The Slowdown
@slowdownshow.org
Maggie Smith delivers a different way to see the world – through poetry. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Sign up for our daily poem newsletter --> bit.ly/3AWdEMl
Produced in partnership with the Poetry Foundation.
Produced in partnership with the Poetry Foundation.
"Today’s poem touched me because it acknowledges the patience and tenderness we need to have as spouses and as parents," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social shares in episode 1432.
Read "The Good Guy" by @blasfalconer.bsky.social — from RARA AVIS (@fourwaybooks.bsky.social): bit.ly/4buKSGe
Read "The Good Guy" by @blasfalconer.bsky.social — from RARA AVIS (@fourwaybooks.bsky.social): bit.ly/4buKSGe
January 12, 2026 at 7:03 PM
"Today’s poem touched me because it acknowledges the patience and tenderness we need to have as spouses and as parents," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social shares in episode 1432.
Read "The Good Guy" by @blasfalconer.bsky.social — from RARA AVIS (@fourwaybooks.bsky.social): bit.ly/4buKSGe
Read "The Good Guy" by @blasfalconer.bsky.social — from RARA AVIS (@fourwaybooks.bsky.social): bit.ly/4buKSGe
"Today’s poem is surreal and unnerving," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social says about episode 1431 of The Slowdown. "When I finish reading it, I have that feeling of having woken up from a strange dream, suspecting it has something to tell me."
Read "Going Home" by Joan Kwon Glass: bit.ly/4952mYe
Read "Going Home" by Joan Kwon Glass: bit.ly/4952mYe
January 9, 2026 at 8:48 PM
"Today’s poem is surreal and unnerving," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social says about episode 1431 of The Slowdown. "When I finish reading it, I have that feeling of having woken up from a strange dream, suspecting it has something to tell me."
Read "Going Home" by Joan Kwon Glass: bit.ly/4952mYe
Read "Going Home" by Joan Kwon Glass: bit.ly/4952mYe
"Today’s poem, which looks at the fragility of our planet, begins with two epigraphs," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social explains in today's episode, number 1430 of The Slowdown.
Read “Earth Shovel” by Dan Albergotti — from CANDY (@lsupress.bsky.social) — and our full episode transcript: bit.ly/4pjV5sf
Read “Earth Shovel” by Dan Albergotti — from CANDY (@lsupress.bsky.social) — and our full episode transcript: bit.ly/4pjV5sf
January 8, 2026 at 4:49 PM
"Today’s poem, which looks at the fragility of our planet, begins with two epigraphs," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social explains in today's episode, number 1430 of The Slowdown.
Read “Earth Shovel” by Dan Albergotti — from CANDY (@lsupress.bsky.social) — and our full episode transcript: bit.ly/4pjV5sf
Read “Earth Shovel” by Dan Albergotti — from CANDY (@lsupress.bsky.social) — and our full episode transcript: bit.ly/4pjV5sf
"I admire how today’s poem describes time, and what it feels like to reach the middle of one’s life only to be surprised at what you find," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social shares in today's episode.
Read "Midlife Crisis” by @janezwart.bsky.social, from ODDEST & OLDEST & SADDEST & BEST: bit.ly/3YXpuls
Read "Midlife Crisis” by @janezwart.bsky.social, from ODDEST & OLDEST & SADDEST & BEST: bit.ly/3YXpuls
January 7, 2026 at 6:12 PM
"I admire how today’s poem describes time, and what it feels like to reach the middle of one’s life only to be surprised at what you find," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social shares in today's episode.
Read "Midlife Crisis” by @janezwart.bsky.social, from ODDEST & OLDEST & SADDEST & BEST: bit.ly/3YXpuls
Read "Midlife Crisis” by @janezwart.bsky.social, from ODDEST & OLDEST & SADDEST & BEST: bit.ly/3YXpuls
"Today’s poem pulls back the curtain on the revision process, showing us how it’s about more than just the text on the page," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social shares on today's episode of The Slowdown, number 1428.
