bio

Shamelessly Californian poet Karyn Thurston began her public career in words with an essay, 10 True Things About the First Year of Parenthood, which swept the globe in a viral wave of reassurance and parent-to-parent support. In the years that have followed, she’s expanded her gift for the written word to cultivate growth, justice, and belonging anywhere and everywhere words are found. Her unique ability to distill a complex idea into a few clever syllables helps transform whims into verses, connects clients to customers or little kids to big concepts, and nudges clarity into the messy tangle of our everyday lives.

As poet, she’s published a handful of collections and built a thriving IG community. As lyricist, she’s had the opportunity to partner with up-and-coming musicians and songwriting legends alike, writing across genres from country barnburners to international children’s television bops. As copywriter, she works with big brands, purpose-driven non-profits, and seedling start-ups to define brand, find voice, and catalyze meaningful change. And as advocate, she co-hosts the Heathen Podcast, a soft space to land for folks leaving harmful religion behind, and creates recovery and embodiment resources for womxn and mothers grappling with the echoes of Purity Culture trauma.

Karyn can usually be found with her husband, daughter, and housemates in front of the big pink fireplace of their La Mesa, CA home studio, slinging poems and love songs out into the virtual ether, hoping they help you feel just a little bit less alone.

To purchase books or find out more about any of her projects, visit karynthurston.com.