Welcome to Twice 5 Miles Radio. I'm your host, James Navé. Today, I’m going solo with my thoughts on how poetry changes life. In this episode, you’ll hear me perform poems that have shaped my thinking over the years. You’ll discover why a line of verse my mother recited to me when I was a boy continues to be my north star to this day.

Traveling and being on the road have been constants in my life. Sometimes I’ve loved the journey; other times, I’ve wondered why I’m driving through a storm in Tennessee. In this show, you’ll hear a few of my poems, including "The Road" and "The Tulsa Pool Player."
Dylan Thomas makes an appearance with "Fern Hill"—or rather, I show up performing "Fern Hill," a poem I memorized in 1985 while spending two weeks at a Tibetan Buddhist center in the south of France. I touch on environmental themes with my poem "The Bug," followed by Elizabeth Bishop’s "The Fish."

I also perform a longer piece by Charles Wright titled "The Lonesome Pine Special." I love performing this poem because it reminds me of how much work I have to do to reach Wright’s level of mastery. There’s a good reason why Charles Wright was the 2014 U.S. Poet Laureate.

I close the show with a poem about a jazz band and a touch of love. Overall I enjoyed making this episode, and I hope you enjoy listening to "How Poetry Changes Life."

Poems That influence Me with poet  and Twice 5 Miles Radio host James Navé

Welcome to another episode of Twice 5 Miles Radio. I'm your host, James Navé. In this show, I have the pleasure of speaking with the dynamic poet and spoken word artist Ashlee Haze. If you've attended the LEAF Poetry Slam at the LEAF Festival, you might have seen one of Ashlee's powerful performances that have captivated audiences time and again.

Beyond her remarkable talent as a spoken word artist and page poet, Ashlee is deeply rooted in the creative community of her hometown, Atlanta. She shares her art and leads a successful media business known as Philosophy Media Group.

In our conversation, Ashlee and I delve into the profound impact of poetry, discussing how poems have the power to save lives and the importance of memorization in bringing poetry to life. Ashlee's unique philosophy that a poem must live in your body, something she embodies in every piece she performs, is a fascinating aspect of her work. You'll also hear Ashlee read a selection of her work, showcasing the emotion and humor she infuses into her poetry.

Ashlee Haze, born Kiera Nelson, has been a significant force in the Atlanta poetry scene for over a decade. Her work, marked by numerous performances and collaborations, has brought poetry to unexpected places, including New York Fashion Week and Atlanta United Soccer.

She's collaborated with major brands like H&M and appeared on NPR's Tiny Desk series. Her poem "For Colored Girls Who Don't Need Katy Perry when Missy Elliott is Enough" went viral, earning praise from Missy Elliott herself. Ashlee is also the host of Moderne Philosophy, an educational podcast for creatives.

Ashlee founded Philosophy Media Group to elevate Southern voices, particularly creatives of color, in media production. Her company specializes in storytelling across podcasts, interviews, and documentaries, with Ashlee leading as the primary voice talent, copywriter, and producer. Ashlee's journey began at age ten, and by fifteen, she was performing regularly at public competitions. She's competed in National Poetry Slams and now, as a full-time artist, continues to tell the stories that often go unheard.

Join me as we explore the life, work, and wisdom of Ashlee Haze in this episode of Twice 5 Miles Radio. Enjoy the show.

Understanding the Poetics of Life with poet Ashlee Haze

Welcome to Twice 5 Miles Radio; I’m your host, James Navé. 

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to poet and educator Cynthia Shumacher, who, at 95, is still actively writing and publishing. Cynthia’s latest works, "Polished Stones" and "Soul Flowers" reveal her masterful ability to convey the emotions we all feel but often struggle to express. Through a carefully crafted combination of words, she paints a relatable and refreshing picture of the human experience.

Our conversation touches not only on her poetic journey but also on her deep commitment to education. A career teacher for 33 years, Cynthia has been a champion of student empowerment and was even briefly fired in the 1960s for her courageous activism during the civil rights movement. Her insights into poetry, teaching, and the power of language are a testament to her lifelong dedication to both the arts and social justice.

