Q: Who Would Envy You? 
A: Bruce Springsteen 

Last month, I had coffee with my friend Gareth Higgins at Recess Coffee in Black Mountain, North Carolina. As we settled in, I mentioned I’d been exploring ChatGPT. Gareth smiled and said, “Let me show you something ChatGPT can do that’ll surprise you.”

Then he leaned into his phone and dictated: List 10 notable writers or poets who would be envious of James Navé and explain why.

If you’ve ever used ChatGPT, you know what happened next—within seconds, it generated the list along with a paragraph for each one. 

While a few responses were predictable, the overall experience was oddly fascinating. It got me thinking about the lens of self-worth, creative admiration, and the power of imaginative comparison.

Yesterday, I tried Gareth’s idea out as a prompt during our Thursday Imaginative Storm Zoom workshops. List 5 to 10 people you admire. Then, write for 10 minutes about why they would envy you. Give it a spin. 

I chose Bruce Springsteen. Here’s what I wrote.

Bruce Springsteen, you envy me because I can be invisible whenever and wherever I want, wherever I go, walking through the promised land across the Rainbow Bridge. 

Bruce, I like the way you look straight out. You envy me because I can see the edges. I dwell in the fall from grace as much as the rise from grace. I'm not troubled with old sheep wandering in dry pastures. 

I have a voice that calls my mama from the grave. No, I'm no karmic child, nor am I a fleeting-moments Buddhist. I am oil and dusty windows. 

Bruce, you envy me because unlike you, I'm from the rugged south, down in the heartland where rocks have accents and children grow up to sing in Nashville. 

Bruce, you are from New Jersey—Land of steel, forest, factories, and “made-men” on corners in Jersey City. I am a creature of things that crawl in old gold heat. I know the runners that pull the cargo up the inland waterway and fly twin-engine planes out of Cuba, or they used to. 

Bruce, I know you know people, too. Do I envy you? Sure, I envy you. I've heard you weep over your piano. You envy me because nobody expects me to weep over my piano. Those who know me expect me to rise up like magic wind. 

Bruce, you envy me because I can talk to age, and time, and the coming years. I belong to the invisible Bruce. I can call up sometime, anytime I want. You can call me sometime, too. 

Let's meet in Virginia, south on I-95 just below Washington, DC. How about it, Bruce?

Bruce Springsteen Envies Me by James Navé

Host Tim returns for another episode, diving deep into the May 2025 issue of The World of Myth Magazine. From a stunning futuristic spelunking cover to heartfelt poetry and twisted horror tales, this episode celebrates new voices and longtime contributors alike. Tim spotlights standout entries like Jayant Ngi’s emotional Dragonfly Summer, Jim Bates’ nostalgic Manure Spreader, and Gabriela Balcom’s chilling and insightful fiction. Plus, he honors the finalists of the 2025 Open Contract Challenge Speed Edition and echoes a passionate call for support, and reminding listeners to visit Myth Mart and submit their work. Don’t miss Tim’s reflections, poetic musings, and a full tour through one of the genre’s most eclectic indie publications.

The World of Myth Bits #328 - Tales from the May Issue

Welcome friends and fellow philosophers to this Wild Podcast. Today, I have back with me the Sorcerer himself, evil wizard Hateful Nate, for a discussion and debate--through the lens of the short allegorical story, "The Ladder Snatcher"--about the place (or lack thereof) of artificial intelligence in the creation and marketing of art.

Join the conversation and read  "The Ladder Snatcher"
https://open.substack.com/pub/marquesedliddle/p/the-ladder-snatcher?r=2en4pn&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false

Discover more at...
https://www.wildislelit.com/

Wand Smoke: Broken
https://a.co/d/akoZmra

The Tears of Winter
https://a.co/d/ibkSttb

Sins of the Father
https://a.co/d/auP5VMR

Demons
https://a.co/d/9QaGb9s

Wild Isle Podcast 62: Art in the age of AI, with Nathaniel Cumberledge

In Episode 331 of The World of Myth Bits, Tim spotlights Issue #138 of The World of Myth Magazine, sharing quick takes on standout stories from Gabriella Balcom, Mike Lutz, Miranda Cortez, and more. From mead-drinking gods to thoughtful AI, this fast-paced review hits the highlights with humor, insight, and just a dash of Canadian flair.

