Dive into the mesmerizing world of rhythm and rhyme this 2024 with some of the best poetry podcasts out there. Whether you’re a seasoned sonneteer or just dipping your toes into iambic pentameter, these captivating broadcasts are sure to inspire and delight. From modern spoken word to classic verses, these top-tier poetry podcasts offer an intimate journey that celebrates all things poetic. So get comfy, pop in those earbuds, and let’s explore the lyrical landscape together!
Best Poetry Podcasts: Why They Are Worth Your Time
Poetry podcasts serve as a remarkable avenue for understanding and appreciating the beauty of poetry. The essence of a poem shows itself vividly when spoken aloud, revealing layers and nuances that might be missed in silent reading.
Spoken words have rhythm, tone, and emotion which can bring life to the static words on paper. They create an intimate connection between the listener and the emotions conveyed by the poet. Therefore, tuning into poetry podcasts allows you not only to hear these poems but also experience them deeply through their audible performance.
Top Podcasts About Poetry
The Slowdown
The Slowdown podcast is an audio experience that uses poetry to explore and understand our shared human journey. Hosted by renowned poet Major Jackson, each short weekday episode offers you the chance to pause, reflect and appreciate the world’s beauty through carefully selected poems. This program shines a light on how poets have captured the enigmatic wonder of life in their words. The show is produced by APM Studios in collaboration with The Poetry Foundation, receiving partial support from National Endowment for the Arts.
Each day brings a new poetic adventure as you make this podcast part of your daily rituals – whether it be sipping your morning coffee or taking an evening stroll. With Jackson guiding us, we take collective moments of calmness and inspiration while learning from both emerging talents and established literary figures across different generations; these include Emily Dickinson, Danez Smith, Amanda Gorman, Mary Oliver among others. So tune into The Slowdown to engage more deeply with language and discover meaningful perspectives through verse.
Quintessential Listening Poetry: Online Radio
The Quintessential Listening: Poetry Online Radio (QLPOR) is an exceptional podcast that gives poets from all walks of life and every corner of the globe an opportunity to share their work. Ranging from budding talents to seasoned veterans, this platform welcomes poetry artists who express themselves through both traditional and spoken word formats. The brainchild of Dr. Ingram, a retired professor turned social activist, QLPOR aims to use poetry as a tool for spreading awareness about crucial issues like power dynamics, identity crises, and oppression.
What sets this podcast apart is its emphasis on the emotional depth and intellectual breadth of poetry. It’s not just about reciting verses; it’s also about engaging in meaningful discussions around them. Here, listeners can expect stimulating conversations that delve into the heart and soul of each poem as well as explore broader themes such as cultural competency and empathy skills via metaphorical expressions in poetry. QLPOR offers a fresh perspective on understanding and appreciating the art form beyond words written or spoken.
The Daily Poem
The Daily Poem is a weekday podcast that introduces listeners to the world of poetry. The show, hosted by David Kern, presents one carefully selected poem every day from celebrated poets like Shakespeare and Emily Dickinson among others. Listeners can expect an audio anthology of some of the finest poems ever written, all read aloud to make for easier consumption.
In addition to simply presenting these poetic masterpieces, Kern also offers brief commentary on each piece to help provide context and enhance understanding. Occasionally, he may repeat shorter poems if time allows. This podcast is ideal for both seasoned lovers of poetry or anyone looking to add a touch more beauty into their daily routine through the art of words. It’s brought you by Goldberry Studios and can be found on Substack or your preferred podcast platform.
The New Yorker: Poetry
The New Yorker Poetry podcast is an engaging platform where contemporary poets come together to explore the magazine’s rich archive of poems. Hosted by Kevin Young, who serves as The New Yorker’s poetry editor, this unique program allows guests to select, read and then delve into an in-depth discussion about a poem from the historical collection. Each episode brings a fresh perspective on previously discussed pieces while also introducing listeners to new works.
Kevin Young is an accomplished poet and member of several prestigious academies including the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the Society of American Historians. In 2020 he was honored with a position as Chancellor at the Academy of American Poets. Through his insightful interviews in each episode, Young cleverly bridges past and present poetic traditions for his audience.
Poetry Off the Shelf
Poetry Off The Shelf is a podcast that dives deep into the world of poets and their creations. It’s hosted by Helena de Groot, an experienced producer known for her work with WNYC, the Met Opera, and Malcolm Gladwell’s Pushkin company. The show explores various aspects of poetry including language usage, creative process, themes like love and loss as well as identity. Conversations can range from intense discussions about societal issues to lighter moments filled with laughter.
Helena skillfully draws out insights from her guests to provide listeners with a unique look at each poet’s life and thought processes. This bi-weekly podcast focuses on contemporary poets while also incorporating music for an engaging auditory experience. Through thoughtful questions and careful focus choices made by Helena, you’ll find yourself immersed in moving experiences every time you tune in.