In this episode, I’ve paired my interview with Cynthia with a past conversation I had with poet Ocean Vuong. Together, their perspectives bridge generations and remind us of poetry's timelessness.

Join us for a rich discussion that spans history, poetry, and education.

The Poetics Of Education with author and educator Cynthia Shumacher

Welcome to Twice 5 Miles Radio. I'm your host, James Navé. Today, I'm re-airing a special interview from the fall of 2016, recorded just before the U.S. presidential election. My guest was one of the most well-read, brilliant minds I've ever known—my mother, Bobbi Sue Nave. She left us a few years after this interview, at age 93, and her insights remain as timeless as ever.

Bobbi Sue possessed what I call a "Jeffersonian mind." By the time she reached 90, she had devoured over 20,000 books, spanning authors from Robert Hughes to Camille Paglia. In this interview, she reflects on her early life, her first memories of the 1920s and 30s, attending her parents' voting for Herbert Hoover in 1928, and even witnessing the funeral of author Thomas Wolfe.

Bobbi Sue also shares her thoughts on our current times, offering perspectives that transcend today's chaotic landscape. Her reflections on Donald Trump and our modern state of affairs demonstrate my mother's deep theological understanding of our world and all the people who live in it.

This conversation mirrors countless discussions we shared for over 60 years, probing deeply into politics, culture, and faith. In 2024, as we navigate turbulent times, I invite you to hear my mother's lifetime commitment to thoughtful, independent reflection. Enjoy the show.

1930's: Old Asheville Remembered with historical thinker Bobbie Sue Nave

Welcome to Twice 5 Miles Radio. I’m your host, James Navé. Today, I’m thrilled to welcome back my longtime friend, the indefatigable investigative journalist and poet, Greg Palast. 

Greg and I first crossed paths back in the early ‘90s at the Asheville Poetry Festival, and I was instantly drawn to his fiery passion for truth, a trait that has defined his entire career. Greg’s no stranger to hard-hitting journalism; his investigations have exposed some of the biggest stories of our time for The Guardian, BBC Television, and Rolling Stone. His relentless pursuit of truth has led him to uncover corruption across five continents, all fueled by the same fire he had back when we met.

In today’s episode, we explore Greg’s lesser-known side—his poetry. While his voice has often roared through reports like The Best Democracy Money Can Buy and Billionaires & Ballot Bandits, poetry has been a quiet companion along his journey. Greg has a gritty, beat-inspired style, shaped by his early mentorship under Ginsberg and Bukowski. Our conversation veers between verse and the political landscape, diving into the essence of his latest film, Vigilantes, Inc., which investigates the dark underbelly of voter suppression tactics in Georgia, a disturbing echo of Jim Crow-era restrictions.

As always, Greg brings an acute sense of humor to even the harshest realities, a quality I’ve cherished in our exchanges. He’s not only a witness to history but a catalyst, embodying the role of the poet-journalist in times of turmoil. With Vigilantes, Inc., narrated by Rosario Dawson and backed by Martin Sheen and George DiCaprio, Greg is once again challenging the powers that be. Today, we share stories, laughter, and insights into how poetry and investigative journalism intersect—two art forms that compel us to ask: if we don’t speak out, who will?

So join us as we reflect, laugh, and explore the mind of one of journalism’s fearless voices.

Investigative Fire: Greg Palast on Truth, Poetry, and Vigilantes Inc.

Welcome to Twice 5 Miles Radio, where the art of conversation thrives. I'm your host, James Navé, and I'm delighted to welcome back my guest, Paul O'Connor—a celebrated photographer, sculptor, and visual artist who calls Taos home. Paul's work has left an indelible mark on the art world, and his latest performative book, Taos Portraits: Volume Two, is no exception.

In this episode, we dive deep into the making of this extraordinary book, a collection of 60 black-and-white portraits that capture the essence of Taos's vibrant artistic community. Paul's lens reveals a striking truth: art is a collective experience, and every wrinkle, every story, holds a place in the mosaic of creativity.

