1557: Poetry, Freedom, and 1970s Counterculture Life with WL Gertz
From shaping New York’s underground poetry scene in the 1970s to transforming travel, memory, and history into haunting verse, WL Gertz is the poet readers turn to when they want art that survives the moment. As co‑founder of Dreams magazine, he helped define the Beat generation ethos spontaneous writing, anti‑materialism, jazz rhythms, Eastern philosophy, and personal liberation. Decades later, he channels a lifetime of adventures into his two poetry collections, Broken Dreams and Land of Forgotten Fish.
You’ll hear how decades of global travel from sleeping in European hostels to attending Woodstock shaped his worldview, why travel is a confidence and character builder, and how stepping outside your comfort zone can expand your mind. WL also shares how the digital age is reviving interest in the Beats, making music, poetry, and art more accessible than ever. He reflects on what makes poetry “good,” how stream of consciousness writing captures the complexity of life, and why publishing fuels continued creativity.
Quotes:
“Travel is the ultimate teacher you leave as a boy and return as a grown man.”
“Poetry isn’t about being obvious; it’s about stirring the mind and surviving time.”
“If it feels good, do it life is too short for hesitation and regrets.”
Resources:
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 24:02 — 33.0MB) | Embed
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