Read "In Defense of 'Candelabra with Heads'” by Nicole Sealey: bit.ly/3YG5K61
Read "In Defense of 'Candelabra with Heads'” by Nicole Sealey: bit.ly/3YG5K61
January 6, 2026 at 5:10 PM
"Today’s poem pulls back the curtain on the revision process, showing us how it’s about more than just the text on the page," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social shares on today's episode of The Slowdown, number 1428.
Read "In Defense of 'Candelabra with Heads'” by Nicole Sealey: bit.ly/3YG5K61
Read "In Defense of 'Candelabra with Heads'” by Nicole Sealey: bit.ly/3YG5K61
"Once upon a time, I was a new mother with a baby girl in my arms, and I was her whole world," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social shares in today's episode, number 1427.
Read "A toast to something beautiful flapping in the wind" by J. Hope Stein and our full episode transcript: bit.ly/44TmEBy
Read "A toast to something beautiful flapping in the wind" by J. Hope Stein and our full episode transcript: bit.ly/44TmEBy
January 5, 2026 at 5:56 PM
"Once upon a time, I was a new mother with a baby girl in my arms, and I was her whole world," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social shares in today's episode, number 1427.
Read "A toast to something beautiful flapping in the wind" by J. Hope Stein and our full episode transcript: bit.ly/44TmEBy
Read "A toast to something beautiful flapping in the wind" by J. Hope Stein and our full episode transcript: bit.ly/44TmEBy
"Sometimes I swear I can feel a life-changing moment as it’s happening," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social shares in episode 1426 of The Slowdown.
Read "One-Way Gate" by Jenny George — from THE DREAM OF REASON (@coppercanyonpress.bsky.social) — and our full episode transcript: bit.ly/49hrQ3s
Read "One-Way Gate" by Jenny George — from THE DREAM OF REASON (@coppercanyonpress.bsky.social) — and our full episode transcript: bit.ly/49hrQ3s
January 2, 2026 at 9:08 PM
"Sometimes I swear I can feel a life-changing moment as it’s happening," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social shares in episode 1426 of The Slowdown.
Read "One-Way Gate" by Jenny George — from THE DREAM OF REASON (@coppercanyonpress.bsky.social) — and our full episode transcript: bit.ly/49hrQ3s
Read "One-Way Gate" by Jenny George — from THE DREAM OF REASON (@coppercanyonpress.bsky.social) — and our full episode transcript: bit.ly/49hrQ3s
"Who you are, and nothing more, is exactly what you need to be doing — this year, next year, every year," Maggie shares in today's episode.
Read "The Ship" by Bianca Stone, from THE NEAR AND DISTANT WORLD: bit.ly/49Aj6Xt
Read "The Ship" by Bianca Stone, from THE NEAR AND DISTANT WORLD: bit.ly/49Aj6Xt
January 1, 2026 at 6:02 PM
"Who you are, and nothing more, is exactly what you need to be doing — this year, next year, every year," Maggie shares in today's episode.
Read "The Ship" by Bianca Stone, from THE NEAR AND DISTANT WORLD: bit.ly/49Aj6Xt
Read "The Ship" by Bianca Stone, from THE NEAR AND DISTANT WORLD: bit.ly/49Aj6Xt
"Today’s poem is about fathers and sons, and about loss. It is also about the small, shining parts of our lives that survive us and get passed down to the next generation," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social shares in episode 1424 of The Slowdown.
Read "White Hot Star" by W. Todd Kaneko: bit.ly/4q25OsO
Read "White Hot Star" by W. Todd Kaneko: bit.ly/4q25OsO
December 31, 2025 at 5:51 PM
"Today’s poem is about fathers and sons, and about loss. It is also about the small, shining parts of our lives that survive us and get passed down to the next generation," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social shares in episode 1424 of The Slowdown.
