Season 4
Episode 21
Victoria Dym
Author. Performer. Laughter Leader.
Victoria Dym is a graduate of Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Clown College with a degree in Humility, a Bachelor of Arts, in Philosophy, from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Masters of Fine Arts, Creative Writing-Poetry from Carlow University.
Her two poetry chapbooks, Class Clown, and When the Walls Cave In were published by Finishing Line Press in 2015 and 2018. Victoria’s chapbook, Spontaneous, was selected by Northwest Poet Laureate Katherine Nelson- Born as the winner of the 2021 Poem-A-Day Chapbook Challenge Contest, won a cash prize and subsequently was published by the West Florida Literary Federation in 2022.
Ms. Dym’s full-length manuscript, The Hatchet Sun, was published by Finishing Line Press in August 2023. Victoria was cast for the Risk! Live from Orlando storytelling show and her story, One Shot was selected for the podcast. Her short story, The Linzer Torte was published in The Scribe Magazine, January 2020 issue.
She is also an improv artist performing at the Commodore Theater, regularly, and yearly, at The Countdown Improv Festival. Her solo improv characters include The Haiku Lady and Judge Trudy. Ms. Dym is also the host and producer of Poetry on the Lighter Side, where poetry and improv intersect.
Victoria lives in Tampa Florida, where she hosts the Annual October Haiku Challenge, teaches poetry, improv, storytelling, and facilitates Laughter Yoga workshops. She is employed as a patient actor with Nova Southeastern University, USF and the University of Tampa.
Connect with Victoria on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vicdym/
Books: https://www.finishinglinepress.com/?s=Victoria+dym&post_type=product
Email: vicdympoet@gmail.com
Episode 20
Rick Writes
Spoken Word Artist. Mentor. Visionary.
Rick Writes is a first generation Mexican American who is Influenced from his life spanning the east coast. An Air Force Veteran of 11 years, he has certifications in facilitation, instruction, workplace efficiency & is a certified assistant in program management.
His poetry is formed by hard work, camaraderie, and passion for life, he hopes the scriptures he paints can leave a good image for his son. Rick has performed in Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Washington, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and South Korea.
A regional finalists both as an individual and on a team, Rick hopes that his mantra of "Universally Personally" will be a staple within the poetry community for years to come.
If you would to book Rick as a featured artist or would like 1 on 1 poetry coaching he can be reached at rickwritesthepoet@gmail.com
Episode 19
Charles Hines
Poet. Author. Actor.
Born in Richmond, Virginia and raised in Tampa, Florida, Charles was destined for the arts. From backyard boogies to commanding stages across America, his journey is anything but ordinary. With a voice that breaks chains and words that resonate deep, Charles believes art is never just entertainment—it’s a powerful form of self-expression and a lifelong commitment to the craft.
A proud graduate of the University of Central Florida, Charles majored in English with a focus on Creative Writing. It was here he found his stride as a spoken word artist, serving as President and Slam Coordinator of Project: SPIT (Student Poetry Initiating Thought), UCF’s spoken word organization. Charles took his talents across the country, performing and competing from Miami to Los Angeles.
Recent highlights include winning the Orlando Fusion Fest Slam Championship in 2020 and 2021, securing the title at the GrowHouse Tampa Gab and Jab Poetry Slam, and earning runner-up status at Slammadness 2023. He was also ranked third in the Indie Poet category at the Southern Fried Poetry Slam 2023. Charles has published two poetry collections, “Heart Feelings” and “Incomplete Poetry”, both available on Amazon.
Charles began acting in high school theater, with standout performances in over twenty productions, including “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” and “The Wedding Singer”. In college, he transitioned to film, appearing in short films like “Fresh Start” and “Visions of Love”. His professional credits include background roles in popular TV shows such as “Atlanta”, “The Resident”, and “Cobra Kai.”