Not Alone: Poetry, Mental Health & Monetization with V. Walker [Full Conversation]

We talked poetry, Substack growth, monetization, mental health—and even street buskers and butter. V. Walker joins for an episode full of real talk and zero pretension.

Tim Jagodzinski

and

V. Walker | Poet

Jul 08, 2025

This is the full conversation of “A Poetry Podcast” Episode 5! You can listen to the shorter 21 minute podcast here:

Listen to Podcast

In this episode, Tim sits down with poet and editor V. Walker to talk about poetry as connection and survival. From her early days of passing out poems at school to growing a vibrant Substack community, V. shares candid advice on building creative momentum, facing burnout, and the surprising power of writing—and sharing—an angry poem. You'll also hear her take on monetization, why Grammarly isn't enough, and how poetry helps navigate grief in all its forms. Whether you're a writer or a reader, this episode will leave you inspired and grounded.