Who I Am

 
 

Hello, I’m Tanner Olson.

I’m an author, spoken word poet, and speaker passionate about sharing hope through words.
I’ve written five books, including the widely loved poetry collection Walk A Little Slower and award winning children’s book, All the Things I Say to God.
My writing has been described as “hopefully unique,” blending faith, humor, and curiosity in a style that’s all my own.

For over a decade, I’ve traveled the country sharing poems, stories, and messages centered on grace, encouragement, and the love of Jesus. Whether on stage, in print, or through a screen, my goal is always the same: to point people toward hope.

You can keep up with my work on Instagram (@writtentospeak), Facebook, and Substack.

I live in Nashville, TN with my wife, son, and our goldendoodle, Pancake.

Author

Books include:

  • All the Things I Say to God (Children’s book)

  • Continue: Poems and Prayers of Hope

  • Walk A Little Slower: A Collection of Poems and Other Words

  • As You Go: Words for the Unknown

  • I’m All Over the Place

Poet

My poetry ranges from serious to silly, reflective to joyful—written for real people of all ages.

For students, I perform engaging and relatable poems like “SpongeBob Oval Pants,” “Dan the Man,” and “Words Matter.”

For adults, students, and conferences, I share pieces like “Stay,” “Some Days,” and “Welcome”—poems rooted in honesty, hope, and heart.

Speaker

I’ve had the privilege of speaking in classrooms, churches, conference halls, and Zoom calls across the country.
Through humor, poetry, and storytelling, I strive to leave every audience feeling more hopeful than when they arrived.

If you’re looking for a speaker or spoken word poet for your event, classroom, church, or organization—I’d love to connect.


What I Do

Evenings of Music and Poetry with Blake Flattley

Join Tanner Olson and Blake Flattley for a unique and uplifting night of creativity, storytelling, and hope.

An Evening of Music and Poetry features the heartfelt words of Tanner Olson and the soul-stirring music of Blake Flattley. Together, they craft an experience that blends spoken word, acoustic melodies, and honest reflections on faith, doubt, grace, and everyday life.

This one-of-a-kind event invites you to slow down, listen deeply, and be reminded of the beauty that exists in the ordinary and the sacred. Whether you're walking through a season of joy or struggle, you’ll find encouragement, laughter, and a renewed sense of hope.

What to Expect:

  • Original spoken word poetry from Tanner Olson

  • Live music and worship from singer-songwriter Blake Flattley

  • Stories, conversation, and humor.

  • A relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for all ages

Perfect for:
Church communities, youth and college groups, families, creatives, and anyone looking for a meaningful night of inspiration.

Come as you are—and leave reminded that you are not alone.


Keynote Speaking

You deliver meaningful keynote messages at churches, schools, and conferences. Your talks are grounded in storytelling, faith, and encouragement, often incorporating your poetry to emphasize themes of grace, identity, and purpose.

Topics often include:

  • Hope in hard seasons

  • Faith and creativity

  • The power of words

  • Being fully known and deeply loved


School Visits & Assemblies

I connect with students from elementary to high school through interactive poetry sessions and messages tailored to their age group. My hope is to inspire creativity, self-expression, and curiosity through storytelling and verse.


Night of Hope with Heidi Goehmann and Blake Flattley

Mental health is one of the most pressing issues of our time—and yet, many individuals and communities, including the church, struggle to talk about it openly. A Night of Hope is designed to bridge that gap.

Join therapist and author Heidi Goehmann, poet and author Tanner Olson, and singer-songwriter Blake Flattley for a powerful 90-minute event centered around honest conversations, creative expression, and healing practices that bring light into the darkest spaces.

Through a blend of poetry, music, storytelling, and practical tools, this evening will invite attendees to explore how faith and mental health are not in opposition—but rather, can work hand in hand. With warmth and authenticity, our presenters will address real struggles like anxiety, depression, burnout, grief, and shame, while lifting up hope that is grounded in the promises of God.

A Night of Hope offers:

  • Encouragement for those facing mental health challenges, and those walking alongside them

  • Language to help the church talk more openly about emotional and psychological wellbeing

  • Tools and spiritual practices for tending to mental health with grace and compassion

  • A reminder that it’s okay to not be okay—and that hope can be found even in the struggle

Whether you’re a leader, a caregiver, someone who is hurting, or simply seeking to better understand how to support others, this event is for you. Come as you are and discover how God meets us in the mess, offering rest, renewal, and a deeper sense of connection—to Him, to ourselves, and to one another.

Let this be a night where stigma gives way to support, silence gives way to song, and despair gives way to hope.


Church & Ministry Events

I offer messages of hope and share poetry at services, retreats, and youth events—bringing spoken word and a message of hope that points people toward the love and grace of Jesus. Through story, Scripture, humor, and honest words of hope I help create space for reflection and worship.


The Slow Down with Matt Doering and Tanner Olson

The Slow Down is a night of poetry, music, and meaning—an intentional pause in a world that rarely stops. Led by spoken word poet Tanner Olson and singer songwriter Matt Doering, this event invites you to breathe deep, reflect honestly, and reconnect with what matters most. Through heartfelt lyrics, honest storytelling, and a little humor, you'll be reminded that you're not alone and that hope is still here. It's not a concert, not a sermon—just a sacred space to slow down. Come as you are, leave a little lighter.


Custom Events

I’m available for custom engagements—whether it's a retreat, leadership gathering, online event, or something in between. You work with hosts to tailor your message or poetry to suit the theme and audience.


Interested in learning more about working with Tanner?

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