Podcast // Nardean
Nardean shares candidly about her teenage years and her journey to feminism. We delve into a frank discussion about religion, with Nardean expressing her concerns and criticisms of religious institutions, drawing on the philosophy of Herman Hesse to support her perspective.
Nardean offers a compelling viewpoint on the interplay between darkness and light, challenging conventional notions and exploring the nuances of this duality. She also provides valuable insights into the effects of sexual and emotional repression in society, offering a fresh and honest take on these often-taboo subjects.
I contribute to this dialogue by sharing my insights on the roots of sexism and patriarchy in the Greek church, adding a historical and cultural dimension to our conversation on gender roles and religion.
We discuss the power of embracing one's uniqueness and how it can become a strength in artistic expression. The dialogue on workshop processes and artistic discipline provides valuable insights for aspiring artists and writers, while the exploration of my bootcamp facilitation style offers a glimpse into the intense and focused approach to creativity.
I also discuss one of my favorite books, "Deep Work" by Cal Newport, and how its principles have influenced my approach to creative work and productivity.
As is tradition on the Luka Lesson Podcast, I close the episode with a special treat for my people. I perform a previously unreleased triptych entitled "Church," which resonates with the themes of our discussion and adds another layer to this already rich episode.
This diverse episode offers a glimpse into the minds of artists who aren't afraid to challenge conventions, as well as practical insights into the creative process and the discipline it requires. Whether you're a fan of hip-hop, poetry, or simply appreciate unique voices in music, Nardean's insights and our multifaceted conversation will leave you inspired and intrigued.
My people, tune in to experience the unexpected, challenge your perceptions, and celebrate the power of diverse voices in the world of art and music. This episode is a testament to the beauty that emerges when artists stay true to their unique vision and experiences, and the value of structured, focused approaches to creativity.
My people, in this eclectic episode of the Luka Lesson Podcast, I sit down with the incredibly talented Nardean, an artist whose voice is as rich and engaging as her story.
Born and bred in Western Sydney, Nardean brings a unique flavor to the Australian music scene. Her artistry is a fascinating blend of rap, poetry, and melody, creating a sound that's as diverse as the city she calls home.
Throughout our wide-ranging conversation, we explore the many facets of Nardean's creative journey, resulting in an episode that's as multifaceted as her music.
Our conversation covers a broad spectrum of topics, much like Nardean's music, creating an episode that's both thought-provoking and entertaining.
Our discussion delves into:
• Nardean's experiences in the Australian music industry
• The influence of Western Sydney on her art and perspective
• Her teenage years and the normalization of gender roles in her upbringing
• Nardean's realization that she doesn't have to do anything a man says and her intentional embrace of feminism
• The intersection of rap, poetry, and melody in her work
• Workshop processes and the creative journey
• The challenge of managing distractions in the creative process
• My bootcamp style of facilitating workshops and its impact
• The importance of discipline in our artistic practices
• The concept of "Deep Work" by Cal Newport and its influence on my creative process
• My insights on how sexism and patriarchy are founded in the church in Greece
• Our discussion on religion and the aspects Nardean doesn't appreciate about religious institutions
• Nardean's reference to Herman Hesse's philosophy in her critique of religion
• Nardean's insightful perspective on the dichotomy of darkness versus light
• Her thoughts on sexual and emotional repression in society
The episode ends with a reading of a new kind of poem for me: “Church”.
C H U R C H
I
Listen.
I’d rather be a pagan
and stick to my common sense
then call myself a Christian
and be part of the common threat
If the patriarchal system
that still wants to keep women in the kitchen
developed a global system
that tells them to sit and just listen
Then are those doves perched on the spires
or are there just pigeons?
Is that love that’s got us inspired
or are we imprisoned?
Tell me:
How much does it cost
to rest all your blessings
on the shoulders of your sins?
That’s what I’d ask the soldiers
before their massacre begins
II
I have a question.
What’s more important for you as a Christian:
For your child to be baptised?
Or to save another’s child from a boat that’s been capsised?
III
Speak up.
If Australia is largely Christian then
I guess being locked in detention
has become a traditional Aussie Christening?
Seems like nobody is listening
to their own lessening, they hear:
Love thy neighbour
Turn the other cheek
Karma is immediate
you don’t have to wait for it to come
if you incite hatred with your speech
karma’s already living in your lungs
Trust me.
They say:
do unto others as you would have them do unto you
so I guess it’s cool
if we spread lies in the news
and swear that it’s the truth?
Or separate you from your children
lock them in a booth
charge them with terrorism
just because they look like you
Or how about if we made a Christmas cake
and laced it deep with arsenic
and gave it to your family
buried their bodies like we were gardening
and since there’d be no witnesses except the killers
- then we’d pardon them
and keep celebrating Christmas
like they weren’t the ones that martyred them
Damn. That’s the history of the continent.
Eesh. That’s a missionary’s consequence.
Oof. That’s the bible and its operatives.
Sshh. That’s the silence of cooperatives.
Preach.
-Luka Lesson
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.
