Wizard Academy Alumnus Matt Mason is the New Nebraska State Poet

This week’s special guest, Matt Mason, was recently appointed by Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts to be the state’s official poet.

It’s a position whose roots date back to 1921 and highlights the fact that the Cornhusker state is quite fertile ground for literary creativity.

For almost ten years, Matt has served as executive director of the Nebraska Writers Collective, a nonprofit group that promotes poets in the schools and organizes quality poetry programs for adults.

As the Nebraska State Poet, Matt plans to travel the state – from schools to prisons – sharing his love of poetry, supporting the state’s writers, and inspiring Nebraskans from all walks of life to express themselves creatively.

As Monday Morning Radio host and reputation coach Dean Rotbart – himself a Pulitzer Prize nominee when he wrote for The Wall Street Journal – points out, Matt joins a lengthy honor roll of Wizard Academy graduates who have been recognized globally for their creativity and professional excellence.

Rotbart explores the role of creativity in society with Matt and asks him to explain why the arts matter.  You’ll want to hear his answer.

And, you’ll also want to hear his exclusive reading of a chapter from his latest book, The Baby That Are Cincinnati. So be sure to listen – or if time is short, skip – to the end of this week’s episode.

 

Photo: Matt Mason, Nebraska State Poet
Posted: March 12, 201
Monday Morning Run Time: 38:22