It’s a Poetic Life w/ Enzo the Poet

About It’s a Poetic Life w/ Enzo the Poet

It’s a Poetic Life is a podcast about creativity, attention, presence, and what it means to live more fully in an increasingly distracted world. Hosted by award-winning poet, author, educator, and publisher Enzo Silon Surin, each episode explores the poetic life as a way of being—one rooted in curiosity, reflection, community, and the courage to remain human. Through conversations with writers, artists, educators, cultural workers, and thoughtful observers of the world, the podcast examines the forces that shape our lives and the stories we tell about them. Together, these conversations move beyond craft to explore creativity, belonging, identity, memory, love, justice, and the everyday practices that help us make meaning. Whether discussing poetry, culture, teaching, relationships, or the creative process, It’s a Poetic Life invites listeners into a slower room to breathe, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most. Because the poetic life is not reserved for poets. It belongs to anyone willing to pay attention. In practice, not perfection.

Publisher

Enzo Surin INK

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

18 Sept 2024

Latest episode

1 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   1 Aug 2026

   S2:E6 — Press Enter: The Heart-Labor of Small Presses and the Creative Minds Behind Them

   Every book begins long before it reaches a reader. It begins with someone willing to read closely, make difficult choices, shape the work with care, and believe that one more voice deserves a place in the world. In this episode, Enzo sits down with poet, editor, and publisher Rebecca Hart Olander to pull back the curtain on small press publishing and the heart-labor that makes each book possible. They talk about the difficult choices behind saying yes to a manuscript, what writers misunderstand about the editing process, and the many unseen hands that shape the books that eventually shape us. The conversation also moves through the delicate balance of being both poet and publisher, writing through grief, protecting room for one’s own creative life, and continuing to bring meaningful work into the world during a changing climate of censorship and uncertainty. This is a conversation for writers, editors, publishers, and anyone who has ever wondered what it truly takes to turn a manuscript into a book someone can hold. Subscribe to It’s a Poetic Life and share this episode with someone who believes language still matters.

2. 

   30 Jun 2026

   S2:E5 – On Cultural Stewardship: An Ecosystem of Care

   In this episode of It’s a Poetic Life, Enzo welcomes violist, cultural curator, and Castle of Our Skins Co-Founder Ashleigh Gordon for a conversation on cultural stewardship, Black artistic lineage, and the ecosystems of care that make creative work possible. Together, they explore what it means to honor Black excellence not as an initiative, but as a living practice rooted in memory, community, rigor, and imagination. From music and performance to education, collaboration, and cultural preservation, this conversation invites listeners to consider how art carries history forward while creating space for what can still become.

3. 

   29 May 2026

   S2:E4 — Where the Poet Meets the World: Writing, Teaching, and Creative Community

   In this episode of It’s a Poetic Life, Enzo sits down with poet, educator, and Salem Poet Laureate J.D. Scrimgeour for a conversation about poetry, place, mentorship, language, and literary community. Together, they reflect on the poetic life as something shaped not only by what we write, but by the spaces we help create for others. From Salem’s literary history and the Mass Poetry Festival to questions of family, translation, teaching, and community building, this conversation explores how poetry can live on the page, in the classroom, in the city, and in the relationships that sustain us. At its heart, this episode is about what it means to keep showing up for the work, for the people, and for the communities that make a literary life possible.

4. 

   1 May 2026

   S2:E3 — The New Empathy

   S2:E3 — The New Empathy What happens when care starts to feel harder to read? In this episode of It’s a Poetic Life, I sit with a feeling I haven’t been able to shake: the sense that empathy is still present, but the way we encounter it has started to shift. From the language we absorb online to the way it follows us into real conversations and onto the page, I explore how care can become tangled with being seen, being affirmed, or being rewarded, and what that does to the way we trust each other. This isn’t a callout. It’s a conversation. A reflection on empathy, performance, mentorship, creative community, and the quiet work of remaining human with one another, even in the stories we tell and the characters we create. At the center of the episode is a question I’m still carrying: What does empathy look like when no one is watching? And how do we keep choosing presence in a world that often rewards performance? In practice, not perfection.

5. 

   28 Mar 2026

   S2-Ep2–So Everything Doesn’t Have to Speak at Once

   What does it really mean to build a writing life when the path doesn’t look the way you imagined? In this episode of It’s a Poetic Life, Enzo Silon Surin sits down with Dr. Molly Gaudry, founder of Lit Pub, author of We Take Me Apart, and assistant professor at Stony Brook University. She also teaches fiction at the Yale Writers’ Workshop. Together, they move through the quieter, often unseen parts of a creative life. They talk about rejection, community, and what it means to stay in relationship with your voice even when the work shifts. At the heart of the conversation is a simple but powerful idea. Sometimes the challenge is not a lack of material. It is learning how to enter the vastness of what is already there. This conversation reminds us that everything does not have to speak at once. Sometimes the work is simply finding a way in.

6. 

