Waking the Whispers

Suzie de-deifies mountain deities and climbs a mountain of their own.About the Author/Reader/Performer:Suzette Rivers is a writer, filmmaker, cosplayer, model, role-player and poet born and raised in Utah, fighting social norms and injustices through art. "I am a Projector. The Supporting Class. The Bard. The Giver of Inspiration. The Campaigner. This is how I make my way in the world."Head over to Suzie's socials and check out their book:Instagram: @suzieneverlandsThreads: @suzieneverlandsPoetry Book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-supporting-class-suzette-rivers/1146474786If you are interested in being a featured author, reach out on Instagram @wakingthewhispers, or email me at [email protected]:Guest: Suzette RiversMusic by: Solomon BloomerRecorded, produced, edited by: Ben BloomerLogo and art by: Ben Bloomer*Note: This episode randomly disappeared from Spotify. I am updating the text of the show notes to see if that fixes it. Please ignore this Note. Or print it out and frame it, I'm not particular*

*Rae navigates family relationship, religious deconstruction, and international aid work.About the Author/Reader/Performer:Rae Reed is a trans masculine social worker, writer and storyteller who has applied his value of improving cross cultural engagement to all of these roles. Rae works at a refugee agency in Chicago, has told stories at the Steppenwolf Theatre and The Moth and his nonfiction work has been published in an anthology and various newspapers across the US. You can find Rae's work on his Substack: www.substack.com/@holden84*If you are interested in being a featured author, reach out on Instagram @wakingthewhispers, or email me at [email protected]:Guest: Rae ReedMusic by: Solomon BloomerRecorded, produced, edited by: Ben BloomerLogo and art by: Ben Bloomer

This is just an announcement that "Season 1" is now over and I'll be taking some time off from publishing in order to prep the episodes for Season 2, which I'll announce in a few weeks.

Laura Van Vorst reads Troublemaker and discusses her poetry and her debut collection of the same name.About the Author/Reader/Performer:Laura Van Vorst is a poet, singer-songwriter and psychologist, originally from Northern Ireland and now living in Sydney, Australia. Her debut poetry collection, Troublemaker, is available now.You can find Laura on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok @poems.by.laura, or on Facebook under Poems By Laura. Check out her Linktree for more (https://linktr.ee/poems.by.laura)If you are interested in being a featured author, reach out on Instagram @wakingthewhispers, or email me at [email protected]:Guest: Laura Van VorstMusic by: Solomon BloomerRecorded, produced, edited by: Ben BloomerLogo and art by: Ben Bloomer

Ben shares poetry about the story he deeply wants to still have and subtly expresses his insecurity about his ability to network while asking for additional readers.If you are interested in being a featured author, reach out on Instagram @wakingthewhispers, or email me at [email protected]:Guest: Ben BloomerMusic by: Solomon BloomerRecorded, produced, edited by: Ben BloomerLogo and art by: Ben Bloomer

Devon Love discusses her creative process and shares a piece in the works about the perceived flirtations from a barista.About the Author/Reader/Performer:Devon Love is a fashion designer turned award-winning soul musician from Philadelphia in the midst of writing her first album. Devon Love released her EP last year and continues to grow all aspects of her creative pursuits.You can find Devon on Instagram and Twitter @DevonLoveMusic and you can check out her music on her Spotify: (https://open.spotify.com/artist/1b3uOKyc1ZT2unluhGxxXT?si=QiGb01TZQvarNjHD3AB34w&nd=1&dlsi=80b5b1622b6146aa)If you are interested in being a featured author, reach out on Instagram @wakingthewhispers, or email me at [email protected]:Guest: Devon LoveMusic by: Solomon BloomerRecorded, produced, edited by: Ben BloomerLogo and art by: Ben Bloomer

Lisa Marie Farver shares two poems: One of love of self and one of love of David Attenborough. Lisa and Ben discuss creativity. Surprise, surprise.About the Author/Reader/Performer:Lisa Marie Farver is a poet and storyteller whose work has been featured at the Uptown Poetry Slam, You’re Being Ridiculous, Beast Women, That’s Poetic! and more. Lisa was a finalist in the 2025 Gwendolyn Brooks Open Mic Awards. She teaches journalism at ChiArts and is the founder of Everyone's Type Poetry & Performance. You can connect with Lisa at her website: www.everyonestype.com, and on instagram, @everyoneztypeIf you're listening in February of 2026, check out Lisa's upcoming events, as described by her:On Feb. 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., I'll be typing free love poems at the Intercontinental Hotel. On Feb. 14 at 8 p.m., I'll be performing poetry at The Poetry Brothel Chicago: DEVOTION at Aloft Circus Arts. I have fashioned a corset-like top out of two thrifted heart-shaped placemats. And I'll be debuting new poems. On Feb. 15 at 3 p.m., I'll be performing as The Typing Bat as part of the Uptown Poetry Slam at the Green Mill. On 2/21 from 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. I'll be doing typewriter poetry at Mindful Baking's Tempt*a*tion Market. There's a poetry slam open mic I'm hosting there that starts at 5:30 p.m. On 2/21 at 8 p.m., I'm going to be doing storytelling for Ladies' Night at Atlantic Pub & Grill.*If you are interested in being a featured author, reach out on Instagram @wakingthewhispers, or email me at [email protected]:Guest: Lisa Marie FarverMusic by: Solomon BloomerRecorded, produced, edited by: Ben BloomerLogo and art by: Ben Bloomer

Michael Bane shares a story from 2020 about a search for family and the significance of seemingly insignificant decisions. Notably absent: a review of The Old Guard.About the Author/Reader/Performer:Michael is an attorney, a dad, and a formerly closeted nerd. He once ran marathons, but has since made peace with himself.If you are interested in being a featured author, reach out on Instagram @wakingthewhispers, or email me at [email protected]:Guest: Michael BaneMusic by: Solomon BloomerRecorded, produced, edited by: Ben BloomerLogo and art by: Ben Bloomer

Paige Allphin reads a letter to her younger self and discusses her upcoming book: You Are Not Alone: A Book of Prose and PoemsAbout the Author/Reader/Performer:Paige is 37 and lives in West Virginia with her husband, 3 cats, and a puppy. When she's not writing poetry and lyrics, she loves to cosplay for conventions.You can get in touch with Paige on Facebook or Instagram @prodigaldaughter15*If you are interested in being a featured author, reach out on Instagram @wakingthewhispers, or email me at [email protected]:Guest: Paige AllphinMusic by: Solomon BloomerRecorded, produced, edited by: Ben BloomerLogo and art by: Ben Bloomer

Ben reads poems about his inner experience of ADHD.*If you are interested in being a featured author, discussing your creative process, or discussing the work of another author on the show and how they inspired you, reach out on Instagram @wakingthewhispers, or email me at [email protected]:Music by: Solomon BloomerRecorded, produced, edited by: Ben BloomerLogo and art by: Ben Bloomer

Solomon Bloomer sings songs about dreams, depression, and the pain of depression's effect on dreams and creativity. Solomon discusses his creative process and Ben finds an even deeper appreciation of Solomon's creative depth.About the Author:Solomon is a musician, song-writer, story-teller, and expresser of the deeply connected webs that make up his imagination and self. He's hilarious, generous, gentle, kind, strong, resilient, and full of infectious life.You can find Solomon on TikTok @SleepySolomon and can listen to his D&D Podcast, Realm of MagicIf you are interested in being a featured author, reach out on Instagram @wakingthewhispers, or email me at [email protected]:Guest: Solomon BloomerMusic by: Solomon BloomerRecorded, produced, edited by: Solomon Bloomer's Brother BenLogo and art by: Solomon Bloomer's Brother Ben

Tommy-Jay sings about the complexities of living in the midst of ICE raids in his beloved city.About the Author:Tommy-Jay Whiting is a Chicago-based singer/songwriter in the ilk of other folk Americana acts such as Jim Croce, Daniel Johnston, Dave van Ronk, and Nick Drake. When not daydreaming and falling in love with the world one person at a time through music and poetry, he’s probably in a library or exploring Chicago's secret gardens.You can find Tommy-Jay on Tiktok and Instagram (@tommyjwhiting Tiktok, @tommyj.whiting Instagram)If you are interested in being a featured author, reach out on Instagram @wakingthewhispers, or email me at [email protected]:Guest: Tommy-Jay WhitingRecorded, produced, edited by: Ben BloomerMusic by: Solomon BloomerLogo and art by: Ben Bloomer

Ben reads a couple Christmas themed writings because he ran out of time to publish a proper episode. Happy holidays.If you want to be featured, reach out to @wakingthewhispers on instagram

Mercedes reads her poem about child abuse and the failures of churches to protect childrenTrigger warning: Child sexual abuseAbout the Author:Mercedes is Ben's older sister and loves her family and her crows. She is beautiful and delightful always there for her siblings.About the Thumbnail:Mercedes and Ben being adorable kids, worth protectingIf you are interested in being a featured author, reach out on Instagram @wakingthewhispers, or email me at [email protected]:Guest: MercedesRecorded, produced, edited by: Ben BloomerMusic by: Solomon BloomerLogo and art by: Ben Bloomer

