Jun 15, 2018
Elise’s guest today is Cowboy poet laureate and published author, Charles “Smokey” Culver. Charles has written over 500 poems and his most recent book — A Wrap and a Hooey — was nominated as the cowboy poetry book of the year. Beyond his poetry, Charles is an expert witness in court cases, a volunteer worker at Habitat for Horses, an avid photographer, and a singer and songwriter.
Charles main passion -- cowboy poetry -- is a form of poetry that first grew out of a tradition created by cowboys and hands working on cattle drives and ranches. After a long, hard day of work, they would gather around a campfire and entertain one another with tall tales and folk songs.
This episode, Charles “Smokey” Culver tells us all about cowboy poetry, the cowboy lifestyle, and the Cowboy Code; his range of passions and the work he does outside of writing; his life philosophies; and some of the many reasons he loves poetry. Charles also recites several of his poems ... from beautiful, to nostalgic, to absolutely hilarious — he can do it all.
Topics of Discussion:
[:45] About Elise’s guest today.
[1:12] What is “cowboy poetry?”
[2:30] Why Charles thinks the cowboy lifestyle is still thriving and what attracts new poetry fans.
[3:39] What about cowboy poetry lends itself so well to music?
[4:50] The themes that resonate with Charles.
[6:59] Charles shares one of his favorite poems.
[8:10] Reading listener feedback!
[9:31] The opportunity for connection through sharing cowboy poetry.
[10:50] Why Charles believes that the stories told in cowboy poetry still resonate with people in modern society.
[14:58] What Charles loves about the Cowboy Code.
[17:45] About Charles’s work as an expert witness in court cases.
[19:12] About Charles’s regular volunteer work at Habitat for Horses.
[20:20] Where Charles’s philosophy on life came from.
[21:55] Where does Charles get his overabundance of creativity?
[23:32] What drew Charles to poetry when he was a young teenager?
[24:40] A poem Charles wrote about cowboys’ sensitive, loving nature.
[26:40] A preview of next week’s episode.
[28:04] The hilarious side of cowboy poetry: Charles shares a funny poem, told at his own expense.
[31:27] Performances and venues that have stood out to Charles.
[32:35] Advice Charles would give to prospective poets.
[34:02] Where to find Charles’ work and his upcoming events.
[34:34] Charles’ final thoughts on poetry and life, in general.
Know Someone Inspirational, Whose Life Has Been Forever Changed Because of Horses? Because of Horses would love to get to share their story!
To recommend someone please send an email to elise@becauseofhorses.com.
Discover More About this Week’s Guest — Charles “Smokey” Culver
Bobwire Poetry by Smokey Culver (Facebook Page)
Mentioned in this Episode:
National Cowboy Poetry Gathering
A Wrap and a Hooey, by Smokey Culver
Bobwire Poetry by Smokey Culver (Facebook Page)
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