Read "White Hot Star" by W. Todd Kaneko: bit.ly/4q25OsO
Read "White Hot Star" by W. Todd Kaneko: bit.ly/4q25OsO
The Slowdown team brings daily insight and inspiration to poetry lovers across the globe. As we step into 2026 and beyond, we look to our listener community to help further sustain and amplify diverse voices. Donate here to support our show: bit.ly/3Y6PhHD Today is the last day to give! 🤍
December 31, 2025 at 5:08 PM
The Slowdown team brings daily insight and inspiration to poetry lovers across the globe. As we step into 2026 and beyond, we look to our listener community to help further sustain and amplify diverse voices. Donate here to support our show: bit.ly/3Y6PhHD Today is the last day to give! 🤍
"As I was reading The People’s Project submissions from contributors, I felt strongly that this poem should come last, closing the book," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social says in today's episode.
Read “Puzzle” by Randall Mann (@randallmann.bsky.social): bit.ly/4poo5PW
📖: Washington Square Press
Read “Puzzle” by Randall Mann (@randallmann.bsky.social): bit.ly/4poo5PW
📖: Washington Square Press
December 30, 2025 at 6:20 PM
"As I was reading The People’s Project submissions from contributors, I felt strongly that this poem should come last, closing the book," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social says in today's episode.
Read “Puzzle” by Randall Mann (@randallmann.bsky.social): bit.ly/4poo5PW
📖: Washington Square Press
Read “Puzzle” by Randall Mann (@randallmann.bsky.social): bit.ly/4poo5PW
📖: Washington Square Press
Get cozy in the year with a POETRY Magazine subscription! Listeners of The Slowdown receive 10 beautiful print editions, unlimited digital access, and an exclusive tote bag while supplies last. Learn more at poetrymagazine.org/slowdown25.
December 30, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Get cozy in the year with a POETRY Magazine subscription! Listeners of The Slowdown receive 10 beautiful print editions, unlimited digital access, and an exclusive tote bag while supplies last. Learn more at poetrymagazine.org/slowdown25.
"It’s exciting to know that I can dive deep into another human being and never touch bottom," Maggie shares in today's episode, number 1422. "I will never know everything there is to know."
Read "Dear Delinquent" by Ann Townsend: bit.ly/3Lieufm
📖: @saraband-books.bsky.social
Read "Dear Delinquent" by Ann Townsend: bit.ly/3Lieufm
📖: @saraband-books.bsky.social
December 29, 2025 at 6:12 PM
"It’s exciting to know that I can dive deep into another human being and never touch bottom," Maggie shares in today's episode, number 1422. "I will never know everything there is to know."
Read "Dear Delinquent" by Ann Townsend: bit.ly/3Lieufm
📖: @saraband-books.bsky.social
Read "Dear Delinquent" by Ann Townsend: bit.ly/3Lieufm
📖: @saraband-books.bsky.social
We bring poetry to the busy corners of our weekdays, reminding us to move through the world with care. Listener support is what makes that possible. As we approach a new year, please take a moment to give if you're able. Your donation will help carry this work into the months ahead! bit.ly/44Ew6Zr
December 29, 2025 at 5:53 PM
We bring poetry to the busy corners of our weekdays, reminding us to move through the world with care. Listener support is what makes that possible. As we approach a new year, please take a moment to give if you're able. Your donation will help carry this work into the months ahead! bit.ly/44Ew6Zr
Poetry teaches us to pay attention — to ourselves, to each other and to what we might otherwise hurry past. The Slowdown offers that daily pause ... those few minutes to settle, breathe, and reconnect with what matters. You can help support our work by making a year-end gift: bit.ly/44Ew6Zr
December 27, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Poetry teaches us to pay attention — to ourselves, to each other and to what we might otherwise hurry past. The Slowdown offers that daily pause ... those few minutes to settle, breathe, and reconnect with what matters. You can help support our work by making a year-end gift: bit.ly/44Ew6Zr
Stay warm this winter with a POETRY Magazine subscription! For just $39, you'll get ...
