Inquire Within with IN-Q - IN-Q

Natalie Patterson: Checking in with Yourself, Maintaining Integrity, and Fuelling Your Passion Aug 24, 2021

In this episode of Inquire Within, I'm joined by Natalie Patterson. Natalie can best be identified as a teaching artist and poet.

Over the last 18 years, Natalie has crafted time-tested approaches to fostering cultures of growth, curiosity, compassion, and integrity. She was the first female producer and host of the nation’s largest poetry venue, The Poetry Lounge, the president of Sister Support, a non-profit committed to women, and recently, she completed a year-long residency teaching poetry as a healing art to youth who are incarcerated.

In 2019, Natalie accepted a position with "Art with Impact" as a worship facilitator for movies for mental health and as a teaching artist at Spark, one of Los Angeles’ oldest and most respected art and activism organizations. Natalie is known for her integrity, passion, social activism, and her ability to work with people of all ages, genders, races, and cultures by showing up fully and inviting folks to remember that who they are is enough.

In this episode, we explore many of these topics and more. And as always, we will be sharing a journaling prompt at the end of the episode inspired by our conversation, to encourage you to Inquire Within.

What we discuss:

Natalie’s Poem

When is the last time you felt misaligned with an audience?

How do we balance our identities with our human stories?

Learning how to check in with yourself

Are there practices to check in with yourself?

Why is it important for us to have and maintain integrity in our lives?

Do you have any recent examples of when your integrity was tested?

What advice do you have for others keeping their integrity in a society that encourages losing it?

How does poetry help you take care of yourself?

Beautiful Body by Natalie Patterson

Poems at different stages of life

What advice do you have for fueling your passion?

How events in our lives add up

Learning to be honest with ourselves instead of hitting rock bottom

Instagram

@natalieispoetry

Website

natalieispoetry.com

Fairytales [Poem + Prompt] Aug 17, 2021

Where are you in your life? Where are you in the plot right now? Remember, you are the star. You are the supporting characters. You are the writers. You are the director. You are the grips.

In this 3 minute episode, it is just me, IN-Q. I wanted to share my poem, Fairytales, with you, and I give a journal prompt. Your life is a movie, write about it.

Find more from me on Instagram: @inqlife.

Kamilla Tolnø: Finding Your Sense of Self Aug 10, 2021

Are you struggling to find your sense of self?

In this weeks episode of “Inquire Within”, myself and Instagram famous poet, Kamilla Tolnø, dive deep into what started her poetry journey, growing up in Copenhagan, and how instagram played such a big part in her career. Her writing has inspired so many, and has even helped readers learn English. We talk about the power of words and what past writings can teach our future self.

Kamilla’s debut poetry collection was released in 2020 and “the moon” reached #1 bestseller in her category. The series has since then become complete with “the orchid”, “the ocean” and “the wolf”. The series is written for those struggling with finding their sense of self. Kamilla’s artistic journey started with a broken heart followed by a depression and a sense of lostness. The northern collection is a testimony of her path out of the pain through the arts of writing and illustrating. Her hope is to help others unfold into their fullest selves by healing the past and trusting in the power of the future.

What we discuss:

1:59: Kamilla’s Poem and the Meaning Behind It

6:32: The Power of Our Writing and Life’s Cycles

9:01: Writing Things Down

12:45: Do you need validation from your readers?

15:55: Poetry with English as your second language

18:02: Writing simply and the butterfly effect

22:51: Growing up in Copenhagen

25:12: Poetry on Instagram

29:32: Finding your sense of self

38:05: How you know that you have found yourself?

44:33: What is the best thing about social media & the worst thing?

