TED Talks Daily (#3) Elise’s Top Ten: If I should have a daughter ... | Sarah Kay
44 snips
Sep 20, 2025 
Sarah Kay, a spoken-word poet and educator, shares her journey from a teenager at the Bowery Poetry Club to a passionate teacher. She discusses the transformative power of poetry, illustrating it with her acclaimed poem 'If I Should Have a Daughter.' Kay emphasizes using lists to unlock self-expression in students, which leads to powerful storytelling. Her performances of 'B' and 'Hiroshima' captivate listeners, revealing the depth of her artistry and dedication to inspiring the next generation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Imagined Parenting In 'Point B'
- Sarah Kay imagines parenting through a poem called "If I Should Have a Daughter," using vivid metaphors like Point B and solar systems on hands.
- Her performance blends tenderness and tough truths about heartbreak and resilience.
Use Writing To Understand Things
- Sarah Kay writes poems to figure things out and advises using creative work as a way to understand confusion.
- She recommends producing work even if it doesn't solve everything because it yields insight or new art.
First Validation At The Bowery
- At 14 Sarah discovered spoken word at the Bowery Poetry Club and was welcomed despite her age.
- A giant girl in a hoodie validated her and sparked Sarah's life-long commitment to performance poetry.