<p>Guest host and poet <a href="https://makesmesodigress.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Kim Mannix</a> sits down with poet and digital media artist <a href="https://kyleflemmer.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Kyle Flemmer</a> for an in-depth conversation about his latest poetry collection, <em>Supergiants</em>, published by <a href="https://bookstore.wolsakandwynn.ca/products/supergiants" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Wolsak and Wynn</a>. </p><p>In this engaging episode, Kim and Kyle delve into the unique intersections of poetry, science, and visual art that define Kyle’s work, offering listeners a glimpse into the mind of a writer who is constantly pushing the boundaries of literary form.</p><p>Kyle shares the inspiration behind <a href="https://bookstore.wolsakandwynn.ca/products/supergiants" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"><em>Supergiants</em></a>, his recent collection published by Wolsak and Wynn in 2025, and how it draws heavily from the awe and mystery of astronomy. Kyle explains how the vastness of the cosmos and the intricate systems of the digital world serve as both metaphor and method in his poetry. He describes his fascination with the language of science and how it informs the experimental structures found throughout the book, from visual poems that mimic star charts to pieces that play with the logic of computer code.</p><p>Kim notes that Kyle has quotes from poets Diane Ackerman and <a href="https://www.alicemajor.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Alice Major</a> at the opening of his book. Kyle says, &quot;Yes, Alice Major is a big influence on my writing as well [and] her poem &#39;Let us compare Cosmologies&#39; from her book <a href="https://www.alicemajor.com/standard-candles" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"><em>Standard Candles</em></a>. I think I had read the Ackerman book (The Planets: A Cosmic Pastoral)first and was like, &quot;Wow, that&#39;s an amazing ideal to aspire to in my own work.&quot; And then reading Alice Major, I realized, &quot;I know this person! This is something that I could do. It belongs and it fits in our community. And so I feel like maybe Diane Ackerman is my poetic godmother, and Alice Major is more like my poetic mom herself.&quot;</p><p>Kim and Kyle explore the creative process behind <em>Supergiants</em>, touching on the challenges and rewards of blending scientific concepts with poetic expression. Kyle offers insights into how he balances rigorous research with imaginative leaps, and how his background in digital media art allows him to experiment with form in ways that invite readers to engage with poetry on multiple sensory levels. </p><p>The conversation also highlights the collaborative nature of Kyle’s work, as he discusses the importance of feedback from peers and mentors in shaping the final manuscript.</p><p>He looks at the feminist themes woven throughout <em>Supergiants</em>, and reflects on his commitment to challenging traditional narratives within both science and poetry, and how he seeks to amplify marginalized voices through his work. He shares how feminist theory has influenced his approach to authorship, representation, and the ethics of artistic creation, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and critical engagement in contemporary literature.</p><p>Listeners are treated to live readings of selected poems from Supergiants, with Kyle providing context and commentary on each piece. These readings showcase the collection’s innovative use of language, form, and imagery, inviting the audience to experience the wonder and complexity of the universe through a poetic lens.</p><p>The episode concludes with a preview of Kyle’s upcoming projects, including new experiments in digital poetry and collaborative art. Kyle expresses his ongoing commitment to expanding the boundaries of what poetry can be, encouraging listeners to embrace curiosity and openness in their own creative pursuits. </p><p>If you’re a longtime poetry lover or new to experimental literature, this episode offers thought-provoking into into new imaginative territories.</p>