In our first episode of Matchbox, we asked a group of young writers, musicians, and actors to respond to the theme of Firsts. 

Here is what they had to say.

Esul Burton writes and Payson Whitwell reads a poem about the first pandemic and the Redwoods in California

Grace Wynter writes and Rayo Oyeyemi reads a piece of creative nonfiction about her high school’s tradition of gendered robes

Nurit Chinn writes and Maria Campos Saadi composes and performs a song about coming home after university

Juliette Neil writes and reads a story about the first time she dug a hole

Elliot writes and reads a meditation on capitalism, jobs, parents, and purpose 

Zoe Ervolino writes and sings an original song titled “Twenty First”

Intro music by Noah Goodman and cover art by Anya Pertel

To learn more and take part in Matchbox, check out our Instagram: @matchbox_podcast