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
Oct 21, 2025 • 6min
1378: poem where no one is deported by José Olivarez
Today’s poem is poem where no one is deported by José Olivarez.The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem recounts a story of women outsmarting immigration officials who raid their factory, thanks to ‘dios del chisme,’ meaning ‘the god of gossip.’ The poem repeats a Spanish phrase, ‘si dios quiere,’ meaning ‘God Willing.’” Celebrate the power of poems with a gift to The Slowdown today. Every donation makes a difference: https://tinyurl.com/rjm4synp
Oct 20, 2025 • 6min
1377: The Crux by Megan Peak
Maggie Smith delves into the exhausting early days of motherhood, revealing how time blurs those memories. She reflects on the bittersweet transition from craving independence to missing the feeling of being needed. The reading of Megan Peak's poem, 'The Crux,' beautifully captures the complex emotions of love, caretaking, and the pangs of longing that accompany motherhood. This heartfelt journey invites listeners to appreciate the cycles of growth and connection.
Oct 17, 2025 • 6min
1376: Laura, I Want You Pulling Your Hair Back by Natalie Dunn
In this poignant conversation, the host delves into the beauty of loving others as they are, celebrating their unique quirks. Personal anecdotes illustrate how these idiosyncrasies shape identity and enrich relationships. A heartfelt reading of a touching poem encapsulates tender memories and the essence of unconditional acceptance. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences with love and individuality, highlighting the power of poetry to foster emotional connection.
Oct 16, 2025 • 6min
1375: Dear Absent, by Marcus Wicker
Explore the relatable world of late-night scrolling with a poignant twist. The poem reflects on the heart-wrenching theme of absence, drawing listeners into a deeply emotional experience. An engaging narrative of watching a video of a baby elephant serves as a metaphor for loss, striking a chord with anyone who has faced similar grief. Join in the reflection and power of poetry that encourages empathy and connection.
Oct 15, 2025 • 6min
1374: The Terror of New Love! by Tiana Clark
Explore the whirlwind of emotions that come after divorce! The host shares personal reflections on the relief, devastation, excitement, and fear of moving forward. Listeners are encouraged to embrace the unknown future and take the leap into new love. A touching poem encapsulates the exhilarating yet terrifying nature of falling in love again. The discussion emphasizes courage in the face of heartache and the beauty of crafting an unwritten future.
4 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 6min
1373: Protection Spell Jar by Cynthia Marie Hoffman
Explore the intricate intertwining of poetry and mental health as a woman's journey through obsessive-compulsive disorder unfolds. Delve into the concept of magical thinking and how it serves as a means of finding control. Discover the enchanting prose poem 'Protection Spell Jar,' which invites listeners deep into the speaker's consciousness. Engage with the emotional power of ritual and reflection, capturing the essence of human experience through the lens of poetry.
Oct 13, 2025 • 6min
1372: My Body Knows Its Limits by Page Hill Starzinger
Today’s poem is My Body Knows its Limits by Page Hill Starzinger.The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “I know we often think of our intelligence as being related to our brains. Smart people are called “brainy.” Wise approaches to problem-solving are called “mindful.” But the body has its own intelligence. Some things we know, because we intuit them—as we say, we feel them in our gut. I sense when I’m in danger, or when someone is lying to me. I might get a prickle on the back of my neck, or a speeding up of my pulse, or an uneasy feeling in my stomach. I sense when I can trust someone, too. My nervous system relaxes around them.”Celebrate the power of poems with a gift to The Slowdown today. Every donation makes a difference: https://tinyurl.com/rjm4synp
Oct 10, 2025 • 6min
1371: At Last the New Arriving by Gabrielle Calvocoressi
Reflecting on life's uncertainties, the host encourages a shift in perspective from anxiety to hope. Today's poem, 'At Last the New Arriving,' by Gabrielle Calvocoressi, captures the essence of unexpected joy and the beauty found in surprises. The discussion highlights how the future can be full of both heartache and healing moments. Join in this poetic journey that celebrates the power of embracing possibility and the transformative nature of words.
Oct 9, 2025 • 6min
1370: Soot by Kaveh Akbar
In this thought-provoking discussion, existential questions about origins and the soul take center stage. The host reflects on her journey from church to a broader acceptance of diverse beliefs, shaped by friendships. Poetry emerges as a powerful medium for exploring God and loss, with one poem likening God to rust. The idea of being 'God-curious' is emphasized, showcasing how poetry can inspire deep reflection without requiring answers. Tune in for a captivating reading of 'Soot' by Kaveh Akbar, which delves into these themes.
Oct 8, 2025 • 6min
1369: Six Hours Lost, Land Between the Lakes by Kathleen Driskell
A haunting poem unfolds a tense encounter in the wilderness, exploring the depths of fear and vulnerability. Maggie Smith reflects on women's apprehensions about male violence, highlighting the complexities of safety in everyday life. The narrative captivates with its dark woods imagery and a poignant resolution involving kindness and rescue. The discussion balances the beauty of poetry with weighty social themes, leaving listeners contemplating their own experiences and the power of words.
