Liberation is Lit Podcast
Welcome to the Liberation is Lit podcast, where the power of storytelling meets the force of social change! In this podcast, we believe in the profound impact of stories – stories that amplify voices, challenge norms, and foster understanding.
Whether you're a literature enthusiast, an advocate for social justice, or simply someone who believes in the transformative power of stories, you're in the right place. Tune in, and let's embark on a journey together – one where every story has the potential to change the world.
Episodes
46 episodes
Changing the Narrative for Love (with Terrence P. Elmore)
In this episode of the Liberation is Lit podcast, we sit down with poet and author Terrence P. Elmore to delve into his journey as a writer and the profound messages conveyed through his poetry. Terrence shares how he rediscovered his passion f...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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29:16
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Accountability is Freedom (with Coach Lester)
In this episode of the Liberation is Lit Podcast, host Tayler Simon sits down with Coach Lester to delve into the transformative power of accountability in the realms of creativity and entrepreneurship. Coach Lester shares his personal journey ...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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36:41
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Becoming a Writer Out of Necessity (with Jenn M. Jackson, PhD)
In this episode, we are joined by scholar Dr. Jenn M. Jackson to discuss the profound impact of Black feminist scholarship. We explore Dr. Jenn’s journey from an early love of writing to becoming an influential voice in Black feminism, the nece...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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29:48
The Magic of Wanting (with Naya Lanai)
In this inspiring episode, we join poet Naya Lanai as we discuss the transformative power of storytelling, poetry, and community. Naya delves into her journey as a poet, the emotional liberation she finds in her work, and the importance of self...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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22:01
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Freedom is a Collective Desire (with Cleyvis Natera)
In this episode, we chat with author Cleyvis Natera about her journey as a writer, starting from her childhood in the Dominican Republic and her burgeoning love for reading. We talk about her new book, 'The Grand Paloma Resort', which explores ...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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26:16
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Heal Your Story (with Nicki Pappas)
In this episode, we speak with author and poet Nicki Pappas. Nicki shares her experiences with spiritual abuse within a cult-like church and her path to deconstruction and self-discovery. Nicki opens up about her writing process, her self-publi...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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39:08
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Seeding Possibilities (with Daria Burke)
In this episode, we speak with author Daria Burke about her new memoir, Of My Own Making. Daria shares the deeply personal journey behind her writing, including her upbringing in Detroit, dealing with childhood trauma, the healing power of stor...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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30:22
Put Your Anger in Your Art (with Joe Chianakas)
In this episode, we talk with author Joe Chianakas to discuss his journey as a writer, the impact of storytelling, and the importance of diverse perspectives. Joe shares insights on his creative process, his emphasis on horror as a genre to tac...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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32:35
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Moving People from Empathy to Action (with David Ambroz)
In this episode, we have a powerful conversation with author and advocate David Ambroz about his new memoir, 'A Place Called Home,' and his advocacy around poverty and the child welfare system. David shares his personal journey from homelessnes...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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36:04
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Everyday People in Extraordinary Circumstances (with Nishant Batsha)
In this episode, we hear from author and historian Nishant Batsha. We discuss Nishant's journey from historian to novelist, inspired by the challenge of accessing individual lives in historical archives. Nishant shares insights into the concept...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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26:05
SC Book Ban Updates- May 2025
In this episode, we discuss the ongoing issue of book bans in SC. We explore the current state dynamics, with a focus on the actions of individual parents and the state Board of Education's regulation (43-170) that deems any sexual material dev...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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18:46
Runaway Teacher Turned Adventure Girl (with Amy Friedl)
In this episode, author and former teacher Amy Friedl shares her journey from teaching to writing children's books focused on connecting girls to nature. Amy discusses her transformation and healing through nature, her book series 'Strong Girls...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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20:28
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Believe in the Resilience (with Vanessa Miller)
In this episode, we sit down with renowned author Vanessa Miller. We discuss Vanessa's journey as a writer, the importance of storytelling, and her latest historical fiction work, 'The Filling Station,' centered around the 1921 Tulsa Race Massa...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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25:27
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Natural-Born Scientists (with Kyla Saphir)
In this episode, we speak with children's book author, educator, and yoga instructor Kyla Saphir about the importance of nature-based learning for children. Kyla shares her background in early childhood education and discusses how nature school...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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19:38
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Asking the Bigger Questions (with Enigmatic Raven)
In this episode, we have a heartfelt and insightful conversation with author and poet Enigmatic Raven. Discussing the intersections of personal identity, writing, and social advocacy, Enigmatic Raven shares their journey from a rural Midwestern...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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30:04
Whole Enough to Enjoy (with Jennifer Bartell Boykin)
In this episode, we speak with Jennifer Bartell Boykin, the City of Columbia Poet Laureate. Jennifer discusses her work as a writer, focusing on her personal experiences growing up as a Black woman in the rural South and capturing the stories o...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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32:31
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Inspiration Through Challenge (with Dr. Latasha Watts)
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Latasha Watts, an author, poet, and model. Dr. Latasha discusses her journey as a writer, her passion for poetry, and how her experiences, including her work with Mecklenburg County Mobile Crisis, have influenc...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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19:59
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Pie for Everyone (with Noah Bodie)
In this episode we have an enlightening conversation with author and illustrator Noah Bodie. They discuss Noah's passion for writing queer dark fantasy, the importance of representation in literature, and the challenges and joys of being a crea...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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13:23
Poem Art Protest (with Marla Taviano)
In this episode of the Liberation is Lit podcast, we chat with returning guest Marla Taviano about our upcoming course, 'Poet to Publish,’ during National Poetry Month. We discuss the importance of self-publishing poetry, the personal and socia...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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41:14
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We All Come with Purpose (with Rian Jenkins)
In this episode, we interview Rian Jenkins, a poet, author, and community activist. Rian discusses her journey as a writer, the various genres she works in, and her inspiration to write. She talks about her upcoming releases, including a chi...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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23:46
You Have to Survive with Brandy del Río
In this episode of the Liberation is Lit podcast, we sit down with Latina poet and author Brandy Del Río to discuss the transformative power of poetry and storytelling. We explore themes of feminism, Latin history, and the impact of cultural he...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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20:59
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Go Where You’re Valued with Digital Draya
On this episode of the Liberation is Lit podcast, we have an in-depth conversation with Andraya 'Digital Draya' Lashay, founder of Uncut Gems Agency and the Art Pharm Project. Draya shares her inspiring journey from a background in journalis...
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Episode 23
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17:34
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Storytelling is Freedom with Sarah Raughley
In this episode, we are joined by author Sarah Raughley to discuss her upcoming book, The Queen's Spade. We dive into Sarah's writing process, her inspiration behind retelling the story of Sarah Forbes Bonetta (Queen Victoria’s goddaughter),...
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Episode 22
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23:21
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Expressing Our Own Humanity (with Nico Lang)
In this episode, we chat with journalist Nico Lang about their entry into journalism and their book 'American Teenagers.' Nico emphasizes the power of telling queer stories and the need for empathy to counteract harmful political rhetoric ag...
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Episode 21
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37:29
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Art as a Vehicle (with SaBrina Jeffcoat)
In this episode, we have an insightful discussion with Dr. SaBrina Jeffcoat, founder of Royal African Company and a professor of social media technology at UAlbany. Dr. SaBrina shares her journey through the arts community, the motivation behin...
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Episode 20
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20:26
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