Best Nostalgic Journal Podcasts (2025)

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Feeling Nostalgic With Timothy Dodd 28:03

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7d ago28:03

28:03

Author, artist, and life-long creative, Timothy Dodd talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. West Viginian native and world traveler, Dodd examines the creative differences between poetry, fiction, and art, the magic of nostalgia, and the mysterious ways new experiences generate ideas and inspiration. Timothy Dodd’s story, T…

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Discovering Literary Truths in Historical Fiction With Dylan Hoover 23:40

21d ago23:40

23:40

Author Dylan Hoover chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A writer who has workshopped his stories internationally, Hoover reflects on the difficulties of crafting dialogue, the importance of placing emotion in the center of a story, and puzzles over the continued devaluing of historical fiction in literary communities. Dy…

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Gatebreaking Creative Writing With Deanna Oudelha 26:33

1M ago26:33

26:33

Professor, student advocate, and writer, Deanna Oudelha, sits down with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A teacher and student who loves learning and teaching, Oudelha breaks down the hidden beauty of the English language, her frustration with academic gatekeeping, and how she embraces all possibilities in her work with first ye…

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Big Action in a Minimalistic Manner With Grady Van Wright 27:47

2M ago27:47

27:47

Former combat U.S. Marine and lover of poetry, Grady VanWright, talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A lifelong writer, VanWright explores the differences between therapeutic writing created for the self and polished writing created for an audience, learning how to use feedback from other writers, and the beauty of having…

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Going From Performance to Prose With Renée LoBue 28:50

2M ago28:50

28:50

Interdisciplinary creative, Renée LoBue, sits down with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. An experienced recording artist who has performed all over the world, reveals the surprising power of harsh rejection, the beauty of creating works across mediums, and the importance of the often overlooked development of the artist. Renée L…

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Separating Real Life From Fiction With Michel Feeney 23:28

3M ago23:28

23:28

Lifelong writer, newly published author, Michael Feeny, chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A former corrections officer, Feeny creates stories about people meeting in dark places and how the unexpected, profound experiences of life reveal the unique characteristics that result in complex humans. Michael Feeney’s story, …

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Finding the Real in Sci-Fi With Annie Fox 28:08

3M ago28:08

28:08

Lifelong writer of books for toddlers to teens, Annie Fox, talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Fox, who published her first book before she was old enough to sign the book contract, describes her approach to meeting readers where they are, reflects on the emotional beauty of nature, and surprising lessons learned while r…

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From Accusation to Catharsis With Gina Tron 41:50

3M ago41:50

41:50

Crime journalist and memoirist, Gina Tron, sits down with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Tron, whose third memoir recounts her high school experience of being labeled a "school shooter,” describes how she blends research, real life, and creativity into her writing and explores the unexpected rewards of sharing shameful and emb…

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"Detecting" a New Novel With Alex R. Johnson 28:08

4M ago28:08

28:08

Screenwriter turned novelist, New York native Alex R Johnson chats with Washington Square Review editor, Melissa Ford Lucken. Johnson, who wrote his first novel, Brooklyn Motto after establishing himself as a film writer, reveals hidden truths about being a working screen writer and reflects on how life’s turning points can motivate creativity. Ale…

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Offering a Personal Touch With Nicole Hunt 24:57

4M ago24:57

24:57

Lansing Community College student Nicole Hunt chats with creating writing professor Melissa Ford Lucken. Hunt, a published multi-genre author, breaks down the elements of successful writer workshopping, tackling new genres, and the importance of building a creative support system. Nicole’s website _________________________ Website: Washington Squar…

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The 'Mechanics' of a Literature Student with John Beery 25:36

5M ago25:36

25:36

Lansing Community College faculty John Beery sits down with creating writing professor Melissa Ford Lucken. Multi-published author and master auto mechanic Beery describes his interest in the often maligned second person point of view, coming to college later in life, and how living in a small midwestern town influences his writing and perspective.…

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Training to Take a Gamble With M.K. Punky 33:07

5M ago33:07

33:07

Former gambler, current professional dog trainer and life-long creative M.K. Punky chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Punky, aka Konik, once a high stakes gambler, discusses how evaluating his intentions led him to living a very different life–one as a professional dog trainer. A lifelong writer, he muses over how his j…

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Utilizing 'Change' as a Superpower With Isaiah Wummel 25:00

