Critical Currents
Critical Currents
Podcast Description
Democracy thrives on open dialogue, diverse perspectives, and the courage to engage across differences. As we bear witness to social, political, and cultural ruptures that threaten to pull us apart, how can we still find common ground? How can we truly listen to each other and nurture our sense of solidarity?
Critical Currents explores the discourses, movements, and cultural shifts shaping democratic life and collective action today. In an era of uncertainty, this podcast cultivates thoughtful dialogue and a deeper understanding of the forces that bind—and divide—us.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores discourses, movements, and cultural shifts affecting democratic life and collective action, focusing on themes such as political divides and the role of art in social justice. An example episode features Lynne Thompson discussing her journey as a poet and how her work addresses political tensions and cultural heritage.
Democracy thrives on open dialogue, diverse perspectives, and the courage to engage across differences. As we bear witness to social, political, and cultural ruptures that threaten to pull us apart, how can we still find common ground? How can we truly listen to each other and nurture our sense of solidarity?
Critical Currents explores the discourses, movements, and cultural shifts shaping democratic life and collective action today. In an era of uncertainty, this podcast cultivates thoughtful dialogue and a deeper understanding of the forces that bind—and divide—us.
In this first episode of Critical Currents – Season 1: Bridging the Gap, podcast hosts Stella Horns and Dani Taylor speak with the fourth Poet Laureate of Los Angeles, Lynne Thompson. She is bridging the gap by using poetry to close political and experiential divides between people. During the interview, Thompson reflects on the many forces that have shaped her poetic voice–from life transitions, to her culture and heritage, to the broader poetry community. With her candid discussion of the challenges that come with being a poet and navigating a public platform during times of political turmoil, Thompson offers a refreshingly honest and deeply aesthetic interview that echoes the spirit of her poetry.
Mentioned:
Native Guard by Natasha Tretheway
“Buffalo” by Kai Carlson-Wee
Meltwaterby Claire Wahmanholm
Blue on a Blue Palette by Lynne Thompson
Critical Currents is a collaborative production of the Wende Museum, Thomas Mann House, and dublab, with episodes airing from the heart of Downtown Los Angeles at the dublab studio. New episodes release monthly throughout the spring and fall, available on all podcast platforms.
Subscribe to Critical Currents and join the conversation!
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.