The Wisdom of Folly: reflections for 2025 with poet James Navé

Welcome to Twice 5 Miles Radio. I'm your host, James Navé. As 2024 comes to a close, I'm going solo to wish you a Happy 2025 and reflect on the year ahead. Recently, I memorized a line from T.S. Eliot that stuck with me: "Do not let me hear of the wisdom of old men, but rather of their folly." Inspired by those words, this episode explores the curious, messy decisions—both wise and foolish—that shape our lives. I share pivotal moments, like choosing performance poetry over law school—a so-called "folly" that led to a lifelong journey of storytelling. I revisit the origins of Poetry Alive, the educational theater initiative I co-founded, which brought poetry to life for millions of students. And I reflect on the transformative power of poetry: the choices we make, the paths we travel, and those we leave behind. As we welcome 2025, I invite you to embrace the poetry in your life—from the landscapes you traverse to the relationships you nurture. What stories will you tell this year? Let's explore together. Enjoy the show.