Modern Athenas

In this episode, we are joined by a guest, Alekzandra, or Alleigh, Thoms. Alleigh is co-host Sonja’s niece and an artist who enjoys drawing, painting, sculpting and writing. She is about to enter her second year at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Alleigh recently self-published a book of poetry entitled "If the grass can hold its ground, so can I" that addresses mental illness and other challenges faced by college women today, such as sexual assault. Her hope is that the unapologetic spotlight of her words on these issues that have been kept in the darkness for far too long can inspire dialogue and hope. INDEX0:00 Introduction1:31 Poem: a beginner’s guide to getting up in the morning6:18 Poem: How’s tricks?11:45 Poem: no rest without love16:11 Poem: the tango misogyny22:54 Poems: Long Live Lexapro / To F33:53 Poem: The Gospel of the Sun36:09 Closing Questions41:00 Outro and Next Episode Buy Alleigh’s book: http://www.lulu.com/shop/alekzandra-thoms/if-the-grass-can-hold-its-g