We explore Paul's intuitive process, his passion for honoring his subjects, and the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating an art book of this caliber. Paul's first volume of Taos Portraits, now a collector's item valued at over $1,000, set the stage for this second installment, which he calls "an enduring art piece."

Because Paul features my portrait in his book, during this conversation, I reflect on what it means to be part of this community—an honor shared by many who have shaped Taos's creative spirit.

Our conversation touches on the wrinkles of time, the celebration of maturity in a youth-driven culture, and the stories behind the faces that define Taos. Recorded across the globe—me in Manila, Paul in Crete—we find ourselves grounded in the universal language of art and storytelling.

If you've ever wondered what it takes to create a high-end art book or how an artist turns intuition into legacy, this episode is for you. Mark your calendars for June 6, 2025, when Paul will officially launch Taos Portraits: Volume Two at the Taos Community Auditorium. Until then, please tune in for an inspiring dialogue about art, life, and the wrinkles that make us who we are. Enjoy the show.

Looking for the Wrinkles with photographer and Taos Portraits' publisher Paul O'Conner

I'm James Navé with The Imaginative Storm Writing Project. Today, I’m delighted to perform “A Visit from St. Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore—more commonly known as 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Moore (1779–1863) was a writer, scholar, and professor of Oriental and Greek literature, as well as a philanthropist and land developer. His poem is widely credited with shaping American Christmas traditions. 



Does Santa look like this?

"He had a broad face and a little round belly 
That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. 
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, 
 And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself."

One of my fondest memories of this poem is watching poet Allan Wolf, during the Asheville Poetry Slam in December 1992, wrap himself in flashing Christmas lights and spin wildly while performing it. 

One of my fondest memories of this poem is watching poet Allan Wolf, during the Asheville Poetry Slam in December 1992, wrap himself in flashing Christmas lights and spin wildly while performing it. 

Though I’ve never donned Christmas lights myself, I’ve always loved how the poem’s rhyming narrative bounces along. Some performers punch the rhymes, but I prefer understating them and letting the story carry you through. Enjoy!

A Visit From Saint Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore performed by James Navé

This spoken-word performance of Robert Frost’s Christmas Trees, subtitled A Christmas Circular Letter, evokes memories of my childhood in Western North Carolina. Growing up in a house surrounded by acres of woods on Brevard Road, just eight miles outside of Asheville, Christmas meant venturing into the forest to find the perfect tree. I remember dragging fresh-cut pines through the snow, placing them in the front window overlooking the lane, and marveling at their natural beauty. Back then, I didn’t know Christmas trees were a business—I thought everyone harvested their own from the woods.

Robert Frost’s poem captures a similar sense of rural simplicity and wonder. The narrative describes rolling hills full of untamed pine trees on a New Hampshire farm. When a man from the city offers the farm owner a mere $30 for all 1,000 of his trees—valued at three cents apiece—the farmer refuses, valuing the quiet wealth of his land over money. Instead, he writes a Christmas circular letter to his friends, sharing his thoughts and gratitude for the season.

In this timeless poem, Frost paints a vivid winter scene: snow-blanketed hills, stark trees silhouetted against a cold, clear sky, and the late afternoon sun slipping toward the horizon. The simplicity of the setting mirrors the heart of the story—a reflection of the true meaning of value, connection, and the enduring beauty of nature.

Join me as I bring Robert Frost’s words to life. Enjoy the show.

Christmas Trees By Robert Frost performed by James Navé

Welcome to Twice 5 Miles Radio—I’m your host, James Navé. My guest today is novelist, journalist, and mental health advocate Nova Wallace. Nova, a regular participant in our Imaginative Storm Writing Prompt sessions, brings a unique blend of storytelling passion and professional insight as a PR consultant for creative talent. 

In our conversation, we delve into the persistence required to succeed as a novelist, including a memorable writing tip from Stephen King about crafting drama: “Put someone in a tree and throw apples at them.” 

