With new books recently released by Redhawk Publications, (https://redhawkpublications.com) Scott Owens (The Song Is Why We Sing) (https://redhawkpublications.com/The-Song-is-Why-We-Sing-p811116256) and Michael Hettich (Waking Up Alone) (http://michaelhettich.com) begin with what feels like a mutual admiration society. It quickly deepens into a candid examination of craft, free of pretense. Influences are acknowledged. Lines are scrutinized with care.
“I love it when I can read a poem and discern who you have read,” Michael observes, opening the door to an engaging exploration of poetic lineage, influence, and originality. Scott hears traces of Galway Kinnell and Li-Young Lee in Michael’s work, while Michael aligns himself with the Deep Image movement and the New York poets. Scott describes Michael’s poems as driven by “intentional unmindfulness,” shaped by an observant, associative narrative style.
The conversation then turns. When asked about his own influences, Scott readily names Galway Kinnell—his favorite—and Mary Oliver, from whom he learned the value of accessibility. Michael acknowledges that there may be a touch of Billy Collins in Scott’s work. Scott graciously accepts the note, but hopes it’s not with the punchline-driven variety common with Collins. The exchange between these two is generous and gracious.
This episode extends well beyond conversation. Poems are read aloud to one another—not performatively, but intimately. Listeners hear the pauses, the breath, the searching mind at work. Both poets speak candidly about their “feral mind” approach to language: allowing the associative imagination to roam freely, trusting surprise, and making room for play alongside intention.
Patty has the rare privilege of stepping back and letting this podcast salon unfold. Over the course of an hour, the episode becomes an ode to poetry—both the journey and the destination.
As a milestone installment, it offers a fitting tribute to fifty episodes: two accomplished poets modeling how to read one another closely, question thoughtfully, agree and occasionally disagree with grace, and sustain a sense of wonder and wildness on the page.
Grab a notebook. You’ll want to jot down the reading list—and perhaps circle a line or two to borrow later. Michael shares that he may just do that!
Many thanks to the North Carolina Poetry Society for awarding Michael’s book, “Waking Up Alone,” the 2025 Lena M. Shull Award. He finds the words for loss when there are none. He does this masterfully. Michael is a very worthy recipient.
DON’T FORGET: Saturday, April 25th, should already be on your calendar. You will get to meet Scott, Michael, and so many more. The City of Hickory will hold its 2nd Annual Literary Festival, and Redhawk Publications friends and family will be in full force. If you are a Redhawk author, we will have a table, free, so again, plan to attend.
We get to thank Scott twice. Not only as our guest host and author, but also because RedPubPod is sponsored by the best little coffee shop in all of North Carolina, Taste Full Beans! Be sure to stop by and let the super-friendly staff know you heard about “TFB” from your favorite literary podcast, RedPubPod!
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