular. She was also an early advocate for women's rights, who campaigned for the admission of women to higher education. This edition, which contains several previously unpublished poems, will make the poetry of this emblematic figure in nineteenth-century Irish writing accessible to a contemporary audience for the first time. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/poetry

Because of some weird tech issues, the last part of Salaam's incredible interview got cut off when uploading! But that's OK, because it is allowing me to showcase her poem in it's entirety here in it's own separate little episode. It is breathtakingly beautiful and incredibly masterful. And as well, it is an incredible gift, to all of us! To buy her book "The Other Revival, Poems & Reckonings," click here!

OK...I still have to pinch myself...because my guest this week was so much medicine for my heart, for my soul, and words escape me as to how to introduce her and her loveliness. Which is ironic, because Salaam Green is absolutely full of words as Birmingham, Alabama's Inaugural Poet Laureate. She is creating beauty every step she takes, reconciling the land and the soul so that each can speak to the other; and giving voice to those long forgotten. Salaam Green is, quite simply, a world-builder, and she's bringing us along for the ride! (thank goodness). For the longer form interview this week, please do not miss Salaam reading one of her poems, because I think/know it will change your life! To read up on Salaam and her potent work, click here for her website! To purchase her groundbreaking book, "The Other Revival, Poems & Reckonings," click here. It's not often that one gets introduced to someone who is wielding such powerful magic, such powerful beauty, so I know that I am going to come back again and again to this episode when days are too hard for my heart. PLEASE REMEMBER TO RATE AND REVIEW THE PODCAST WHEREVER YOU LISTEN. IT WARMS THE BARREN COCKLES OF MY HEART! Your bit of beauty is this: an introduction to Salaam, from the City of Birmingham! Take a gander and meet Salaam in real life (well, sorta real life!) on YouTube, and witness her grace in action!

OK...I still have to pinch myself...because my guest this week was so much medicine for my heart, for my soul, and words escape me as to how to introduce her and her loveliness. Which is ironic, because Salaam Green is absolutely full of words as Birmingham, Alabama's Inaugural Poet Laureate. She is creating beauty every step she takes, reconciling the land and the soul so that each can speak to the other; and giving voice to those long forgotten. Salaam Green is, quite simply, a world-builder, and she's bringing us along for the ride! (thank goodness). For the longer form interview this week, please do not miss Salaam reading one of her poems, because I think/know it will change your life! To read up on Salaam and her potent work, click here for her website! To purchase her groundbreaking book, "The Other Revival, Poems & Reckonings," click here. It's not often that one gets introduced to someone who is wielding such powerful magic, such powerful beauty, so I know that I am going to come back again and again to this episode when days are too hard for my heart. PLEASE REMEMBER TO RATE AND REVIEW THE PODCAST WHEREVER YOU LISTEN. IT WARMS THE BARREN COCKLES OF MY HEART! Your bit of beauty is this: an introduction to Salaam, from the City of Birmingham! Take a gander and meet Salaam in real life (well, sorta real life!) on YouTube, and witness her grace in action!

Katie, Tim and the Squad continue exploring persona poems with Suji Kwock Kim's "Monologue for an Onion," Ai's "The Kid." They also share their own work—Dick Westheimer's "Eve Corrects the Record" and Eve's "First Bite," Brian O'Sullivan's "No! In Thunder," Joe Barca's "Abraham Lincoln Talks to His Therapist," Timothy Green's "Sirhan Sirhan Under Hypnosis" and Katie Dozier's "Teddy Bear Arithmetic." Together, we investigate how persona lets poets slip into other voices, from biblical figures to assassins to household objects, and what writing in persona truly means. At the Table:Katie DozierTimothy GreenJoe BarcaDick WestheimerBrian O'Sullivan 

Welcome back to Artbeat Radio!    We share about poetry and poem structure in this week's episode. Tune in to hear Brandon, Cristina, James, and Brian's personal “I Am” poems.  Thanks for listening and tune in next time!   Follow us on instagram @artbeatradio   For more information about our organization, please visit our website www.ableartswork.org  

Episode 94 of Messy Jesus Business podcast, with Sister Julia Walsh. In this episode of Messy Jesus Business podcast, Sister Julia Walsh, FSPA talks with author and poet Cole Arthur Riley. They explore embodiment, resisting meritocracy, story, collective memory, letter writing, resistance, the tension between practice and belief, interiority, and much more. Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe:  Email | RSS | More A transcript of the show is available. "I think we can ask ourselves, who benefits from us being disembodied in this country? Government leaders, the ultra wealthy who need us to work more and more and more for less and less wages. And I think you can ask a similar question about memory. Who in this country benefits from our forgetting? There are systems that have everything to gain from our disembodiment, just as there are systems that have everything to gain from this willful amnesia." -Cole Arthur Riley Cole Arthur Riley You can find more of Cole Arthur Riley on Instagram @blackliturgies, on Facebook @blackliturgist, and at her website, colearthurriley.com. ABOUT THE GUEST Cole Arthur Riley is a writer and poet. She is the author of the NYT bestsellers, This Here Flesh: Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories that Make Us and Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human. Her writing has been featured in The Atlantic, Guernica, and The Washington Post. Cole is also the creator and writer of Black Liturgies, a project that integrates spiritual practice with Black emotion, Black literature, and the Black body. MESSY JESUS BUSINESS is hosted by Sister Julia Walsh.  Produced and edited by Colin Wambsgans. Email us at messyjesusbusiness@gmail.com BE SOCIAL: https://www.facebook.com/MessyJesusBusiness Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MessyJesusBusiness Twitter: @messyjesusbiz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/messyjesusbusiness SUPPORT US: https://www.patreon.com/messyjesusbusiness

Matthew McConaughey is an Academy Award-winning actor, bestselling author, and now the writer of Poems and Prayers, a deeply personal collection of poetry and reflections spanning 30 years that explores faith, hope, and purpose. Though he is one of Hollywood's most recognizable stars, McConaughey admits he's never felt the “ah, I did it” feeling, leading him on a search for deeper meaning through family, teaching, writing, and even advocacy, including speaking at the White House after the 2022 Uvalde school shooting. In this conversation, McConaughey sits down with Hoda to reflect on his evolving relationship with humility, gratitude, and belief and why writing has become his way to understand the world, inspire others, and remind us all to keep believing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our first guest Miriam had a close-up sighting of a puma back in 1968 in Surrey, while on an archaeological dig. She explains how she and her mother watched in silence before in slunk off. The local police followed up and found footprints from which they took casts.Miriam was recruited as a podcast guest at the recent event, Depicting Britain's Beasts, when she visited the Nature in Art specialist wildlife gallery. Poems from podcast listeners were published in a document for that event, and the document is now available as a pdf file on the BCC website here…      https://bigcatconversations.com/poetry/ Our second guest Gary Ridley is a long-term investigator in the county and runs the Surrey Panther Watch website. He takes us though some recent big incidents, including some credible footage which was scaled to suggest a black leopard size cat. Gary is keen to achieve more public awareness on the presence of big cats, and he feels that the risks to pet cats and dogs should be faced up to, so people know to take precautions if a big cat is believed to be around.    Word of the week:   fecundity24 September 2025 