Ben talks too long about attachment theory and reads poems about his divorce. Cheers.Curious about attachment theory? Check out Heidi Priebe's channel on youtubeAbout the Author:Ben is a kind of silly human who recently discovered that he likes poetry and art. He also has a podcast, if you can believe it. I'd list his hobbies, but he has ADHD, so he has a new hobby every week or two.If you are interested in being a featured author, reach out on Instagram @wakingthewhispers, or email me at [email protected]:Guest (?): Ben BloomerRecorded, produced, edited by: Ben BloomerMusic by: Solomon BloomerLogo and art by: Ben Bloomer

Mars Gomez shares a poignant metaphor drawing inspiration from the dogs inside us.About the Author:Mars lives in Normal, IL and is passionate about storytelling. They love to draw and work on creative writing while sipping tea and playing D&D with friends.See some of Mars' art on their instagram @marssumiiYou can listen to their D&D Podcast on Spotify hereCredits:Guest: Mars GomezRecorded, produced, edited by: Ben BloomerMusic by: Solomon BloomerLogo and art by: Ben BloomerIf you are interested in being a featured author, reach out on Instagram @wakingthewhispers, or email me at [email protected]

The magic of artistic independence, fighting to keep your voice-- Ariel Bloomer shares her essay and we discuss how hard it is to share cheesecake.About the Author:Ariel Bloomer is the lead singer and lyricist of Icon for Hire, a rock band based in Nashville. She's obsessed with the creative process and inspiration, and using her voice to empower others to face their mental health challenges with courage and self love. Also a wonderful big sister.Get in touch with Ariel on Instagram:  @iconforhireCheck out their full page on SpotifyOr jump to Ben's favorite songs:Venom; ShadowCredits:Guest: Ariel BloomerRecorded, produced, edited by: Ben BloomerMusic by: Solomon BloomerLogo and art by: Ben BloomerIf you are interested in being a featured author, reach out on Instagram @wakingthewhispers, or email me at [email protected]

Transfixed around the fire, transcendent moments in community. Chris Easley and I discuss the ways that poetry and community captures us.About the Author:Chris Easley is Team Leader at Mission Central, a ministry based in Aurora, Illinois dedicated to forming Christians for mission in everyday life. When he’s not writing poetry, you'll find Chris reading a time travel novel or cooking dinner with his wife Katie and their three cats. Get in touch with Chris:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophereasley/IG: @teammissioncentralFB: @TeamMissionCentralCredits:Guest: Chris EasleyRecorded, produced, edited by: Ben BloomerMusic by: Solomon BloomerLogo and art by: Ben BloomerIf you are interested in being a featured author, reach out on Instagram @wakingthewhispers, or email me at [email protected]

Grace McCutcheon shares three poems themed around the deaths of the scripts we follow, egos, and trees.About the Author:Grace loves community, nature, and whimsy, and she's looking forward for a life alongside the ocean doing adventure therapy. If you'd like to get to know her more, reach out on Instagram @grutcheon. She also wanted me to highlight a resource that was helpful for her in her journey out of covert emotional abuse--check out themendproject.com if you'd like to learn more.Credits:Guest: Grace McCutcheonRecorded, produced, edited by: Ben BloomerMusic by: Solomon BloomerLogo and art by: Ben BloomerIf you are interested in being a featured author, reach out on Instagram @wakingthewhispers, or email me at [email protected]

Listening to the yearning song of the magnolia tree. Karen Savella Stallard shares her poem and we discuss its inspirations, implications, and evocations.Credits:Guest: Karen Savella StallardRecorded, produced, edited by: Ben BloomerMusic by: Solomon BloomerLogo and art by: Ben BloomerIf you are interested in being a featured author, reach out on Instagram @wakingthewhispers, or email me at [email protected]

All humans are creative, and expressing ourselves through creativity is beautiful, transformative, and healing. Waking the Whispers is a space for you to be inspired by amateur artists who share their original works, followed by insightful discussions that delve into the inspirations behind their creative expression. Tune into Waking the Whispers wherever you get your podcasts every Thursday starting November 6th, 2025.Each guest on the show is someone like you. If you are inspired by the show and would like to be featured as a guest to share your writing, song, poems, essays--anything you would share at an open mic--reach out to me on Instagram @wakingthewhispers