KXEP-LP Empower House Radio

Platica Y Poetics S2E6 w/ Melissa “Mo” Guerra

Melissa “Mo” Guerra a poetic hermana took us on an intimate journey through her poetry, weaving together themes of cultural identity, grief, resilience, and spiritual transcendence. Her work invited readers to walk in an exploration of raw emotions and shared humanity. Our platica delved into a deeper understanding of her creative process and the stories that have shaped her confessional voice. Speaking on her experiences of cultural assimilation, generational trauma, and the tension of navigating identity as a Latina she spoke candidly about how the sacrifices of her grandmother and mother were acts of survival, yet they left a trace for her to follow and connect to her Chicana roots through linguistic and cultural reclamation. This shift has been transformative, helping her bridge the gap between who she is and where she comes from. Mo shared how poetry became a refuge and a means of healing, allowing to process grief while create transforming sorrow into connection. Mo eloquently described how love weaves bonds that transcend time and space and her writing reminds us that what endures is a connection ofshared joy and sorrow—what survives of us is love. Her poetry, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the universal need to seek, share, and sustain the bonds that thread and bind us together across time and experience.

The Resilience Within S2E7 w John Lambert - Settling In to Love

John Lambert  -   Settling In to Love
In this episode John Lambert, widowed father of two, shared the story of Ivania, his beloved wife, who passed away from cancer. They were married when he was very young, and her loving existence shaped how he shows up in the world today.  
John is a writer, actor, and curator of San Antonio’s Sacred Underground Film Festival (fourth installment takes place November 2025).

The Resilience Within S2E6 w/ Carmen Calatayud - Grief Work, The Journey

Carmen Calatayud - Grief Work, The Journey
In this episode Carmen Calatayud, poet and author of In the Company of Spirits and This Tangled Body shared about her grief work as a mental health counselor who specializes in trauma and grief. She shared parts of her journey that led her to grief work and where her current questions lie.  

The Resilience Within S2E5 w/ Joaquin Muerte - Xicanx Masculinity and Grief

Joaquin Muerte -   Xicanx Masculinity and Grief
In this episode Joaquin Muerte shared about his Xicanx vs Aliens podcast, which was created to normalize conversations around the supernatural and destigmatize these experiences. He shares some of his activist upbringing, and his own journey of healing through food with his dad. He finishes with how healing for the Xicanx masculine can start with the nervous system- Xicano Soul being an avenue to help a vato relax into vulnerability. He also spoke about a project around grief that he’d love to start through his music. 
Joaquin is the band leader for Joaquin & The Glowliners, drummer for Combo Cósmico, member of Los Nahuatlatos and the creator of the Xicanx versus aliens podcast.
His other titles are Social Justice activist, Danzante Conchero tradicional with Grupo Xinachtli and Community Builder with Methodist Healthcare Ministries on San Antonio's East side.

The Resilience Within S2E4 w/ Valerie McKenzie & Terry Calderon - Alchemizing Trauma & Grief

Valerie McKenzie & Terry Calderon -  Alchemizing Trauma & Grief 
Content warning: loss through suicide. In this episode Ancient Roots Alchemy co-founders Valerie McKenzie & Terry Cameron share the story of the loss of their son Gavin by suicide.
They speak about the medicine, the rituals, and the community that helped them stay connected with their son and immediately begin the healing process from the trauma of this event.
(If you’re struggling, help is available. Please call the Suicide Hotline: 988)

The Resilience Within S2E3 w/ Mandy Lynn- Disenfranchised Grief

Mandy Lynn- Disenfranchised Grief 
In this episode poet, singer, actor, and community advocate Mandy Lynn shared her experience of loss and “disenfranchised grief.” She spoke about two loved ones who passed recently - her brother Adam and her friend Carlos - and what it feels like to carry grief that others don’t know about. Her biggest encouragement for others is to slow down and sit in the feelings/pain.  

