We live in a world that pushes us to look flawless, act perfect, and bury what makes us human. In this episode, I invite you to pause and reflect on what it means to embrace our struggles, imperfections, and shared humanity.

Through stories—from sixth-grade insecurities to an unforgettable encounter at the pharmacy—I explore how vulnerability allows us to connect more deeply with ourselves and others. How do we stop pretending we don’t need each other? How do we show up, just as we are, in a world that often demands we be something else?

Join me as we talk about the beauty of aging, the courage of self-acceptance, and the freedom of honoring where we are right now. I’ll also share insights from my own creative process, including reflections on a line from a libretto I wrote during the pandemic: “What if we don’t make it to forever?”

This episode is an invitation to step into the new year with honesty, curiosity, and the belief that showing up fully—flaws and all—is what truly matters.

To continue the conversation and dive deeper into themes of connection and creativity, head over to my Substack, A Poetic Life, at enzothepoet.substack.com. And if this message resonates, share it with someone who might need it, because we’re all in this together.

Listen in, reflect, and let’s move forward—one step, one story, and one poem at a time.

In a post-pandemic world where many of us are striving to reclaim our sense of agency, Episode 4 of It’s a Poetic Life dives deep into the layered complexities of self-love and self-acceptance. Featuring poet Kali Pezzi, this timely and deeply personal conversation explores how shame and guilt intersect with self-care, and how the poetic life becomes an extension of our efforts to nurture and embrace ourselves. Both Kali and I share candid reflections on wrangling with the complexities of self-love, uncovering its contradictions and deeper truths. This soul-nourishing discussion invites you to reconnect with yourself in ways that feel authentic, vulnerable, and profoundly human—like the coffee date you didn’t know you needed.

What does happiness look like beyond clichés and fleeting moments? In this episode, we dive into the complex and often elusive nature of happiness, exploring how our experiences, our creative lives, and even social media shape our understanding of joy. Whether you’re a seasoned writer, an aspiring storyteller, or simply someone looking to find more meaning in daily life, we’ll examine how happiness can be found not just outside ourselves but within.

We take a close look at a powerful poem from award-winning poet Naomi Shihab Nye, reflecting on how happiness might already be present within us, waiting to be embraced. I also share a deeply personal reading of one of my own poems, revealing the intimate details behind its creation and how it reflects the journey toward authentic joy. Together, we’ll explore how joy can be less about seeking and more about allowing, uncovering how we can connect with a deeper sense of fulfillment, both on and off the page. Join us for a journey into the heart of happiness and the creative paths that can help us realize it.