In this compelling episode of Bold Voices/Good Yarns, host Ian Henzel sits down with poet and author Daniel Meltz, author of “Rabbis of the Garden State,” and a new volume of poetry "It Wasn't Easy to Reach You," for a rich and reflective conversation about identity, creativity, and the formative power of tradition.
Meltz opens up about his Jewish upbringing, the lasting influence of yeshiva education, and how his experiences as a gay man shaped his writing. From the rhythm of the Talmud to the emotional precision of poetry, Meltz explores how faith, culture, and literature have intertwined in his life.
🎙️ Topics include:
– The intersection of Jewish tradition and queer identity
🔹 How yeshiva education fueled his literary spark
🔹 Early literary influences and the writing journey
🔹 The role of rhythm, structure, and economy in poetry
🔹 How yeshiva study sharpened his analytical and creative thinking
🔹 Living between prose and poetry—and imagining life inside Leaves of Grass
Whether you're a writer, a reader, or simply curious about how personal history informs artistic voice, this conversation offers powerful insights and surprising revelations.
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Links to Books:
RABBIS OF THE GARDEN STATE:
Read a sample: https://www.book2look.com/book/GUPj4UH6gY
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/110292/9781955826839
Barnes & Noble: https://rgyp-bn.tiny.us/pride-paperback
Rattling Good Yarns Press: https://rattlinggoodyarns.com/product/rabbis-of-the-garden-state/
IT WASN’T EASY TO REACH YOU (poetry)
Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/110292/9798218513245
Barnes & Noble: https://rgyp-bn.tiny.us/It-wasnt-easy-to-reach-you
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4jHqClR
#DanielMeltz #BoldVoicesGoodYarns #IanHenzel #PoetryPodcast #JewishWriters #QueerVoices #WritingLife #CreativeProcess #TalmudicThinking #LeavesOfGrass