51:58: Seasons of life

53:39: Advice for over-thinkers

58:10: Like the Ocean You Can B Everywhere at Once by Kamilla Tolnø

1:00:15: The Moon by IN-Q

1:03:59: Writing Prompt: Simplicity is Complex

Speakeasy Launch: August 16th

Instagram: @k.tolnoe

Book Series: ktolnoe.com

There is Nothing in Life You Cannot Breathe Through Aug 03, 2021

Javon Johnson: Building a Poetry Career & Prioritizing a Political Agenda Jul 27, 2021

In this episode of Inquire Within, I’m joined by Javon Johnson. The two of us dive into Javon's journey from the epics fails he had as a beginner poet to building a solid career focused on a political agenda. Javon is an Assistant Professor of African American Studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and a highly awarded spoken word poet, merging race and gender theory with comedy and lyricism. He is also the author of Killy Poetry, Ain’t Never Not Been Black, and Viral Poems. Additionally, Professor Johnson writes for The Huffington Post, The Root, and Our Weekly, and serves on the editorial board for Text & Performance Quarterly. And, he has appeared on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, BET’s Lyric Café, TV One’s Verses & Flow, The Arsenio Hall Show, and The Steve Harvey Show, and also co-wrote the Showtime documentary Crossover. What we discuss: How did Javon become the performer he is now? What is Javon’s most embarrassing moment on stage? “Another Generic Love Poem from a Man to his Unborn Daughter” by Javon Johnson The Birth of Javon’s New Baby Girl How did the birth of Javon’s daughter change his perspective on his upbringing? How do you feel about the idea of your child being your friend? Growing up in south LA and how that fueled Javon’s interest in poetry Javon’s family and his introductions to politics What birthed Javon’s interest in poetry? When did Javon’s poetry begin to have a political agenda? What is one theme that Javon wants to leave his audience with his “Still” poem? The attack on black people’s livability Discussing “Ain’t Never Not Been Black” by Javon Johnson What should white people do about their white privilege? The structural solutions to racism What does Javon want the listeners to write about? How would you solved structural racism? Instagram: @javonism Twitter: @javonism

Re-Evaluating Your Time Horizon Jul 20, 2021

I've been thinking a lot about time horizon recently. We are in such an instant culture – everything has to happen right away and we need instant gratification. But what about incremental and cumulative growth? What happened to things happening slowly, adding up over time, and absolutely changing an area of your life or changing your entire life? In this episode of Inquire Within, I contemplate this thought and give you a journal prompt to help you contemplate this thought as well.

Dante Basco: From Rufio to Zuko and Important Life Lessons Learned Jul 13, 2021

Welcome to Inquire Within with me IN-Q, a poetry podcast that brings you on a journey to the center of your soul through the lens of myself and some the greatest poets and artists of our time. In this episode, I am joined by the talented Dante Basco. Dante is most known for his role as Rufio, the leader of the Lost Boys in Steven Spielberg's Hook, and for his voice acting role as Prince Zuko from Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender. He’s also the author of Rufio to Zuko, where he outlines how his family and culture played a crucial role in the foundation of his work and his focus for the future. Because of Dante’s stand-out roles, he has become an important role model in the Asian-American community. Plus, Dante is the founder of Da Poetry Lounge…(explain what it is, I’m not sure exactly). In this episode, we dive into the major adversities Dante has faced being an Asian American actor and how he was able to overcome them, as well as his work as a poet, his process, and how he’s using it break through the adversities minorities face. And as always, with every episode, we will be sharing a journaling question inspired by the conversation to encourage and inspire you to inquire within, so be sure to listen to the full episode to not miss out.

Are You Showing the Universe You're Grateful? [+ A Spoken Word Poem] Jul 06, 2021

Gratitude is a muscle. If we don't use it, we experience atrophy. So here's the thing: If we stop being grateful for the things the universe presents us, the universe will stop presenting us with things to be grateful for.

In this episode of Inquire Within, I challenge you to contemplate the gratitude you have in and for your life. I also share a thought-provoking spoken word poem, as well as a journal prompt to encourage you to inquire within.

Find more from me on Instagram: @inqlife.

