The Daily cover image

The Daily

The Sunday Read: ‘The Kidnapped Child Who Became a Poet’

Sep 24, 2023
In this conversation, poet Shane McCrae opens up about his traumatic childhood as a kidnapped child raised in a racist environment. Shane's memoir, "Pulling the Chariot of the Sun," chronicles his quest for identity and healing through poetry. Wyatt Mason, a contributing writer, adds depth as they discuss how art can emerge from personal pain. The duo explores themes of familial disconnect and the emotional aftermath of abduction, highlighting Shane's journey from trauma to poetic expression and the struggle for recognition in his family.
37:49

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The memoir, 'Pulling the Chariot of the Sun,' written by Shane McCrae, explores the complexities of his biography and the enduring impact of his childhood kidnapping, highlighting the need for understanding and healing.
  • Shane McCrae's journey to becoming a prolific poet reveals the power of dedication and self-education, as he developed his craft through rigorous reading and discipline, eventually publishing 13 collections of accomplished verse.

Deep dives

Shane McCray's Childhood and Kidnapping

The podcast episode explores the extraordinary events of Shane McCray's childhood when he was kidnapped from his black father by his white maternal grandparents at the age of three. McCray was raised under the false belief that his father had abandoned him and was brought up in a racist household. The memoir, 'Pulling the Chariot of the Sun,' written by McCray, delves into the complexities of his biography and the long-lasting impact of his kidnapping.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode