Poetry as Healer : An Interview with John Fox
June 14, 2014
Hosted by Marianna Cacciatore
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Guest Information
Episode Description
There is a way in which poetry reaches down into our depths and places its finger on a healing touchstone. Something happens inside and we are changed. John Fox has devoted his life to the service of poetry as healer. He is the Founder and President of The Institute for Poetic Medicine (IPM). John works with educators, counselors and therapists, doctors, nurses and medical students, those in chaplaincy and pastoral care, cancer support, those in the field of substance abuse, hospice volunteers and staff. He brings “poetic medicine” to people who are living with cancer, who are grieving, children and young people with physical disabilities. IPM funds a range of projects that bring poetry as healer to people. Those projects include people who are homeless, immigrant and refugee youth, those living with acquired brain injury and those with moderate to severe mental health challenges. John believes that there are no limits to the places where poetry can reach to do its healing work.
Bread for the Journey Radio
Archives Available on VoiceAmerica Variety Channel
Today’s news is filled with stories that break our hearts. On Bread for the Journey Radio, you’ll hear stories that help mend it back together. Join Marianna Cacciatore as she interviews ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things, often small and always meaningful, to make our world a better place. Some, like Marianna, have suffered a tragedy, and, as a result, have created something beautiful to bring others healing. Others are helping women in crisis, making life better for children living in poverty, greening their neighborhood, or any number of creative things that make their community more beautiful, healthy, and connected. These women, men and young people inspire us to think about our own lives, and what we can do to make a difference in the world. Their stories become Bread for our Journey, inspiration and nourishment for a life well lived.
Marianna Cacciatore
Most would agree Marianna Cacciatore’s life has been one well-lived. Through her work over 25 years with people who are working to bring about a better world, she has a unique vantage point from which to tell the stories we don’t generally hear in the media today. Marianna possesses the rare gift of presence, a deep listening which evokes in people the desire to tell their story.
Having suffered a childhood tragedy that spiraled downward into her teens and young adult years, she eventually turned things around and created a grief center that has brought healing to thousands of people. She recounts the full story in her book, Being There for Someone in Grief. Today, she serves as a Lifetime Emeritus Board Member of Tu Nidito in Tucson, Arizona, the parent agency for the organization she founded in 1988 called Children to Children, a Center for Children and Families in Grief.
Everyday Marianna meets ordinary people doing extraordinary things through her work as Executive Director of Bread for the Journey, a philanthropic organization with 20 locations nationally. Each volunteer-run chapter practices neighborhood philanthropy in their respective communities, helping everyday people bring their community-minded ideas to life. The Bread for the Journey vision is to nurture the seed of generosity in every human heart and Marianna’s life is a living expression of just that. Join her as she ignites the heart of generosity in you.
Episode Directory
July 2014
June 2014
- 6/28/2014: Go Inspire Go - an Interview with Toan Lam and Kala Shah Listen Now
- 6/21/2014: Writing Poetry with John Fox and Marianna Cacciatore Listen Now
- 6/14/2014: Poetry as Healer : An Interview with John Fox Listen Now
- 6/7/2014: The Inspired Heart ~ An Interview with Artist Jerry Wennstrom Listen Now