Propaganda: Pushing Boundaries and Finding What To Stand for as an Artist Jun 29, 2021

In this episode of Inquire Within, I'm joined by political poet, Propaganda. He shares his reflections about having our own codes which determine what we will always give to and what we will never do. Throughout our conversation together, Propaganda reminds us that while we may be tempted to overstep our limits and boundaries, doing so will cause us to use ourselves as resources, which like any other resource, can run out. Towards the end of our conversation, he also shares with us his childhood and how the neighborhood he lived in shaped the art he makes today. Propaganda is a poet, political activist, husband, father, academic & emcee. Propaganda’s ideas stem from where he sits at the intersection. He sees how cultures cross and inspire one another, and can see the oneness of us all. Propaganda will cause you to nod your head, but more importantly he will stretch your mind & heart. And as always, with every episode, we will be sharing a journaling question inspired by the conversation to encourage and inspire you to inquire within, so be sure to listen to the full episode to not miss out. Find more from Propaganda: https://www.prophiphop.com/

What is Love? + A Piece of Advice on Relationships Jun 22, 2021

In this episode of Inquire Within, I share a poem on love. What is love? What does it look like to love? How do we navigate love? Plus, at the end of the episode, I also share a piece of personal advice on relationships. This is something I found to be powerful in my own relationships and hope you will find it to be just as powerful in yours.

Here's a sneak peek into my "Love Is..." poem...

Love is not perfect,

love is flawed.

Love is not jealous,

love is proud.

Love is not certain,

love is doubt.

Love is not leaving,

love is turning around.

Love is learning to fight

for the middle ground.

Love is not gentle,

love is tough.

Love is not thinking love is enough.

So I chose to love you harder from the moment I wake up.

Find more from be by following me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/inqlife

Humble the Poet: The Truth About Adopting a Minority Mindset and The Dangers of Blending In Jun 15, 2021

In this episode, I'm joined by the amazing Humble the Poet who shares the details of his journey to becoming an artist, how he navigated his newly found success and resisted the urge to cater to a style of art that wasn’t pure to himself, and what making art meant for him back then, and today. Throughout our conversation together, Humble the Poet describes what he perceives to be the dangers of blending in. The minority mindset he developed as a child has turned into a gift, as it allows him to have a unique perspective that can be shared with others who feel the same way, through his art. Towards the end of our conversation, he also shares his own truth about making money as an artist; wherever we put our time and our love, is where we will find our money. Humble the poet is a Canadian YouTube personality, author, rapper and spoken-word artist. He is the author of three books, Unlearn: 101 Simple Truths for a Better Life, Unlearn—Beneath the Surface: 101 Honest Truths to Take Life Deeper, and Things No One Else Can Teach Us. And as always, with every episode, we will be sharing a journaling question inspired by the conversation to encourage and inspire you to inquire within, so be sure to listen to the full episode to not miss out. Find more from Humble: Instagram: @humblethepoet Website: humblethepoet.com

David Bianchi: The What and Why Behind NFTs Jun 08, 2021

Today’s interview dives into the world of NFT’s…a new medium of art that many people still don’t quite understand. That’s why, today’s guest, David Bianchi, explains the what and the why behind NFTs, as well as his thoughts, experience, and advice on this new medium. David is a globally recognized spoken word poet, the creator of Spinema the art form he dubs “spinning cinema through spoken word.” and has produced over a dozen high-concept spoken word films. Most recently, he minted the World’s first Award-Winning Spoken Word Film NFT that auctioned very successfully and all proceeds are being donated to the George Floyd Memorial Foundation. At the end of the episode, David shares a journaling question for inspiring you to inquire within. So be sure to listen to the full episode to not miss out. Find more from David: https://davidbianchi.actor/

Are Your Problems Actually Problems? [3-Min Solo Episode] Jun 01, 2021

Do you really have problems in your life? Or are you simply replaying trauma from your past because you're used to that music – even if you don’t like it?

In this 3-minute solo episode of Inquire Within, I challenge you to question the problems you have in your life. Can you put them down? Can you try to look at them from a place of solution? Can you let go of being problem-oriented and discover the life you are really living right now?

If you find yourself jumping from one problem to the next, this episode is for you.