Matthew McConaughey is the Academy Award-winning star of Dallas Buyers Club, Dazed and Confused, or Interstellar. But he's not just an actor—he's also an entrepreneur, philanthropist, teacher, and prolific writer. His second book, Poems and Prayers, was built on decades of his journal entries, poems, and life lessons learned. In this episode, Matthew and Adam discuss the difference between cynicism and skepticism, reflect on Matthew's experience in learning to laugh at his embarrassing moments, and consider effective and ineffective steps for practicing gratitude. Matthew also shares the story behind his iconic “Alright, alright, alright” catchphrase and why he'll never get tired of hearing it.FollowHost: Adam Grant (Instagram: @adamgrant | LinkedIn: @adammgrant | Website: adamgrant.net/)Guest: Matthew McConaughey (Instagram: @officiallymcconaughey) LinksPoems & Prayers by Matthew McConaugheyGreenlights by Matthew McConaugheySubscribe to TED Instagram: @tedYouTube: @TEDTikTok: @tedtoksLinkedIn: @ted-conferencesWebsite: ted.comPodcasts: ted.com/podcastsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsInterested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyouTEDAI Vienna: ted.com/ai-viennaTEDAI San Francisco: ted.com/ai-sf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gwyneth sits down with Matthew McConaughey as he shares the poems and prayers he's written throughout his life—life lessons collected in his newest book Poems & Prayers—reflecting on reinvention, truth, and his fearless pursuit of becoming his best self. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to Season Three of You Are What You Read, a podcast with the luminaries of our time about the books that built their souls. This season, we have an incredible lineup of special guests you don't want to miss. We are kicking off Season Three with a fan favorite who is touring the country now, the great Matthew McConaughey. Matthew joined us for a few conversations about his bestselling book Greenlights, which we discuss in this episode. Matthew tells us later about his plans to write more books, which culminated into his latest, Poems & Prayers.  You can watch this week's episode with Matthew now on Youtube! Head to the You Are What You Read podcast YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@youarewhatyoureadpodcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In her recent book, P.O.E.T. (Power Over Emotional Trauma), Honey Bell-Bey asks, "What do you do with what did not kill you?" Trauma happens, she notes, but healing happens also.rnrnWidely known as the dynamic National Award-winning Poet Laureate (Academy of American Poets), Honey Bell-Bey isn't just a poet. She is also an Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist, and for decades, has used her talent in poetry as a vehicle for healing intergenerational trauma and other issues related to public health. Together with Dr. Scott Frank, an award-winning family medical doctor, Associate Professor Emeritus at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), and poet himself, they worked to underscore the importance of poetry as a public health need.

Matthew McConaughey is the Academy Award-winning star of Dallas Buyers Club, Dazed and Confused, and Interstellar. But he's not just an actor—he's also an entrepreneur, philanthropist, teacher, and prolific writer. His second book, Poems and Prayers, was built on decades of his journal entries, poems, and life lessons learned. In this episode, Matthew and Adam discuss the difference between cynicism and skepticism, reflect on Matthew's experience in learning to laugh at his embarrassing moments, and consider effective and ineffective steps for practicing gratitude. Matthew also shares the story behind his iconic “Alright, alright, alright” catchphrase and why he'll never get tired of hearing it.FollowHost: Adam Grant (Instagram: @adamgrant | LinkedIn: @adammgrant | Website: adamgrant.net/)Guest: Matthew McConaughey (Instagram: @officiallymcconaughey) LinksPoems & Prayers by Matthew McConaugheyGreenlights by Matthew McConaugheySubscribe to TED Instagram: @tedYouTube: @TEDTikTok: @tedtoksLinkedIn: @ted-conferencesWebsite: ted.comPodcasts: ted.com/podcastsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/rethinking-with-adam-grant-transcriptsInterested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDAI Vienna: ted.com/ai-viennaTEDAI San Francisco: ted.com/ai-sf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Poems about food from Wendy Hoffman, Christine Higgins, and Fran Markover. Support the show

"The View" co-hosts weigh in as both sides of the aisle unite in outrage over FCC threats against Jimmy Kimmel and other media personalities.Matthew McConaughey tells us what drew him to his role in the new movie "The Lost Bus" where he plays a school bus driver who puts his life on the line to rescue a group of elementary students from the deadliest wildfire in California's history.Then, McConaughey tells us about his latest book of faith-filled reflections "Poems & Prayers" and reads a poem from the collection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At the Contains Strong Language Festival in Bradford, Tom Sutcliffe and guests explore the history and culture of the city, and nation, through its poetry and stories. From battlefields and royal courts, coalmines to curry houses Start the Week looks at the language and rhythms that have captured the country. The historian Catherine Clarke is retelling the story of the past in a new way in ‘A History of England in 25 Poems'. From the 8th century to today these verses illuminate the experiences, emotions and imaginations of those who lived through it. As the 2025 City of Culture, Bradford gets an imaginative re-making in ‘The Book of Bradford: A City in Short Fiction', a collection filled with rich diversity and youthful energy. Its editor Saima Mir, who grew up in the city, says the stories don't avoid the scars of past challenges, but there's pride in a city that has overcome differences and is looking ahead.Moving on from the past is also reflected in Andrew McMillan's debut novel, ‘Pity', which follows three generations of a Yorkshire mining family, exploring themes of masculinity and post-industrial decline. As a prize-winning poet, McMillan will also be performing at the Contains Strong Language Festival in Bradford.Producer: Katy Hickman Assistant Producer: Natalia Fernandez

"About Time," David Duchovny's seventh published - and first poetic - work, covers a range of intimate themes and topics, including love, the loss of love, parenting, Duchovny's own parents, alienation, and other emotional quandaries.

SLEERICKETS is a podcast about poetry and other intractable problems. My book Midlife now exists. Buy it here, or leave it a rating here or hereFor more SLEERICKETS, subscribe to SECRET SHOW, join the group chat, and send me a poem for Listener Crit!Leave the show a rating here (actually, just do it on your phone, it's easier). Thanks!Wear SLEERICKETS t-shirts and hoodies. They look good!SLEERICKETS is now on YouTube!For a frank, anonymous critique on SLEERICKETS, subscribe to the SECRET SHOW and send a poem of no more 25 lines to sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] com Some of the topics mentioned in this episode:– Morri Creech won the Rattle Poetry Prize!– Is it unethical for lit mags to conceal what portion of work is solicited? by Becky Tuch– Tar River Poetry– Literary Matters– Tar River Poetry Reading Sunday, September 19, 2025– Chelsea Rathburn– Emily Dickinson– Alex McKeown– Ashley Anna McHugh– A Heroic Death by Charles Baudelaire– The first matador got the horn by Ernest Hemingway– Leda and the Swan by W. B. Yeats– Aedh Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven by W. B. Yeats– Dizzy by David Yezzi– The Good News by David Yezzi– The Chain by David Yezzi– These Are the Poems, Folks by David Yezzi– On the Marionette Theatre by Heinrich von Kleist– Saeed Jones– Woman Waits, Seething, Blooming by Dave EggersFrequently mentioned names:– Joshua Mehigan– Shane McCrae– A. E. Stallings– Ryan Wilson– Morri Creech– Austin Allen– Jonathan Farmer– Zara Raab– Amit Majmudar– Ethan McGuire– Coleman Glenn– Chris Childers– Alexis Sears– JP Gritton– Alex Pepple– Ernie Hilbert– Joanna Pearson– Matt Wall– Steve Knepper – Helena FederOther Ratbag Poetry Pods:Poetry Says by Alice AllanI Hate Matt Wall by Matt WallVersecraft by Elijah BlumovRatbag Poetics By David Jalal MotamedAlice: In Future PostsBrian: @BPlatzerCameron: Minor TiresiasMatthew: sleerickets [at] gmail [dot] comMusic by ETRNLArt by Daniel Alexander Smith

A guide to navigating “the rodeo of life”.   Academy Award–winning actor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Matthew McConaughey is a husband and a father, an eternal optimist, a hopeful skeptic, and a man of faith who believes that we should all start sellin' Sunday morning like a Saturday night. His latest book is Poems and Prayers.   In this episode we talk about: What Matthew's prayer practice looks like How to figure out what your beliefs are  His relationship with doubt and humility  How to reframe your relationship with failure, risk, and embarrassment  Morning rituals and how to prepare for the day Sins, cynicism, and what to do when things get hard Matthew's take on the world Misconceptions of ‘good' and ‘evil' The difference between ‘hope' and ‘belief'  Why “belief is punk rock” And more Join Dan's online community here Follow Dan on social: Instagram, TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube Channel   On Sunday, September 21st from 1-5pm ET, join Dan and Leslie Booker at the New York Insight Meditation Center in NYC as they lead a workshop titled, "Heavily Meditated – The Dharma of Depression + Anxiety." This event is both in-person and online. Sign up here!   Get ready for another Meditation Party at Omega Institute! This in-person workshop brings together Dan with his friends and meditation teachers, Sebene Selassie, Jeff Warren, and for the first time, Ofosu Jones-Quartey. The event runs October 24th-26th. Sign up and learn more here! To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/10HappierwithDanHarris SPONSORS:Monarch Money: use code Happier at monarchmoney.com in your browser for half off your first year. 

