In this special episode of Bee Balm Presents, host Julia Paganelli Marín welcomes Sara Schellenberg, a tattoo artist and co-owner of Paper Doll in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Sara shares her journey, discussing the cooperative and inclusive nature of her tattoo shop, which serves as a creative and safe space in Northwest Arkansas. They explore the significance of personal expression through tattoos and how it empowers individuals to reclaim their bodies.

Sara shares "Self-Portrait with Sylvia Plath's Braid" by Diane Seuss, reflecting on the poem's themes of beauty, identity, and self-expression, relating it to her experiences as a queer woman. They discuss the symbolism of hair and its connection to personal and cultural identity, exploring the concept of the "uncanny valley" in queerness—how slight deviations from norms can evoke strong reactions. Join us for a conversation that connects horror, beauty, and the transformative power of art and poetry to understand one’s identity and find self-acceptance.

Stay tuned for Season 2 of Bee Balm Presents. It’ll be in your feeds soon.

Bee Balm Presents is a Bee Balm Arkansas⁠⁠ project in partnership with the Listening Lab⁠⁠ at KUAF National Public Radio.

Bee Balm Presents Host: Julia Paganelli Marín

Bee Balm Presents Producer: Micah Poor

Listening Lab Coordinator: Emerson Alexander

Special thanks to Avery Martin for permission to use their song “Peach Pretender”. It's a sneak peek from their unreleased EP by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Avery Lee and The Sweeties⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about Bee Balm Arkansas at our ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or by following us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

"Self Portrait with Sylvia Plath's Braid" by Diane Seuss initially published on poets.org in the Poem-a-Day series on May 25, 2015.

In this season finale of Bee Balm Presents, producer Micah Poor sits down with Julia Paganelli Marín to explore her poem “Dear USCIS Officer,” which explores the emotional and bureaucratic labyrinth of a U.S. green card process through United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Julia offers a personal window into her and her partner's strenuous journey of love, identity, and struggle for familial recognition–and the difference between living through something and telling the story of an experience.

This episode delves into the power of writing poetry to confront and navigate bureaucratic indifference and systemic barriers. Join us for a discussion on the transformative potential of poetry in the face of adversity.

Bee Balm Presents is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bee Balm Arkansas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ project in partnership with the ⁠Listening Lab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at KUAF National Public Radio.

Bee Balm Presents Host: Julia Paganelli Marín

Bee Balm Presents Producer: Micah Poor

Listening Lab Coordinator: Emerson Alexander

KUAF Executive Director: Leigh Wood

Special thanks to Avery Martin for permission to use their song “Peach Pretender”. It's a sneak peek from their unreleased EP by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Avery Lee and The Sweeties⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ dropping in Spring 2024.

Learn more about Bee Balm Arkansas at our ⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or by following us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of Bee Balm Presents, Julia Paganelli Marín and Cameron Mussar explore Richard Siken's "Visible World," a poem that navigates the complexities of self-discovery and the stark realities of human emotion. Their discussion strips back its layers, revealing how light and shadow serve as metaphors for the internal and external forces shaping our identities and experiences. Cameron brings a personal perspective to the conversation, linking the poem's themes to broader discussions on queer identity, the nature of loss, and the act of finding oneself amidst life's tumult.

This episode not only highlights the poem's relevance to contemporary discussions about identity and loss but also underscores the transformative potential of poetry to challenge, comfort, and connect us across diverse life experiences. Join us for a conversation that looks beyond the surface poetry, engaging with the text's deeper questions about visibility, existence, and the barriers we face in understanding ourselves and each other.

Bee Balm Presents is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bee Balm Arkansas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ project in partnership with the ⁠Listening Lab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at KUAF National Public Radio.

Bee Balm Presents Host: Julia Paganelli Marín

Bee Balm Presents Producer: Micah Poor

Listening Lab Coordinator: Emerson Alexander

KUAF Executive Director: Leigh Wood

Special thanks to Avery Martin for permission to use their song “Peach Pretender”. It's a sneak peek from their unreleased EP by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Avery Lee and The Sweeties⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ dropping in Spring 2024.

Learn more about Bee Balm Arkansas at our ⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or by following us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

“Visible World” from Crush by Richard Siken, Copyright © 2005 by Yale University. Appearing by permission of Yale University Press

In this bonus episode of Bee Balm Presents, host Julia Paganelli Marín welcomes back Megan Blankenship for an intimate journey into the heart of Arkansas, where Megan's roots and poetic inspirations lie. Nestled within the natural beauty of Calico Rock and the small community of Gorby, Megan shares the influence of her childhood surroundings on her poetry, characterized by a deep connection to the wild, untamable aspects of nature.

Megan reads her poem "Sunday Morning," exploring themes of family, tradition, and the looming presence of both real and perceived threats to their way of life. Through vivid imagery of communal Sunday lunches, packs of babies, and the constant preparation for unseen dangers, the poem navigates the intricate balance between bounty and scarcity, fear and safety, showcasing Megan's skillful weaving of personal and collective narratives. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that celebrates the richness of rural life, the complexities of human and animal connections, and the never-ending quest for understanding through poetry.

Bee Balm Presents is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bee Balm Arkansas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ project in partnership with the ⁠Listening Lab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at KUAF National Public Radio.

Bee Balm Presents Host: Julia Paganelli Marín

Bee Balm Presents Producer: Micah Poor

Listening Lab Coordinator: Emerson Alexander

KUAF Executive Director: Leigh Wood

Special thanks to Avery Martin for permission to use their song “Peach Pretender”. It's a sneak peek from their unreleased EP by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Avery Lee and The Sweeties⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ dropping in Spring 2024. 

