Episodes
-
In this introspective episode, I, Maverick Malone, discuss the nature of time—how it changes us, teaches us, and brings healing when we’re open to what it offers. From open mic nights to my first author fair, I reflect on the power of emotional corrective experiences that rewire the nervous system and help us feel safe in spaces that once felt threatening.
Through personal stories and hard-won wisdom, I'll unpack how repeating lessons and making new choices gradually shape us into the version of ourselves we’re meant to become. Because sometimes, time isn’t the enemy—it’s the teacher, the portal, and the quiet hand guiding us home.
🎙 I'll touch on:
Emotional corrective experiences & nervous system healingSpeaking fears and being seenThe transformative nature of timeRepeating lessons until we evolveBecoming who you're meant to be through new choicesA simple practice you can do to honor YOUR growthFollow Maverick Malone - Instagram @mavmalone
Subscribe to my substack - Mentally I'm Here
Find more of my offerings here
-
What if your words are the spark someone else needs?
In this powerful episode of Ink Speak, I share some of the origin story of Tempest Press, the new women-owned publishing company of mine and Chelsea Chatts amplifying underrepresented voices in a world drowning in sameness. Inspired by a poem from queer Indigenous poet Melachoir, I explore why follower count shouldn’t determine who gets heard, why we desperately need new voices, and how even one poem can ignite a movement.
This episode is a rally cry for creators, dreamers, and misfits who feel unseen in traditional spaces—a reminder that beauty can still rise from the wicked, and your voice matters more than you know.
🎙 Topics include:
The flaws of the current publishing industryFighting gatekeeping with authenticityCreating impact beyond social media numbersAmplifying marginalized voices through artBuilding a future where beauty and truth lead the wayHow to persist in a wicked world📣 Because we don’t need more noise—we need your voice.
Follow Maverick - Instagram @mavmalone
Subscribe to my substack - Mentally I'm Here
Find more of my offerings here
-
Missing episodes?
-
In this spontaneous, soul-led episode, I take you with me on a wisdom walk—a solo hike by the river where I set the intention to receive messages from nature and spirit. What unfolded was a quiet, powerful communion with the unseen through dandelions, trickling water, and the gentle language of the earth.
I reflect on how creativity is a spiritual practice, how novelty opens the channel to divine insight, and why getting out of our routines, whether through travel, hiking, or new experiences, awakens our inner magic.
Tune in to learn how to listen differently, speak the unspoken, and use nature as your co-creator to guide you to a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you. 🌿✨
🌊 BONUS: Visit maverickmalone.substack.com for exclusive extended content, including photos, poems, and deeper reflections on how you can create your own wisdom walk.
Follow Maverick - Instagram @mavmalone
Find more of my offerings here
-
This episode begins with a poem (an invocation, really) about love as medicine. The kind that finds us at our most depleted and still asks us to show up, gently.
I talk about pushing through a heavy day with no energy left, the moment a song pulled me through, and how a simple reel cracked something open in me, revealing a quiet ache from my inner child that I didn’t expect.
What followed was a dream so intense it had me sobbing the next morning… a dream that blurred the line between mother and daughter, hope and heartbreak. I unpack it all (with help from ChatGPT!) and reflect on the sacred work of raising a child while reparenting yourself.
I touch on:
How you can use shuffle mode for musical divine guidanceHow to have self-compassion, especially with parentingThe importance of decoding dreams and what mine revealed about guilt, hope, and motherhoodAnd how we can use dreams, music, and AI for healing and personal growthThis one’s for anyone navigating exhaustion, guilt, healing, and the power of choosing love, even when it’s the hardest thing to do.
Follow Maverick - Instagram @mavmalone
Subscribe to my substack - Mentally I'm Here
Find more of my offerings here
-
Are you caught between who you were and who you're becoming? In this soul-stirring episode of Listen When, I dive into the heart of transformation—what it feels like to be in the messy middle of becoming.
