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From Vietnam to Poetry: Robert Bliss's Journey of Survival and Self-Expression

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Manage episode 507891922 series 2947614
Content provided by Elsa Kurt. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Elsa Kurt or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Robert Bliss, a decorated US Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, shares his extraordinary journey from a troubled childhood to becoming an accomplished American poet, photographer, and editor. Through raw, honest conversation, he reveals how surviving Vietnam and finding solace in nature shaped his creative perspective and spiritual outlook.
• Experienced a "riches to rags" childhood, going from a comfortable life to living under boardwalks and stealing to survive
• Found safety at the Johnny Andrus Children's Home after being rescued by social services
• Joined the Marines after high school and volunteered for Vietnam combat at age 18
• Nearly died on September 21, 1967, when a mortar round landed at his feet during an intense firefight
• Returned home to face apathy and poor treatment as a Vietnam veteran
• Discovered healing and inspiration in the Catskill Mountains, where nature became central to his poetry
• Views poetry as coming "from the soul," requiring emotional honesty to create meaningful work
• Currently writing his autobiography to preserve his unique life experiences
• Offers encouragement to aspiring writers: "Put a few words on paper, see where it goes"
• Believes in the healing power of creative expression and finding beauty in life despite past trauma
Robert's books of poetry capture both the darkness of war and the healing beauty of nature. Check out "The Poetry of Bliss" and watch for his upcoming autobiography.
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Elsa's AMAZON STORE
Elsa's FAITH & FREEDOM MERCH STORE

Elsa's BOOKS
Elsa Kurt: You may know her for her uncanny, viral Kamala Harris impressions & conservative comedy skits, but she’s also a lifelong Patriot & longtime Police Wife. She has channeled her fierce love and passion for God, family, country, and those who serve as the creator, Executive Producer & Host of the Elsa Kurt Show with Clay Novak. Her show discusses today’s topics & news from a middle class/blue collar family & conservative perspective. The vocal LEOW’s career began as a multi-genre author who has penned over 25 books, including twelve contemporary women’s novels.

Clay Novak: Clay Novak was commissioned in 1995 as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry and served as an officer for twenty four years in Mechanized Infantry, Airborne Infantry, and Cavalry units . He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2019. Clay is a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School and is a Master Rated Parachutist, serving for more th...

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Chapters

1. Meeting Marine Veteran Robert Bliss (00:00:00)

2. Riches to Rags: A Difficult Childhood (00:05:14)

3. From Marines to Vietnam Combat (00:13:35)

4. Nearly Killed: September 21, 1967 (00:22:37)

5. Coming Home: Veterans' Treatment (00:27:06)

6. Finding Peace in the Catskills (00:34:21)

7. Photography, Poetry, and Creative Process (00:41:30)

8. Working on His Memoir and Final Thoughts (00:45:47)

277 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 507891922 series 2947614
Content provided by Elsa Kurt. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Elsa Kurt or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Robert Bliss, a decorated US Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, shares his extraordinary journey from a troubled childhood to becoming an accomplished American poet, photographer, and editor. Through raw, honest conversation, he reveals how surviving Vietnam and finding solace in nature shaped his creative perspective and spiritual outlook.
• Experienced a "riches to rags" childhood, going from a comfortable life to living under boardwalks and stealing to survive
• Found safety at the Johnny Andrus Children's Home after being rescued by social services
• Joined the Marines after high school and volunteered for Vietnam combat at age 18
• Nearly died on September 21, 1967, when a mortar round landed at his feet during an intense firefight
• Returned home to face apathy and poor treatment as a Vietnam veteran
• Discovered healing and inspiration in the Catskill Mountains, where nature became central to his poetry
• Views poetry as coming "from the soul," requiring emotional honesty to create meaningful work
• Currently writing his autobiography to preserve his unique life experiences
• Offers encouragement to aspiring writers: "Put a few words on paper, see where it goes"
• Believes in the healing power of creative expression and finding beauty in life despite past trauma
Robert's books of poetry capture both the darkness of war and the healing beauty of nature. Check out "The Poetry of Bliss" and watch for his upcoming autobiography.
Support the show

Elsa's AMAZON STORE
Elsa's FAITH & FREEDOM MERCH STORE

Elsa's BOOKS
Elsa Kurt: You may know her for her uncanny, viral Kamala Harris impressions & conservative comedy skits, but she’s also a lifelong Patriot & longtime Police Wife. She has channeled her fierce love and passion for God, family, country, and those who serve as the creator, Executive Producer & Host of the Elsa Kurt Show with Clay Novak. Her show discusses today’s topics & news from a middle class/blue collar family & conservative perspective. The vocal LEOW’s career began as a multi-genre author who has penned over 25 books, including twelve contemporary women’s novels.

Clay Novak: Clay Novak was commissioned in 1995 as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry and served as an officer for twenty four years in Mechanized Infantry, Airborne Infantry, and Cavalry units . He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2019. Clay is a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School and is a Master Rated Parachutist, serving for more th...

  continue reading

Chapters

1. Meeting Marine Veteran Robert Bliss (00:00:00)

2. Riches to Rags: A Difficult Childhood (00:05:14)

3. From Marines to Vietnam Combat (00:13:35)

4. Nearly Killed: September 21, 1967 (00:22:37)

5. Coming Home: Veterans' Treatment (00:27:06)

6. Finding Peace in the Catskills (00:34:21)

7. Photography, Poetry, and Creative Process (00:41:30)

8. Working on His Memoir and Final Thoughts (00:45:47)

277 episodes

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