



storyteller Odd?Rod

I inspire people by telling real stories using poetry and photography.
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Gun Bounty Campaign Commercial Writer/Performer 2006
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APCA Spokenword Artist of the Year 2014
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APCA Spokenword Artist of the Year 2016
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APCA Performer of the Year 2016
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APCA Spokenword Artist of the Year 2018
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University of Alabama’s Marsha Houston Award 2021
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TEDxJacksonville Performer 2016
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TEDxTuscaloosa Speaker 2017
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Nelson Mandela Day Speech Writer/Performer 2018
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JAX Chamber Commercial Writer 2020
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Project Cold Case Commercial Writer 2021
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Outstanding Teaching Assistant at University of Alabama 2021
Bio
Roderick “Storyteller Odd?Rod” Borisade was born in Jacksonville, FL. and endured a rough childhood that involved having a drug-addicted mother, an absent father, and a brother to die of brain cancer. He withdrew into himself and fell in love with music relating to his reality. Inspired by the verses of Tupac Shakur, he wrote poetry about his life as an outlet and documented his surroundings. His determination to keep his grades in good standing earned him a full scholarship to the University of North Florida where he gained a BFA in Graphic Design and Multimedia (2005). While there, he created an open mic poetry event where he developed his stage presence and delivered the poems he’d been writing since he was a teen.
In 2011, he performed at a college conference held in New York City and was booked by colleges interested in hearing more of his story. In 2013, he left his job and started a journey of travel that led to over 800 cities across the nation in a ten-year span. He was voted the college market’s Spokenword Artist of the Year 2014, 2016, and 2018. His message shined far beyond his rhyme and his ability to connect with diverse audiences made him unique. In 2016, his performance at the “TEDxJacksonville” conference earned him a standing ovation from the whole 700-member audience and an invite to perform at the “TEDxTuscaloosa” conference in 2017. His performance there led to an opportunity to attend the University of Alabama on a fully-funded scholarship toward his master’s degree. On April 30, 2021, he received his master’s degree in Communication Studies where he also won awards for Outstanding Teaching and Social Awareness. Living by the phrases he coined, “Our goals will separate us” and “Our losses carry wins”, he has become proof that our downs don’t keep us down as long as we are driven to pick ourselves up and keep going.
"After seeing Odd?Rod perform at APCA Nationals, my student group knew he was the right choice for Maryville. Through his poetry, Rod speaks life lessons and valuable truths."
Doniqua F.
Maryville College
"That poem (Stay) saved my life a couple of months ago. I'm forever grateful for you and the messages you share. Thank you for being my light when I only saw darkness. Thank you for saving me. The video was beautiful and made me tear up a bit, but there is so much power behind all of your stories. I will definitely be sharing this."
Amarillo College
"Odd-Rod was AMAZING! I had my doubts when we booked him but after the show, my doubts were over with. He was great! Very engaging, funny, professional, personable and had a great message for our students. I will be booking him again and he will definitely be making a trip back to Highland in the future!"
Tyler D.
Highland Community College
"This amazing speaker came to St. Augustine High School. Watching the kid's reaction to his poems brought me to tears. All these kids need is someone to talk to, someone to just listen and not judge. Many kids stayed after to talk with Odd?Rod and to share with each and every student that needed him. I am so happy these kids were able to reach out to him, I just wish that we had an Odd?Rod here every day."
Kathy W.
St. Augustine High School