This inspirational speech explores the liminal space—the hollow, confusing phase when you've outgrown your past self but haven't yet stepped into the fullness of your future. It’s the moment when your reflection and manifestations haven't caught up with your metamorphosis, and the world doesn’t yet reflect the radical inner growth you’ve undergone.
I share why believing in the unseen—especially the unseen within you—is essential, and how to navigate the emotional discomfort of the "chrysalis phase" with grace, faith, and inner knowing. If you’ve ever felt lost in the void, this episode will remind you that your intuition is not wrong, and this hollow space is not a failure—it’s sacred preparation.
✨ A must-listen for anyone navigating change, chasing expansion, or wondering when their new life will finally arrive.
🔊 Tune in when you're:
Feeling stuck between versions of yourselfGrieving your old identityDoubting your timeline or purposeNeeding hope in the midst of uncertainty🎧 Press play and remember: You are not broken. You are becoming.
Follow Maverick - Instagram @mavmalone
Subscribe to my substack - Mentally I'm Here
Find more of my offerings here
-
Can one simple question create a miracle? I hadn’t written in months. I was deep in hermit mode—resting, healing, waiting. But then, I asked myself: What can you find to be joyful about? That one moment shifted everything. I saw my coffee differently. My parking lot view became my future beach house. And then… my creativity unlocked.
This episode is about the magic of noticing, the power of believing before there’s proof, and how self-love must start from within. If you're feeling stuck, this might just be the shift you need.✨
Follow Maverick - Instagram @mavmalone
Subscribe to my substack - Mentally I'm Here
Find more of my offerings here
-
In this episode, I sit down with poet Danielle Coffyn to celebrate the upcoming March 8th release of her debut poetry collection, If Adam Picked the Apple. We dive deep into her journey into writing and what poetry means to her, exploring how the creative process can be both a personal sanctuary and a public offering.
Danielle opens up about navigating the highs and lows of the social media game—from comparison and mental health struggles to dealing with negativity and finding genuine connection. We discuss the delicate balance between writing for yourself versus writing for others, as well as the vulnerability that comes with sharing your art with the world.
We also touch on the challenges authors face in today’s literary landscape, including imposter syndrome, wearing multiple hats as creators, and the difficulty of marketing books while staying true to your craft. Danielle shares powerful insights about why writers shouldn’t undervalue themselves by giving their work away for free.
Finally, Danielle offers a glimpse into her creative process for If Adam Picked the Apple and reads two poems from her collection. These pieces delve into themes central to the female experience, such as repressed anger and motherhood, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the complexities of being a woman.
This is an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation about creativity, resilience, and finding your voice as a writer. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion and a sneak peek into Danielle’s beautifully crafted debut collection.
Follow Danielle - Instagram - @daniellecoffyn & Threads - @daniellecoffyn
Subscribe to her substack - The Understory
Preorder If Adam Picked The Apple
Follow Maverick - Instagram @mavmalone
Subscribe to my substack - Mentally I'm Here
Find more of my offerings here
-
In this episode, I share a deeply personal story of how a simple notification about a new Substack subscriber reignited my passion for creating and reminded me of my "Great Why." When the world feels like it's shouting for you to give up, this episode is a reminder to keep going—because your art does matter.
I reflect on the power of art to change the world, one creation at a time, and discuss how even in the face of external doubts, art can fuel hope, connection, and transformation. The episode also includes two of my poems: a short opener and a longer spoken word piece—the second of which was crafted as a "portrait poem" for a friend, where I capture the essence of their art and words, further tying into the message of the episode.
Tune in for inspiration to keep creating and trusting in the impact of your voice! YOU MATTER!
Follow me on Instagram @mavmalone
and subscribe to my Substack, Mentally I'm Here
-
Today's episode is crossover from my Substack newsletters, Junk Drawer - more specifically, my "ARTHOUSE" subseries, where I break down a poem I've written, tell the backstory of its creation, and/or dive deeper into the topic.
