On Being with Krista Tippett

A special mini-season of Poetry Unbound explores conflict and the human condition through the lens of poetry. Pádraig delves into Wisława Szymborska's thought-provoking poem 'A Word on Statistics,' asking listeners to reflect on their beliefs and behaviors. The series showcases poetry as a powerful tool for introspection and understanding human dynamics.

Colette Pichon Battle, a visionary leader, discusses her transition from lawyer to environmental activist post-Hurricane Katrina. She highlights the deep connection between land and heritage, societal inequities in disaster relief, equitable recovery, climate migration trauma, and embracing differences with love and freedom. Through Taproot Earth, she leads initiatives in disaster recovery, global migration, economic development, and energy democracy.

Renowned author Kate DiCamillo explores the intertwining themes of joy and sorrow in life, highlighting empathy and understanding. She discusses the art of interviewing fiction writers, childhood reflections, honoring children's resilience, and the power of storytelling for the young. Delve into her works and the importance of shared reading experiences.

Australian musician, writer, and actor Nick Cave explores the universal condition of yearning and loss. He discusses his journey through grief, the role of religion as a crutch, the mystery of music and songwriting, and the liturgical quality of his music.

Host reflects on the season's focus on intelligence and announces a break, emphasizing the importance of silence and calm. Listeners encouraged to stay subscribed for upcoming live events.

Exploring the intersection of bodies and the built world, the podcast discusses the adaptability of individuals' physical experiences. It explores the role of assistive technologies, the shift from valuing the ideal to valuing what is considered normal, and the challenges faced by people with disabilities in a productivity-focused society. It delves into the impact of AI on human intelligence and the concept of embracing obligations and unchosen features of our lives. The podcast also explores misfitting in design and the potential interventions to address misfits, showcasing Sarah Hendren's book 'What Can a Body Do?'.

Christiana Figueres, an environmental leader and advocate for spiritual evolution, discusses the ecological crisis, the need for a belief system that embraces realities, finding healing through Buddhism, the potential of renewable energy, radical regeneration, embracing pain for intentional action, building spiritual infrastructure, and nurturing the best of humanity.

Clint Smith, poet and author of How the Word Is Passed, explores the entanglement between language, history, and the intelligence of the body. Topics include the impact of Hurricane Katrina, education as empowerment, untold stories of loved ones, reckoning with history, joyful learning, and the responsibility of parents to honor history.

"Dance Party" by Clint Smith features a heartwarming reflection on a lively post-dinner dance party routine shared with children, filled with energetic moves and contagious joy.

Clint Smith, staff writer at The Atlantic, reads his poem 'Ode to Those First Fifteen Minutes After the Kids Are Finally Asleep.' The poem celebrates the relaxation, late-night cereal indulgence, and tranquility of the house that comes after putting the kids to bed.