The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
American Public Media
Host Maggie Smith is your daily poetry companion. Poetry is one of the greatest tools we have to wield our own attention — to consider our own lives and the lives of others, to help us live creatively and compassionately, to use that attention to lean into wonder, and joy, and truth, and to find hope — to keep hoping. The Slowdown community knows that reflecting on a poem, every weekday, can connect us to our inner world and the world around us. Listen as you make your morning coffee, as you go on a walk in your neighborhood, as you pull away from the to-do list, as you resist the dismal, endless scroll to share five minutes of perspective through the lens of poetry, from poets old and new, well-loved and emerging onto the scene. Brought to you by American Public Media, in partnership with the Poetry Foundation.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 22, 2025 • 6min
1417: My Mother's Love by James Allen Hall
Explore the touching theme of a mother's unconditional love and the quiet strength it embodies. Delve into how love is measured by actions rather than words, highlighted through personal anecdotes of steady parental presence. The insight on small, thoughtful gestures as expressions of love adds a heartfelt layer. A poignant poem about a mother's care for feral cats illustrates the beauty and sacrifice inherent in nurturing. This reflection invites listeners to consider love's complexities and the costs that often accompany it.
Dec 20, 2025 • 8min
Bonus Episode: Maggie Smith on This Old House Radio Hour
Maggie Smith, an award-winning poet and the voice behind The Slowdown, shares a heartfelt glimpse into her beloved 100-year-old home in Bexley, Ohio. She describes the charm of her 1925 house with its sunlit spaces and trees. Listeners are drawn into the quirks of the American four-square layout, creaky floors, and her playroom-turned-writing sanctuary. Maggie opens up about the significance of keeping the home after her divorce for her children's stability and ponders the future of her cherished abode.
Dec 19, 2025 • 7min
1416: Nursery by Kiki Petrosino
A deep dive into the magic of childhood fairy tales captivates the listener. The host shares personal favorites, highlighting the inexplicable wonders that draw children in. The emotional power of these tales is explored, revealing both their enchanting and frightening aspects. A special reading of 'Nursery' by Kiki Petrosino adds layers of fairy-house imagery and strange transformations, blending the whimsical with the eerie. This reflection on poetry and life invites a celebration of the strange and beautiful.
Dec 18, 2025 • 7min
1415: Elephants Born Without Tusks by Alison C. Rollins
In a thought-provoking discussion, the host explores the evolution of humans compared to animals, pondering how societal pressures may lead to de-evolution. The reading of Rollins's poignant poem, featuring themes of adaptation and mortality, connects animal survival to human experiences. It raises unsettling questions about conforming to societal norms for self-preservation. Overall, the reflections challenge listeners to consider the complexity of survival in a world that often fears difference.
Dec 17, 2025 • 6min
1414: This dark is the same dark as when you close by R.A. Villanueva
In a heartfelt exploration of bedtime rituals, the poem captures a child's fear of the dark and a parent's comforting presence. Imagery of nightlights and origami evoke the tenderness of love as a shield against fear. Music also plays a role, linking emotions to lyrics from a beloved song. This mix of reflection and lyricism showcases the power of poetry in capturing intimate moments of care and safety.
5 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 7min
1413: On Proliferation by Cass Donish
Explore the intricate relationship between grief and creativity as Maggie Smith delves into the five stages of grief, highlighting their unique, non-linear nature. She reflects on how writing serves as a powerful tool to articulate loss, acknowledging that while it may not heal, there's beauty in the attempt. The featured poem navigates memory and the significance of objects in maintaining connections with those we've lost, ending with a poignant image that captures the struggle between presence and remembrance.
Dec 15, 2025 • 6min
1412: Ledge (ars poetica) (love poem) (true story) by Amorak Huey
Explore the concept of ars poetica as Maggie Smith delves into its rich tradition and shares Horace's insights for poets. Discover valuable tips on embracing authenticity in writing and the importance of honesty in the creative process. Experience the layers of meaning in Amorak Huey's poignant poem 'Ledge,' which beautifully intertwines themes of love and the fragility of life. Celebrate the power of poetry and its role in navigating our emotions and experiences.
Dec 12, 2025 • 6min
[encore] 1376: Laura, I Want You Pulling Your Hair Back by Natalie Dunn
Today’s poem is Laura, I Want You Pulling Your Hair Back by Natalie Dunn.The Slowdown is taking a week to return to some of our favorite episodes from Maggie’s tenure so far. We’ll be back on Monday, December 15 with new episodes. Today’s episode was originally released on October 17, 2025. In this episode, Maggie writes… A big part of loving someone, whether they’re a friend or a family member or someone you’re romantically involved with, is embracing them exactly as they are. Not hoping they’ll change, or waiting for them to change, or—worst of all—trying to change them yourself.” Celebrate the power of poems with a gift to The Slowdown today. Every donation makes a difference: https://tinyurl.com/rjm4synp
Dec 11, 2025 • 6min
[encore] 1343: /’mīgrent/ by Tiana Nobile
Explore the power of language as the host delves into the etymology of the word 'migrant,' revealing its roots and connections to movement. Discover how political language can dehumanize individuals and affect community dynamics, highlighting personal fears about immigration. The conversation shifts to celebrate migration as an expression of freedom and potential. The episode culminates in a thought-provoking reading of Tiana Nobile's poem, which captures themes of survival and agency through vivid imagery. Tune in for a poetic journey!
Dec 10, 2025 • 5min
[encore] 1368: Do You Consider Writing to be Therapeutic? by Andrew Grace
Maggie Smith explores the intriguing question of whether writing serves as therapy. She distinguishes between writing and therapeutic practices, emphasizing that her goal is to articulate experiences rather than seek healing. A key highlight is Andrew Grace's poignant poem, which beautifully encapsulates the connection between grief and the limits of art as therapy. The discussion encourages reflection on poetry's role in cultivating attention and invites listeners to consider supporting the creative journey.
