Lauren Martin — Poetry, Reflection, and the Courage to Speak from Within

In this conversation, poet Lauren Martin offers a thoughtful and introspective exploration of her creative process, reflecting on how poetry becomes a space for truth, vulnerability, and emotional clarity. Her voice brings a quiet strength to the episode, inviting listeners into the inner landscapes that shape her work and her understanding of connection across borders.Lauren Martin is a psychotherapist, poet, and a devoted Iyanifa practitioner featured in this quintessential poetry podcast conversation exploring the intersections of healing, spirituality, and literary expression. She lives in Oakland, California. Lauren studied poetry at Sarah Lawrence College. She spent years writing without submitting her work due to a long shamanic journey, which led her to both Ifá and writing "Night of the Hawk: Poems." Summary: In this episode, Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram interviews Lauren Martin, a psychotherapist, Iyanifa practitioner, and poet. Lauren discusses her debut poetry collection, "Night of the Hawk: Poems," inspired by her shamanic journey.The collection explores the experiences of marginalized and disabled individuals, highlighting the intersection of poetry, psychotherapy, and shamanism. Lauren shares her unique ability to dream poems, which she believes are messages from the other side. She reads emotionally charged poems inspired by real-life events, such as the Nigerian Chibok girls' kidnapping and her experiences with sickness and spirituality. The episode also explores Lauren's personal journey, the concept of destiny in Ifa tradition, her perspectives on empathy, and her inspirations from both literary and musical realms. Throughout the interview, Lauren emphasizes the importance of authentic expression and the resilience of the human spirit through her evocative poetry. Website: https://www.laurenmartin.net Social Media https://www.instagram.com/frankyisastar Book https://www.amazon.com/Night-Hawk-Poems-Lauren-Martin/dp/1647426588mU.