About This Episode
In this episode, host Daniel Chacón sits down with El Paso poet and educator Richie Marrufo for a wide-ranging conversation about art, identity, and what it means to stay human in a digital world.
Marrufo reflects on the role of poetry in everyday life, the influence of border culture on his creative voice, and the importance of community-based storytelling. He also discusses his work as an educator, how he encourages young writers to find their own language, and why vulnerability on the page is an act of strength.
From spoken word stages to classrooms, Marrufo has dedicated his career to making poetry accessible and urgent. This conversation explores the intersections of culture, place, and purpose — and how the literary arts continue to shape identity along the U.S.–Mexico border.