Nova also shares her perspective on tackling difficult subjects, such as modern-day slavery, and explores themes of morality and resilience in writing. To close, she offers practical advice on maintaining creative momentum for the long haul.

Put Drama In Your Stories with novelist Nova Wallace

Welcome to Twice 5 Miles Radio, I’m your host, James Navé. Today, I’m thrilled to be in conversation with my longtime friend, the one and only Regie Cabico—a poet, performer, and spoken word legend whose impact on the literary world is undeniable.

Regie and I first crossed paths in 1994 at the National Poetry Slam in Asheville. He was a rising star out of New York City, and even then, his performances were electric—raw, fearless, and full of life. Over the years, he’s become one of the most dynamic figures in performance poetry, winning the Nuyorican Poets Café Grand Slam and taking top honors at multiple National Poetry Slams. He’s appeared on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, NPR’s Snap Judgment, and MTV’s Free Your Mind, not to mention being published in Poetry Magazine, The Outlaw Bible of American Poetry, and The Academy of American Poets platform.

Now based in Washington, D.C., Regie continues to shape the literary landscape, mentoring young poets, teaching performance techniques, and bringing poetry into classrooms, theaters, and communities nationwide. His long-awaited debut full-length collection, A Rabbit in Search of a Rolex, just hit the shelves, blending humor, surrealism, and sharp cultural critique.

In this episode, Regie and I reminisce about our early days in spoken word, explore the evolution of poetry from stage to page, and dig into the deeper truths that poetry reveals—sometimes through hyperbole, sometimes through raw honesty. Whether we’re talking about teaching middle schoolers the art of exaggeration or reflecting on the shifting role of poetry in our lives, one thing is clear: Regie has never stopped pushing the boundaries of what poetry can be.

Join us for this lively, heartfelt conversation with a true poetic force.

Defying Boundaries—Regie Cabico On Poetry, Culture, And Teaching

What does it mean to report on the world’s hidden stories? In this episode of Twice 5 Miles Radio, I sit down with investigative journalist Sean Williams, co-host of the Underworld podcast, which reaches a million listeners every month. Sean’s reporting has taken him into the depths of organized crime, political corruption, and human resilience, from the slums of Manila to the frontlines of war zones.

We met in Manila, a city he describes as “organized chaos,” where he was researching an in-depth Harper’s Magazine feature on Duterte’s brutal drug war and the lives caught in its grip. In our conversation, we discuss the sharp economic divides in Manila, the rise of disinformation, and how journalists like Sean navigate truth in a world increasingly shaped by propaganda.

Sean shares his radical skepticism of social media, how digital platforms distort narratives, and why long-form journalism remains one of the last bastions of in-depth storytelling. We also explore the personal side of his work—how walking clears his mind, the discipline behind crafting a great feature, and why he believes every good story starts with listening.

Whether you’re a writer, a journalist, or simply someone who cares about understanding the world beyond the headlines, this episode is for you. Join me, James Navé, as we take a deep dive into the art of investigative storytelling, the ethics of journalism, and the unseen forces shaping our global reality.

Tune in to Twice 5 Miles Radio for this eye-opening conversation. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.

Manila's Organized Chaos with investigative reporter Sean Williams

In this solo episode of Twice 5 Miles Radio, I reflect on my final days in Paris after 40 years of coming and going. I’m sitting in a small studio at 38 Rue Dauphine—a place that’s been a quiet touchstone in my life and a silent witness to the legacy of the Paris literary scene. As I look back, I think about this little apartment and time, memory, and the places we carry with us.

I share stories from 1968 when the world was turning upside down—when I graduated high school the night Robert F. Kennedy was shot. I talk about growing up on Pine Lane in western North Carolina, driving through the dark toward Myrtle Beach, and listening to the news on an old AM radio. I wonder what it means to feel the passing of time—and to feel its presence, too.

