Explore every episode of the podcast Learning To Fly

On this episode I'm joined by two incredible friends as we discuss video games and cars!

To celebrate national music month Brenna from Rose colored books is joining me to share some of her favorite music related answers!

Today's episode is updates about the poetry marathon I just hosted and the upcoming community events I'll be hosting! If you're listening to this you're invited to join us!

Just a short hello and we're back! Happy new year and I'll see you all again very very soon!

Today Nico returns to chat Christmas, gifts, and goodwill!

So today Brenna from Rose colored books joins me once again and we are discussing pastries, movies, books and music in all our random and silly questions. But now we have to get you guys to weigh in - are s'mores summer or winter?????

Today I'm joined by Ash Raymond James and we're talking Christmas TV and colors!

Today I'm joined by Brenna from Rose colored books and we're talking about her brand new Fabel book club!!!! Join here: Follow her on Instagram: And to join my book club:

On today's episode of the podcast we explored the poems "Thanksgiving" by Edgar Albert guest, "yam" by Bruce Guernsey "perhaps the world ends" by Joy Harjo and finally a very lengthy and incredible piece "catalogue of unabashed gratitude" by Ross Gay

Kit Brannish joins me for their first ever episode on the podcast and I am so excited because random questions are just a part of our friendship. Also this is artichoke edition, what do artichokes mean to you?

These are all things I either didn't mention yesterday or didn't explain well enough by my standards! But tomorrow we'll be back with the real content and I'm so excited for our random questions segment to return!!!!

Today's episode exploded where I've been and what I've been working on in the meantime. There are two brand new poems featured and some updates on cool things happening and where you can find more information on the less cool happenings too!

Today is the very first day of NaNoWriMo 2023 - and this episode is just an introduction to what that means, how to join and what I'm working on this year as well! Most years I'm a traditional writer - in some respect but this year I'm a rebel taking on a handful of smaller projects rather than one full-sized novel!

Today I'm joined by my friend Nico to discuss all things Halloween and travel!!!

Today we are really just going back to the basics and getting an idea of what self-care can mean or look like while still embracing the wonder and magic of customizing it to our own needs. Also self care can be a full blown thing - but it can also be a series of little moments throughout a day or week that add up to be just as refreshing. Today's recipe: figgy grilled cheese

Today we are talking about how inspiration truly is everywhere and how to embrace that in our creativity. There's also a section of this conversation where you are encouraged to create from two different perspectives. Happy creating as we head into the weekend!

If you're like me and you're getting geared up for NaNoWriMo (National novel writing month in November) you're also participating in some version of prep-tober! Here's a general overview and how I modify the process for poetry! Tune in to the very end for a list of communities and resources!!!

This is a recap of the 2023 Official Poetry Marathon process and poems from my perspective. We will be doing a sincerelybluejay version of this to ring in the new year and I can't wait to tell you more about that as time goes on. There's some poems, some fun moments, and some about the process talk too.

This episode is an introduction to the MilWordY challenge and this month's prompt list. It's great to be back - I hope you're well.

Recap, housekeeping, beginning again.

Frogger, NES, and Laura Croft all wish you a very happy National Trivia Day as Zach and I test our knowledge about both video game history and characters. This episode was a blast to create, but I promise you, no Pineapples, Kings, or Zachs were harmed in the making of this one. Happy National Trivia Day everyone and thanks for joining me for yet another Wednesday episode of Random Questions. For future episodes in this mini-series consider subscribing to the podcast for $0.99 a month - to ensure you don't miss any of the hilarity or inspiration!

Today's episode of the Learning to Fly podcast is all about variety and reminding ourselves and each other that there are so many amazing creators out there. And sometimes we do not resonate with a piece in the beginning - or at all even - but that doesn't mean that the creator isn't amazingly talented or that the poem is worthless. So listen with an open mind and also explore artistry in this new and full and wonderous year with an open mind as well. 

To check out Gabbacado's Soul Fed podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3TM6CwzWDQqu6AoMSdE5bq?si=43c7f1102f9e4d4b

To join the workshops that introduced me to these poems:

Neil Hilborn's Writing Circle: https://neilhilborn.com/writing-circle/

Undercurrent with Desiree Dallagiacomo:https://www.desireedallagiacomo.com/undercurrent

Monday Muse is what I've been calling the workshop series featured in my Substack Newsletter the Hummingbird Lounge! And as of today - I've decided that they will also be available here on the Learning to Fly podcast for anyone who prefers to learn through audible style lectures and narratives. I sincerely hope you'll enjoy today's workshop featuring three incredible poems and a slow introduction to poetry in the new year! 

If you'd like to read along or sign up for future Hummingbird Lounge updates start here: https://substack.com/inbox/post/94134951

If you'd like to share something you create feel free to post it and tag me! You're also welcome to use #BlueJayPrompts #BlueJayWorkshops #MondayMuse and/or #SharingSpace to ensure that they get my attention!

