Poema Podcast
Religion & Spirituality
About
Poema is a Greek word which speaks of our lives as divine works of art. The Poema Podcast, hosted by James Prescott, seeks to explore the intersections between spirituality, creativity & identity. It’s a space to host conversations about the our spiritual journeys, mental & emotional health, grief and story. It’s a space to reclaim the lost art of conversation, a space for anyone looking to explore their creativity, discover their true identity, and who desire to live a life of purpose & meaning.
Episodes
- Poema S12 007 | Project Hail Mary with Jenna DeWitt
In this episode of Poema Podcast, guest Jenna DeWitt discusses the movie Project Hail Mary. The conversation covers reflections on the film, the dynamic between characters Grace and Rocky, Grace's development, and the movie's spiritual the…
- Poema S12 006 | The Crossovers of CPTSD & Autism with MJ Weissenberger
MJ Weissenberger discusses the lived experience of having both C-PTSD and autism on Poema Podcast S12 006. The episode covers the conditions, their crossovers, masking, trauma responses, and survival strategies, sharing personal stories an…
- Poema S12 005 | Neurodivergent Stories with Carolyn Kiel
Carolyn Kiel, host of the "Beyond 6 Seconds" podcast, discusses neurodivergent experiences on Poema Podcast. She shares her learnings from interviewing individuals with ADHD, autism, and disabilities, and reflects on her own lived experien…
- Poema S12 004 | The Age of Disclosure with Trace Bell
Trace Bell joins the Poema Podcast to discuss humanity entering an age of disclosure, referencing the Epstein files and impending UFO/alien government document releases. The conversation also addresses the negative impact of baseless consp…
- Poema S12 003 | Darkness Is Its Own Undoing with Trace Bell
In this episode of Poema Podcast, Trace Bell discusses the concept that the seeds of transformation are found within darkness. They explore historical and cultural cycles, referencing the work of William Strauss & Neil Howe, to find hope i…
- Poema S12 002 | Jesus Emotions with Becky Castle Miller
Becky Castle Miller joins me today to discuss and explore Jesus emotions. We focus in on several stories of Jesus where we see his his vulnerability and where he expresses the deepest of human emotion. We talk about how he expresses grief,…
- Poema S12 001 | Musical Refuge with JulyDa ( + exclusive musical clip!)
The podcast returns with one half the musical duo JulyDa joining me to talk about their upcoming album Refuge, and the creative and spiritual journey behind it. We delve into the connections between creativity and spirituality, how art con…
- Poema S11 016 | The 400th - James Prescott Interviewed by MJ Weissenberger
(Trigger Warning: Spiritual Abuse) Today is the 400th episode of the Poema Podcast! In September 2015 I began this show out of pure curiosity to explore a new creative medium. 10 years and a name change later, I've interviewed many many pe…
- Poema S11 015 | Aly Rae LPC on Autism & Narcissism
Trigger Warning: Narcissistic abuse. This week, qualified counsellor and therapist Aly Rae joins me to discuss behaviours related to autism, and to narcissism. From their own lived experience of narcissistic abuse, and professional experie…
- Poema S11 014 | Alice Hewson on Autism, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria & Finding Joy
Author Alice Hewson returns to the podcast today to go deeper into exploring and discussing our lived experiences as autistic people and with rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD). Today we go deeper into RSD, something common in autistic pe…
- Poema S11 013 | Jenna DeWitt on Doctor Who, Grief, Power & Fear
This week my friend Jenna returns to the show and in this episode we discuss the most recent series of Doctor Who, and the show as a whole. Jenna and I explore the themes of grief, fear and power which come up in the recent series and the…
- Poema S11 012 | Superman 2025, Hope & Being Human with Mario Francisco Robles
This week we're talking James Gunn's "Superman" with my friend, podcaster Mario Francesco Robles, host of the "Superman on Film" podcast. We talk about the themes of hope, identity, and being human which Superman embodies and are explored…
- Poema S11 011 | Jonathan Bregel on Grief & Art
My friend Jonathan Bregel is a filmmaker and creator. He's recently shot a documentary on a retreat designed solely to help people grieve, which he's hoping to release soon. He's also made a short film about grief about 18 months ago. Toda…
- Poema S11 010 | Jim Woods on The Power of Stories & Creativity
Author and friend Jim Woods returns to the podcast today, to discuss his latest work, the creative process, power of story and what he's learned as an author coach. We talk about the challenges which every creative person faces, with Jim s…
- Poema S11 009 | Justin Ancheta on Hope & Community in Tough Times
Today my friend Justin return to the podcast. In this episode they talk about their advocacy and lived experiences as a bi and ace racialised person and how the developments in the USA have impacted their lived experience. We both share st…
- Poema S11 008 | Rev Brandan Robertson is Queer & Christian
My beloved friend Brandan Robertson returns to the podcast today to talk about his latest book, "Queer & Christian: Reclaiming the Bible, Our Faith, and Our Place at the Table". We talk about how Brandan revisited the scriptures and discov…