You’ll hear a recitation of Dylan Thomas’s Fern Hill, a reading from my book 100 Days: Poems After Cancer, and reflections on how the echoes of the past live inside the present moment. I also talk about my ongoing work with Allegra Huston and the creative path we’ve forged together over the last five years.

This episode is a meditation on home, history, poetry, and the stillness that lives beneath the noise. It’s a way of saying thank you to Paris, Pine Lane, and the community of listeners who’ve made this radio journey possible.

Broadcast on the edge of evening, Rue Dauphine, Pine Lane, and the Eternal Now is my love letter to what’s been, a salute to what is, and a quiet nod toward whatever comes next.

Reflections on Paris, rue Dauphine, Pine Lane, and the Eternal Now with James Navé

In this episode of Twice 5 Miles Radio, I speak with Rev. Barbara Lane, author of Broken Water, a memoir of childhood trauma, foster care, and reunion with the sisters she was separated from at age three. Barbara’s story is both heartbreaking and healing—a journey through abandonment and abuse into the power of love, memory, and inner resilience.

We talk about how the light of the divine lives in each of us, even in the darkest moments. Barbara shares how the Grovian coaching method and symbolic metaphor can open new paths to healing. Her work is grounded in the belief that you're not what happened to you—you are the story you choose to live now.

If you've ever felt weighed down by the past, this conversation offers „a way through. A reminder that even if the water breaks, it still flows—and you’re still here.

Learn more about Barbara's work at www.barbaralane.info.
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Rev. Barbara Lane: Broken Water—Power of Metaphor

Welcome to Twice 5 Miles Radio, I’m your host, James Navé.

In this episode, we begin with Leandro Reyes, Manila’s dynamic “Basyang Kid”—a spoken-word artist who channels a century-old literary legacy into powerful performances, poetic craft, and cultural community-building. From open mic stages across Makati to the pages of Postscript Magazine, 

Leandro honors the legacy of his great-grandfather, Severino “Lola Basyang” Reyes—the iconic playwright and “Father of Tagalog Zarzuela”—while forging his own bold new path. His debut poem, “Sugarcoats,” contemplates loss with quiet precision, and his work in theater and advocacy reveals a deep devotion to Filipino artistry and imagination.

Then we travel from Manila to Taos for a conversation I recorded a few years ago with Ocean Vuong, bestselling author of On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous and his current novel, The Emperor of Gladness, published on May 13, 2025.  Ocean was in Northern New Mexico for the Taos Poetry Festival, and we sat down to talk about poetry, language, loss, and what it means to carry beauty and grief in the same breath.

To close the show, I offer a short writing workshop—an invitation called “A Long Look at Yourself.” It’s a simple, powerful practice in awareness and emotional truth, designed to help you connect with your voice and see your own story in a fresh light.

Whether you're a writer, a listener, or someone simply curious about the human spirit, I hope this episode offers you something to carry with you.

A Long Look at Yourself with poets Leandro Reyes and Ocean Vuong

Today on the show, I'm pleased to welcome Donald Graham, an internationally acclaimed photographer whose portraits, landscapes, and stories span the globe—from high fashion in Paris to mountain lions prowling the wilds of Taos, New Mexico.

Don's work is housed in collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the International Center of Photography, and his black-and-white portrait book "One of a Kind" has garnered over 40 international awards.

We met by chance at an after-party in Taos and found ourselves deep in conversation about photography, light, and the animals that roam his high desert land. That moment led to this interview. In our conversation, 

Don takes us from the glamour of Vogue shoots in Paris to the quiet solitude of waiting for a bear to appear on a trail cam. 

We discuss photography as an act of presence, empathy, and uncovering stories behind the eyes of a subject. He offers technical insights, soulful reflections, and a few hard-earned truths about making a life in the arts.

So pour a cup of coffee, settle in, and join me for this intimate and far-reaching conversation with a man who's spent his life pointing a lens at the world—and seeing what most of us miss.

