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 25, 2025 • 6min
1420: Losing the Band by Ashley D. Escobar
This installment dives into the bittersweet nature of holiday traditions and the loved ones we can't be with. Maggie shares heartfelt reflections on absence during Christmas and introduces Ashley D. Escobar's poignant poem, which captures themes of memory and longing. The discussion highlights poetry's ability to sharpen our attention and evoke deep emotions, reminding us of the connections we cherish. Tune in for a blend of nostalgia, intimacy, and a celebration of the art of verse.
Dec 24, 2025 • 6min
1419: Ladies' Arm Wrestling Match at the Blue Moon Diner by Jenny Johnson
Dive into a lively poem that celebrates women's strength through a humorous arm wrestling match. The imagery of shedding old expectations and embracing renewal shines brightly. There's a delightful blend of Midwestern sayings and reflections that enrich the discussion. The call to claim new power resonates, inviting listeners to appreciate their own transformation. Join in the celebration of poetry's ability to inspire change, and consider supporting the art form!
Dec 23, 2025 • 6min
1418: Whitetail in the Rain Moving About by Melissa Ginsburg
This episode explores the delicate interaction between nature and urban life, as host Maggie Smith shares her encounters with deer in suburban areas. She reflects on the quiet grace of these creatures and the potential dangers they face. The highlight is a reading of Melissa Ginsburg's evocative poem that captures the essence of a deer moving through the rain-drenched landscape. The episode beautifully connects poetry with themes of reflection and awareness in our everyday surroundings.
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.