- Poema S11 007 | Jenna DeWitt on The Marvels, Grief & Identity
This week Jenna DeWitt is back on the podcast, this time we discuss the MCU movie "The Marvels", the sequel to Captain Marvel, the MCU's leading female superhero currently. Jenna shares how this movie and the journey of the lead characters…
- Poema S11 006 | MJ Weissenberger Shares Her Autism Story
This week my dear friend MJ joins us to share the story of her autism diagnosis, how she first realised she may be autistic, the process of getting her diagnosis, and how her life has changed since. This is a powerful, challenging and enco…
- Poema S11 005 | Alice Hewson on being Neurodivergent in the Workplace
Today I'm joined by author and speaker Alice Hewson to discuss autism in the work place. Alice talks about the challenges of being neurodivergent in the world we live in, which isn't set up for neurodivergent people, and how this can often…
- Poema S11 004 | Dr Amy Marschall PsyD on Autism and Justice Sensitivity
This week, as part of a new series, Dr Amy Maschall PsyD returns to the podcast to talk about people's lived experiences with autism and in particular the experience of justice sensitivity. Dr Amy is autistic herself, and works with autist…
- Poema S11 003 | Lucas Wilson on Surviving Conversion Therapy
**Trigger warning: Spiritual abuse, toxic evangelicalism, conversion therapy stories** This week I'm joined by author and activist Lucas Wilson, to discuss stories of conversion therapy, the damage done by it, and the toxic evangelical cul…
- Poema S11 002 | Jamie Lee Finch on Embodiment, Grief and Interconnectedness
Today my beloved friend, embodiment coach, writer and podcaster Jamie Lee Finch returns to the show. We talk all sorts in this episode, from connectedness with our bodies, intuition and how this all connects to a wider spirituality, to gri…
- Poema S11 001 | Rob Bell on There's Only One Noon Yeah
The podcast returns for 2025 with a new interview with the ever inspiring author and speaker Rob Bell. Recorded just before the US election of 2024, Rob joins me to talk about his latest novel, "There's Only One Noon Yeah", the second in h…
- Poema S10 019 | Jenna DeWitt on Doctor Who & Grief
In this final episode of 2024, fellow Whovian Jenna DeWitt returns to the podcast to talk about a character we both love, The Doctor. In particular, we talk about a recurring theme in the show, and on this show, grief. The grief of losing…
- Poema S10 018 | Cat Dean on Mercury Retrogade & Astrological Energy
Today my dear friend Cat Dean joins me to talk about astrological energy, and in particular the phenomenon of mercury retrogade, the most recent of which (at time of release) began November 25th, 2024. Cat tells us exactly what mercury ret…
- Poema S10 017 | Chris Morris's Lessons on Suicide & Depression from a Psych Ward
Trigger warning: Suicide, suicidal ideation, depression ______ Today I'm joined by author and advocate Chris Morris. He shares his story about his experiences of depression, suicidal ideation. He shares his powerful and raw story of his de…
- Poema S10 016 | Amanda Held Opelt on Grief, World Wars & Queen Victoria
In this new episode, recorded pre-election 2024, Amanda Held Opelt joins me again, this time for a conversation about some major events in history & their impact on how our culture processes grief. We talk at length about the two World War…
- Poema S10 015 | Virginia Spotts on Acting, Creativity and Trauma
This week Virginia Spotts returns to the podcast to talk about her acting and creative career, and her experiences of trauma. We talk about the various roles and different types of characters she's played, and how these have helped her pro…
- Poema S10 014 | Jenna DeWitt on The Tortured Poets Department
Jenna DeWitt returns to the podcast this week to discuss Taylor Swift's latest album, the "Tortured Poets Department". We explore several of the tracks and how they relate to the deconstruction journey, living as an LGBTQI person and the e…
- Poema S10 013 | Marla Taviano is Whole
This week I welcome back my friend, poet and author Marla Taviano, to talk about her latest collection of poems, "Whole". "Whole" is the third in a series of 3 compliations of poetry exploring Marla's own deconstruction journey, and all th…
- Poema S10 012 | Becky Castle Miller on Internal Family Systems
Today, my friend, qualified IFS practitioner Becky Castle Miller, joins me to discuss and explore Internal Family Systems therapy, how it works, and how it can benefit us. Becky and I both shares our own experiences with this kind of thera…
- Poema S10 011 | Trace Bell on the Spirituality of Music
My friend Trace Bell returns to the podcast this week to have a discussion about the mysterious power of music. Together we explore how music can tap in to both our consciousness, our subsoncious and our bodies and help us somehow connect…
- Poema S10 010 | Ien Chi & Jon Bregel on Exploring Grief in Film
Today I talk to creators and filmmakers Ien Chi and Jon Bregel about Jon's recent documentary, the short film "I Do" which tells the grief story of a married man, from diagnosis, through loss, to grieve and finding life after death. Ien an…
- Poema S10 009 | Rob Bell asks "Where'd You Park Your Spaceship?"