The Photographer's Lens with Donald Graham

Welcome to Twice 5 Miles Radio. I'm your host, James Navé. Today, I'm joined by Juliet Ewing, a dynamic jazz vocalist whose journey from Broadway stages to intimate New York jazz clubs is as lyrical as the songs she sings.
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A classically trained musical theater performer, Juliet speaks candidly about creativity, joy, and the art of telling the truth through song. We dive deep into her transformation from touring musicals like Crazy for You and Footloose to developing her sold-out cabaret "Rise Up Singing: The Music of George Gershwin," now culminating in her upcoming album Simply'S Wonderful.

Juliet unpacks the layers of perfectionism, the power of storytelling in music, and how Gershwin's lyrics still break hearts a century later. We talk rehearsal, spontaneity, roses, and the jazz of living well. Juliet's voice—clear, radiant, intelligent—carries more than a tune. Her voice carries a lifetime of artistic devotion, grit, and joy. If you've ever wondered where the magic lives in a song, this conversation will bring you home.

Lyrics Come First with Juliet Ewing on music, meaning, and Gershwin

Welcome to Provocative Conversations from Twice 5 Miles Radio. I’m your host, James Navé.  Today’s guest is PJ Ewing—a longtime friend, brilliant digital marketer, skilled podcast host of Lester the Nightfly, and one of the most thoughtful audio engineers I know.

This wide-ranging conversation explores the evolving intersection of sound, artificial intelligence, and American culture. From podcasting to tech ethics, it’s a deep dive into our digital future.

PJ and I dig into what makes good audio, the shifting podcasting landscape, how media influences identity, and whether we as a species can survive the next 400 years.

From the 1960’s Gunsmoke TV series to AI, from Alaska community radio to Malcolm Gladwell’s take on gun culture, we examine the deep questions—and share a few laughs along the way.

You’ll come away with fresh insights on creativity, society, and the risks we’re all taking to build whatever’s next.

Key Topics Covered in the Interview
The importance of high-quality audio in podcasting
Tips and gear for DIY podcasting (mics, software, editing tools)
Niche podcasting vs. general interviews
Podcast recommendations (including 20,000Hz, Pivot, Hard Fork, StarTalk)
PJ’s shift away from political media
Malcolm Gladwell and the cultural influence of Gunsmoke
Personal reflections on American gun culture
Local community resilience post-Hurricane Helene
The case for city-states over large national governments
Speculative futures: AI, gene editing, alien contact
Cultural evolution and the crisis of masculinity
Whether humanity can survive the next 400 years
The dual nature of capitalism as destructive and innovative

Aliens Are Coming: PJ Ewing on technology, culture, and the American Mind

Welcome to Provocative Conversations from Twice 5 Miles Radio; I’m your host, James Navé. What happens when a bullied 12-year-old finds her voice through a school talent show poem—and never looks back? In this powerful episode of Twice 5 Miles Radio, I sit down with Alabama-born poet E. Bailey, a rising star in the national slam poetry scene, who will be competing at this year’s LEAF Poetry Slam Championships.
Over 40 minutes, E. Bailey walks us through her poetic journey—from being mentored by a traveling poetry dad to self-publishing her first book at 15, to discovering the raw intimacy of slam poetry. Baileydoesn’t just write poems—she does poetry. She performs it, embodies it, lives it.
Her stories are vulnerable, electric, and deeply human: navigating trauma, small-town isolation, early grief, and ultimately, transformation. Whether she’s reading her two-part piece “Bad Girl / Bad Girl Becomes Woman” or reflecting on slam as a spiritual awakening, E. Bailey speaks forcefully, without hesitation.
The second half of the episode includes I  reflect on my own poetic evolution—growing into the craft later in life, the origins of the LEAF Slam, and what it means to say something true on the page and on the stage.
This is a show about poetry as survival, as connection, and as reclamation. Whether you’re 13 or 97, a seasoned poet or someone just starting out, this episode is an invitation to step through the door and speak your truth.
Tune in, take a breath, and let E. Bailey catch yo with your guard down.

Bad Girl Write Poetry with spoken word poet E. Bailey

Art in Times of Beauty and Chaos with Parks & Navé

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.

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