❄️ 10 print volumes
❄️ immediate digital access
❄️ subscriber-only tote bag
Learn more and sign up at poetrymagazine.org/slowdown25!
❄️ 10 print volumes
❄️ immediate digital access
❄️ subscriber-only tote bag
Learn more and sign up at poetrymagazine.org/slowdown25!
December 26, 2025 at 10:14 PM
Stay warm this winter with a POETRY Magazine subscription! For just $39, you'll get ...
❄️ 10 print volumes
❄️ immediate digital access
❄️ subscriber-only tote bag
Learn more and sign up at poetrymagazine.org/slowdown25!
❄️ 10 print volumes
❄️ immediate digital access
❄️ subscriber-only tote bag
Learn more and sign up at poetrymagazine.org/slowdown25!
"In 1994 I was seventeen: my daughter’s age! I remember that as a time when I was trying to figure out who I was," Maggie shares in episode 1421. "But to some degree we’re always trying to figure that out, aren’t we?"
Read "My 1994" by Stephanie Burt: bit.ly/44FZ4Ik
📖: @graywolfpress.bsky.social
Read "My 1994" by Stephanie Burt: bit.ly/44FZ4Ik
📖: @graywolfpress.bsky.social
December 26, 2025 at 9:55 PM
"In 1994 I was seventeen: my daughter’s age! I remember that as a time when I was trying to figure out who I was," Maggie shares in episode 1421. "But to some degree we’re always trying to figure that out, aren’t we?"
Read "My 1994" by Stephanie Burt: bit.ly/44FZ4Ik
📖: @graywolfpress.bsky.social
Read "My 1994" by Stephanie Burt: bit.ly/44FZ4Ik
📖: @graywolfpress.bsky.social
"Today’s poem is fairly compact in its form—the way it looks on the page—but it’s so full of distance. And where there’s distance, there’s longing," host @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social shares in episode 1420.
Read "Losing the Band" by Ashley D. Escobar: bit.ly/3YdE0oW
Read "Losing the Band" by Ashley D. Escobar: bit.ly/3YdE0oW
December 26, 2025 at 6:00 PM
"Today’s poem is fairly compact in its form—the way it looks on the page—but it’s so full of distance. And where there’s distance, there’s longing," host @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social shares in episode 1420.
Read "Losing the Band" by Ashley D. Escobar: bit.ly/3YdE0oW
Read "Losing the Band" by Ashley D. Escobar: bit.ly/3YdE0oW
"Today’s poem begins with a little advice that made me smile because of its sauciness, and the poem unfolds into such a rich, detailed portrait," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social shares in episode 1419.
Read "Ladies' Arm Wrestling Match at the Blue Moon Diner" by Jenny Johnson: bit.ly/4b0XQv5
Read "Ladies' Arm Wrestling Match at the Blue Moon Diner" by Jenny Johnson: bit.ly/4b0XQv5
December 24, 2025 at 9:07 PM
"Today’s poem begins with a little advice that made me smile because of its sauciness, and the poem unfolds into such a rich, detailed portrait," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social shares in episode 1419.
Read "Ladies' Arm Wrestling Match at the Blue Moon Diner" by Jenny Johnson: bit.ly/4b0XQv5
Read "Ladies' Arm Wrestling Match at the Blue Moon Diner" by Jenny Johnson: bit.ly/4b0XQv5
"Today’s poem moves quietly and deliberately, the way a cautious deer might walk from the shelter of the woods into a clearing," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social shared in today's episode.
Read "Whitetail in the Rain Moving About" by Melissa Ginsburg: bit.ly/3L6UMTB
📖: @lsupress.bsky.social
Read "Whitetail in the Rain Moving About" by Melissa Ginsburg: bit.ly/3L6UMTB
📖: @lsupress.bsky.social
December 23, 2025 at 5:15 PM
"Today’s poem moves quietly and deliberately, the way a cautious deer might walk from the shelter of the woods into a clearing," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social shared in today's episode.