Friend of the podcast Rob Bell returns today to discuss his new latest work, a novel, "Where'd You Park Your Spaceship? An Interplanetary Tale of Love, Loss and Bread: Book One, Welcome to Firdus." (Yes this is the title). It's an incredib…
- Poema S10 008 | M.J.Weissenberger on Dan Levy's "Good Grief"
This week my friend MJ joins me to discuss Dan Levy's movie director debut, 'Good Grief', which is available on Netflix. The movie is about a person who loses their mother and husband in the space of the year, and their grieving process wh…
- Poema S10 007 | Jenna DeWitt on "1989 - Taylor's Version" & How it Explores Grief & Transformation
This week my friend Jenna DeWitt returns to discuss Taylor Swift's "1989 - Taylor's Version" which released earlier this year. Jenna shares her own experience with the album - both the new version, and the original - and what these meant f…
- Poema S10 006 | Virginia Spotts on Grief, Creativity & Being a Death Doula
My guest today is Virginia Spotts. She is a writer, actor, fiction podcaster, and aspiring death doula. In this episode she shares her experiences of grief and how they impacted her. As a writer, actor and fiction broadcaster, she shares u…
- Poema S10 005 | Andrea De Ward on Grief & Working with the Dying
Today we begin another series exploring grief on the podcast, with Andrea De Ward talking about her experiences of doing pastoral work with the dying, as chaplain of a care home. Andrea talks about how this impacted her perspectives on dea…
- Poema S10 004 | Shari A Smith on Trauma, Grief & Sharing Our Stories
Today I'm joined by writer, advocate and podcast host Shari A Smith. She talks to us about her advocacy works with trauma victims and survivors, and the importance of sharing our stories. Shari shares her experiences of sharing and bearing…
- Poema S10 003 | Heidi Dennis, MS LPC, on Befriending Our Anxiety
Today I'm joined by therapist Heidi Dennis, MS LPC, to discuss her new book, "Hello Anxiety", and explore a new approach to dealing with anxiety. Heidi shares how we can learn to say "hello" to our anxiety. Heidi shares what anxiety is, wh…
- Poema S10 002 | Justin Ancheta on Asexuality, Tarot & Liminality
This week I'm joined by activist and writer Justin Ancheta. In this episode they share their own story of discovering they were a biromantic demisexual & the prejudice they faced as a Filipino-Canadian, queer man with a stutter. They also…
- Poema S10 001 | Cat Dean on Being Human & Creative In A New Season
In our first episode of 2024, my friend Cat Dean joins me for a fun conversation about being human in the changing seasons of life. We discuss how the changes in the movement of the earth can impact our lives so directly, how we process ch…
- Poema S9 027| Vicky McQuarrie on Living Through Grief
For Grief Awareness week this week, I'm joined by Vicky McQuarrie, who works for AtaLoss Charity, a non-profit organization that signposts bereaved people to support. TW: Suicide, grief, loss of spouse _ Vicky courageously shares her stori…
- Poema S9 026 | Douglas Humphries on Lessons from Oppenheimer
A new Poema podcast special episode with myself and Douglas Humphries - recorded during the strike specifically for a post-strike release. In this episode we discuss Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer". We explore the various themes of the m…
- Poema S9 025 | Daniel Finklestein on Hitler, Stalin, Mum & Dad
I'm honoured today to be joined by author and speaker Daniel Finklestein. Daniel tells us the story about his parents and grandparents, Jewish families caught up in the growing anti-semitism of the 1920's & 1930's, ultimately leading to th…
- Poema S9 024 | Jenna DeWitt on Taylor Swift, Selmer, and Queer Liberation
This week my friend Jenna DeWitt returns to the podcast to discuss two songs - "You're Losing Me" by Taylor Swift and "Faith" by Selmer - and exploring them in detail, in relation to their respective messages about queer liberation and own…
- Poema S9 023 | Maria French on Reconfiguring Nostalgia, Death & Grief
This week my guest is my friend and colleague Maria French, author, speaker and theological coach. In this episode we discuss her new book, "Reconfiguring " A Collection of Post-Christian Thoughts and Theologies" , and in particular two es…
- Poema S9 022 | Ali Smith on Autism, ADHD and Getting a Diagnosis
Today I'm joined by my friend Ali Smith, who shares their story of how they slowly discovered they were autistic, and ultimately had ADHD. They share common patterns of behaviour they experienced which they realised can be giveaways for th…
- Poema S9 021 | Amber Kay on Epilepsy, Autism and Bisexuality
This week I'm joined by my friend Amber Kay to discuss living with epilepsy, how they discovered they were autistic and how this changed their life. They also share the story of discovering their bisexuality and embracing their true identi…
- Poema S9 020 | Lyndsey Medford on Her Body & Other Crumbling Empires
This week I'm joined by author Lyndsey Medford, who tells us the story of when an autoimmune condition opened her eyes fully to the limitation of being in our bodies within the systems we live in. Lyndsey talks about how learning to be com…