The World of Myth Bits #331 - Magazine Recap

On this episode of "Let's Just Talk!" with host Kathryn Raaker:

Our first guest is Dr. Anthony “Nino” Sireci, Senior Vice President of Clinical Biomarkers, Laboratories, and Diagnostics at Eli Lilly. In recognition of World Lung Cancer Day on August 1st, Dr. Sireci discusses the vital role of biomarker testing in the early detection and personalized treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), which represents the majority of lung cancer diagnoses. His insights shed light on how advancements in precision medicine are transforming patient outcomes.

Next, we welcome award-winning author and longtime mentor Jody Lynn Nye, Coordinating Judge of the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future contest and editor of Volume 41 in the acclaimed anthology series. With a career spanning over four decades, Jody has authored more than 50 books and 200 short stories. She shares her experience nurturing emerging science fiction and fantasy writers, her work at Dragon Con’s writers' workshop, and her dedication to helping new voices thrive in the literary world.

WCVG 1320 AM and 103.9 FM -Sireci-Nye-7-28-2025-Lets Just Talk

On this episode of "Let's Just Talk!" with host Kathryn Raaker:

Our first guest is Dr. Anthony “Nino” Sireci, Senior Vice President of Clinical Biomarkers, Laboratories, and Diagnostics at Eli Lilly. In recognition of World Lung Cancer Day on August 1st, Dr. Sireci discusses the vital role of biomarker testing in the early detection and personalized treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), which represents the majority of lung cancer diagnoses. His insights shed light on how advancements in precision medicine are transforming patient outcomes.

Next, we welcome award-winning author and longtime mentor Jody Lynn Nye, Coordinating Judge of the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future contest and editor of Volume 41 in the acclaimed anthology series. With a career spanning over four decades, Jody has authored more than 50 books and 200 short stories. She shares her experience nurturing emerging science fiction and fantasy writers, her work at Dragoncon writers' workshop, and her dedication to helping new voices thrive in the literary world.



 Don’t miss this inspiring and informative episode!

Dan Perkins Media-Sireci-Nye-7-30-2025-Lets Just Talk

WELP Greenville SC 1360AM & 104.3 FM-Sireci-Nye-7-31-2025-Lets Just Talk

WNWR The Word 1540 AM Philadelphia-Sireci-Nye-8-02-2025-Lets Just Talk

KKIM-WBRI-KCLE-WSKY-WEZZ -Sireci-Nye-8-02-2025- Lets Just Talk

This week, Tim welcomes special guest Tate Dousette, the winner of the 2025 Open Contract Challenge: Speed Edition. Tate shares what it feels like to be published for the very first time, his passion for sci-fi, fantasy, and comics, and his upcoming Greek gods-inspired story set for release on Black Friday. The conversation also covers writing habits, creative influences, and the importance of community in building confidence as a new author.

The World of Myth Bits #337 - A First-Time Winner's Journey

Kathryn Raaker hosts a nationally syndicated magazine format radio program on AM/FM, Internet streaming, and on her free iTunes App. The show features topics for today’s audience. Whether it is a guest talking about the newest technology, politics, health, or other topics, it is all about informing her listeners. Kathryn has been in broadcasting for almost 30 years and is featured on the Wilkins Radio Networks, Fairfax Radio Network, W4Cy & W4Vet Networks, and WVFR AM out of Pittsburg. So tune into "Let’s Just Talk! Radio" to be informed and entertained!

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.

New tracks tagged #WritingCommunity