Internationally acclaimed award-winning artist, best-selling author and performance poet - Sophia Thakur shines in this live recorded episode of the Apples and Snakes Podcast. Sophia has performed shows all over the world and tickets are always in high demand, usually selling-out within hours of going on sale. Her debut poetry book ‘Somebody Give This Heart a Pen’ became a #1 Bestseller and is included in many school curriculums. Recorded at Mason and Fifth, Yomi sits with Sophia to talk what it means to live as a poet — on and off the stage. Sophia reflects on her earliest entry points into spoken word (from Def Poetry Jam to her first performances), why certain rooms and circuits build muscle, and how her performance style evolved to an intimate, soft-power delivery. She shares her poem ‘Affirmation’, unpacking how self-affirmation, faith, and emotional honesty shape her writing process and why some pieces arrive as a “plea to myself.” The episode closes with a powerful performance video choice of Daniel Beaty’s ‘Knock Knock’, plus an honest look at poetry’s commercial possibilities and creative integrity.

Suli Breaks exudes confidence and knows how to captivate an audience.His TEDxHousesofParliament speech, viewed over 300,000 times, showcases his ability to captivate audiences with his words. His reputation as a powerful speaker has led to invitations to prestigious events such as the United Nations National Commonwealth Day. In this episode, Suli shares his journey from university open mic to the international stage. His chosen poem touches on fatherhood and fulfilment, and the fine balance of art with business. With Yomi, they watch RADI’s ‘I’ve Loved Man’ - an electrifying and honest piece on love and betrayal.

Word. Power. Sound. These are the connotations synonymous with El Crisis. Known for his fusion of rap, chant, gospel, song and storytelling, El Crisis has been described as a “modern day Griot and Bard” and has a substantial catalogue of works that spans over 67 pieces. In this episode, the conversation takes an analytical look at how community and music build the voice. He shares his poem ‘Free man’ and together they discuss performance as a form of ancestral connection, staying present in the moment, and the tension between giving to the scene and receiving recognition in return.