With this one, I'm covering the controversial topic of AI poetry. Sparked by a recent study from the University of Pittsburgh, where participants couldn't distinguish between AI-generated and human-written poems, this episode unpacks the deeper implications of AI within creative writing. I discuss the dangers not of the technology itself, but of how humans may choose to use it. We'll explore the ethical, artistic, and emotional stakes of AI in the world of poetry, and I'll leave you with - hopefully - a much better perspective.
Whether you're a poet, a writer, or someone uneasy about AI "artists," this episode offers a cautionary tale on how imperative it is to consciously navigate this new frontier.
Follow me on Instagram @mavmaloneSubscribe to my Substack, Mentally I'm HereFind everything else here -
In this episode of the "Listen When" short motivational series, we'll explore how curiosity can help us transcend fear. Through powerful stories and reflections, I’ll discuss shifting our mindset from anxiety to curiosity, empowering us to face challenges head-on. Plus, stay tuned for a reading of my poem, "Pluto's Impetus," which captures the essence of transformation.
Tune in for a quick dose of inspiration that reminds you that courage often lies just beyond your comfort zone!
Find me at:
Instagram: @mavmalone
Substack: Mentally I'm Here
-
Join us for a special episode featuring local Chattanooga poet Chelsea Chatts as we dive into her new collection, Mud Water Will Rise. Chelsea explores Southern identity through the lens of community and culture, highlighting the unwavering resilience and pride that define what it means to be a Southerner in the 21st century. In this captivating conversation, we discuss the importance of poetry, the interplay of social and political issues, and the magic that inspires us to write. As we embrace the spooky season, Chelsea shares chilling ghost stories and Chattanooga legends, making this episode a perfect listen for Halloween enthusiasts. Tune in for an enchanting blend of poetry, culture, and lore!
Connect with Chelsea at ChelseaChatts.com
Instagram: @chelsea.chatts
Threads: @chelsea.chatts
Grab your copy of Mud Water Will Rise here!
-
In this episode, join me on a peaceful morning at a charming red caboose Airbnb in Alabama. As I sip my coffee and take in the tranquil surroundings, I dive into the beauty of life’s middle spaces—those moments when we’re grateful for where we are while still dreaming of where we want to be. I share heartfelt musings on motherhood, weathering darkness, the pursuit of fulfillment, and the delicate balance between contentment and ambition. Tune in for a soothing journey of reflection, inspiration, and a reminder to embrace the present while reaching for our dreams.
-
🎙️Episode 1: The Caboose Chronicles - Season Two Premiere! 🚂
Welcome back to Season Two! In this special episode, recorded from a charming little red caboose in Alabama, I take you on a journey of self-discovery and creativity. After a refreshing hiatus, I’m excited to share what I’ve been up to—hosting open mics, traveling, and tackling my fear of public speaking head-on!
Join me as I reflect on these adventures and delve into a powerful speech I delivered at a recent Pride event, where I explored the vital theme of authenticity and the importance of being true to yourself. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or a reminder to embrace your uniqueness, this episode has something for everyone.
So grab your headphones and settle in—let’s get back on track together! 🌟
-
On Tuesday, August 20th, 2024, the poetry group open mic I attend held its final show at its location. The group continues on but will be moving venues, so to pay homage to the stage and space that housed us for the past few years, we all gave it a final sendoff. There was a strict 5 minute time limit and as such, I had to trim my performance down slightly. I wanted to give this piece another place to exist, so I recorded the full version and told the backstory of how it came into being. As such, this is a short "intermission" episode to hold you over until Ink Speak officially returns with season 2.
-
This is the season finale of Ink Speak, and wow—it’s going out with fireworks, a twenty-one-gun salute, and a whole lot of truth.
If you’re thinking about divorce, feeling stuck in your relationship, or struggling to find love, this episode is for you.
Two years ago, I left my marriage—terrified but certain it was the right choice. What I found on the other side? Freedom. Reclamation. Love. A life beyond my wildest dreams.
