Wordfest presents Josie Balka

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From her soundproof closet to the Wordfest stage comes Calgary’s own Josie Balka and her debut book of heartwarming poetry, I Hope You Remember: Poems on Loving, Longing and Living. Radio host by day, content creator and writer by night, Josie’s poems are at turns relatable, humorous, and poignant. Josie shares herself genuinely and generously with her hundreds of thousands of followers, and she’s ready to blow her hometown away. Says actor John Stamos, "This book is a gift to the world, and I'm honoured to share in its magic." Pre-orders from Slow Burn Books have now closed but there will be copies of I Hope You Remember available for purchase at the event, while supplies last. 

As the only Canadian stop on her book tour, this exclusive launch event features a conversation, hosted by Virgin Radio morning host Danaye Maier, audience Q&A, book signing, selfies with Josie, and complimentary cool treats from Village Ice Cream. Oh, and there will be celebratory libations available for purchase, care of Dandy Brewing Company.

We’d like to thank Simon & Schuster Canada for making it possible to connect you with Josie Balka.

About I Hope You Remember: Poems on Loving, Longing and Living

For fans of Rupi Kaur and Cleo Wade, this first collection of poetry from the viral TikTok poet Josie Balka, evokes themes of nostalgia, love, envy, and hope, speaking to the universal longings that live deep in our souls.

I’ve never seen anyone at a public pool with a memorable enough body, good or bad, that I think about it ever again.

If this line sounds familiar, it’s because you’ve heard it in the background of thousands of videos on social media—a humbling reminder from poet and radio personality Josie Balka that what’s important in our lives now isn’t necessarily what’s important to us in the long run.

I Hope You Remember, Balka’s first book of poetry, includes this poem and over eighty others, some previously published and others never shared before. Every page in this collection hits home, rhapsodizing on universal experiences like jealousy, family relationships, complex body image, falling in and out of love (with others and yourself), and the everchanging lens of nostalgia. With sparse, clear prose, Josie’s poetry looks to bring forth deep feelings like grief, envy, apathy, joy, and, most importantly, hope.

Evocative and full of force, these poems will hit you in the gut, pull your heartstrings, and make you long for moments past.

About Josie Balka

Josie Balka is a broadcaster, voiceover artist, and poet. She holds a diploma in radio television and film from Niagara College and has worked for some of the largest media companies in North America as an on-air personality. She can often be caught recording viral poetry in her sound-proof closet. She is born and raised in Toronto and lives in Calgary.

Website: josiebalka.com
Instagram: @josiebalka
Podcast: The Breakdown with Josie Balka
TikTok: josiebalka

About Host Danaye Maier

Danaye Maier is the co-host of "Tyler, Danaye & Fuzzy" weekday mornings on Virgin Radio. Waking Calgarians up for 14 years, Danaye is passionate about giving back to the community. As the curator of A Woman a Day YYC, Danaye highlights a different Calgary Woman daily and loves to use the platform to celebrate their accomplishments and successes!

Instagram: @danayemaier  

Be Curiouser

• Radio host’s viral poetry sparks worldwide connection. –Global News
• "This viral poem perfectly explains why Barbie resonates with so many people." –Scary Mommy
• Josie's Most Requested Topic. –TikTok
• Drew Barrymore loves Josie Balka! –Instagram