Platica Y Poetics S2E5 w/ Gume Laurel III

In my candid and heartfelt platica with Gume Laurel III, we delved into his literary artistry and personal journey as a queer, millennial, BIPOC author whose works explore identity, love, and cultural dualities. Gume opened the conversation by sharing an autobiographical poem that reflects his borderland, queer Chicanx creative voice. His poetry collections capture the cyclical nature of queer romantic relationships, blending raw honesty with sensitivity to inspire dialogue and reflection. In Assimilated Natives, Gume examines the tension between preserving cultural heritage and adapting to Americanization, drawing from his experiences growing up in the borderlands. This liminal space deeply informs his portrayal of fluidity, intersectionality, and identity exploration. As a queer Chicanx millennial author, Gume views his work as a platform to amplify underrepresented voices, embodying a commitment to inclusivity and visibility. He shared how vulnerability and cultural opposition shape his narratives and how the borderlands as a setting mirror the complexities of identity and belonging

Platica Y Poetics S2E4 w/ Eduardo Cavazos Garza

In the presence of Chicano icon Eduardo Cavazos Garza—founder of the Jazz Poets of San Antonio, artist, musician, and spiritual practitioner—we explored the pivotal moments of his life and the intersections of art, activism, and resilience. I absorbed his wisdom and cuentos as he shared the richness of his journey, shaped by his familia’s influence, cultural roots, and personal trials. Growing up in the tight-knit community of El Indio, Eduardo was immersed in deep values of solidarity and resilience. The teachings of la siembra del campo—the sowing of the land—continue to inform his activism and artistic work today. His service in Vietnam became a crucible for his perspective on systemic inequities, particularly as a Mexican-American soldier questioning his purpose in the war. Those experiences laid the foundation for his involvement in the Chicano rights movement upon his return. Eduardo’s work as a singer, songwriter, and poet is inseparable from his activism. He discovered that art and music are powerful avenues for transcendence, and that we, as individuals, are agents of change within our communities. His mantra, “Con ganas y corazón, todo es posible” , underscores his encouragement to future artists and activists to find strength in their heritage and contribute to a collective narrative of resilience and pride. Our plática felt like a walk through el campo de poesía—a testament to Eduardo’s profound impact on the Chicano community and his enduring legacy as a mentor, artist, and civil rights pioneer.

Platica Y Poetics S2E3 w/ Mandy Lynn

Mandy Lynn In my conversation with dear friend, and poet colleague, Mandy Lynn Lara, themes of feminism, motherly love, and poetics intertwined beautifully, illuminating how deeply her writing is rooted in both strength and tenderness. Feminism emerges in her poetry not only as a call for equality but as a powerful act of self-preservation. Maternal fierce love takes on a protective stance, with her speaking to the necessity of raising young women to recognize and resist the dangers in a world that often objectifies and silences them. Her work underscores the feminist principle of self-agency, demonstrating how women can defend their autonomy and assert their voice in both private and public spheres. Poetry is more than word art for Mandy—it’s a sanctuary. Writing becomes a radical, deeply personal act of self-care, allowing to pour our complex emotions onto the page and, in turn, reclaim our corporal power. By articulating these feelings—fear, anger, resilience, and love—she has found a therapeutic release, transforming her experiences and observations into something constructive and healing. Poetry has become a bridge between personal healing and communal empowerment.

Platica Y Poetics S2E2 w/ Zack Sokoloski

Where punk vibes met Ram Dass my platica with Zack Sokoloski, we launched on a deep,holistic exploration that felt more like a universal reflection session than a traditional Q&A. Ourcosmic convo was rooted in the present moment, gifting us space to delve into the multifacetedintersections of Zack's identity as an educator, poet, and musician. As layers unfolded of hispoetic journey, we spoke of how he exists within both the punk rock and poetics realms, twoworlds that seem disparate yet share a rebellious, raw energy. The intersections came throughvividly in his work ERATO/ERRATA, where symbols like a hummingbird and a ladybug captureessence of vulnerability, presence, and resilience of the heart. Zack juxtaposes ancient wisdomwith pop culture, balancing reverence with a playful irreverence. He shared how he navigateskeeping humor as a gateway to deeper insights. His poetry rich in cinematic imagery, is inspiredby visual and cultural sources, brought this to life with its “flesh meeting flesh” motif,connecting the physical and spiritual worlds. How he crafts a contrast between spirituality andthe mundane, reflecting on the poignancy of everyday transcendence—a moment he says heexperiences himself in fleeting, unexpected ways, his humor functions as a release, a way ofeasing into profound questions. The stream-of-consciousness style we both share as writersinvites listeners into a meditative journey through identity, spirituality, and the ordinary.