In the late 1890s a US congressman argued that the United States had the right to seize Cuba because he believed it was made of silt that had washed out of the mouth of the Mississippi River which made it literally US soil. That story inspired Puerto Rican Jewish poet Aurora Levins Morales to apply for a writing residency in New Orleans, and to travel the length of the river from Minnesota to the Gulf Coast, doing "poet research." In Silt: Prose Poems (Palabrera Press, 2019) she follows the pathways of water across the natural and social landscapes of the Mississippi River and the Caribbean Sea, tracing the real residues of their relationship, and turning that long story into a kind of prayer, for our waters, our planet and our lives.In this conversation, Jeffrey Herlihy-Mera, Joanna Cifredo de Fellman (יוחנה סיפרדו פלמן) and Aurora Levins Morales discuss Silt in the context of contemporary Puerto Rico.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In this episode of The Poetry Space_, we explore the power of persona poems. We dive into Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess," William Blake's "The Chimney Sweeper," Nikky Finney's "Red Velvet," Margaret Atwood's "Pig Song," and James Tate's "The Motorcyclists." What happens when poets speak through masks, giving voice to dukes, children, pigs, and even storms? Join us as we unpack how persona reveals hidden truths, sparks empathy, and complicates the line between poet and speaker.At the Table:Katie DozierTimothy GreenJoe BarcaDick WestheimerBrian O'Sullivan 

In this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP Fellow Hilary Rantisi speaks with zehra imam, who launched Poetry of the Camps, a poetry program in Gaza with young writers. Basman Aldirawi and Duha Hassan Al Shaqaqi, former participants in the program who have become co-leaders of it, joined in the conversation. Basman and Duha shared what it meant for each of them to be writing poetry in Gaza during the genocide. They discussed the process of bringing students together virtually from all over the Gaza Strip, with different backgrounds and experiences, to write poetry. The themes of their sessions were miracles, homeland, the concept of colorism, love letters to Palestine, and freedom. They share a poem titled “Balsam” written by a student participant about her friend who was killed in the Israeli assault and discuss their experiences during the genocide: Basman, who was in Egypt on 10/7/23 and could not return to Gaza and Duha, who survived the genocide and was evacuated from Gaza just a few weeks ago. Basman Aldirawi (also published as Basman Derawi) is a physiotherapist and a graduate of Al-Azhar University in Gaza in 2010. Inspired by an interest in music, movies, and people with special needs, he contributes dozens of stories/poems to the online platform We Are Not Numbers and other platforms including Vivamost, Mondoweiss, ArabLit, and Written Revolution. He has contributed to the Arabic poetry anthology, Gaza: Land of Poetry, 2021 and to the English anthology, Light in Gaza: Writing Born in Fire, 2022. Basman was Illuminated Cities' inaugural Fall 2024 Poetry of the Camps-Gaza fellow. He is now part of the Illuminated Cities program team.  Duha Hassan Al Shaqaqi is a Palestinian writer, student, and storyteller who finds power in words, resilience in education, and purpose in advocacy. She was a 2024 inaugural Poetry of the Camps-Gaza fellow. Duha is now part of the Illuminated Cities program team, and her poem was featured in the 2025 Harvard Divinity School commencement speech. Raised in Gaza, she has experienced firsthand the challenges of war, displacement, and interrupted education — but also the strength of community, the value of knowledge, and the hope that creativity brings. With a background in English literature and a passion for humanitarian work, Duha writes about survival, identity, and the silent strength found in everyday moments. She has worked as a social worker during wartime and continues to pursue global education opportunities to amplify her voice and the voices of others. zehra imam is the founder of Illuminated Cities, an education organization that works on creative expression with communities impacted by systemic violence such as war or occupation. She designed Poetry of the Camps in 2024 for students in Gaza, Rohingya refugee camps, Harvard, and MIT and it continues to this day in Gaza and Rohingya refugee camps. Hilary Rantisi grew up in Palestine and has been involved with education and advocacy on the Middle East since her move to the US. She is a 2025 Fellow at FMEP and was most recently the Associate Director of the Religion, Conflict and Peace Initiative (RCPI) and co-instructor of Learning in Context: Narratives of Displacement and Belonging in Israel/Palestine at Harvard Divinity School. She has over two decades of experience in institution building at Harvard, having been the Director of the Middle East Initiative (MEI) at Harvard Kennedy School of Government prior to her current role. She has a BA in Political Science/International Studies from Aurora University and a master's degree in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Chicago. Before moving to the US, Hilary worked at Birzeit University and at the Jerusalem-based Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center. There, she co-edited a photo essay book Our Story: The Palestinians with the Rev. Naim Ateek. Original music by Jalal Yaquoub.

In the late 1890s a US congressman argued that the United States had the right to seize Cuba because he believed it was made of silt that had washed out of the mouth of the Mississippi River which made it literally US soil. That story inspired Puerto Rican Jewish poet Aurora Levins Morales to apply for a writing residency in New Orleans, and to travel the length of the river from Minnesota to the Gulf Coast, doing "poet research." In Silt: Prose Poems (Palabrera Press, 2019) she follows the pathways of water across the natural and social landscapes of the Mississippi River and the Caribbean Sea, tracing the real residues of their relationship, and turning that long story into a kind of prayer, for our waters, our planet and our lives.In this conversation, Jeffrey Herlihy-Mera, Joanna Cifredo de Fellman (יוחנה סיפרדו פלמן) and Aurora Levins Morales discuss Silt in the context of contemporary Puerto Rico.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/poetry

