Episode Summary: Judy Collins, "Sometimes It's Heaven: Poems of Love, Loss, and Redemption"
Release Date: July 21, 2025
Podcast: Totally Booked with Zibby
Host: Zibby Owens
Introduction to Judy Collins and Her Work
In this heartfelt episode, Zibby Owens welcomes the legendary singer-songwriter and author, Judy Collins, to discuss her latest poetry collection, Sometimes It's Heaven: Poems of Love, Loss, and Redemption. Judy Collins, renowned for her contributions to folk music and her profound lyrical storytelling, delves into the inspirations and emotional depths behind her new work.
Notable Quote:
"Judy Collins has long inspired audiences with sublime vocals, boldly vulnerable songwriting, personal life triumphs and a firm commitment to social activism."
[00:00]
Inspiration Behind the Poetry Collection
Judy Collins opens up about the personal experiences that fueled the creation of her poetry book. The collection is a tribute to her late husband, Louis, who passed away in December of the previous year due to an undiagnosed cancer. She shares the challenging journey of grief and how writing became a therapeutic outlet for her.
Notable Quotes:
"This book is really dedicated to him."
[04:49]
"I started and I actually did 365 poems in 365 days."
[05:10]
"When I was finished, they sat around for a while. I made some. I turned a few of them into songs..."
[05:20]
The Creative Process and Publication
Judy discusses her disciplined approach to writing, highlighting the challenge she set for herself to write one poem each day for a year. This endeavor not only honed her poetic skills but also provided a substantial body of work that eventually became her published collection.
She elaborates on the publishing journey, detailing how her team selected the title from one of her poems and the thoughtful decision to use a personal photograph from her youth as the book cover, symbolizing her lifelong dedication to music and writing.
Notable Quote:
"We found a publisher... they decided they usually don't put a picture on the cover."
[06:30]
"I was 13 in my dress, in which I was playing Mozart with the symphony orchestra for my teachers."
[06:45]
Exploring Themes of Loss and Redemption
A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the themes of loss and redemption in her poetry. Judy shares deeply personal anecdotes about her son, Clark, who tragically took his own life in 1992, and recounts the enduring impact of this loss on her life and work.
Notable Quotes:
"I'll stay here where they know my name where shadows have no one to blame..."
[16:07]
"I feel left in the dark a little bit because I'm not having as many dreams as I would."
[12:55]
Judy reflects on how her personal tragedies have shaped her understanding of life and death, infusing her poetry with a sense of peace and acceptance despite the pain.
Reflections on Fame and Friendships
Judy offers her insights on fame, discussing how it has affected her personal relationships and the transient nature of friendships within the entertainment industry. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining meaningful connections and the challenges of sustaining long-term relationships amidst public life.
Notable Quote:
"The life of an artist is what I've been given. And that means lots of work and lots of travel."
[24:00]
Coping with Adversity and Personal Growth
Throughout the interview, Judy candidly discusses her struggles with mental health, including a suicide attempt at age 14 and her battle with alcoholism, from which she has been sober for 47 years. She attributes much of her resilience to her Buddhist beliefs and the supportive network of friends and family.
Notable Quotes:
"I'm a recovering alcoholic, for I've been sober for 47 years."
[27:20]
"It's not easy always, but it's simple."
[37:06]
Legacy and Future Projects
Looking forward, Judy shares her plans to preserve her late husband's legacy by ensuring his archives are properly maintained and accessible. She expresses a desire to continue writing and possibly turning some of her poems into films, highlighting her enduring passion for storytelling and creativity.
Notable Quote:
"He was very much a part of my work because he had always was suggesting things, working on things..."
[30:43]
Closing Thoughts
The episode concludes with Judy expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share her work and experiences. Zibby Owens wraps up the conversation by emphasizing the profound impact of Judy's poetry and her unwavering strength in the face of personal loss.
Notable Quote:
"Spend your time and energy on things that actually matter to you. Remember what's already good and stay curious about what could be good."
[37:06]
Conclusion
This episode offers a deep and moving exploration of Judy Collins' Sometimes It's Heaven, providing listeners with an intimate glimpse into her life, creative process, and the powerful themes of love, loss, and redemption that permeate her work. Judy's candid reflections serve as an inspiring testament to resilience and the healing power of art.
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- Website: zibbymedia.com
- Instagram: @zibbyowens
Thank you for tuning into Totally Booked with Zibby. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the podcast, and don’t forget to purchase Judy Collins' new poetry collection!