5M ago25:00

25:00

Lansing Community College student Isaiah Wummel shares his educational journey with Professor Melissa Ford Lucken. Wummel, who became a “foster kid” at the age of 14, offers an inside view of how constantly changing schools, being forced to adjust to ever-changing living conditions, and negotiating multiple systems requires a person to craft their …

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Getting 'Hooked' on Books, Coffee, and Community With Matt Grossman 28:08

5M ago28:08

28:08

Independent bookstore owner, researcher, and scholar Matt Grossmant sits down with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Grossman, owner of Lansing’s wine bar, cafe, bookstore Hooked tells tales about running an independent bookstore and offers insights on the inner workings of this unique business. Hooked’s website Hooked on Instagr…

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Rewriting the Writer Within With Reem Kashat & Aliza Mann, Pt. 2 28:08

6M ago28:08

28:08

Women’s fiction author Reem Kashat meets up with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Joined by fellow author and long term friend Aliza Mann, Kashat shares insights on successful author branding via social media, developing a strong and unique writer voice, and argues with her writer bestie, Aliza, about Alexander Skarsgard. Reem’s…

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Not Quite Romancing the Stone With Aliza Mann & Reem Kashat, Pt. 1 26:52

6M ago26:52

26:52

Romance author Aliza Mann sits down with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Joined by her long-time friend and fellow author Reem Kashat, Mann shares a journey which took her from corporate manager to writer, reveals some hidden realities of being a career-building author, and talks about how she and now bestie Kashat started out …

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Feminist Perspectives in Literature with Jill Bronfman 27:45

6M ago27:45

27:45

MFA student Jill Bronfman returns to chat again with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken about feminist fiction and its place in the literary world. Bronfman shares her perspective on the current trends in publishing, 3 ways to determine if a book is feminist, and discusses the potential merits of the romance novel “bare chest” cove…

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Creating the Time to Create with Rich Glinnen 23:37

7M ago23:37

23:37

Bukowski scholar and poet Rich Glinnen talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Glinnen muses over the importance of daily writing (even when in a lazy funk), how a writer’s voice develops over time, and what to do when your poem is actually a short story in disguise. Rich Glinnen’s poem, “Neptune,” appears in the Summer 2024…

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From Concept to Stage with Harrison Zeiberg 27:37

7M ago27:37

27:37

Self-taught multi-genre writer Harrison Zeiberg talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. This playwright reflects on watching his play, We the People, be performed, describes how the experience gave him new insight into the writing process, and considers the importance of creativity in his busy life. Harrison Zeiberg’s story,…

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Personal Experiences to Fictional Narratives with Jerry Wemple 33:05

7M ago33:05

33:05

Professor Jerry Wemple talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A multi-published author who experienced the tumultuous times of the 1970’s while growing up in several states, reflects on how he has seen communities handle traumatic events and the joys of teaching over the decades. Jerry Wemple’s story, Bus Stop, appears in t…

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Accidental Beginnings Begets Creative Expression with Quintin Collins 43:19

8M ago43:19

43:19

Poet and assistant Director of the Solstice MFA in creative writing program Quintin Collins talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Collins tells the story of the happy accidents that introduced him to poetry and the community that became his literary home. He also provides inside information on MFA programs: how to apply, w…

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Exploring Myth and Culture with Benjamin Clabault 28:48

8M ago28:48

28:48

MFA student Benjamin Clabault talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A composition instructor and freelance writer, Clabault is intrigued by the ways myths travel through cultures and how individuals integrate those myths into their own lives. He chats about those interests and how he entered the literary world by way of so…

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Identity and Creation in a Global Context with AR Arthur 26:35

9M ago26:35

26:35

Kuwait-based AR Arthur talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Living in the UK, the United States, the Netherlands, and Kuwait and coming from a multicultural, multiracial family, Arthur has a unique perspective on concepts of productivity, respect, and what it means to be a writer in the world. AR Arthur’s poem, Productivi…

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Mark Putzi: When They Come 31:39

9M ago31:39

31:39

Pharmacist turned prolific author Mark Putzi sits down with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A writer of short stories and poems who appreciates the courage of living through life’s dark times, Putzi shares his thoughts on the importance of being arrogant and why there are times when writers don’t need friends. Mark Putzi’s poem…

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Jack Johnson: The Gardener 28:31

10M ago28:31

28:31

Multi-genre writer Jack Johnson meets up with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. History, culture, and politics come together in the work of Johnson who reflects on research rabbit holes, the creative benefits of digging in the dirt, and life in Richmond Virginia. Jack’s blog Jack on Facebook Jack Johnson’s story, The Gardener, ap…

