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Poet UpAuthor: Poet Up
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From Raccoons to Relationships: The Art of Storytelling with Candace G. Wiley
Episode 7
Friday, 27 February, 2026
Keywordspoetry, storytelling, creativity, family dynamics, community, writing, identity, humor, faith, artistic expression, poetry, poets of color, HBCU, PWI, Black History Month, community, cultural shock, living poets, manuscript coaching, poetry opportunitiesSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Poet Up and Candace G. Wiley explore the intersections of humor, creativity, and personal experiences in writing. We discuss the importance of community in the poetry world, the impact of family dynamics on artistic expression, and the role of religion in shaping their narratives. Candace shares her journey from childhood poetry to her current work, emphasizing the significance of supportive relationships and the creation of spaces like The Watering Hole for diverse voices in the literary community. In this engaging conversation, Candace and the guys explore the definition of a poet, the importance of recognizing living poets of color, and the cultural shock experienced when transitioning from HBCUs to PWIs. We reflect on the historical context of universities, especially regarding their ties to slavery, and discuss the significance of Black History Month. The conversation also highlights opportunities for poets through the Watering Hole and includes a fun game segment, culminating in a freestyle session that showcases their creativity and camaraderie.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties00:45 The Raccoon Incident: A Comedic Tale03:33 Welcoming Candace Wiley: A Creative Force05:39 Drinks and Origins: Candace's First Poem07:59 Exploring Themes of Faith and Identity11:03 Childhood Memories: Marriage at a Young Age12:24 Growing Up in a Restrictive Environment14:25 Rewriting Biblical Stories: A Creative Journey17:10 Navigating Parental Expectations and Artistic Freedom20:47 The Impact of Sharing Poetry with Family23:32 Reflections on Parenting and Creativity27:16 The Watering Hole: A Creative Community28:48 The Value of Community Education32:55 Creating The Watering Hole36:38 The Intersection of Spoken and Written Poetry36:59 Navigating the Poetry Landscape45:25 The Legacy of Black Poets47:10 Transitioning from HBCU to PWI57:56 The Power of Dreams and Unity01:01:26 Contrasting Leaders: Malcolm X vs. Martin Luther King Jr.01:04:20 The Role of White Allies in the Movement01:06:15 Opportunities in Poetry: The Watering Hole01:13:28 Freestyle Challenge and Closing ThoughtsFreestyle Beat: MallChiPoetUp Crew: Twitter/X: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @MrBluz @jayward2030IG: @PoetUpPodcast @MallChi @bluzbluzbluz @jward 2030Facebook: @PoetUpPodcastEmail us: thepoetuppodcast@gmail.comRate us, review us tell a friend to tell a friend about us.Thank you for listening