💔 Why I believe marriage before 30 is a mistake 💡 The key things we should know before saying ‘I do’ ⚡ What really happened in my marriage & the synchronicities that led me out ✨ Why divorce can be a massive catalyst for self-growth ❤️ What mature, healthy love looks like—and how you can have it too 🌟 Why you should NEVER give up hope
This episode is raw, honest, and full of magic, healing, and possibility. If you’ve ever wondered what’s on the other side of letting go—this is your sign to listen.
Follow me on:
Instagram - @mavmalone
Substack - Mentally I'm Here
-
90% of podcasts don't get past episode 3. Of those that surpass that milestone, even less make it to a year. And then there is Ink Speak...
I recently celebrated TWO birthdays: mine and the podcast! So I thought I'd combine both and talk about it. In this episode I'll touch on:
what happened this year on my birthdaywhy your 30s are amazing & my biggest takeaways from this decade thus farpodcast deep-dive: why it's way harder than you'd think, why majority fail, and lessons I've learned from grinding it out the past year on this passion projectwhat's happening to Ink Speakhear a spoken word piece from my new book, Hope & Other Beautiful ThingsFollow along on @mavmalone on Instagram for more
-
Change is such an inevitable part of life - one that many of us struggle with. As I'm entering 36, I can sense my own next big changes on the horizon and my dreams and experiences have a lot to say about that. On today's episode, I wanted to share a story about one of nature's messengers, a little lizard, and what he taught me about change. I'll touch on:
how we can better navigate change with more easethe importance of letting go of old versions of ourselvesrecount personal experiences of relationships-past: how getting stuck in that loop is really just us holding ourselves backwords of encouragement if you're in a rut or fearful of your next big changeFollow along on @mavmalone on Instagram for more or check out my latest book, Hope & Other Beautiful Things here.
-
A couple of weeks ago, I had some family drama over what I, as an almost 36 year old woman, chose to wear. I felt that experience was such a powerful growth moment for me that I wanted to share, so on today's episode, I'll be diving into:
how fashion is an easy, fun and creative form of self expressiontriggers, boundaries and how family conflict over a simple outfit was a major opportunity for mebackstory on how I used clothing as a tool to grow from "obedient good girl" to "loud, weird barbie" (weird being something absolutely wonderful!)the quickly changing landscape of what it looks like to age and what I'm finding so inspiring about what I'm seeinghow you can take your personal style to the next level to explore and play with the version of yourself you want to becomeFor more content, follow along on Instagram @mavmalone and on my Substack, Junk DrawerYou can purchase my latest poetry book, Hope & Other Beautiful Things - here. -
This is a short episode that tells the story of that one time I woke up naked in the middle of the night to a cockroach crawling on my arm. Why tell this specific story? Because of what I made it mean. Give this one a listen, you too will see what I mean.
In this episode, I'll touch on:
what I wanted to release during this past Aries full moonthe importance of risk and resiliencehow these lessons found me in the dark in the form of a cockroach and nightmaresthe symbolism of roacheshow I transformed this experience into something happening TO me into something happening FOR meFAIR WARNING: this episode contains numerous expletives. NSF for tiny ears around.
If you're looking for more content, you can follow me on Instagram @mavmalone or subscribe to my Substack newsletter, Junk Drawer.
You can order my new poetry book, Hope and Other Beautiful Things - here!
-
This is the last part of my solo trip to the Little River Bus Stop in Fort Payne, AL. This quick little episode includes some closing thoughts on why I don't revisit the same Airbnbs, magical thinking to make the good things in life last, and what came up the stairs that scared the ever living daylights out of me alone in the dark!
Be sure to listen to the end to catch my poem, "Slow Livin'" set to some fun country music!
If you're looking for more content, you can follow me on Instagram @mavmalone or subscribe to my Substack newsletter, Junk Drawer.
You can order my new poetry book, Hope and Other Beautiful Things - here!
- Show more