About Postcards from Gravelly Beach – Global literature pod dispatches
Spoken-word postcards and free-verse dispatches — riffing on Beat and counter-culture lit, poetic life on the road, and historic heroes. Since 2005, Dave hand-makes each communiqué, alchemizing spontaneous readings, field recordings, and ambient sound from splendid locales.
Publisher
Dave Thorvald Olson, storymaker
Category
society & culture · society & culture · society & culture
Reading poems from Muriel’s Journey and beyond—small box of cereal, alchemist confer with hypnotists, Osaka Afternoon—free-verse reflections from the caboose on poetry, community, and finding home in Japan.
3 Nov 2025
Noto Roadtrip Diary – Postcard #92
Riffing about earthquake scars, zen temples, sea swims, scrapbooks, aliens, dinosaurs & 7″ records while rain falls in an engawa […]
20 Oct 2025
Items Forgotten (on Spoken Word Radio) – Postcard #91
Poems on hotel letterhead resplendent with stamps crafted in mountains, on tracks and seas, finding ways to be lost, avoiding […]
3 Jun 2025
“Rainy Mystery Alley” (Thorvald and Thurston, spoken word space)
This episode explores the evocative spoken word piece "Rainy Mystery Alley," conjuring images of impossible alleys, cozy bars, and faraway lands through analog loops and poetry.
10 Dec 2022
“Personal Archeology” – Postcard #88 (+ via audio &/or video)
This episode explores the value of personal journals and notebooks as tools for self-discovery and creative expression.
23 Nov 2022
Nepal Stupa Choruses – Postcard #87
This episode explores themes of deity, enlightenment, peace, and power in Nepal, inspired by washing dishes and broken glasses.
9 Nov 2022
Indulge Me, Logistically – Postcard #86
This episode explores technical aspects of podcasting, ensuring listeners remain engaged despite potential logistical challenges.
10 Nov 2021
Lost the Plot (Finding Home) – Postcard #85
This episode explores themes of home and distance through free verse poetry, offering listeners a reflective experience.
12 Mar 2019
Simon, Stolen, Shame – Postcard #84
The host shares a heart-wrenching poem about a local abducted boy named Simon, exploring themes of loss and identity.
26 Feb 2019
Upon the Varley Trail – Postcard #83
This episode explores the story of Group of Seven painter Frederick Varley along his namesake trail on the banks of Lynn Creek.
4 Feb 2019
What Love Might Be… – Postcard #82
This episode examines love through poetry, considering self-love, romance, and heartbreak.
25 Dec 2018
Transient Cultural Riffs – Postcard #81
This episode explores transient cultural riffs with misspoken words and forgotten names, offering annotated thoughts for shut-ins and drifters.
18 Nov 2018
Sensei Larry’s Wisdom – Postcard #80
Larry Harper shares his wisdom and life lessons with Dave, reflecting on turning 70 years old in this interview episode.
20 Jul 2018
A Circumnavigation of Sorts – Postcard #79
This episode explores literature and history, referencing figures like Cleopatra and Shakespeare, to offer a journey through diverse cultures and perspectives.
9 Jun 2018
Disappearing for Invigoration – Postcard #78
This episode explores themes of disappearance, loneliness, and the search for invigoration through white space.
27 May 2018
Hospital Letters and Flames – Postcard #77
Dave reads "Letters from Russia" while in the hospital with his grandfather, facing interruptions, and shares insights on epistolary literature in this episode.
13 May 2018
Forward Momentum to Florida – Postcard #76
This episode recounts leaving London for post-hurricane Florida, reflecting on past experiences in Rheinplatz.
11 May 2018
Thunderstorms in the Crash Years – Postcard #75
Dave shares frank thoughts and emotions amidst a thunderstorm in Chiang Mai, offering a glimpse into personal reflections.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
206,104
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.8 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 26 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
5
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
32
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