   1 Nov 2025

   S2:Ep1– Poets Penning Liberation

   Season Two opens with a conversation on poetry as liberation—how writing becomes a way to reclaim space, preserve memory, and insist on being seen. This episode honors the legacy of Haitian poet Danielle Legros Georges and her haunting poem Makaks, which asks what freedom truly means after the chains are gone. Joined by Dr. Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie, we explore how poetry helps us wrestle with history, confront what lingers after liberation, and imagine what freedom demands of us.

7. 

   29 Aug 2025

   Episode 10: All the World is a Page (Season Finale)

   Season One closes with a craft meditation on authorship, cadence, and the art of the intentional dive. From Elton John’s impossible-to-mimic phrasing to August Wilson’s dialogues with characters, Enzo maps the “fumble & tumble” of process—writing with the work (not at it), and composing a life that is unmistakably yours. Along the way: the tree that keeps returning across his books and what it teaches about witness, endurance, and breath. This finale lingers on the deeper work of process—trusting the dive, embracing discovery, and allowing creation to change us. Stay for a heartfelt wrap-up and a glimpse at what’s ahead: a guest-rich Season Two, opening with poet & artist Dr. Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie, and continuing the practice of holding clarity, courage, and presence. Two.

8. 

   26 Jun 2025

   Episode 9: Art Official — Writing Authentic Stories in a Market-Driven World

   Memoirist Daphne Santana Strassmann discusses writing authentic stories and trusting your unique narrative, reminding writers that honoring their voice is a radical act in this interview with Enzo the Poet.

9. 

   14 May 2025

   Episode 8: The Language of Infinity — A National Poetry Month Reflection

   What if poetry isn’t just about art—but about survival, clarity, and connection? In this solo National Poetry Month reflection, Enzo the Poet invites listeners into the quiet laboratory of the poetic life. Drawing parallels between poets and scientists, he explores how language—like any evolving experiment—holds both implication and application. From the politics of translation to the sacred work of interpretation, this episode dives into what it really means to write, to witness, and to wonder aloud in a world that often demands silence. Whether you’re a writer, a thinker, or simply someone trying to make sense of the noise, The Language of Infinity offers an intimate meditation on how poetry helps us live, remember, and begin again. With stories that span from cultural silencing to contemporary book bans, Enzo reflects on the emotional labor of language, the risks of being misunderstood, and the courage it takes to tell the truth anyway. This isn’t just an episode about poems—it’s about why words still matter. Subscribe to It’s a Poetic Life and join a growing community of listeners engaging with art, voice, and meaning—one reflection at a time.

10. 

    24 Mar 2025

    Episode 7 (Part 3): The Myth of Inclusion - Standing at the Gate of Community

    In the final segment of this three-part episode, It’s a Poetic Life turns to the transformative power of art and curation in bridging cultural, geographic, and ideological divides. Curator Amy Rosenblum-Martín joins host Enzo Silon Surin for a compelling conversation on how exhibitions become spaces of resistance, reclamation, and relationship-building. From her work on Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration to Swagger and Tenderness, Amy reflects on the curatorial responsibility to amplify underrepresented voices while navigating institutional tensions and public resistance. Together, they explore how art unsettles comfort, disrupts dominant narratives, and serves as a poetic force for connection in fragmented times. This segment asks: How do museums and curators hold space for authenticity amid systemic resistance to equity? What happens when storytelling becomes a collective bridge rather than an individual expression? Listen in for a resonant close to a conversation rooted in the everyday work of creating true community.

11. 

    8 Mar 2025

    Episode 7: The Myth of Inclusion - Standing at the Gate of Community (Part 2)

    In one of the most intimate and resonant conversations of It’s a Poetic Life, Addie Tsai and I explore the complexities of identity, belonging, and the myth of inclusion. Moving beyond the structural challenges of diversity and representation, this episode delves into the deeply personal—how we navigate the ever-shifting landscape of selfhood in a world that often demands we define ourselves in rigid terms. Addie, a writer, poet, professor, and creative force, shares how their experiences as a mirror twin, biracial individual, and nonbinary person have shaped their perspective on fluidity—not just in identity, but in creativity, community, and survival. We discuss the tension between assimilation and authenticity, the pressure to conform even within marginalized spaces, and the ways in which true belonging often resists easy categorization. From Audre Lorde’s challenge to define ourselves before the world does it for us to James Baldwin’s insistence that true community must allow for critique, this episode asks: What does it mean to live at the intersections of multiple identities? How do we navigate spaces where we are simultaneously insiders and outsiders? And ultimately, how do we create spaces where multiplicity is not just tolerated, but celebrated? Join us for this thought-provoking and life affirming discussion.

12. 

    8 Feb 2025

    Episode 7: The Myth of Inclusion – Standing at the Gate of Community — (Part 1)

    Across histories and cultures, people have grappled with the meaning of belonging. Who gets to be part of a community? Who decides? And how do we navigate the spaces we call home when definitions of inclusion shift? This episode was conceived last summer, but its relevance couldn’t be more timely. In this first installment of a three-part conversation, I sit down with Danielle Marshall, founder and principal consultant at Culture Principles, to explore the evolving nature of community, identity, and access. We examine how labels shape perception, why flattening identities can erase individual experience, and how storytelling fosters real connection. We also address why diversity as a word often provokes fear, why equity is frequently misunderstood, and how these misconceptions can lead people to self-exclude from conversations that directly impact them. Whether in workplaces, neighborhoods, or cultural spaces, we often navigate unspoken boundaries that define who is welcomed and who remains on the margins. As we dive into this three-part discussion, we explore the stories and structures that determine who is embraced and who is pushed to the edges. What defines true belonging, and who gets to set the terms? Tune in to this first segment as we begin unraveling these essential questions.

13. 

    24 Jan 2025

    Episode 6: The Geography of Grief - Navigating Loss Through Place and Poetry

    How do we carry grief through the places that shape us, and how do we find a way forward when it feels like everything has changed? In this heartfelt episode of It’s a Poetic Life, I reflect on the quiet weight of loss through the works of Elizabeth Bishop’s One Art and Marie Howe’s What the Living Do, exploring how their poetry offers ways to hold onto what matters and create meaning in uncertain times. Joining me is the brilliant January Gill O’Neil, whose latest collection, Glitter Road, takes us on a journey through loss, love, and resilience. Together, we delve into how poetry helps us process both the small, everyday losses and the monumental moments that reshape who we are. January shares her stunning poem Begin Again, offering a powerful meditation on how grief transforms us and opens the door to rediscovery and connection. This episode is about more than grief—it’s about the stories that tether us to life and how poetry becomes a bridge to something new, even in the hardest of times.

14. 

    17 Dec 2024

    Episode 5: Embracing Uglies - The Gentle Art of Loving Through Vulnerabilities

    Enzo the Poet invites listeners to embrace their vulnerabilities and imperfections, exploring the beauty of self-acceptance and the freedom of showing up fully in a world that often demands perfection.

15. 

    29 Nov 2024

    Episode 4: Loving “Me” is Complicated

    Poet Kali Pezzi joins Enzo the Poet for a soul-nourishing discussion on the complexities of self-love, shame, and guilt, inviting listeners to reconnect with themselves in authentic and vulnerable ways.

16. 

    28 Oct 2024

    Episode 3: Unraveling Happiness: The Poetic Pursuit of Joy

    What does happiness look like beyond clichés and fleeting moments? In this episode, we dive into the complex and often elusive nature of happiness, exploring how our experiences, our creative lives, and even social media shape our understanding of joy. Whether you’re a seasoned writer, an aspiring storyteller, or simply someone looking to find more meaning in daily life, we’ll examine how happiness can be found not just outside ourselves but within. We take a close look at a powerful poem from award-winning poet Naomi Shihab Nye, reflecting on how happiness might already be present within us, waiting to be embraced. I also share a deeply personal reading of one of my own poems, revealing the intimate details behind its creation and how it reflects the journey toward authentic joy. Together, we’ll explore how joy can be less about seeking and more about allowing, uncovering how we can connect with a deeper sense of fulfillment, both on and off the page. Join us for a journey into the heart of happiness and the creative paths that can help us realize it.

17. 

    8 Oct 2024

    Episode 2 - A New Kind of Free: Writing, Liberation, and the Self

    In this episode of It’s a Poetic Life, host Enzo Silon Surin is joined by North Carolina-based writer Shari Tate to explore the intersection of writing, identity, and liberation. They discuss how the creative process allows for personal growth and freedom, and how writers navigate the balance between self-expression and sharing their work. Enzo reflects on his journey as a Haitian immigrant and how writing has been a tool for liberation, leading to a “new kind of free.” Tune in for a deep dive into how writing helps us navigate life’s constraints and open up new paths to freedom.

18. 

    18 Sept 2024

    Episode 1: Welcome to It’s a Poetic Life w/ Enzo the Poet

    In the first episode of It’s a Poetic Life with Enzo the Poet, Enzo Silon Surin (@enzothepoet) introduces the podcast, setting the tone for an introspective journey into the broader essence of living a poetic life. He shares a personal story that highlights his connection to poetry and explains how it has shaped his worldview. Enzo expands on the podcast’s vision, emphasizing that while poetry is central, the conversations will dive deeper into the human experience, exploring diverse voices, creativity, and social justice. Listeners can expect guest interviews with poets, artists, musicians, and activists who embody the principles of poetry in unexpected ways. Enzo reflects on how poetry extends beyond the page, influencing everyday life, and invites listeners to become part of this poetic community by sharing their own experiences. The episode concludes with closing remarks and a teaser for the next conversation, promising more rich discussions on the meaning and impact of living poetically.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.8 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 37 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

61

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact It’s a Poetic Life w/ Enzo the Poet

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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