54 films. Global fame. But what price did he pay? In this powerful conversation, Matthew McConaughey opens up about the dark side of fame, the one decision that changed his life, and why resistance not talent was the real key to his success. Matthew McConaughey is an Academy Award–winning actor and Hollywood icon, best known for roles in Dallas Buyers Club, Interstellar, True Detective, The Gentlemen, and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Beyond acting, he is a bestselling author, with his memoir Greenlights becoming a global phenomenon, and his new book Poems & Prayers continuing to inspire readers worldwide. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to survive Hollywood, why fame comes at a cost, or how Matthew McConaughey found meaning beyond the big screen, this is the conversation you don't want to miss. He explains: ◼️How living in Australia at 18 changed the direction of his life ◼️How turning down $14.5 million helped him save his career and self-worth ◼️Why becoming a father was the 1 goal that always mattered most to him ◼️How young men are more lost than ever, and what they truly need ◼️Why a life without struggle is a dangerous life (00:00) Intro(02:35) What Makes You the Person You Are Today?(06:35) Love and Values Instilled in Childhood(14:45) What Did You Want to Be as a Kid?(16:13) Youth Exchange in Australia(23:58) Studying Law in Texas and Wanting a Change(26:32) Telling His Dad He Wants to Go to Film School(36:32) What's Going On With Young Men(41:03) What Made You Drift?(42:25) The Loss of Your Father(50:07) Do You Miss Your Dad?(53:56) Matthew's 10 Goals in Life(01:01:45) Doing the Hard Thing Today(01:07:26) The Expectation Gap and Pursuing the Divine(01:21:51) The Power of Faith(01:26:17) Why People With Faith Are Happier(01:36:02) How Did You Become the Best?(01:41:55) I Refused 14.5 Million Dollars(01:47:54) Why People End Up Stuck(01:56:23) What Is Your Greatest Weakness(02:14:09) What Makes You the Person You Are Today? Follow Matthew: Instagram - https://bit.ly/467Alhh  Facebook - https://bit.ly/46oVFh0  X - https://bit.ly/46h48nT  YouTube - https://bit.ly/46oBe3K  You can purchase his new book ‘Poems & Prayers', here: https://amzn.to/3IqqCtc Look out for his new film ‘The Lost Bus' on Apple TV+.  Based on a true story, Matthew plays a bus driver who saves 22 children from the 2018 Paradise Valley fires in California.  The Diary Of A CEO: ◼️Join DOAC circle here - https://doaccircle.com/  ◼️Buy The Diary Of A CEO book here - https://smarturl.it/DOACbook  ◼️The 1% Diary is back - limited time only: https://bit.ly/3YFbJbt  ◼️The Diary Of A CEO Conversation Cards (Second Edition): https://g2ul0.app.link/f31dsUttKKb  ◼️Get email updates - https://bit.ly/diary-of-a-ceo-yt  ◼️Follow Steven - https://g2ul0.app.link/gnGqL4IsKKb  Sponsors: Pipedrive - http://pipedrive.com/CEOVanta - https://vanta.com/stevenStan Store - https://stevenbartlett.stan.store for your 14-Day free trial  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ian McEwan is the critically acclaimed author of nineteen novels and two short story collections.  His novels include Atonement, Enduring Love, The Children Act and On Chesil Beach, and he is the recipient of many awards including the Booker Prize, the Somerset Maugham Award and the Whitbread Novel of the Year Award. In this episode, McEwan sits down with author and journalist Alex Preston to discuss the enduring power of the novel, the challenges of writing climate fiction and his new book What We Can Know. What We Can Know is a work of speculative fiction set in 2119. It is a book about poetry, archives, rising sea levels and the plight of humanity in the vast natural world, and is available now online or in bookstores near you. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events  ...  Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series … Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access. … Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more. https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘I am her beloved carrion.'- from Vulture my love by Maree Gladwin. In this episode of 3CR's Spoken Word show which aired on Thursday 18 September 2025, you will hear poet Maree Gladwin talk about writing poems in a second language,  teaching poetry, women in science, ecology and lesbian feminist poets.Maree Gladwin is a queer poet, musician and artist who lives in Naarm (Melbourne) on Boonwurrung Country. Her poems in English and French have appeared in several anthologies but mostly she enjoys reading them to friends and family, and to gatherings of the Moat Poets group of which she is a member.Poems written and performed by Maree Gladwin in this episode:The London busLove letter to the universeTree loveVulture my love NoteSpoken word and poetry come from the heart and touch on all the topics peculiar to the human condition. As such there may be content in this show that could cause distress. Please practice self-care when listening and seek help if you need it. CreditsRecorded, produced and edited by Indrani Perera.Thank you to Maree Gladwin for sharing her poetry and to you for listening! 

Matthew McConaughey is an Academy Award–winning actor and #1 New York Times bestselling author. His new book, "Poems & Prayers,” comes out September 16. His latest film, "The Lost Bus," will open in select theaters in Los Angeles, New York, and London on September 19 and premiere globally on October 3 on Apple TV+. Matthew is a professor of practice at the University of Texas at Austin, co-owner of Pantalones tequila, co-owner of the Austin FC soccer club, and co-founder of the just keep livin' Foundation, which supports youth through programs in health, education, and active living. www.jklivinfoundation.org https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/720700/poems-and-prayers-by-matthew-mcconaughey/https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/the-lost-bus/umc.cmc.4p7gv4trt1rt0kuiwzmitibiv WWE Wrestlepalooza Live Sept 20, 7 PM ET on ESPN Don't miss out on all the action - Download the DraftKings app today! Sign-up at https://dkng.co/rogan or with my promo code ROGAN. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Get 1 promo code to redeem discounted NFL Sunday Ticket subscription and max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. NFL Sunday Ticket: YouTube TV base plan (not included in this offer) required to watch Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV. Subscription autorenews yearly at then-current price (currently $378 for YouTube TV subscribers, or $480 for YouTube subscribers); cancel anytime. Terms, restrictions, embargoes and eligibility requirements apply. No refunds. Commercial use excluded. Addt'l terms: https://tv.youtube.com/learn/nflsundayticket/draftkings/. Offer ends 9/29/25 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Grammy-winning artist Cardi B joins Jenna as co-host for the day. She shares advice with listeners in a segment called ‘Am I the Drama?' Also, Matthew McConaughey talks about the release of his first poetry book, Poems and Prayers, and plays a fun game. Plus, chef Omi Hopper shares a recipe for mofongo and crispy fried pork bites in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Matthew McConaughey joins to discuss the release of his first poetry book, Poems and Prayers, as well as the drama-thriller ‘The Lost Bus.' Also, Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell stop by to talk about their new film ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey.' Plus, a roundup of affordable fashion finds inspired by New York Fashion Week. And, NFL legend Terry Bradshaw and his wife, Tammy, share a recipe for barbecue sauce and baked beans. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hurricane Harvey caused historic flooding in Houston. Why developers are once again building homes in flood-prone areas.Gambling is illegal in Texas, but there is a gray area when it comes to online betting on sports teams: prediction markets and daily fantasy sports.Food banks are reporting steep increases in demand as families struggle with higher costs […] The post Matthew McConaughey returns with ‘Poems & Prayers' appeared first on KUT & KUTX Studios -- Podcasts.

Ōama, aka Temmu Tennō, ascended the throne in the Kiyomihara Palace--a rennovated version of his mother's Later Okamoto Palace.  Here he ruled with a tremendous amount of authority, continuing the leverage the Ritsuryo system to centralize power in the throne.  We'll look at the layout of the palace, and also talk a little bit about what life was like for the members of the court who were serving Oama, and the state at large. For photos, diagrams, and more, see our blog at: https://sengokudaimyo.com/episode-134 Rough Transcript Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.  My name is Joshua and this is episode 134: An Image of the Court at Kiyomihara Maro sat under the eaves of the hall to which he was assigned.  The journey from Mino hadn't been so hard, but he was still far from his family, back home.  He knew as much as they did that serving at the court of the Great Lord was a tremendous opportunity.  He would be at the heart of the court, in the presence of those running the country, and he could learn a lot from them.  After passing his internship, he would have a chance to prove himself.  If he worked hard, he could look forward to continued promotion, with the greater stipend and influence that came with it. Maro had no illusions that he would someday be at the top of the court hierarchy, but perhaps he could make some modest improvements in his station.  His elder brother was expected to inherit their father's position back in Mino, but the court provided a different opportunity.  Maro had always been a quick learner, and had learned to read and write at an early age, devouring whatever knowledge he could get his hands on – and that had helped make him that much more desirable to the court.  Now he was learning the ins and outs of how it worked, mostly by doing odd jobs while observing the various interactions, the politics, and the rhythm of it all.  Life at the Court really was something.  And yet he still felt homesick.  And so here Maro sat, looking out at the full moon in the sky, its light so bright that he barely needed any other illumination.  Maro wondered at the idea that his family might be looking up at the same moon at the very same time.  As that image took hold, he could feel in the experience a poetic verse.  He took out one of the wooden slips used for labels and notes, scraped off the previous writing, and began jotting down his composition. He only got through a couple of lines before he heard his name being called, and since he was on night duty he put down the brush and the wooden slip.  Poetry would have to wait.  With everything put back away, he rushed off to find out what new task awaited him. So here we are, the year is 673 and we are at the start of a new era.  Ohoama, aka Temmu Tennou, had defeated his enemies and was now in the process of taking the reins of power and officially ascending the throne.  In so doing he was moving the capital from Ohotsu, on the shores of Lake Biwa, back to Asuka.  Arriving back, he took up residence in what is called the Shima palace for a few days, presumably as they prepared the Okamoto Palace for him.  At the same time, we are told that a “palace” was erected for Ohoama south of the Okamoto Palace, and this was called the Kiyomihara Palace. I'd like to spend this episode talking about this Kiyomihara Palace, and what life was like there, not just for Ohoama but for his new court.  While we talked about some of the other palaces, this is perhaps one of the better known from the archaeological record, and it is the backdrop for so much that happens.  Ohoama is even known as the Sovereign from Kiyomihara.  So let's talk about what the palace consisted of, and what it was, and a little bit about what life was like there.  In addition to that, we've discussed in previous episodes how Ohoama's ascension to the throne kicked off a whole new era in the evolution of the Yamato state, with numerous innovations and new paradigms in the idea of the ruler and the court and their relationship – so it's worth taking a closer look at the setting where all of that was happening, so we can try and put ourselves in the shoes of those doing the work, and understand their daily grind, as it were. There is unfortunately plenty about the Kiyomihara Palace that we don't know - it isn't like there is a detailed account of the palace in the records - but its ruins are probably the most complete of all those found in Asuka.  This makes sense, given that it would have been built over the earlier palace sites.  In fact, for the most part, the Kiyomihara Palace is just the Later Okamoto Palace, in other words where Takara Hime, aka Saimei Tennou, ruled, but updated and expanded to fit Ohoama's and his court's needs.  Archeological work in Asuka has done some tremendous work to help us understand the Asuka Palace Site.  By studying the various post holes, ditches, and other evidence, along with occasionally discarded items, we have a general idea of the palace's shape, and when we combine this with what we know from other sites—the Naniwa Palace ruins in Ohosaka, the Fujiwara palace ruins in Kashihara, and the Heijo-kyo ruins in Nara, among others—along with an understanding of how palaces were being built on the continent, we are able to piece together what we think was going on.  Of course these interpretations aren't unanimous, and there are parts that scholars will no doubt quibble over—such as the use of the Ebinoko compound, which I'll talk about in a bit—but in general we have a picture of what things probably looked like, at least from a layout perspective, and how the site may have been used. To start, let's go back for a moment to the Toyosaki Palace in Naniwa, the first palace purpose built for the new governmental system being brought over from the continent.  This was the palace of Karu Ohokimi, aka Koutoku Tennou, uncle to Naka no Ohoye.  It was built in the aftermath of the Isshin Incident of 645, an architectural centerpiece of the Taika reforms.  As you may recall, this was a massive undertaking.  This palace was largely rectangular, and consisted of three compounds from south to north, ranging from most to least public. Most people would enter from the south gate, later known as the Suzaku-mon, the gate of the crimson bird of the south, a pattern that would generally hold true for other palaces.  Entering the compound, you would find yourself in the Choshuden, a space holding two pavilions with several rooms where officials could change into or out of their official robes.  The gates to the Choshuden would open at sunrise for the clerks and functionaries would enter.  At the northern end of the Choshuden was the Southern gate of the Chodoin, the main working area of the court.  There were 14 halls, or Chodo, each one dedicated to a different ministry.  The size of these halls varied, likely based on importance or at least the size of their government portfolio. Most of the middle area of the Chodoin was open, but at the northern end was the gate to the Dairi, the inner palace.  This gate was flanked by two octagonal buildings, and it led to an area between the Chodoin and the Dairi where there sat the building that would become the Daigokuden.  This was the main audience chamber for meetings with the sovereign, who would preside and make pronouncements in the early morning hours, at the start of the day. To the north of the Daigokuden was the rest of the Dairi, where the sovereign's personal quarters lay, including the quarters for his consorts and children, maintained by his personal servants.And there were other gates into and out of the Dairi—after all, the palace was so large you didn't want to have to go through the Choushuden and Choudouin just to get to the sovereign's quarters.  Those who lived in the Dairi and those who worked there would be able to have their own entrances and exits. Let's contrast all of this with the Okamoto Palace in Asuka.  More precisely the Later Okamoto Palace.  This was the successor palace to the Itabuki palace, both of which were built for Takara Hime, aka Kougyouku—and by this point Saimei—Tennou.  In fact, Itabuki palace burned down at the end of 654, just as Takara Hime came to the throne a second time.  This palace was, in total, maybe the size of the Chodoin of the Toyosaki Palace, if that.  For one thing, there wasn't as much flat land easily available in the valley, but for another, the builders maybe didn't think they needed quite that much space and that many buildings.  You see, while the Toyosaki palace in Naniwa was likely meant to model the kind of infrastructure necessary for the Tang court, in Chang'an, Yamato was still building up its fledgling bureaucracy.  It wasn't like there were a flood of reports and correspondences coming in from all over the archipelago that had to be handled by an army of clerks.  At least not yet. The Okamoto palace, from what we can tell, was also a rectangle, once again facing south , on the east side of the Asuka river.  This palace did not necessarily have the same kinds of dedicated spaces as the Toyosaki Palace. The main gate that we know of was in the south, leading to a courtyard with another building—possibly the Ohoandono, alternatively the Ohoyasumidono or the Daianden.  This may have been an audience hall for meeting with public officials.  The ground here was covered in gravel, a fairly common thing for palace compounds. Though we don't know exactly what the buildings looked like, we have some idea based on the size and number of post-holes.  We also haven't found any ceramic tiles in or around the ruins so far, which suggests that Okamoto Palace did not have ceramic tile roofs as were common on temple architecture, but instead were likely covered with wooden shingles, like the Itabuki Palace that used to be in relatively the same spot.  From an archeological perspective, any tiled building of this size leaves a lot of indications behind: over the years tiles fall off, break, get buried, etc.  Even if, as was common, the court meticulously dismantled the buildings down and reused as much as they could, we would still expect to see some tiles or tile fragments in the ground where the pillars are found, and yet we find nothing of the sort.  To the east and west of the Ohoandono were long, narrow structures, oriented north to south rather than east to west.  These are thought to have been the offices where government officials could do their work. Moving into the northern section of the palace, the ground was paved with river stones.  There were two large buildings with small wings, running east to west, lengthwise, and situated on the same line as the Ohoandono.  These may have been what have been called the To no Andono, or outer Hall, and the Uchi no Andono, the inner hall, and they would have been used for ceremonies for those of the appropriate rank. The middle hall it seems was modified from its original form.  While it was similar in size and footprint to the hall north of it, the western wing of the southern hall at some point was destroyed—whether on purpose or accidentally—and it was replaced with what appears to have been a pond. On each side of this central area we see more space for buildings, but only some of the post holes have so far been uncovered.  There were other buildings further in the northernmost third of the compound that were likely for the sovereign's private usage, as well as a well, and what may have been a building for some kind of semi-private religious ceremony. This palace, the Okamoto Palace, was essentially what Ohoama started from when he  relocated the capital back to Asuka – but when he ascended to the throne, he did make a few changes.  Most notable was the creation of something called the ebinoko-kuruwa, the Ebinoko enclosure.  This was to the southeast of the main palace, and had a rectangular wall surrounding one large building and two smaller ones.  Interestingly, the buildings would appear to be oriented in a symmetrical shape that would suggest a southern entrance, like the other palace compounds we've been discussing, and yet the gate was to the west, opening to the area between the Ebinoko enclosure and the main palace.  And based on postholes and other evidence, there appear to have been at least four other rectangular buildings stretching out to the south, outside of the walls.  Some have theorized that the large building in the Ebinoko  was an early form of the Daigokuden, a ceremonial hall where Ohoama held court, rather than reusing the facilities of the old Okamoto palace.  Alternately,  perhaps it was actually more like the buildings of the Chodoin in Naniwa, where the different departments of the court actually did business, but here with all of the officials working in one, single building.  A third idea that others have suggested that this was actually Ohoama's private residence—again, somewhat odd given the size and shape and the fact that there were the seemingly larger facilities of the Okamoto palace already right there for the taking. So which is it?  We do have a clue in the record of the 15th day of the 9th month of 672, and the lines following it.  According to the Aston translation of the Nihon shoki: He removed his residence from the Palace of Shima to the Palace of Okamoto. In this year a Palace was erected south of the Palace of Okamoto, and the Emperor removed his residence thither that same winter.  This was called the Palace of Kiyomibara in Asuka. So it does seem like something was built south of Okamoto and that is where Ohoama resided.  It is somewhat uncommon for a sovereign to reuse an old palace like this.  Traditionally, sovereigns had regularly moved to new palaces, seemingly because of the attempts to avoid ritual pollution associated with death.  Of course, it had been a while since Takara hime had passed away, and Naka no Ohoye had moved everything to Ohotsu, but nonetheless, is it possible that the Ebinoko kuruwa was built to, in some way, give Ohoama new quarters? We may never know for sure.  There are plenty of inconsistencies.  For one, if it was meant as a residence, I would expect more buildings for his consorts and others.  There are also some things to note about the account in the Nihon Shoki.  For one thing, although the initial account calls this the Kiyomihara Palace,  the Chronicles also suggest that it wouldn't actually get that name until the 20th day of the 7th month of 686, about 14 years later. That record describes how a new era name was also announced:  the Akamitori, or red bird, era.  I don't want to get too much into it right now, but suffice it to say that a red, three legged crow is often depicted as the symbol of the sun; and the important south gate of the palace, the Suzaku-mon, is named for the vermillion bird of the south, one of the four guardian animals.  When this era name—more commonly read as “Shucho”, today, since era names are commonly red in on'yomi reading rather than kun'yomi—well, when it was declared, we are told that the palace was titled the Palace of Kiyomihara of Asuka. What are we to make of this? Well, today, it is assumed that the Kiyomihara palace refers to the Okamoto Palace starting from the creation of the Ebinoko-kuruwa and its occupation during what is assumed to be Ohoama's rule.  Earlier in the Nihon Shoki we are told that Ohoama was known as the Kiyomihara sovereign, and so even though that name technically wasn't applied to the palace until later, it makes some sense just to assume it applied from the start of Ohoama's renovations. One more thing that I would point out.  While we talked about the original Okamoto Palace and the newly built Ebinoko enclosure, they were arranged as though around a large open area, like a courtyard.  The original palace stood at the north, where one could enter the south gate of the palace, and then the Ebinoko enclosure sat on the east side of the courtyard, with its western gate between the two.  The southern and western sides of the courtyard, on the other hand, followed the snaking flow of the Asuka River. From about 675 to 681, on or about the 17th day of the first month of the year, it's recorded that the court held an annual archery shoot in the court of either the West or South Gate—which would seem to refer to this large area.  This makes sense, as the space is large enough to accommodate plenty of room for the range and for others to watch The archery exhibition   was held here, in the space between the two compounds, like clockwork until 681, when we are just told that it was held in the “Courtyard”, which feels like it is referring to an area inside the main compound of Kiyomihara. There are no more mentions of the tradition after 681, though there is an archery shoot in front of the South Gate on the 5th day of the 5th month of 685, but that was probably done as part of the regular 5/5 celebrations—a holiday today known as Kodomo no Hi, or Children's Day, but more traditionally known as Tango no Sekku, the Iris festival.  Some form of celebration on this date seems to have occurred throughout East Asia up until the modern day. Whether the archery stopped or just became such a standard thing that it was no longer noteworthy in the record, I can't really say.  However, one can possibly imagine what it was like, with all of the courtiers out there watching as the arrows shot down the field.  The occasional twang of bows and the faint whistle as it sped towards its target, hitting the target with a sharp thwack.  Murmurs from the crowd regarding how well—or how poorly—any given person was doing. Beyond the courtyard and what we know of the two compounds—the Kiyomihara palace and the Ebinoko Enclosure—there is plenty still to discover.  There were likely other compounds around the palace, possibly as an extension of the palace.  And then there were the temples: west, across the river, was Kawaradera, and north of the palace and surrounding compounds was Houkouji, or Asukadera.  There is even some evidence on the northwest edge of the compounds, southwest from Asukadera, of an ancient garden surrounding several manmade ponds. And so, the entire valley appears to have been filled with buildings and official spaces , running up against and being constrained by the natural features of the valley itself.  As I mentioned above, there just isn't that much buildable space in the Asuka valley, compared to other places like Naniwa.  And this contributed to one of the other problems that the court would have experienced: according to tradition,  the front of the palace and other buildings were all oriented south, but for this location, this meant that they didn't face the expansive fields of the Nara basin, but instead they faced the mountains themselves.  All in all, there was not much room here to grow, and yet the government and the court had grown, at least by all accounts. Though, how much had the court grown? Maybe not as much as we might expect, despite Ohoama's ambitions.  First of all there had been the purge of the powerful ministers at the head of the Afumi court, but there are some startling omissions in the records from the beginning of Ohoama's reign.  There is no mention of the Daijin, or Great Minister.  There is no Minister of the Right or Minister of the Left.  There is no Inner Minister, and there is no Great Minister of State.  There are mentions of the “kugyou”, or “Ministers of State”, which traditionally includes the Daijin, but there is no mention of the Daijin, suggesting that the “kugyou” of this time may have only referenced the heads of the 8 ministries of the Dajokan, the Council of State.  What does this mean? Many scholars interpret this period as a time of extremely centralized power.  Coming off of his military victory, Ohoama seems to have ridden a wave of support and control.  Combine that with the continued absorption of Tang dynasty propaganda-slash-government theory that saw the sovereign—the emperor—as the central authority, and one can see how Ohoama may have been able to do something that few sovereigns in Japanese history were able to actually do, which is to wield real power.  This may seem odd for a position translated into English most commonly as  “Emperor,” but as we've seen, in glimpses through the way they are depicted in the Chronicles, or through the archaeological record, which shows different loci of power and authority across the archipelago in ancient times, the Ohokimi, later dubbed the Tennou or Sumera no Mikoto, was not necessarily all powerful.  Not only did they have to contend with rivals to the throne, but even various court nobles who made their way into the centers of power.  From figures like Takeuchi no Sukune, to the Ohotomo, the Mononobe, and more recently the Soga—in all of these cases various nobles often held considerable power, though often in tension with one another. Sources of authority also varied.  There were the individual religious centers through which families exercised some ritual authority, while there was also more secular authority in the various court positions.  The Ohokimi certainly were respected, from what we can tell, and had a powerful source of authority going back to at least the holy kami of Mt. Miwa.  They even spread that authority through their kannushi, their priests, which they sent out as an extension of the state.  But they weren't entirely independent, either. But Ohoama seems to have reached a point where he did hold a tremendous amount of authority.  Because there is another telling omission from the chronciles: we don't see any more Soga members.  With the death of Soga no Akaye, the Soga family's influence seems to have disappeared this reign.  We also don't see that much about other prominent families compared to earlier: we see the Mononobe as ambassadors, and we see the Nakatomi are still conducting rituals.  But we don't see any of them rising to the same positions as their forebears.  Instead, we see a lot of focus on the Princely class—those members who claim some descent from a previous sovereign, or even the current sovereign, and how they, themselves, are divided up with their own system of ranks that are outside the civil service ranking system. Speaking of civil service, it does always strike me that the ranking systems of various east Asian courts very much resemble the way that, even today, many modern bureaucracies create wage scales for their civil servants.  In the US the most common such scale is the GS or “General Schedule” pay system.  In that system, positions are associated with a particular grade, between 1 and 15, and federal employees are also referred to in terms of those grades.  Grade typically reflects some level of seniority and pay.  It isn't a one-for-one analogy, of course: the court ranks in Yamato were handed out by the sovereign, or at least through their authority, as were the various court positions, though I doubt that Ohoama was spending much personal time approving promotions for a low level clerk writing down inventories and suchlike—but who knows.  But it does emphasize that this system is built to be a centralized bureaucratic monarchy, based on the continental model, and it now seems to have come into its own.  The court seems to have bought into the idea, and now, intentionally or not, much of their own position in society was directly tied to the autocratic whims of the monarch, or Ohoama himself. Indeed, some of the first records from the year 673 are focused on the court and court system.  The very first thing this entailed:  a banquet on the 7th day of the first month of the new year.  We are told that it was a “drinking party” or “shuen”, and boy does that draw some parallels with modern Japanese companies.  We aren't exactly given the form of this party, but we do have later examples.  There was likely a formal start, with various nobles set out at assigned seats based on their rank.  It was an official event, so officials would have been expected to wear the appropriate clothing, including their caps of rank, letting everyone know exactly who's who, and reinforcing the social hierarchy imposed by the rank system in the first place.  I suspect that it started with ritual and formality.  Later, you would have the after party, where people might more freely mingle and drink and recite poetry.  This was both an official and social occasion, because there really wasn't much of a line drawn between the two.  As a ritual, it displayed Ohoama's power over the state through his ability to host them all.  As a social function it was an important time in the political life of the court, where everyone was together, and you could find your cliques and supporters. Drinking alcohol, while being something that many enjoy for its own sake, was also a kind of religious observance.  Sake was made to be offered to the kami, as well as to be used at parties.  It was made from rice, the staple on which the agricultural success of the archipelago was based, and which held a particularly sacred place in other rituals and ceremonies. And then there was the poetry.  As would be true for much of Japanese history, poetry infused all aspects of life at the court, and being able to compose good poetry was just as important to one's social standing as reading, writing, and other such skills. There were generally two kinds of poetry practiced at the court.  There was the traditional Japanese poetry, or waka, with alternating verses of 5 or 7 syllables—more properly morae, but no need to get into that.  Then there was poetry composed in the Sinitic style.  Known as “Kanshi”, which translates directly as “Han Poetry”, this mimics the poetic forms brought over in literature from the continent.  It required a certain amount of education to be able to compose and was based on the characters, or kanji, used.  Kanshi can generally be divided into at least two categories.  There is the Kotaishi, or the Old Style Poetry, which consists of poetic form used prior to the Tang dynasty.  Then there is Kintaishi, or Modern Style Poetry, which is based on the forms from the Tang dynasty and later.  Kintaishi is usually recognized for adhering to more rules of structure and composition, usually using lines of 5 or 7 characters, while Kotaishi is more fluid and less concerned with specific rules and rhythms. Poetry was also not necessarily a solo activity.  It was common in later eras to arrange poetry competition, where the court would divide itself, much like the bureaucracy, between the Left and the Right.  Each group would compose poetry, often on a set theme, and then  put up the poems they felt were the best against those of the other side and then the entire court would listen and judge.  The only tangible reward, assuming the sovereign was not so moved as to do something extraordinary, was bragging rights.  And yet, that social capital was important among the nobles of the court.  Image was extremely important to individuals, and embarrassment could be a political death sentence.  And so many would work hard at these poems to make sure that they were the best they could be. At this point, though, we are still in the early years of many of these traditions.  The poetry that we have appears to be less formulaic than we see in later eras, when there were so many precedents to which one was expected to adhere.  Poems could be about feeling and were not required to hearken back to previous poems and poetic allusions. By the way, official events like this are also one of the ways that we get compilations of poems, later on.  These events would get transcribed and then later those poems would be referenced, particularly if they were noteworthy or by noteworthy individuals.  This kind of event may have been where a lot of the poems from works like the Man'yoshu and the Kaifusou, the earliest compilations of Waka and Kanshi, respectively.  At some point I”d love to dig into the poetry more in depth, but for the moment, I think it is best to leave it there. Now besides one's skills at poetry there were other skills that the court was interested in.  The court system that they had lifted from the continent was based, at least theoretically, on the idea of a meritocracy.  The monarch, of course, was judged to be worthy to rule through the mandate of Heaven, which often demonstrated itself early in the regime through the Emperor's forces defeating their enemies, much as Ohoama had defeated his rivals in the Afumi court.  However, for the rest of the government, the sovereign needed to make sure that he had qualified individuals.  From an early point in history, people recognized that not everyone born into power and wealth was necessarily the best person to help run things.  If you could only find those of the greatest intellect, discernment, and moral compass, then those are the ones you would want to have running things, right?  And this is fine in theory. However, determining who has those qualifications can be a bit tricky.  We talked about this back in episodes 71 and 72 when we talked about the Han dynasty more generally.  In that case, while the civil service exam was open to any person, the reality was that only those with enough wealth and leisure time could afford to study to take the test.  And so while it did open up opportunities for some, it did not truly apply equally across all classes of people.  And this was likely fine with most of the ruling class at the time, since there were also still theories that there were different classes of people, and it simply reinforced their ideas that those in the lower classes just didn't have the same capabilities that they had.  In the Yamato court early in Ohoama's reign it isn't clear to me exactly how individuals were being chosen for service.  We know that rank was handed out as a reward for service, varying with the individual.  Ohoama handed out rank at the end of 672 to those who had helped him to come to power, and then, on the 29th day of the 2nd month of 673, just two days after he formally ascended the throne, we are told that he conferred cap-rank on those who had performed good service, each according to their situation. Of course, that is about how promotions were rewarded.  But what about how people entered into service in the first place?  How did you get introduced to a job in the bureaucracy in the first place?  Well for that we have Ohoama's pronouncement on the first day of the fifth month.  He addressed the court and set it up as follows: First, anyone who would take a government position would begin their career as an “ohotoneri”.  These were low level functionaries who supported the various bureaus as guards, messengers, and whatever else was needed.  Previously, this all would have fallen under the general term of “toneri”, who were those members of the nobility who had been sent to serve in the royal palace.  Aston translates this as a “chamberlain”, and thus equates oho-toneri—literally “great toneri”—as “high chamberlain”, though I'm not sure if that was actually the distinction or not.  It looks like the term “toneri” itself may pre-date the Ritsuryo system, but now was being more standardized, with expanded categories of “toneri” within the system itself.  Interestingly, there is only one other example I could find of Ohotoneri before the reign of Ohoama and that was in the account of Waketakeru no Ohokimi, aka Yuryaku Tennou, which makes me think that might be an anachronism.  We definitely see “toneri” used since just before that reign and continuously onward, and we see them in regards to not just the royal house, but as the functionaries and servants in various places and for other aristocratic families, but the “ohotoneri” seem to have been specifically connected to the royal family… and thus the state. Ohotoneri, despite being quote-unquote “great” toneri, were at the relative bottom of the hierarchy.  They were the night shift, the guards, the messengers, and the general go-fers.  They were essentially paid interns.  As they did their tasks, they were learning about how the various offices and ministries worked, and they were demonstrating their own aptitude.  Based on how they did, they would then be assigned to various offices as seemed most suitable. There were also offices that were staffed by women.  Though separate and distinct, women also had a role in the palace and thus the maintenance of the court and the state.   They were to be selected for service regardless of their age or even whether they were married or not, but they fell under a separate set of rules from the men, because, well, patriarchy. So that's what happened when people were selected to serve, but who was selected?  The chronicles don't say explicitly until a decree about three years later in the 4th month of 676, when it was decreed that all those from provinces outside of the Home Provinces could enter the service of the sovereign, no matter their family's rank, whether Omi, Muraji, Tomo no Miyatsuko, or Kuni no Miyatsuko.  They would also allow men of quote-unquote “distinguished ability” enter service, even though they were commoners. From that we can surmise that when they are talking about “all” people really they are talking about “all” the nobility—the only people for whom the Nihon Shoki was really intended, if you think about it.  Thus, logically it would seem that prior to this only members of the nobility were allowed to enter government service—but there is even more.  Because before this pronouncement in 676, only people in the Home Provinces were theoretically allowed to enter government service. The Home Provinces, or Kinai, are traditionally the five provinces of Yamato, Kawachi, Izumi, Yamashiro, and Settsu.  At this point, though, Izumi was still a part of Kawachi, so it would have just been the four.  These provinces were likely the first lands to really come under Yamato's direct control, and as such they all held a certain pride of place.  This is also where we assume that the powerful families of Yamato had their strongholds.  Certainly the Soga, the Mononobe, and the Ohotomo all had claim to traditional land in and around this region.  When the court had moved to Ohotsu it would have been the first time in many years that the capital was moved out of the Home Provinces, which was probably a large part of the dissent expressed at the time.  How would you like it if your job up and moved two states away and forced you to relocate with them, likely at your own expense? In 676, though, the court decreed that it would no longer restrict itself to noble families of the Home Provinces, but instead would open up service, and the lucrative stipends that came with it, to members of the nobility in the rest of the archipelago. This seems particularly intriguing given the two swords we have from the time of Waketakeru no Ohokimi, aka Yuryua Tennou, in the 5th century, where elites had served—or at least claimed to serve—at his court.  It is possible that during his day the influence of Yamato was more expansive, and that influence contracted after him. Or it could be that it was a different type of service that they had provided. And then there is the comment in Ohoama's decree that the court would also allow men of “distinguished ability” to also enter service, even if they were commoners.  How very progressive.  This seems clearly designed to suggest the meritocratic system that was the ideal, even if it was only truly observed in the breach. I can't help but think about how this symbolizes the court's expanded control across the archipelago, and the idea that all of the archipelago was truly under their control.  It also meant that they had opened up the candidate pool to a wider audience.  Does that mean that they were growing the size of the government, too?  I also can't help but wonder how the old guard took this—the traditional families from the Home Provinces who suddenly found themselves competing with people from the periphery.  Did they see them as equals, or the equivalent of upstart country bumpkins?  And let's not even get started on anyone who joined government service as a Commoner. On the other hand, I suspect these new functionaries would have owed their position even more directly to the sovereign and the court, and they might not have strong familial ties to the local area.  This is all just theory, but seems to follow with Ohoama's general efforts at centralization and accretion of power and authority to himself whilst further building out the structure that his brother, Naka no Ohoye, had set up.  Along those lines, at the same time that the sovereign opened up membership in the court to those outside of the Kinai region, he also meddled with the incomes of the various Princes and Ministers.  He insisted that those Princes and Ministers who were receiving taxes from fiefs in the West—by which I assume is meant western Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu—they should instead get their income from fiefs in the East.  So he was taking away the western fiefs and instead swapping them with eastern fiefs.  Those western taxes could then, presumably, come straight into the government coffers, and the princes and ministers would be connected with land in the east, which I suspect meant they would be expected to invest in those fiefs and encourage them to produce. This feels like it goes along with something from two years earlier, in 675, the third year of Ohoama's reign.  In the second month of that year he abolished the serfs granted to the various Uji back in 664, and he abolished any claims by Princes—Royal or otherwise—as well as Ministers and Temples to any mountains, marshes, islands, bays, woods, plains, and artificial ponds.  It seems clear that he claimed the right of eminent domain to himself and the state.  By extension, all land effectively belonged to Ohoama, and everyone else became, de facto, his tenants.  They paid taxes up to him, and he had the right to grant or take away the land as he saw fit. I can't imagine that went over well with those who had lost their rights to those lands, but either he compensated in them in some other way or his power had grown such that they didn't dare to oppose him.  Certainly not everyone was happy. In 677, Saita no Fubito no Nagura was banished to the island of Izu for apparently scoffing—or otherwise disrespecting—Ohoama.  Well, it says his vehicle, but Aston notes that this is probably just a polite euphemism for the sovereign himself. But that rebuke seems to have been pretty light compared to two years earlier when a man—we aren't even given his name, assuming it was known, hiked up the hill east of the palace, cursed Ohoama, and then cut his own throat.  How it was known that he had been cursing anyone isn't explained—though perhaps he had written it down or otherwise communicated his intentions.  Either way, it was certainly a rebuke. But if it phased Ohoama, we can't tell.  He did give those on duty that night a step in rank, presumably for the trauma they had experienced in dealing with everything. Possibly related—we are told that same month there was a great earthquake.  So was that thought to be the curse being fulfilled?  There is nothing to connect them except that the one immediately follows the other. And yet, Ohoama would continue to rule as he saw fit.  In fact, he would rule roughly 14 years, in total, right up to his death in 686.  A rather substantial reign compared to so many other sovereigns.  And he would continue to make his mark. Next episode we will continue our journey through the reign of Ohoama, aka Temmu Tenno. Until then, if you like what we are doing, please tell your friends and feel free to rate us wherever you listen to podcasts.  If you feel the need to do more, and want to help us keep this going, we have information about how you can donate on Patreon or through our KoFi site, ko-fi.com/sengokudaimyo, or find the links over at our main website,  SengokuDaimyo.com/Podcast, where we will have some more discussion on topics from this episode. Also, feel free to reach out to our Sengoku Daimyo Facebook page.  You can also email us at the.sengoku.daimyo@gmail.com.  Thank you, also, to Ellen for their work editing the podcast. And that's all for now.  Thank you again, and I'll see you next episode on Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.

Poet and author Lalitha Donatella Riback returns to Soulful Valley to celebrate Soulful Poems 4 and bridge us back into our Zero Limits series. We explore poetry as spiritual technology, living in the “Golden Age,” and how Ho'oponopono frees the heart to create. In this episode: How poetry “arrives” and heals—Lalitha's five poems and the fierce voice of the Goddess Kali Yuga → Satya (Golden) Yuga: why she believes consciousness is rising now The Divine Feminine—restoring truth, compassion, beauty, and sovereignty Ho'oponopono beyond forgiveness: “I love you, I'm sorry, please forgive me, thank you” as a path to freedom Why verses (like the Vedas) activate higher cognition and deeper truth From vision to screen: Lalitha's manifestation story of joining the Zero Limits movie Creativity > “writer's block”: replacing fear and comparison with soul-led expression Emotional intelligence, imagination, and the yogic view of limitless potential Lalitha's author journey with Soulful Valley—bestsellers, reach, and rapid creation A nod to neuroscience (hello, John Assaraf) and the science-spirit bridge Connect with Lalitha: Search her full name on Instagram/LinkedIn to find her latest offerings and 1:1 work and visit https://shreemlab.com If you loved this conversation: Follow our Zero Limits series and grab Soulful Poems 4—where poetry becomes medicine and manifestation.   If this episode nourished your soul, please follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts - it helps more light-workers find us. Show notes include links to submit your poem, join our author community, and step into your next chapter.

(00:00-4:48) Debating bringing young kids to big games. That's what you write poems about. Doug is always right about parenting.(4:56-10:01) Jackson's sleeping arrangements for his Chicago getaway. Tomorrow ChairBoi becomes ChairMAN.(10:11-13:43) E-Mail of the DaySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this final Soulful Poems 4 celebration, the circle of voices expands into a truly global gathering. What began as a live roundtable now blossoms with additional audio and video contributions, bringing together poets from across continents in one radiant tapestry of words. ✨ Featured voices include: Cathy Shuter — life coach & author of 30+ books Souli Yates — channel, author, and nature mystic Rev. Stacey Piedrahita — former oncology nurse, Reiki master & artist Katie Gauthier — poet and creative Cindy Lu Porter — poet & storyteller Olivia De Sousa — poet & guide Jasna Stipanović Đurđević — poet & visionary Angela Evans — poet & creative Karla Kopp — poet & healer Together, they share poems inspired by nature, resilience, healing journeys, spiritual awakenings, and the miracle frequency woven through us all.

In this episode of the Soulful Valley Podcast, Katie Carey welcomes back returning guest and poet Katische Haberfield. Together, they explore the magic of poetry, transformation, and soul evolution. Meet Katische Haberfield: spiritual coach, multidimensional healer & host of The Infinite Life podcast The power of poetry as a spiritual tool for healing and expression How Katische moved from writing “professional books” to soul-channelled poetry The journey of trust: letting poems flow without overthinking Insights into past lives, synchronicities, and soul contracts How poetry can transmute fear, grief, and limitation into freedom Behind the scenes of the Soulful Poems collaborations and their ripple effect The unexpected journey from collaborations to solo poetry books Why Katische encourages others to join Soulful Valley's multi-author projects Practical wisdom for anyone feeling the nudge to write Connect with Katische at https://katische.com     Applications are open for Soulful Poems 5: Nature & Nurture Soulful Poems 6: Wisdom of the Soul, and our next author collab Evolving on Purpose, Vol. 3 - Angels, Spirit Guides & the Frequency of Miracles. Plus  Soulful Poems 4 launches 9 September on Amazon worldwide, and our international award-winning film Zero Limits premieres 25 September on Amazon & Apple TV-Pre-book bonuses at: https://zerolimitsmovie.com If this episode nourished your soul, please follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts - it helps more light-workers find us. Show notes include links to submit your poem, join our author community, and step into your next chapter.