Las Vegas – After years of living on park benches and navigating a chaotic network of shelters, food pantries and temporary services, poet Donavan LaDean has turned his experience into a source of hope for others struggling with mental‑health challenges. LaDean now hosts the weekly radio program “Next Man Up, Poetry in Motion,” which airs Sunday mornings on KUNV and is also available as a podcast.
From Streets to the Studio
LaDean’s poem “Moonlight on the Horizon” grew out of a period he describes as “very tumultuous.” He recalls moving from “pillar to post,” sleeping on bus benches and relying on community pantries for meals. “Having to live from pillar to post, going to different services, trying to find food from pantries, you name it, I’ve been there,” he said.
Faith, hope and a steady routine helped LaDean break the cycle. He emphasized the importance of consistent work, expanding his skill set and surrounding himself with supportive people. “Finding a poetry community, for example, helped me in a certain way,” he added.
Radio Show’s Mission
During a pre‑recorded session at KUNV on the UNLV campus, LaDean explained the show’s purpose: “This show will motivate, educate and inspire you with spoken word through cultural expression.” The program invites guests to share personal stories, aiming to normalize conversations about mental‑well‑being.
One such guest was Reggie Burton of the Avery Burton Foundation, who spoke about the tragic loss of his son, a 2017 UNLV graduate who died by suicide after a severe depressive episode. Burton’s heartfelt testimony underscored the urgency of community support and early intervention.
LaDean responded with a simple, “First and foremost, thoughts and prayers to your family,” before both men highlighted the power of art and dialogue in healing.
Poetry as a Path to Recovery
In “Moonlight on the Horizon,” LaDean paints a picture of moving forward with clarity: “I’m feeling good now; windows down, cool night breeze, the answer is cool now. Just as clear as the night sky.” He closes each episode with a hopeful reminder: “It’s not a farewell, it’s a catch you later. The moon on the horizon will do this, another time.”
Listeners across Nevada have responded positively, noting that the blend of spoken‑word performance and candid discussion offers a unique avenue for coping with anxiety, depression and other mental‑health concerns. Local mental‑health advocates have praised the show for providing a platform that reaches people who might not otherwise seek professional help.
Community Impact
The program’s reach extends beyond the airwaves. LaDean frequently partners with local shelters, food banks and faith‑based groups to distribute information about counseling services, crisis hotlines and community resources. By weaving personal narrative with practical guidance, he hopes to empower listeners to seek help and support one another.
As Nevada continues to confront rising rates of mental‑health emergencies, initiatives like “Next Man Up, Poetry in Motion” illustrate how grassroots creativity can complement traditional services, fostering resilience and hope in the heart of Las Vegas.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