Poem-A-Day
The Poem-a-Day podcast is a unique digital series that delivers fresh, never-before-seen poetry by talented poets directly to your inbox every single day. It’s been around since 2006 and has shared over two hundred new poems each year ever since. From Monday to Friday, these daily poems come with special commentary from the poets themselves. Some of these featured pieces have even made it into the prestigious Best American Poetry Series! And if you’re a fan of classics, don’t worry – they’ve got you covered on weekends.
This one-of-a-kind podcast is brought to you by the Academy of American Poets, an organization founded in New York City back in 1934 with the goal of supporting American poets and promoting appreciation for contemporary poetry. They represent members from all across America and are committed to nurturing poets at every stage of their career. The best part? The Poem-a-Day podcast reaches over 350,000 readers for free via email, web, or social media platforms and can be accessed anywhere at any time!
The Well Read Poem
The Well Read Poem is a captivating podcast designed to deepen your understanding and appreciation of poetry. Hosted by Thomas Banks from The House of Humane Letters, each episode introduces listeners to a variety of poets, both renowned and hidden gems. The show doesn’t simply recite poems; it delves into their historical context, intellectual backdrop, and elements that make up the poem and even includes light explication.
This podcast is an interactive learning experience where you can play it daily for practice in recitation. Every week brings a new poem for exploration and immersion. By listening to The Well Read Poem regularly, you will not just grow in your knowledge of poetry but also learn how to read with greater comprehension and enjoyment. This enriching journey through the world of poetry is brought to you by The Literary Life Podcast.
Commonplace: Conversations with Poets (and Other People)
Commonplace is a podcast where Rachel Zucker, an award-winning poet and university teacher, takes you into the minds of poets and artists. Every episode revolves around everyday objects or experiences that these creative individuals find fascinating. Instead of focusing on their artistic work, Zucker delves into topics like favorite recipes, personal advice, intriguing anecdotes, political views and even phobias. These non-literary aspects are crucial to understanding the artist’s life outside their craft.
Rachel Zucker is also a recognized poet who was granted a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship in 2013. Her poetry collection titled “Museum of Accidents” even became a finalist for the prestigious National Book Critics Circle Award in 2009. Besides hosting Commonplace, Zucker teaches poetry at New York University as well as Antioch University’s Low-Residency MFA program.
Commonplace offers listeners a chance to eavesdrop on intimate conversations between interesting people discussing ordinary things in extraordinary ways.
The Poetry Exchange
The Poetry Exchange is an engaging podcast that delves into the personal significance of poetry. In each episode, host Fiona Bennett invites a guest to share a poem that has played an important role in their life. The conversation explores how the chosen poem acts as a friend and companion, offering solace, inspiration or understanding during different moments in life. This award-winning podcast spans various walks of life, from ordinary individuals to special guests, unveiling the profound impact of poetry on people’s lives.
Fiona Bennett, founder and director of The Poetry Exchange, leads these intimate conversations with her insightful expertise as both poet and creative facilitator. Her co-host Michael Shaeffer lends his voice & performance skills to make these poetic journeys more immersive for listeners. Since its launch in 2016, this podcast continues to resonate with thousands around the world who tune in each month for fresh episodes where poems are recast as friends rather than mere words on paper.
Poetry Moment
The Poetry Moment is a podcast presented by Spokane Public Radio that offers a platform to poets and poetry enthusiasts from the Inland Northwest, occasionally featuring talents from other regions. The show airs on KPBX every weekday at 9am, with each week’s selection of poems curated by one individual reader. These poems may be works crafted by the reader themselves or pieces written by respected poets they admire and wish to share with listeners.
Hosted by E.J. Iannelli and Jim Tevenan, this program blends their shared passion for literature with their respective backgrounds in media and education. Iannelli brings over two decades of experience in content creation across various industries while Tevenan leverages his extensive teaching background along with his love for music and theater arts gained through years spent as an organist/music director. Since its inception in 2018, Poetry Moment has featured diverse voices including the Washington State Poet Laureate, renowned local slam poets, and regular listeners eager to voice their favorite verses.
Get Ready for a Poetic Journey: Top Poetry Podcasts for Poets & Fans Alike in 2024
The world of poetry is vast and diverse, offering a rich array of perspectives and voices. The podcasts we’ve recommended here are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring this beautiful art form. Whether you’re an experienced poet or simply a fan who loves immersing yourself in well-crafted verses, these 10 best recommended poetry podcasts for 2024 are sure to enrich your literary experience.
So grab your headphones, find a comfy spot, and let these top 2024 poetry podcasts transport you into realms of imagination, emotion and deep thoughtfulness through words beautifully woven together.
Feed your soul with poetic delight.
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