Ep 9, pt 2 - Mastering Dramatic Monologues with Brian Yapko

▶Classical Poets in a Modern World: Pursuing Poetry as a Vocation – Ep 10 (Part 1) 📜✨ 👉 In this episode of Classical Poets Live, we explore what it means to pursue poetry as a vocation in today’s tech-driven world. 🌍 Should you choose the path of a classical poet in an age of science and instant celebrity? We discuss the pursuit of posthumous glory, the role of intellectual networks, and the modern pathways available to build a literary career. 📚 Tune in for insights on balancing tradition with the demands of the digital era. ⚖️ Get full access to Andrew’s Substack at abensonbrown.substack.com/subscribe

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Brian Yapko, a leading master of dramatic verse monologues and the 2023 International Poetry Competition winner. In this episode, Brian shares his journey into the world of poetry, the influential figures who shaped his work, and essential principles for writing impactful traditional verse. Discover the techniques and insights from one of the foremost experts in dramatic monologues as he discusses his approach to crafting powerful and evocative poetry. Get full access to Andrew’s Substack at abensonbrown.substack.com/subscribe

A comparison of Emily Wilson's translation of the Odyssey with others past and present, including George Chapman's classic 1616 version, as well as a new dactylic pentameter translation by Mike Solot. In addition, the host provides a 'woke' retelling of the Odyssey, then explores the landscape of mediocre contemporary novels that reimagine ancient myths with a feminist spin. Get full access to Andrew’s Substack at abensonbrown.substack.com/subscribe

In this first installment in a series about forgotten epic poems, the host examines why Tasso's "Gerusalemme liberata," one of the most influential works of post-medieval literature, has suffered a radical reversal of status in the last century. The poet's colorful life and legacy is explored, interspersed with passages from his great epic. Get full access to Andrew’s Substack at abensonbrown.substack.com/subscribe

Arts grants are being given to woke organizations in sums that are, at times, outrageously lavish. Given that a requirement of grant applications now is demonstrating a commitment to “equity,” is it possible to salvage the National Endowment for the Arts from Neo-Marxist maniacs? Or should it just be defunded entirely? Also, poet C.B. Anderson joins to share his thoughts on being the long-time gardener for the PBS series ‘The Victory Garden,’ publishing 1000 poems, and the gradual disappearance of formalist poetry journals. Get full access to Andrew’s Substack at abensonbrown.substack.com/subscribe

The host responds to criticisms made about the Society of Classical Poets, fact-checks the supposed popularity of competing journals, examines why trendy poets are all eccentric weirdos, and offers an alternative model to inspire contemporary poets by looking to the medieval Welsh literary tradition. Get full access to Andrew’s Substack at abensonbrown.substack.com/subscribe

Poet Adam Sedia comes on to discuss the need for an artistic secession from our decaying cultural institutions, and what it takes to kickstart a renaissance that can refresh traditional forms. Plus, why Amanda Gorman is not a poet. Get full access to Andrew’s Substack at abensonbrown.substack.com/subscribe

Can ChatGPT write good poetry? What about coding programs like Python? Plus, poet James Tweedie talks about being a world traveler, why whimsicality is important in verse, and how classical music is saving lives. Get full access to Andrew’s Substack at abensonbrown.substack.com/subscribe

Author and motivational expert James Sale discusses poet laureates, Dante, and continuing the epic tradition in modern times. Plus, the sins of the Poetry Foundation and why arts organizations need to reject equity agendas. Get full access to Andrew’s Substack at abensonbrown.substack.com/subscribe

Susan Jarvis Bryant joins to discuss verbal pyrotechnics, the role of poetry in fighting gender transitioning among children, and why poets should be fearless.Plus, why the Pulitzer Prize has become a sham, and Sally Cook describes how she once stopped Allen Ginsberg from writing poetry. Get full access to Andrew’s Substack at abensonbrown.substack.com/subscribe