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Lorcán Black: Sweetbread 30:28

10M ago30:28

30:28

London-based author Lorcán Black chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A writer who delves into conflicting emotions, reflects on crafting political poems that are more emotional than political, honoring a creative process that defies definition and reveals unknown aspects of life in Ireland. Lorcán Black’s poem, Sweetbrea…

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L Lois: Culpability 28:18

10M ago28:18

28:18

Accountant turned poet L Lois talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. An author who doesn’t hesitate to write through the darker sides of life, L Lois reveals how a chance meeting with a writer led her to discover the healing magic of poetry. A prolific writer who is dedicated to supporting others, she marvels at the beauty …

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Jill Bronfman: She Read It Wrong 23:14

11M ago23:14

23:14

MFA student Jill Bronfman sits down with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Bronfman, who has been writing a poem every morning for over a year, chats about fostering rabbits during Covid, balancing writing with life’s other obligations, and tells the story of writing her first novel. Jill Bronfman’s poem, She Read It Wrong, appea…

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Paul Grussendorf: School President, Class Clown 28:55

11M ago28:55

28:55

Lifelong advocate for justice, Paul Grussendorf meets up with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A career as an attorney representing refugees and asylum seekers gives Grussendorf unique insight into our legal system and how it impacts individuals and families. He offers surprising information on the legal system and the backdrop …

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Amanda Gattshall: The story Sanctuary 28:44

12M ago28:44

28:44

Artist and writer Amanda Gattshall meets up with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Environmental scientist, researcher, and writer, Gattshall shares fun facts about sea turtles, muses about cute little robots, what it means to be human, and how Dungeons and Dragons influences her perspective on story building and characterization…

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Breaking Barriers: Isaiah Wummel's Journey Through the Foster Care System 25:59

12M ago25:59

25:59

Lansing Community College student Isaiah Wummel shares his educational journey with Professor Melissa Ford Lucken. Wummel, who became a “foster kid” at the age of 14, offers an inside view of how constantly changing schools, being forced to adjust to ever-changing living conditions, and negotiating multiple systems requires a person to craft their …

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From Scribbles to Stories: Jennifer Matson's Journey in Creative Writing 14:24

1y ago14:24

14:24

Jennifer Matson, a composition student and creative writer, shares her journey into writing and the evolution of her craft with host Melissa Ford Lucken. From her early days of scribbling stories as a child to her current aspirations of becoming a published author, Jennifer reflects on the importance of having a voice and expressing her thoughts th…

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Leonardo Chung: Haute Cuisine & Hyperboles 20:00

1y ago20:00

20:00

Artist and writer Leonardo Chung chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Boarding school resident and magazine editor-in-chief Chung explores tropes in genre fiction, the importance of making friends in new environments, and how badly Chat GPT writes poetry. Leonardo Chung’s poem, haute cuisine & hyperboles, appears in the S…

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Unlocking Creativity: Chuck Parker's Journey from Software Development to Novel Writing 28:10

1y ago28:10

28:10

Lansing area local Chuck Parker sits down with creative writing professor Melissa Ford Lucken. A software architect with a background in genomics and molecular genetics, Parker reveals how the restlessness of the Covid lockdown and desire to write a novel led him to enroll in Lansing Community College’s creative writing courses. Parker discusses ho…

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Alyssa Troy: An Orchid Replaced by Plastic Plants 37:22

1y ago37:22

37:22

Middle school English teacher Alyssa Troy chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Troy describes how the unexpected rescue of her classroom plants led to a poem. As she talks about teaching, she reveals why her students love Flowers for Algernon and one of SE Hinton’s lesser known novels as well as how to encourage young wri…

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Taylor Rae: The Echoes of Hollow Manor 27:31

1y ago27:31

27:31

Artist and writer Taylor Rae meets up with creative writing professor Melissa Ford Lucken. Rae, who wrote the majority of her novel’s first draft prior to enrolling in LCC’s creative writing courses, takes listeners through the drafting and revising process and shares the extra boost she received by watching Shrek in our Writing the Novel class. Pi…

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Exploring the Mind: A Journey Through Poetry and Spirituality with Harry Edgar Palacio 23:23

1y ago23:23

23:23

Lifelong creative and seeker Harry Edgar Palacio chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Palacio takes us on a spiritual journey shaped by a study of religions, mythology, and perspective. A musician, visual artist, and yoga teacher, this writer strives to bring meaning to his life’s creative path and inspire others to do th…

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From Ice To Paper: Shachi Kulkarni 25:19

