In Volume Six: Chapter Six of The Program, we welcome back Chicago-based writer, poet, and blogger Drew Carroll. It’s been over five years since our last conversation, and a lot has changed. Drew has traded powerlifting for building worlds—through poetry, short fiction, and most recently his new digital platform, The Blog of Drew, launched in June.

In our conversation, we discuss his journey from writing poetry during some of the hardest times in his life, to creating his own short fiction universe, to stepping away from social media and eventually returning with new projects. Drew shares his thoughts on the idea of therapy, seeking therapy, vulnerability, and masculinity—especially for Black men—and how those ideas have shaped his creativity.

We also dive into his passions outside of writing, including professional wrestling and the state of the industry today.

Contact Drew:
Instagram: @drewbcarroll
Website: theblogofdrew.com

Recorded Spoken Word Performances Featured Include:

Ajanae Dawkins –When Viola Davis Won
Instagram: @moonsatdusk
Website: ajanaedawkins.com

Darius Simpson – Genocide
Instagram: @_dariussimpson
Website: dariussimpson.com

Alysia Harris – In Situations Like This
Instagram: @poppyinthewheat
Website: alysiaharris.com

Taalam Acey – Affirmation For Black Men
Instagram: @taalamacey
Website: taalamacey.com

Prentice Powell – True Love
Instagram: @prenticepowell1908

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No guest this week — instead, it's our Chapter Break episode. For this one, We’ve pulled together six of our favorite live readings and spoken word performances from past guests on the program. Think of it as a chance to pause, revisit, and really sit with the words that have stayed with us — and hopefully with you too. We’ll be back next week with a brand-new conversation.

Recorded Spoken Word Performances Featured Include:

Sabrina Ali - I Want You Back (Appearance: Volume Three - Chapter Seventeen)
Instagram: @sabrina_ali
Live Performance: I Want You Back

Nicoli The Poet - Who Hurt You (Appearance: Volume One - Chapter Two)
Instagram: @nicoli_the_poet
TikTok: @nicoli_the_poet

Kennie Sings - I'm Just Sayin' (Appearance: Volume Four - Chapter Two)
Instagram: @kennie_sings

Michael Phillips - Freedom (Appearance: Volume One - Chapter Nine)
Instagram: @dbl.img
Website: apoetsplace.net

Dr. Tara Betts - Stay Lit (Appearance: Volume Four - Chapter Thirteen)
Instagram: @tarabettschitown
Purchase her book: Refuse To Disappear

Bashar Abou Hawili - Good For Me (Appearance: Volume Three - Chapter Nine)
Purchase his book - Words That Might Mean Something Someday to Someone

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In Volume Six: Chapter Five of The Program, we welcomed Story Teller Gordon —a New York-based Community Activist, Poet, Spoken Word Artist, Author of the poetry collection "Don't Speak For Me", and founder of FORM NYC, a nonprofit that blends poetry, public health, and community healing. With a Master of Public Health degree in Health Policy and Management, Gordon is a multidisciplinary creative who uses his art and voice to create spaces for connection, conversation, and care.

In our conversation, we discuss his poetry origins in 2020 during the height of the virtual open mic era, how he discovered poetry as a form of emotional clarity, and why relatability—not just catharsis—is central to his work. Gordon opens up about his unique writing process, the discipline it takes to create with intention rather than emotion, and how performance, for him, is more about conversation than theatrics.

We also explore FORM NYC, the community-centered nonprofit he founded in 2018. From campaigns like "Stop Street Harassment" to "My Brother is Calling" and "Safe Space", Gordon shares the motivations behind creating programs that support the mental, emotional, and spiritual health of young men—especially in a time where masculinity is being redefined and often misrepresented.

Contact Story Teller Gordon:
Instagram: @storytellergordon
Website: storytellergordon.com

Recorded Spoken Word Performances Featured Include:

Khalil Saaqiq – Who Am I
Instagram: @khalil_saaqiq

Kelsey Bigelow – A Grandfather's Hands
Instagram: @kelkaybpoetry Website: kelkaybpoetry.com

Shanelle Gabriel – Daddy's Girl
Instagram: @shanellegarbriel Website: shanellegabriel.com

Story Teller Gordon – New Year's Resolution
Story Teller Gordon – Closure

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