What Do You Listen To?

Nine sources of audio inspiration

Photo by rakhmat suwandi on Unsplash

This week I took a much needed break from my desk, but I did not take a break from listening to audio poems or writers talk about making poems. When I’m not writing, I’m listening. And when I’m listening, I’m usually listening to these. 

Here are my favorite poetry podcasts and a few specific episodes.

1. The Slowdown, hosted by Ada Limón, formerly hosted by Tracy K. Smith. There are too many great episodes to list here. Episodes are snackable, just a few minutes each.

2. Between the Covers (interviews with prose and poetry writers). These are long-form (and I do mean long, sometimes two hours), which allows for unusual depth. Favorite episodes: Ross Gay, Ada Limón, Jorie Graham, Douglas Kearney, Arthur Sze, Kaveh Akbar, Rae Armantrout.

3. Poetry for All. Hosted by two poets aiming to uncover what makes contemporary and classic poems tick. Approachable, delightful. Check out the episodes on Lucille Clifton and Matthew Zapruder.

4. Poetry Off the Shelf. Hosted by the insightful Helena de Groot, this podcast “explores the diverse world of contemporary poetry.” Check out episodes with Hoa Nguyen and Camille Dungy.

5. The New Yorker: Poetry with Kevin Young. A clever format, highlighting the work of two poets at once. Favorite recent episodes: Saeed Jones reads Deborah Digges and Eileen Myles reads Joy Harjo. 

6. Poem of the Day. A daily audio poem from the Poetry Foundation.

7. The VS Podcast hosted by Danez Smith and Franny Choi, where “poets confront the ideas that move them.” 

8. Poem Talk. A group of writer-academics in round-table discussion of a contemporary writer.

9. Essential American Poets, biography plus recordings of readings. I especially appreciate the lesser-known poets included here, like Lorine Niedecker.

What do you listen to? Share a recommendation in the comments.

---

Coming Soon! The Poet to Poet Community

I’m delighted to announce that in Fall 2022 I’ll be launching the Poet to Poet Community and opportunity to gather with like-minded writers. Just like this newsletter, it is for poets working on books (or who are book-curious).

• Free classes on charting your path to publication.

• Live virtual discussions on poetry book development and publishing. 

• Live virtual Q&As with book authors and publishers.

• Plus other resources and opportunities for support along the book journey.

Curious? Sign up for community updates! Be first in line for free classes, book giveaways, and other perks, no strings attached.