1y ago25:19

25:19

Former competitive figure-skater Shachi Kulkarni chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Kulkarni describes a personal journey from the ice rink, through a political science undergraduate degree to the American University’s MFA program. An author who writes of heartache and once got a new perspective on creativity from a sin…

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The Heaviness: Poet and public relations coordinator Andy Brent 30:58

1y ago30:58

30:58

Poet and public relations coordinator Andy Brent talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Brent details his poem’s connection to comedian Rodney Dangerfield and explains how he blends his perspectives on human communication with his creative skills to craft appealing and meaningful advertorials that do more than simply provid…

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Advocate For Veterans With Rudy Verbos 27:00

1+ y ago27:00

27:00

Midwestern writer and advocate for veterans Rudy Verbos sits down with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. Verbos, who took creative writing courses at Lansing Community College while completing his Master’s of Social Work at Michigan State University, examines the strength of stories both real and imagined. A veteran himself, Verb…

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Echoes of Time: Poetry Through History With Jeffery MacLachlan 30:30

1+ y ago30:30

30:30

Award-winning author, scholar, and professor Jeffrey MacLachlan explores his writerly world with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. MacLachlan reads an excerpt of his poem inspired by Soviet advertisements, describes the series of politically charged posters that motivated him to create the poem, and laughs about bad art, bad book…

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Hey, Girls Are Tough Too With Sarah F. Boland 25:44

1+ y ago25:44

25:44

Fighter and feminist Sarah Boland talks with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A University of Melbourne student with a passion for the power of the written word, Boland breaks down the female experience, why women’s literature resides on secret bookshelves in bookstores, and how to be brave without a sword. Sarah Boland’s poem, …

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My Amazing Gym Experience With Brandon Yu 14:56

1+ y ago14:56

14:56

Engineering student Brandon Yu chats with Washington Square Review editor Melissa Ford Lucken. A cybersecurity major at the University of South Florida, Yu fills us in on his wild day at the gym, his thoughts about AI, and how he uses creative writing to fill a niche in his life. Brandon Yu’s essay, A Day at the Gym, appears in the Summer 2024 issu…

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How Did We Get Here With Zoe Jones & Lauren Lamb 37:00

1+ y ago37:00

37:00

Enjoy this conversation from the student's perspective. One comes from an island in Australia, while the other is dealing with the pressure of simultaneously managing school and band expansion. _________________________ Website: Washington Square ReviewBy LCC Connect

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The Honest Truth With Kelon & Zied 26:56

1+ y ago26:56

26:56

Student and teacher engage in a personal conversation about their experiences in high school and navigating through college. _________________________ Website: Washington Square ReviewBy LCC Connect

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Michigan Reconnect With Rick Bilodeau 25:52

1+ y ago25:52

25:52

Veteran, author and student Rick Bilodeau talks about the journey of going back to school using the Reconnect Program and how he rediscovered his love of writing. _________________________ Website: Washington Square ReviewBy LCC Connect

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Transitions With Layla, Yaretzi, and Caylee 30:00

1+ y ago30:00

30:00

Three Lansing Community College students, Layla Mengelson, Yaretzi Sanchez, and Caylee Kerber-Anderson offer a candid conversation with Melissa Ford-Lucken about their experiences in high school, learning hurdles through the pandemic, and their transition to higher education. _________________________ Website: Washington Square Review…

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Redefining "I" With Stephen and Annabelle 40:18

1+ y ago40:18

40:18

Lansing Community College students Stephen Luea and Annabelle Ludwig talk with Melissa Ford-Lucken about relearning the concept of creative writing and utilizing the "I perspective". They also chat about their overall experiences at LCC and their expectations moving forward. _________________________ Website: Washington Square Review…

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Growing Confident With Gabe, Lucas and Jenifer 36:26

1+ y ago36:26

36:26

LCC students Gabe DeGram, Lucas Molenda, & Jenifer Ugwoagonwu sit down with English Professor Melissa Ford Lucken in this episode of Washington Square On Air. The three talk candidly about their experiences at Lansing Community College and what creative writing means to them. _________________________ Website: Washington Square Review…

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Finding Equilibrium With Carole Greenfield 26:52

1+ y ago26:52

26:52

Teacher and poet, Carole Greenfield describes how she uses geological terms and concepts to inspire her poetry. Her honest and surprising motivations for crafting and creating images from words come from her work with young children, writing workshops run in homeless shelters, and the experiences of her own life. Carole Greenfield’s poems, Equilibr…