

Safiya Sinclair
Jamaican poet and writer whose memoir, "How to Say Babylon," details her experiences growing up in a Rastafari family.
Top 5 podcasts with Safiya Sinclair
Ranked by the Snipd community

23 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 9min
"Marigolds," a poem about wonder | Safiya Sinclair
In a captivating discussion, poet Safiya Sinclair shares her impactful poem, "Marigolds: A Letter to Wonder," which beautifully interweaves themes of memory and nature. She reflects on the innocence of childhood and the sacred bonds nurtured in gardens, particularly under a cherry tree. Discussing her writing process, Sinclair highlights the unpredictable nature of inspiration and the profound influence of her mother on her artistic journey. The dialogue offers insights into the duality of creativity, contrasting instinctual poetry with structured memoir writing.

10 snips
May 22, 2019 • 33min
Safiya Sinclair Reads Natalie Diaz
Safiya Sinclair discusses Natalie Diaz's poem 'From the Desire Field' & her own 'Gospel of the Misunderstood' on the New Yorker Poetry Podcast. They explore magical imagery, themes of desire, and the influence of Jamaican heritage on poetry.

Dec 10, 2024 • 57min
Safiya Sinclair: Rewriting Roots
Safiya Sinclair, a Jamaican-American poet and author of "How to Say Babylon," shares her journey of growing up in a Rasta family in Montego Bay. She discusses the intertwining of personal identity with Jamaican national history and the Rastafari movement's influence on her upbringing. Safiya reflects on the power of poetry for self-discovery and breaking free from familial expectations. She also explores themes of gender roles, the balance of agency and submission, and the impact of storytelling in shaping aspirations.

Dec 9, 2024 • 32min
Breaking Free From Family Beliefs
Safiya Sinclair, a talented writer and poet from Jamaica, shares her journey of breaking free from a strict Rastafari upbringing. She dives into the challenges of escaping her father's oppressive rules and the exploration of her identity. Discover how poetry became her outlet for self-expression, empowering her even through transformative moments like cutting her dreadlocks. Safiya's story is a compelling testament to personal growth and the quest for individuality amidst familial expectations.

Mar 25, 2024 • 54min
Gilded Age - 25 March 2024
Jamaican writer Safiya Sinclair shares her escape from a difficult childhood ruled by her father through poetry. Topics include the origin of the egg cream drink, a cute dimple in someone's chin called a 'chimple', and the naming conventions of lakes. The hosts explore phrases, poetry, and word origins, engaging in playful wordplay throughout the show.