That's right, folks, this year I want to try something new on the podcast and within the SincerelyBlueJay community - a book club! With a book a month! And January's book is the Starless Sea by Erin Morganstern. Currently I am re-listening to the full cast audiobook on Audible and rereading and reannotating my physical thrift store copy. Though, I do have an autographed hard cover copy - and as I said in the episode if anyone can get a copy of the UK gold hard cover for me - I'd love you forever and then some. It is widely available - no matter what your book buying preferences are or how you like to read! So pick up a copy and get reading! Mid-way through the month we will be back to look at some of the skills Morganstern brings to the table in terms of writing and world-building and at the end of the month I'm hoping to have some guests join me for a full book cluby discussion. 

If you'd like to get involved use #LTFBookClub and #LTFStarlessSea and of course you can comment on each book club episode, tag me on social media, or add to the conversation in my posts throughout the month. If this goes well we'll do a poll for February's book and keep it going all year long! 

Today's episode of the Learning to Fly podcast is exploring the two BlueJay Prompt Journals alongside two other creatives. Discussing how to approach prompts, the different mediums you could use to create, and the numerous conversations the prompts could start. This was a blast to put together and I hope that if you don't already have one or both of these journals in your collection that you will consider picking up a copy and exploring where the prompts could lead you. 

The First collection: https://www.amazon.com/BlueJay-Prompts-collection-creative-adventures-ebook/dp/B09PJ6ND1C/ref=sr_1_4?crid=21KUD6DMRQRSH&keywords=bluejay+prompt+journal&qid=1671780243&sprefix=bluejay+prompt%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-4

The Second collection: https://www.amazon.com/BlueJay-Prompts-Another-wonderful-creative-ebook/dp/B0BPQN31XM/ref=sr_1_6?crid=21KUD6DMRQRSH&keywords=bluejay+prompt+journal&qid=1671780264&sprefix=bluejay+prompt%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-6

I am so excited to have some family visiting and a brand new deck of the Vertellis Holiday Coasters!!!!! And correction: in the episode I say its a swedish company. Truly it is from the Netherlands - this is why you should not drink while podcasting!!!! I love this game, I love my family, and I am so glad that we get to put this episode together for you as we celebrate Christmas Eve and marry all of our many different traditions together!  This is a great episode to return to year-round though because we ask ourselves some deep questions and a few light-hearted ones as well! Allowing everyone to draw some kind of inspiration from them at any point in time or life! To pick up your own copy of the game or check out the other wonderful, beautiful Vertellis collection click here!!!! : https://vertellis.com/collections/conversation-games-vertellis

As of right now, the episode I did in 2020 based around Nikita Gill Poetry is the TOP episode listened to in the history of this podcast. And it continues to get new listens EVERY DAY. 

You're right. Nikita is INCREDIBLE. And there truly is a poem for everyone. and every situation. And everything. So why wouldn't you keep going back to that episode? 

Well, now, you have TWO Nikita Gill episodes - and hopefully SOMEDAY she's a guest here on the podcast. Where we can discuss her process, her overall message, her voice, and anything else we want to know. But until then, let's revel in some poetry. Every piece shared in this episode is written by Nikita Gill. So if you like what you heard, go buy one of her many wonderful books. Or gift a copy to the people in your life going through whatever it is they are going through - because there truly is at least one book for everyone. Or support her on Instagram and the rest of the socials. Or go see her at a signing. Or whatever it is you can and will do. Because every little bit makes a huge difference. 

This episode was intended as a catch-up quick information interlude and re-welcoming of sorts. But I rambled. And it felt right. So let's ramble away together, and explore what might have been forgotten between your first time here and where we are now. Listen or skip as feels right to you and we'll be back with our regularly scheduled programming - tomorrow!

I know, it's so incredible to be back, but I've honestly been away so long, I wonder if I remember how to write a description that will catch your eye. Or start a conversation. Or spark a memory. So instead, let me say, thank you for sticking with me. Or thank you for finding your way here if this is the first episode of Learning to Fly you are experiencing. 

Links relevant to todays' show include:

ReadPoetry's 6 poems for the Winter Solstice: https://www.readpoetry.com/6-poems-for-the-winter-solstice/

R. Clift Poetry's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/r.cliftpoetry/

and website: https://rcliftpoetry.com/r-clift

and patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rcliftpoetry/posts

On today's episode of the Learning to Fly Podcast, I'm thrilled to be joined again by Kiana (Kmusic1318) to discuss a recent song collaboration inspired by Bob Marley, the process of collaborating with other creators, and also what it has been like to perform in a time when the world is still trying to navigate the pandemic but ease out of precautions. This episode was a blast to create and I hope you guys will have just as much fun listening to it! Loren's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ldee_creates/ Kiana's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kmusic1318/ The song on Youtube: https://youtu.be/lyeq-60wfZw The song on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CRl8hLoAd3Hke46ZEPs0jHfFmfcLDH37yfVHBA0/

On today's episode of the Learning to Fly podcast I shared the poems: "When the Bough Breaks" by Andrea Gibson, "Lady Lazarus" by Sylvia Plath, "The Soul has  Bandaged Moments" by Emily Dickenson, "The Backyard Mermaid" by Matthea Harvey, "Little Stones at my Window" by Mario Benedetti, and finally "How I am" by Jason Shinder. I hope that you'll listen to today's episode with care and as always take the time and space you need for yourself as we navigate these heavy topics - but also I encourage you to share this episode on your social media accounts and with your loved ones because today's episode is one of the more important ones I can put together. World Mental Health day is observed for this very reason - to encourage conversation, growth and a deeper understanding of what we as a global society actually need to help each other heal and develop and grow. 

I am thrilled to announce that today's guest is a fellow creative from within the Neil Hilborn Writing Circle Family and I'm so excited to also welcome them to our Learning to Fly family!!!!! We are discussing poetry, the concept of "coming out" to your family in more than the traditional sense and even exploring the subject of asexuality. 

To support Mads and see what else they are up to lately: https://linktr.ee/MadalynM

WELCOME BACK TO THE LEARNING TO FLY PODCAST!!!!!!!! It is soooooo lovely to have you here!

New Logo by Serenya Chan: https://www.instagram.com/serenyachan/

Intro and Outro music by LivvyWritesPoetry:  https://www.instagram.com/livvywritespoetry/

On today's episode of the Learning to Fly podcast, Brenna and I are joined by another Summer Reading Challenge guest - author L.R. Friedman! And her book Decend is coming out sooo soon, on August 23, 2022! Tune into this episode to discover whether this novel is for you or not - and even better book two is coming in January! 

L.R. Friedman is a highly organized, routine-based creator so please enjoy this wonderful playlist while you browse the other ways to support her and Brenna!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2XXiOgpn4hv2zCrev0iRj2?si=qnMsDhB3Q8CaDtJjJDA5Tw

L.R. Friedman's Instagam: https://www.instagram.com/lrfriedmanauthor/

L.R. Friedman's Website: www.lrfriedman.com

Brenna's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rose.colored.books/

On today's episode of the Learning to Fly Podcast, Brenna from @rose.colored.books and I are joined by self-published author Skyler Talley to discuss BOTH of her lovely books, her writing process and of course, your favorite: random questions!

Please remember to support all three of us:

Skyler's website: https://skylertalley.com/

Skyler's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itssimplysky/

Brenna's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rose.colored.books/

And of course, you already follow the podcast and myself everywhere you love staying in the loop - so keep it up and remember to share the posts and episodes that really hit home for you!

Today's episode of the Learning to Fly podcast encourages us to take a step back and evaluate the way we treat ourselves and others as well. These are incredible poems, great for all ages and styles of life. I encourage you to share this episode, elaborate on it in your own voice and community, and as always continue to be the fabulous people I know each and every one of you are. 

P.s. I got my dates mixed up - it truly felt like a Wednesday today - the national days advertised at the beginning were really yesterday's celebrations - but better late than never to celebrate! Today is really, National Social Media day, national meteor watch day, and national handshake day (though please celebrate cautiously given that we are still very much in a pandemic!)

Today's episode of the Learning to Fly podcast was a difficult one to put together, but personally, I believe that makes it all the more important. Please listen with caution but do carry on. 

If you'd like to support Story further: 

https://linktr.ee/StoryTheAnimist

If you'd like to join Neil Hilborn's writing circle:

https://neilhilborn.com/writing-circle/

On today's episode of the Learning to Fly podcast I'm joined by a fellow Neil Hilborn Writing Circle family member, Nayar. We talk circle, writing method, and of course we get to hear one of Nayars poems as well! Honestly, this is an episode I've been WAITING to make since the podcast began and I'm sorry it took SOOOOO long to get here but I could not be any more thrilled about how it turned out. 

To support Nayar:

https://www.instagram.com/nayar_cs/

On today's episode of Learning to Fly the podcast, I'm joined by Kaiden (Kyra) and Sophie Palmieri once again to discuss the poems "At Pegasis" by Terrence Hayes and "The Moon is Trans" by Joshua Jennifer Espinoza in connection with the importance of identity and queer living. If you want to understand more about why Kyra is an acceptable nickname for Kaiden provided my own personal history with him, please consider listening to his first episode with me - which aired earlier this month. 

On today's episode of the Learning to Fly podcast I'm thrilled that the Learning to Fly Summer Reading Challenge made this happen - so I'm joined with today's Co-host Brenna from Rose.Colored.Books and the guest of the hour is young author, Allie Sarah! Who was picked up by 

SnowRidge Press for an incredible Young Adult Romance releasing later on. 

