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 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.
4 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 5min
1368: Do You Consider Writing to be Therapeutic? by Andrew Grace
Maggie Smith dives into the intriguing question of whether writing serves as therapy. She emphasizes that while writing awakens the soul and expresses experiences, it shouldn't replace clinical therapy. The focus shifts to the craft of writing for sharing with others rather than personal journaling. The highlight is Andrew Grace's poignant poem, which encapsulates grief and the challenges of viewing poetry as a substitute for therapy, leaving listeners with heartfelt reflections.
Oct 6, 2025 • 7min
1367: Abundance by Rick Barot
Dive into the joys of poetry as the host passionately discusses the importance of sharing verses with others. A special focus is placed on Rick Barot's evocative poem, 'Abundance,' which explores themes of immigration and wonder. You'll feel the richness of collective experiences and the magic that unfolds when poetry is brought to life through communal reading. Celebrate the beauty of connection and the power of words in this heartfelt reflection on the art of sharing poetry.
Oct 3, 2025 • 6min
1366: Nostalgia by Matthew Minicucci
Discover the intriguing origins of nostalgia, once deemed an illness in the 17th century. Explore the multifaceted meaning of 'home'—a place, time, person, or a past version of oneself. Dive into the experience of feeling nostalgic even as moments happen. Delve into the impact of technology in preserving memories through apps and photo libraries. Enjoy a poignant reading of Matthew Minicucci's poem, which beautifully captures themes of forgetting, memory, and longing.
Oct 2, 2025 • 7min
1365: Noise Cancelling by Devon Walker-Figueroa
Explore the enchanting poem, 'Noise Cancelling' by Devon Walker-Figueroa, as it invites listeners to get lost in its reflective imagery. Maggie's recitation weaves a tapestry of emotions surrounding themes of loss and introspection. The power of poetry to evoke deep feelings is celebrated, encouraging a moment of pause and contemplation. Join in on this daily ritual that highlights the beauty and impact of poetic expression.