Learn more about Bee Balm Arkansas at our ⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or by following us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of Bee Balm Presents, host Julia Paganelli Marín welcomes poet Megan Blankenship to explore poetry, memory, and the essence of living. They discuss Megan's personal growth and the seasons of her life through Rose McLarney's poem "Gather" by touching on themes of trust, renewal, and nature's precarious balance. 

The conversation shifts to the power of language and self-talk, inspired by Kay Ryan's "Say Uncle" and the impact of our internal dialogue. Megan recounts her journey from her early days writing for her hometown newspaper to earning her MFA in poetry, highlighting the holiness in the everyday and the value of viewing everyday life with new appreciation. Join us for a conversation that connects poetry's beauty with the depth of human emotions and the search for meaning amidst the mundane.

Bee Balm Presents is a ⁠⁠⁠⁠Bee Balm Arkansas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ project in partnership with the ⁠Listening Lab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at KUAF National Public Radio.

Bee Balm Presents Host: Julia Paganelli Marín

Bee Balm Presents Producer: Micah Poor

Listening Lab Coordinator: Emerson Alexander

KUAF Executive Director: Leigh Wood

Special thanks to Avery Martin for permission to use their song “Peach Pretender”. It's a sneak peek from their unreleased EP by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Avery Lee and The Sweeties⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ dropping in Spring 2024. 

Learn more about Bee Balm Arkansas at our ⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or by following us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

“Say Uncle” from The Best of It by © 2010 by Kay Ryan. Used by permissions of Grove/Atlantic, Inc.

“Gather” from The Always Broken Plates of Mountains © 2012 by Rose McLarney. Used by permissions of Four Way Books. 

In this episode of Bee Balm Presents, host Julia Paganelli Marín welcomes back Michael Vasquez from 3levated Dance, a versatile dance instructor with a passion for salsa, bachata, hip hop, cha-cha, and ballroom dancing. Michael opens up about the transformative power of dance in his life, emphasizing its role as a universal language of emotion and expression. Michael shares how dance has enabled him to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience.

Michael talks with Julia about his own writing practice and about how his poetry serves as a reflection of his journey through life's illusions to a place of self-compassion and growth. This episode explores the symbiotic relationship between life and dance, urging us to see the art in every individual's expression and to embrace the diverse tapestries of human experience. Join us for an inspiring journey through dance, poetry, and the art of living.

Bee Balm Presents is a ⁠⁠⁠Bee Balm Arkansas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ project in partnership with the Listening Lab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at KUAF National Public Radio.

Bee Balm Presents Host: Julia Paganelli Marín

Bee Balm Presents Producer: Micah Poor

Listening Lab Coordinator: Emerson Alexander

KUAF Executive Director: Leigh Wood

Special thanks to Avery Martin for permission to use their song “Peach Pretender”. It's a sneak peek from their unreleased EP by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Avery Lee and The Sweeties⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ dropping in Spring 2024. 

Learn more about Bee Balm Arkansas at our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or by following us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of Bee Balm Presents, host Julia Paganelli Marín welcomes Michael Vasquez, a dance teacher who found his passion for dance in an unexpected place: Alaska. Michael recounts his transformative journey from a difficult military service to finding solace and expression in dance. 

The episode also features a reading of Robert Frost's "Fire and Ice," leading to a thoughtful discussion on how the poem parallels the emotional intensity and healing power of dance. Michael reflects on how dance became a way to articulate and manage his emotions, providing a unique outlet for expression and self-discovery. The episode also delves into the importance of intention in dance, how it can mirror life's obstacles, and the role of dance in connecting with oneself and the world. Join us for an inspiring conversation that links the art of dance with emotional well-being and personal growth.

Bee Balm Presents is a ⁠⁠⁠Bee Balm Arkansas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ project in partnership with the Listening Lab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at KUAF National Public Radio.

Bee Balm Presents Host: Julia Paganelli Marín

Bee Balm Presents Producer: Micah Poor

Listening Lab Coordinator: Emerson Alexander

KUAF Executive Director: Leigh Wood

Special thanks to Avery Martin for permission to use their song “Peach Pretender”. It's a sneak peek from their unreleased EP by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Avery Lee and The Sweeties⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ dropping in Spring 2024. 

Learn more about Bee Balm Arkansas at our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or by following us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

“Fire and Ice” by Robert Frost from New Hampshire

In this episode of Bee Balm Presents, Julia Paganelli Marín talks with author Jane Blunschi about her novella Mon, Dieu, Love, and its exploration of complex queer identities and romantic choices. 

The conversation weaves through the narrative threads of the novella, discussing its portrayal of queer identities and the complexities of love. Julia and Jane talk about how their personal experiences have shaped their journeys of self-acceptance and spirituality, all while highlighting the power of authentic storytelling. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that’s as much about the art of narrative as it is about finding one's true self amidst life's emotional tapestry.

Bee Balm Presents is a ⁠⁠⁠Bee Balm Arkansas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ project in partnership with the Listening Lab⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ at KUAF National Public Radio.

Bee Balm Presents Host: Julia Paganelli Marín

Bee Balm Presents Producer: Micah Poor

Listening Lab Coordinator: Emerson Alexander

KUAF Executive Director: Leigh Wood

Special thanks to Avery Martin for permission to use their song “Peach Pretender”. It's a sneak peek from their unreleased EP by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Avery Lee and The Sweeties⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ dropping in Spring 2024. Learn more about Bee Balm Arkansas at our website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or by following us on⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.