eMerge Unchained

In this episode of eMerge Unchained, host Aubrey Green sits down with poet, children’s book author, and friend, Kelley Morris as they bounce from poetry forms to conferences to what poets they’re currently reading (there is one collection they have in common). Together, they explore the magic of imagination, the lost art of finding shapes in the clouds, and the experiences that first drew Kelley to poetry. She also opens up about the challenges of submitting work, the intimidating natur...

In this episode of eMerge Unchained, host Aubrey Green sits down with writer and professor Paul Juhasz for a candid and often darkly funny conversation about storytelling, teaching, and survival. Paul talks about his upcoming poetry collection Catabasis, a descent through despair toward unexpected light, and how decades of living with bipolar depression uniquely prepared him to guide others through modern disillusionment. He also shares glimpses into his sprawling new novel-in-progress, where...

In this episode of eMerge Unchained, host Chad Gurley speaks with writer Martin Perlman about the art and discipline of storytelling — from first drafts and rewrites to the quiet power of subtext. Together, they explore how dialogue reveals character, how tension often lives in what’s left unsaid, and why rewriting isn’t just editing but rediscovery. Martin reflects on the writer’s process — letting imagination lead, finding rhythm in revision, and embracing the mysterious way characters seem...

In this episode of eMerge Unchained, special guest host Chad Gurley sits down with playwright, fiction writer, poet, and creative powerhouse Alaina Hammond to explore the intersections of storytelling, philosophy, and personal transformation. From staging her first play at 14 years old to seeing her work performed off-off-Broadway, Alaina shares the joy, vulnerability, and unexpected humor behind writing for the stage while discussing the delicate balance between creative control and collabor...

In this episode of eMerge Unchained, host Aubrey Green sits down with writer, librarian, and lifelong learner David Corbly. From flash fiction to fish fart wars, David shares his eclectic journey through storytelling, touching on children's books, nonfiction curiosities, playwriting, and deeply personal reflections. With humor and humility, he talks about his career in librarianship, his passion for research, and how deadlines (and his closet!) inspire his best writing. David also opens...

In this episode of eMerge Unchained, Aubrey Green chats with Kolby Granville, founder and editor-in-chief of After Dinner Conversation, a unique magazine that delves into ethical and philosophical questions through short fiction. Kolby shares the inspiration behind his magazine, the importance of sparking thoughtful discussions, and how storytelling can challenge our perspectives on difficult topics. Tune in for an engaging conversation about literature, ethics, and the power of stories...

In this episode of eMerge Unchained, host Aubrey Green sits down with writer and candy-maker Uriah Greer for a conversation as layered and lyrical as the confections he crafts. Uriah reflects on his path from skeptical middle-school reader to emotionally attuned poet and prose writer—one shaped by personal loss, a deep respect for craftsmanship, and an ever-present desire to turn the bitter into something sweet. Together, they explore how poetry became a tool for healing after his mother’s de...

In this episode of eMerge Unchained, host Aubrey Green sits down with poet and retired professor Todd Sukany, a self-described “sentence nerd” with a deep love for structure, clarity, and the occasional hidden truth. Todd shares his journey from teaching freshman comp and linguistics to discovering poetry through the encouragement of colleagues and the quiet pressure of monthly deadlines. A lover of Proverbs, Tang poets, and early morning runs, Todd reflects on his shift from writing “poetry-...