Podcast // ‘Amplify Your Voice with Luka Lesson’
During the pandemic, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Krista from The Authentic Audience Podcast. Our conversation wandered through the landscapes of poetry, activism, and the ancient stories that have shaped my work. And it is still one of my favourite conversations I’ve had through these kinds of channels.
As a poet with Greek heritage, I've always been fascinated by the epic poems and myths of Ancient Greece. Their narratives have become a well of inspiration, helping me bridge the gap between contemporary issues and age-old wisdom. It's a beautiful dance between the present and the past, and I find myself constantly learning from it.
During our chat, we delved into what makes poetry powerful. I've come to believe that true impact often emerges from our most vulnerable places. It's not always comfortable, but it's in those raw, honest moments that we connect most deeply with others through our words.
My journey as a performance poet has taught me so much about the power of voice - not just my own, but everyone's. There's something magical about helping others find their unique way of expressing themselves, whether through spoken word or on the page. It's a privilege to witness people discover the strength of their own stories.
One project I'm particularly excited about is a hip-hop adaptation of Homer's Odyssey, which I've been working on for a while now. It's a challenging endeavour, but it's epic to see how these ancient tales can be reimagined for today's audience. I draw inspiration from works like Hamilton, which showed us all how classical stories can be revolutionised through modern art forms.
Before the pandemic hit, I was fortunate enough to travel widely, performing and hosting workshops. Some of my fondest memories are from the retreats I held in my ancestral village on Rhodes. While the world changed throughout the pandemic, the need for connection and expression remained the same. That's why I explored new ways to reach out, including through online platforms.
Poetry, for me, is more than just words on a page or a performance on stage. It's a way of seeing the world, of processing our experiences, and of reaching out to others. Whether you're a seasoned writer or someone who's never written a poem before, I believe we all have something valuable - if not, crucial.. to say.
Key topics covered in our conversation:
• The influence of Ancient Greek poetry and mythology on modern storytelling
• The importance of vulnerability in creating impactful poetry
• My experience as a performance poet and how it shapes my approach to teaching
• The process of adapting Homer's Odyssey into a hip-hop performance
• Balancing traditional narratives with contemporary art forms
• The power of poetry workshops and educational programs in empowering others
• How my Greek heritage informs my work and perspective
• The transition from in-person performances and retreats to online platforms
• The universal nature of storytelling and its ability to connect people
• The role of poetry in processing personal experiences and societal issues
• Advice for aspiring poets and writers on finding their unique voice
Luka is a poet, rapper, Australian Poetry Slam Champion and Ancient History buff who can’t keep his hands off the classics. Luka has toured extensively throughout the world and is often bouncing ideas off Athenian columns and global politics as he finds his way, giving commentary on life and writing as a modern philosopher, performer and full-time poet.
Luka Lesson draws on his creative powers to either create new poetry inspired by conversations with guests from across the planet, or do a deep dive into his own catalogue of poetry and rap verses, using them as a sounding board for new conversations. His own Greek heritage and the histories of the people he speaks to often filter through, as well as his love of story, mythology, social change and visions for the future.
