Maggie Smith, a poet and author renowned for her viral poem "Good Bones," shares her insights on navigating complex emotions and embracing ambiguity in life. She discusses the delicate balance between hope and hardship, reflecting on how poetry can encapsulate human experiences. Maggie highlights the importance of asking questions without clear answers and accepting emotional ambivalence. The conversation also covers the transformative power of writing and the significance of recognizing both positive and negative feelings for personal growth.

Maggie Smith, a viral poet and bestselling author known for "Good Bones," shares her insights on the creative process. She discusses how discipline and constraints fuel artistic expression, emphasizing the importance of structure in writing. Maggie explores the complex emotions of parenting, balancing hope and realism for children amidst life's challenges. The conversation also touches on the necessity of brevity in writing and the moral imperative of valuing creativity, warning against apathy in the arts. This engaging dialogue highlights the courage required to care deeply.

For the first time, Glennon requests a one-on-one with our guest – author and poet Maggie Smith – in this deeply honest conversation about: how to tell the brutal truth without betraying our people, how to reclaim ourselves after infidelity and betrayal, how the shaming of women who dare to tell their stories keeps us powerless and isolated, and how they both have embraced acceptance instead of “forgiveness.”About Maggie: Maggie Smith is the award-winning author of You Could Make This Place Beautiful, Good Bones, The Well Speaks of Its Own Poison, Lamp of the Body, and the national bestsellers Goldenrod and Keep Moving: Notes on Loss, Creativity, and Change. A 2011 recipient of a Creative Writing Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, two Academy of American Poets Prizes, a Pushcart Prize, and fellowships from the Sustainable Arts Foundation and the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts.TW: @maggiesmithpoetIG: @maggiesmithpoet To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Maggie Smith, a celebrated poet and author known for her viral poem "Good Bones," joins the discussion on the messy complexities of life. She delves into nurturing hope while recognizing reality, emphasizing the power of asking challenging questions without easy answers. The conversation highlights the importance of embracing ambiguous emotions, such as fear and anger, as teachers in our personal journeys. They explore balancing optimism in parenting amidst a perceived dangerous world while fostering resilience through emotional acceptance.

Award-winning poet Maggie Smith discusses her process of crafting viral poems, writing a memoir, and becoming a better poet. Topics include narrative device, Substack, and the balance between commercial and creative work. The episode explores navigating personal boundaries, the importance of prioritizing poems, and embracing change and experimentation in writing.

Maggie Smith, the acclaimed poet and author of "You Could Make This Place Beautiful," delves into the complexities of relationships. She opens up about her own experiences with marriage and divorce, exploring when it’s time to commit or part ways. The conversation also touches on the challenges of single motherhood and balancing a writing career, reflecting on themes of hope and infidelity. Smith emphasizes the evolution of relationships and the need for self-acceptance, offering insights that resonate with modern love.

Maggie Smith, a celebrated poet and bestselling author, explores the healing power of writing in her latest book, *Keep Moving*. She shares how poetry serves as a personal conversation and a problem-solving tool during dark times. The discussion highlights hope as an essential component of healing and emphasizes gratitude even amidst struggles. Smith also reflects on the transformative journey of navigating emotional challenges, using writing to foster resilience and connect through personal experiences of loss and growth.

Author and poet Maggie Smith shares insights on rebuilding life after divorce. Topics include rediscovery post-divorce, prioritizing well-being, and finding beauty in unexpected places. Embracing change, coping with emotional upheaval, and the importance of community support and self-compassion are highlighted.

Guests on the podcast discuss submitting personal essays to the New York Times 'Modern Love' column, exploring storytelling intricacies, self-effacement, and the emotional journey of deciding to submit an essay under their real name.

Maggie Smith is one of the world's most beloved poets. She joins us to talk about her new memoir, how she owes her fame to Starbucks, and why her mom may get banned from the library.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy