In this episode, I sit down with poet Danielle Coffyn to celebrate the upcoming March 8th release of her debut poetry collection, If Adam Picked the Apple. We dive deep into her journey into writing and what poetry means to her, exploring how the creative process can be both a personal sanctuary and a public offering.

Danielle opens up about navigating the highs and lows of the social media game—from comparison and mental health struggles to dealing with negativity and finding genuine connection. We discuss the delicate balance between writing for yourself versus writing for others, as well as the vulnerability that comes with sharing your art with the world.

We also touch on the challenges authors face in today’s literary landscape, including imposter syndrome, wearing multiple hats as creators, and the difficulty of marketing books while staying true to your craft. Danielle shares powerful insights about why writers shouldn’t undervalue themselves by giving their work away for free.

Finally, Danielle offers a glimpse into her creative process for If Adam Picked the Apple and reads two poems from her collection. These pieces delve into themes central to the female experience, such as repressed anger and motherhood, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the complexities of being a woman.

This is an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation about creativity, resilience, and finding your voice as a writer. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion and a sneak peek into Danielle’s beautifully crafted debut collection.

Follow Danielle - Instagram - @daniellecoffyn & Threads - @daniellecoffyn

Subscribe to her substack - The Understory

Preorder If Adam Picked The Apple

Follow Maverick - Instagram ⁠@mavmalone⁠

Subscribe to my substack - ⁠Junk Drawer⁠

⁠Find more of my offerings here⁠

In this episode, I share a deeply personal story of how a simple notification about a new Substack subscriber reignited my passion for creating and reminded me of my "Great Why." When the world feels like it's shouting for you to give up, this episode is a reminder to keep going—because your art does matter.

I reflect on the power of art to change the world, one creation at a time, and discuss how even in the face of external doubts, art can fuel hope, connection, and transformation. The episode also includes two of my poems: a short opener and a longer spoken word piece—the second of which was crafted as a "portrait poem" for a friend, where I capture the essence of their art and words, further tying into the message of the episode.

Tune in for inspiration to keep creating and trusting in the impact of your voice! YOU MATTER!

Follow me on Instagram @mavmalone

and subscribe to my Substack, Junk Drawer

Today's episode is crossover from my Substack newsletters, Junk Drawer - more specifically, my "ARTHOUSE" subseries, where I break down a poem I've written, tell the backstory of its creation, and/or dive deeper into the topic.

With this one, I'm covering the controversial topic of AI poetry. Sparked by a recent study from the University of Pittsburgh, where participants couldn't distinguish between AI-generated and human-written poems, this episode unpacks the deeper implications of AI within creative writing. I discuss the dangers not of the technology itself, but of how humans may choose to use it. We'll explore the ethical, artistic, and emotional stakes of AI in the world of poetry, and I'll leave you with - hopefully - a much better perspective.

Whether you're a poet, a writer, or someone uneasy about AI "artists," this episode offers a cautionary tale on how imperative it is to consciously navigate this new frontier.

• Follow me on Instagram ⁠@mavmalone⁠
• Subscribe to my Substack, ⁠Junk Drawer⁠
• Purchase my books, ⁠Pressed Petals⁠, and ⁠Hope and Other Beautiful Things⁠
• Find everything else⁠ here⁠

In this episode of the "Listen When" short motivational series, we'll explore how curiosity can help us transcend fear. Through powerful stories and reflections, I’ll discuss shifting our mindset from anxiety to curiosity, empowering us to face challenges head-on. Plus, stay tuned for a reading of my poem, "Pluto's Impetus," which captures the essence of transformation.

Tune in for a quick dose of inspiration that reminds you that courage often lies just beyond your comfort zone!

Find me at:

Instagram: @mavmalone

Substack: Junk Drawer - www.maverickmalone.substack.com

Join us for a special episode featuring local Chattanooga poet Chelsea Chatts as we dive into her new collection, Mud Water Will Rise. Chelsea explores Southern identity through the lens of community and culture, highlighting the unwavering resilience and pride that define what it means to be a Southerner in the 21st century. In this captivating conversation, we discuss the importance of poetry, the interplay of social and political issues, and the magic that inspires us to write. As we embrace the spooky season, Chelsea shares chilling ghost stories and Chattanooga legends, making this episode a perfect listen for Halloween enthusiasts. Tune in for an enchanting blend of poetry, culture, and lore!

Connect with Chelsea at ChelseaChatts.com

Instagram: @chelsea.chatts

Threads: @chelsea.chatts

Grab your copy of Mud Water Will Rise here!

In this episode, join me on a peaceful morning at a charming red caboose Airbnb in Alabama. As I sip my coffee and take in the tranquil surroundings, I dive into the beauty of life’s middle spaces—those moments when we’re grateful for where we are while still dreaming of where we want to be. I share heartfelt musings on motherhood, weathering darkness, the pursuit of fulfillment, and the delicate balance between contentment and ambition. Tune in for a soothing journey of reflection, inspiration, and a reminder to embrace the present while reaching for our dreams.

🎙️Episode 1: The Caboose Chronicles - Season Two Premiere! 🚂

Welcome back to Season Two! In this special episode, recorded from a charming little red caboose in Alabama, I take you on a journey of self-discovery and creativity. After a refreshing hiatus, I’m excited to share what I’ve been up to—hosting open mics, traveling, and tackling my fear of public speaking head-on!

Join me as I reflect on these adventures and delve into a powerful speech I delivered at a recent Pride event, where I explored the vital theme of authenticity and the importance of being true to yourself. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or a reminder to embrace your uniqueness, this episode has something for everyone.

So grab your headphones and settle in—let’s get back on track together! 🌟

On Tuesday, August 20th, 2024, the poetry group open mic I attend held its final show at its location. The group continues on but will be moving venues, so to pay homage to the stage and space that housed us for the past few years, we all gave it a final sendoff. There was a strict 5 minute time limit and as such, I had to trim my performance down slightly. I wanted to give this piece another place to exist, so I recorded the full version and told the backstory of how it came into being. As such, this is a short "intermission" episode to hold you over until Ink Speak officially returns with season 2.