Read "Whitetail in the Rain Moving About" by Melissa Ginsburg: bit.ly/3L6UMTB
📖: @lsupress.bsky.social
Read "Whitetail in the Rain Moving About" by Melissa Ginsburg: bit.ly/3L6UMTB
📖: @lsupress.bsky.social
Give a gift that lasts the whole year! New subscribers to POETRY Magazine receive 10 print volumes, immediate digital access, and a limited-edition tote bag (while supplies last). It's the perfect way to spend a cozy winter morning indoors. Visit poetrymagazine.org/slowdown25 for more info!
December 22, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Give a gift that lasts the whole year! New subscribers to POETRY Magazine receive 10 print volumes, immediate digital access, and a limited-edition tote bag (while supplies last). It's the perfect way to spend a cozy winter morning indoors. Visit poetrymagazine.org/slowdown25 for more info!
"Today’s poem is a testament to a mother’s love and courage and fierce protection," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social shares in episode 1417 of The Slowdown.
Read "My Mother's Love" by James Allen Hall -- from NOW YOU'RE THE ENEMY @uarkpress.bsky.social -- and our episode transcript: bit.ly/49n8lGX
Read "My Mother's Love" by James Allen Hall -- from NOW YOU'RE THE ENEMY @uarkpress.bsky.social -- and our episode transcript: bit.ly/49n8lGX
December 22, 2025 at 4:14 PM
"Today’s poem is a testament to a mother’s love and courage and fierce protection," @maggiesmithpoet.bsky.social shares in episode 1417 of The Slowdown.
Read "My Mother's Love" by James Allen Hall -- from NOW YOU'RE THE ENEMY @uarkpress.bsky.social -- and our episode transcript: bit.ly/49n8lGX
Read "My Mother's Love" by James Allen Hall -- from NOW YOU'RE THE ENEMY @uarkpress.bsky.social -- and our episode transcript: bit.ly/49n8lGX
Public media and the arts are facing serious funding challenges, but the power of poetry endures in the voices we share — voices YOU help amplify. 🖤 Your year-end gift makes it possible for us to celebrate diverse perspectives and foster a community connected through the spoken word! bit.ly/44Ew6Zr
December 20, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Public media and the arts are facing serious funding challenges, but the power of poetry endures in the voices we share — voices YOU help amplify. 🖤 Your year-end gift makes it possible for us to celebrate diverse perspectives and foster a community connected through the spoken word! bit.ly/44Ew6Zr
We've got POETRY Magazine to keep you warm this winter. ❄️ Listeners of The Slowdown receive 10 beautiful print editions, unlimited digital access, and a subscriber-only tote while supplies last. Visit poetrymagazine.org/slowdown25 to sign up!
December 19, 2025 at 9:55 PM
We've got POETRY Magazine to keep you warm this winter. ❄️ Listeners of The Slowdown receive 10 beautiful print editions, unlimited digital access, and a subscriber-only tote while supplies last. Visit poetrymagazine.org/slowdown25 to sign up!
"Today’s poem draws on the language of fairy tales and the strange, sometimes inexplicable things that happen in these stories," Maggie shares in episode 1416.
Read “Nursery” by Kiki Petrosino — from WITCH WIFE — and our episode transcript: bit.ly/4pMCwy4
📖: @sarabandebooks.bsky.social
Read “Nursery” by Kiki Petrosino — from WITCH WIFE — and our episode transcript: bit.ly/4pMCwy4
📖: @sarabandebooks.bsky.social
December 19, 2025 at 9:49 PM
"Today’s poem draws on the language of fairy tales and the strange, sometimes inexplicable things that happen in these stories," Maggie shares in episode 1416.
Read “Nursery” by Kiki Petrosino — from WITCH WIFE — and our episode transcript: bit.ly/4pMCwy4
📖: @sarabandebooks.bsky.social
Read “Nursery” by Kiki Petrosino — from WITCH WIFE — and our episode transcript: bit.ly/4pMCwy4
📖: @sarabandebooks.bsky.social