To Further Support Allie:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoralliesarah/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheShopOfStarlight?ref=shop_sugg

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.book.princess?lang=en

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshopofstarlight/

Website: https://www.alliesarah.com/

And as ever remember to support Brenna through @rose.colored.books on Instagram and join the SincerelyBlueJay Discord Server to pop into her write-ins too!

On today's episode of the Learning to Fly podcast we take inspiration from body mind and spirit Saturdays and revamp them into self Care Saturdays. Today we discussed healthy apple nachos, spending time outside, getting enough sleep and of course the #LTFSummerReading challenge.

On today's episode of the Learning to Fly podcast I'm joined by some beloved friends, Sophie and Kaiden Palmieri to discuss being trans in today's day and age. And the importance of carrying who you were prior to transitioning with you regardless of where you are now or where you end up. The struggles faced leading up to transitioning craft a warrior and a certain sense of bravery that should never be forgotten and cannot possibly be taken from you either. Because of that, we're introducing this guest as a way of celebrating PRIDE and embracing the voices and feelings of our community - one person at a time. 

Some incredible resources on this topic include:

Today Brenna from Brenna's Books (@rose.colored.books on Instagram - and more) and I bring back the beloved weekly minisodes of Learning To Fly's Random Questions with Random People. On it we discussed hobbies, goals, and of course recent news (as we were recording in late May 2022) as well as our AMAZING SPUR OF THE MOMENT SUMMER READING PROGRAM. And this is only the first of many more RANDOMS to come - every Wednesday from now til whenever. 

Remember to support Brenna:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rose.colored.books/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/brennabooks

This episode is an introduction to Camp NaNoWriMo with returning guest, RoseColoredBooks. We discuss advice, tactics, tips and of course my upcoming 24 hour charity live stream to fundraise in support of NaNoWriMo. 

For more information check out:

https://www.instagram.com/rose.colored.books/

https://www.instagram.com/sincerelybluejaypoetry/

Alrighty, we are back and regaining our stride here on the Learning to Fly podcast! And what better way to do that, than to kick off a month of so many incredible things right here! 

To join us for Poem in your pocket day please send your recordings to m.rene@sincerelybluejay.com

To be a guest this month on the topic of NaPoWriMo or Camp NaNoWriMo please email me at m.rene@sincerelybluejay.com

To find out more about poetry month and Autism Awareness month check out https://www.instagram.com/ashraymondjames/ who will be a reoccurring guest this month. 

Today's episode of the learning to fly podcast emphasizes optimism and positivity in both classic and modern poetry. Please join me in celebrating this wonderful day and all it's other celebrations (as noted in the episode intro) through poetry, kindness and the embracing the community surrounding you. 

If you'd like to read the poems featured in today's episode you can do so by following the links below:

If: https://www.poetseers.org/the-great-poets/british-poets/kipling-poems/if/

The world-soul: https://www.poetseers.org/early-american-poets/emerson-poems/the-world-soul/

Purchasing a copy of Dear Bouquet: https://www.amazon.com/Dear-Bouquet-Poetry-inspired-stages-ebook/dp/B08LMTRKBG/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=dear+bouquet+book&qid=1605580873&sr=8-1

Today's episode of the Learning to Fly podcast is one I've been trying to put together for what feels like eons - but today we are making history! So please join me in celebrating my friend of many names (Mark, Senryu, Hiraeth, PrasannaWrites etc.) and their release of "Letters from the BloodGroove"

To support:

https://prasannawrites.tumblr.com/

https://www.poems-and-quotes.com/poets/507104

https://www.scribd.com/document/519612197/LETTERS-FROM-THE-BLOOD-GROOVE

or join https://discord.gg/fba58Zxh

Just a quick look at what to expect from the podcast and my platforms this month!

On today's episode of the Learning to Fly podcast I am so excited to welcome back Brenna from Rose Colored Books on IG! Clearly most of the questions are book or writing related, but I can't wait to see what questions you enjoy most and how your TBR lists or favorite authors expand because of this conversation!

Remember to support Brenna at:

https://www.instagram.com/rose.colored.books/

https://nanowrimo.org/participants/bxrose

and of course within the Sincerely BlueJay Discord Server too! https://discord.gg/BpQ3DxvX5J

On today's episode of Learning to Fly Amanda Karch of @AKKWriting joins me to talk about the writing process and the journey from her debut poetry collection "Her Favorite Color was Sunshine Yellow" to the nonfiction project that was released mid-December, "Poetic Potential: Sparking Change & Empowerment Through Poetry" To Support Amanda Check out these links: Her website: https://akkwriting.com/ To find her books: https://akkwriting.com/books/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akkwriting/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akkwriting Twitter: https://twitter.com/akkwriting