Janne Robinson: Unveiling the Truth About Vulnerabilities, Our True Self, and Love May 25, 2021

In this episode of Inquire Within, I'm joined by Janne Robinson who shares all her thoughts about love, including why we love LOVE more than the actual person we are in a relationship with and why we fall out of love. Throughout our conversation together, Janne reminds us that even in today’s age of oversharing, we are permitted to set boundaries around our most private thoughts and vulnerabilities. Towards the end of our conversation, she also shares the importance of openness and showing up as all of who we really are in our relationships. Janne is the ultimate renaissance woman. She is a 21st-century feminist beat poet, author, entrepreneur, speaker, women’s empowerment thought-leader, and an avid surfer. Janne describes what she does as ‘empowering people to live their truths and be authentic. And as always, with every episode, we will be sharing a journaling question inspired by the conversation to encourage and inspire you to inquire within, so be sure to listen to the full episode to not miss out.

Allie Michelle: Striving for Honesty Not Perfection May 18, 2021

In this episode, I’m joined by Allie Michelle. Together, we dive into breaking free from the need to be perfect, aligning what we do with what’s actually true to us, and how living in honesty leads us to creating our best work. One of my favorite things Allie shared in this episode was a simple line of poetry: The personas we create become the prisons we live in. She also shares amazing insight into creating, where she says people feel the energy you write with, and that there are no rules to poetry, you can rhyme or not rhyme, it’s all about owning your voice and saying what’s true to you. Find more from Allie: @alliemichellel Check out Allie's books here.

Noticing the Small Things in Life + An Unheard Poem May 11, 2021

When was the last time you paid attention to the small things in life? To notice the butterfly, or to notice the drops of summer rain?

In this solo episode of Inquire Within, I share a poem with you that I have actually never shared before. I wrote it out of inspiration from a butterfly dancing above a marching band at Mardi Gras.

It's my hope by sharing this poem that you are inspired to pay closer attention to the beauty that surrounds you and to the small moments that bring you joy, and to give them the appreciate they deserve.

Find more from me on Instagram: @inqlife

Rudy Francisco: The Unglamorous Journey of Success May 04, 2021

If you think success happens overnight, you're wrong. If you think those who are successful had it easy, you're wrong. If you think reaching success is glamorous, you're wrong. Success is a journey. It's a difficult journey at that. And in this episode of Inquire Within, Rudy Francisco shares more about the journey towards success. Rudy used to actually sleep on trains and in bus stations when trying to make it as a poet and couldn’t make ends meet. He showcases that success is a journey that requires unwavering commitment and perseverance, no matter hard tough times get. I believe Rudy’s story will inspire you to keep working, keep pushing, and keep creating. In the episode I ask Rudy why he didn’t give up and I love his response: It felt too good to not be my destiny. Rudy is one of the most recognizable names in Spoken Word Poetry. He has shared stages with prominent artists such as Gladys Knight, Jordin Sparks, Musiq Soul Child, and Jill Scott. He is also the co-host of the largest poetry venue in San Diego, competes in domestic and international poetry slam competitions and had the honor of being nominated for an NAACP Image Award. P.S. It would mean the absolute world to me if you took a moment to subscribe to the podcast. Not only will it ensure you never miss an episode and continue your journey of inquiring within, but it also greatly helps the growth of this show. And don’t forget to stay tuned until the end of the episode where Rudy will give you a journal prompt to encourage you to inquire within.

Najwa Zebian: How to Change Your Perspective of Pain + Tell the World Your Real Story Apr 27, 2021

In this episode, Najwa Zebian beautifully explains why pain is one of our greatest blessings if we use it correctly. So if you’re someone who has experienced, or is experiencing, pain, adversity, or displacement, Najwa shares not only how to process it, but how to transform it and use it to your advantage…and to create something of impact. She also acknowledges that we all have 100 stories about ourselves we can share, but the story we want to share isn’t always the same story people see when they look at is. She gives us a clear understanding as to how we can become in control of the stories people see when they look at us. Najwa is a Lebanese-Canadian activist, author, poet, educator, and speaker. She rose to fame on Instagram through sharing her instapoetry and gained popularity during the Me Too movement along with her subsequent Tedx Talks. Najwa has become a trailblazing voice for women everywhere and has been name-dropped by the New York Times, CBS News, among others. She’s the author of Mind Platter, The Nectar of Pain, Sparks of Phoenix and is about to release her latest book Welcome Home: A Guide to Building a Home for Your Soul. Find more from Najwa: Website: https://najwazebian.com Instagram: @najwazebian

