Episode 2 - From Evangelical Author to Liberationist Poet: Marla Taviano

Summary

In this episode, Marla Taviano shares her journey of deconstruction and how it has shaped her writing and perspective on faith. She reflects on her past beliefs and books, discussing the challenges of having written from a different perspective. Marla also talks about the process of writing and sharing her experiences, including the freedom she has found in breaking free from religious constraints. She emphasizes the importance of meeting people from different backgrounds and expanding one's perspectives. The episode concludes with a discussion of Marla's poem art and her personal favorites. In this conversation, Matt and Marla discuss the power of poetry and the impact it can have on readers. They explore the concept of manifestos and the magic of combining words with art. They also discuss the importance of feedback and the joy of amplifying others. The conversation concludes with a reflection on finding happiness and freedom by embracing imperfection.

Takeaways

• Poetry has the power to inspire and connect people on a deep level.

• Manifestos can serve as powerful guiding principles for creating a better world.

• Combining words with art can create a unique and impactful form of expression.

• Feedback from readers can be incredibly meaningful and validating for writers.

• Amplifying others and celebrating their work can bring joy and fulfillment.

• Embracing imperfection and letting go of the need to have it all together can lead to happiness and freedom.

Notes

• Buy some books:

  • unbelieve: poems on the journey to becoming a heretic

  • jaded: a poetic reckoning with white evangelical christian indoctrination

  • please cut up my poems: and make some art! (for real, I'm serious!)

• Connect with Marla:

  • Website

  • Instagram: @marlataviano & @whitegirllearning

  • writing wholefarted (Substack newsletter)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:40 Writing Books from a Different Perspective

10:07 Reflecting on Past Beliefs and Books

16:42 The Journey of Deconstruction

25:12 The Process of Writing and Sharing

30:50 Cursing and Breaking Free from Religious Constraints

36:00 Meeting People and Expanding Perspectives

41:46 Showing Kindness to Others

41:51 Poem Art and Personal Favorites

42:17 Finding Inspiration in Poetry

43:11 Creating a Tinder Profile

44:09 The Power of Manifestos

45:08 The Magic of Poem Art

48:35 Connecting Through Words

51:09 The Power of Poetry

52:08 The Impact of Poetry on Readers

57:15 The Importance of Feedback

58:40 The Joy of Amplifying Others

01:03:08 Finding Happiness and Freedom

01:06:28 The False Scarcity Narrative

01:09:21 Amplifying Others with a Small Following

01:11:43 The Joy of Creating

01:15:07 The Freedom of Not Having It All Together

01:16:26 Closing Remarks