Welcome to Twice 5 Miles Radio; I'm your host, James Navé. I'm trying something new this week: featuring two incredible guests in one special hour-long show. Our guests are the dynamic spoken word artist Jessica Chilton and the insightful musician Walter Parks. Both of their interviews ran longer than expected, and instead of tossing the conversations that happened after each interview, I'm including them in this show. Find out what we say after the interview is over and we think the mic is turned off. 

First, we have Jessica Chilton, who joined us last week and left us wanting more. Jessica, a gifted spoken word artist and expressive arts therapist, brings a unique blend of singing and improvisational artistry that captivates audiences. In our conversation, Jessica turned the tables and interviewed me, creating a lively dialogue about improvisational work and the creative process.  

Following Jessica, we dive into a fascinating discussion with Walter Parks. Walter is a renowned musician known for his distinctive use of guitars and amplifiers. Broadcasting from his recording studio in Saint Louis, Walter offers an in-depth look at how he pairs amplifiers with different kinds of music to create unique sonic landscapes. His take on distortion as a pivotal element in musical artistry is particularly intriguing.  

This episode, "The After Interview Show," is a testament to the richness that can come from extended conversations. Jessica's profound connection to the arts and Walter's technical mastery of music provide an inspiring and informative dual narrative. Enjoy the show.

After Interviews with spoken-word artist Jessica Chilton and singer-songwriter Walter Parks

Provocative Conversations from Twice 5 Miles Radio is a podcast devoted to candid, often surprising exchanges with artists, thinkers, and cultural instigators who speak from the core. Each episode dives beneath the surface to explore the stories and questions that shape our lives.

I’m James Navé—poet, storyteller, educator, and longtime creative collaborator. With an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts and decades of teaching experience across the globe, I help writers and performers tap into their authentic voices through public speaking, creative writing, and the Imaginative Storm method, which I co-developed with Allegra Huston.

My most recent book, 100 Days: A Poetic Memoir After Cancer (3: A Taos Press), documents a hundred days of healing and poetic reckoning. I’m also co-author of Write What You Don’t Know and How to Read for an Audience—practical guides for anyone seeking to speak and write with more truth and power.

I’ve directed festivals, hosted literary salons, taught with Julia Cameron, and memorized over 600 poems. I still believe in the power of a well-told story, the light through stained glass, and the open road with nothing but a podcast and a windshield full of stars.

After Interviews with spoken-word artist Jessica Chilton and singer-songwriter Walter Parks

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