Afterlife (An Unheard Poem) + Using Curiousity to Find Your Purpose Apr 20, 2021

In this episode of Inquire Within, I share an unheard poem that challenges you to think about your life’s purpose. Here’s a sneak peek… If you don't know what your purpose is Tell me what your passion is Don't know what your passion is? It's where inspired action is It's what enthusiasm gives A manual for how to live… With each episode I leave you with a prompt to write on and for the episode, I would like you to write a poem around around your life purpose. Set 20 minutes on the timer and explore it with an open mind and an open heart. If you can't figure out what your life's purpose is because it's too big, then start with something you're curious about. When you explore your curiosity, you can use it as breadcrumb trails to find the path. And if you follow the path, the path will lead the way. For more poems like this, be sure to follow me on Instagram, @inqlife.

Yesika Salgado: Allowing Yourself to Be Seen and Finding Your Place in This World Apr 10, 2021

Welcome to Inquire Within with me, IN-Q, a poetry podcast that brings you on a journey to the center of your soul through the lens of myself and some of the greatest poets and artists of our time.

In this episode, I’m joined by a dear friend of mine, Yesika Salgado. Together we chat about how poetry flows through us, finding our place in the world, and Yesika’s beautiful and unique outlook on both life and poetry.

Yesika is willing to be seen and willing to speak her truth to the world, and after listening to this conversation, I know you’ll be inspired to do the same.

But wait, who is Yesika? She is a Los Angeles-based Salvadoran poet who is a two-time National Poetry Slam finalist and the recipient of the 2020 International Latino Book Award in Poetry. She’s also the author of the best-sellers Corazón, Tesoro, and Hermosa, and is an internationally recognized body-positive activist, where she often refers to herself as the fat, fly poet. Her work has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Teen Vogue, Univision, CNN, NPR, TEDx, and many digital platforms.

Are you ready to inquire within? Find more from Yesika: @yesikastarr

Solo: The Birds Aren't Singing to Win a Grammy Apr 07, 2021

Welcome to the first solo episode of Inquire Within with me, IN-Q. My solo episodes are a place for me to share unspoken poems, my current inspirations, and life lessons I've learned. Be sure to stay tuned until the end, as I share a journal prompt with you to encourage you to inquire within.

In this episode, I share two poems, with one being a poem I've never shared before. My intention with both is to challenge you to consider who you are pretending to be. The birds aren't singing to win a grammy, they're just singing. So who would you be if you were being your most authentic self and not trying to be something other than you're not?

Atticus: Wearing Masks, Understanding Our Intentions, and Remaining Authentic Apr 07, 2021

In this episode, I'm joined by the amazing poet, Atticus, who shares his very deep and interesting story as to how he became a poet, insights into his creative process, and the why behind his mask. Throughout our conversation together, Atticus continues to remind us of the importance of our “why”. He challenges us to re-asses our intentions behind what we are doing and ensure it aligns with what really matters. Towards to end of our conversation, he also shares one of the most moving stories I’ve heard.

Atticus is a Canadian poet, and author of Love Her Wild, The Dark Between Stars, and the Truth About Magic. He writes all of his poetry pseudonymously, and when appearing publicly, he always wears a mask to hide his true identity. He says he wears the mask as a symbol to “remind himself to always write what he feels instead of what he thinks he should feel.”

With every episode, I will be sharing a journaling question inspired by the conversation to encourage and inspire you to inquire within, so be sure to listen to the full episode to not miss out.

Before you dive into this episode, it would mean the world to me if you took two seconds to subscribe to the podcast. This will not only ensure you never miss an episode, but it truly does help the growth of the show. With each episode, it’s my goal to bring you my heart and soul and your support means more than you know.

Find more from Atticus: @atticus

Get your copy of Magic Whispers here.

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