In this episode of Nat's Sidewalk Stories, I explore the intersection of poetry and native plants with Ann Wallace, Jersey City's former poet laureate, and Kim Correro, a passionate advocate for native plants. Together, they host The Wild Story podcast, connecting ecological awareness with artistic expression. We discuss finding nature in urban landscapes, how slowing down leads to remarkable discoveries, and why both poetry and native gardening offer paths to hope in challenging times.

For the full shownotes and photos and more information etc. check out https://natkalbach.substack.com/

Meet the Guests

Ann Wallace is a poet, professor of English at New Jersey City University, and Jersey City's 2023-2024 poet laureate. Her most recent book, "These Days of Grace and Silence, A Chronicle of Covid Long Haul," documents her experience with Long Covid through poetry. Ann is the co-host of The Wild Story podcast and a dedicated gardener.

Instagram: @annwallace409

Website: annwallacepoet.com

Kim Correro is the volunteer program director for the Native Plant Society of New Jersey and a professional publicist with 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry. A passionate advocate for biodiversity, Kim leads various restoration projects throughout Jersey City and co-hosts The Wild Story podcast.

Instagram: @kimcorrero

About This Episode

We explore how a century-old religious statue workshop transformed into one of Jersey City's most intimate jazz venues while maintaining its creative spirit. Ted Chubb shares how The Statuary brings world-class musicians and neighbors together in a unique home setting.

Meet Ted Chubb

Ted Chubb is a trumpeter, educator, and co-owner of The Statuary with his wife Rachel. A Jersey City resident for 17 years, Ted teaches at Princeton University and has performed with jazz luminaries across the globe. His passion for making jazz accessible led him to transform their historic Heights home into a venue where audiences and musicians connect without barriers.

more info, show notes, links and pictures at https://natkalbach.substack.com/

About This Episode

In this conversation, we explore the creative journey of Jersey City native Irene Christodoulakis, whose work spans from grassroots art initiatives to major HBO productions, and how deep roots in a place can inspire authentic storytelling.

Meet Irene Christodoulakis

Irene is a screenwriter, gallery assistant at Art House Gallery, and film industry professional who grew up in Greenville, Jersey City. Her award-winning screenplay about underground women's boxing set in 1930s Jersey City reflects her interest in telling stories of people who attempted to be trailblazers but didn't succeed, drawing inspiration from historical context while setting stories in familiar places, while her work on sets of shows like The Penguin and The Gilded Age showcases her success in the broader creative world.
For shownotes, videos and photos connected to the conversation and more information please visit https://natkalbach.substack.com/