The Slowdown

The Slowdown
A poem and a moment of reflection every weekday.

“A true break from the cacophony of life.”

- Alice Florence Orr from Podcast Review
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Latest Episode

October 24, 2025 3:00 AM
1381: What Is This Air Changing, This Warm Aura, These Threads of Air Vibrating Rows of People by Ariel Yelen
The Slowdown
Photo by: Chad Cochran
The Slowdown

Recent Episodes

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20251024 Slowdown Ariel Yelen

1381: What Is This Air Changing, This Warm Aura, These Threads of Air Vibrating Rows of People by Ariel Yelen

October 24, 2025

Today’s poem is What Is This Air Changing, This Warm Aura, These Threads of Air Vibrating Rows of People by Ariel Yelen.

20251023 Slowdown Molly Johnsen

1380: Like Apple from Seed by Molly Johnsen

October 23, 2025

Today’s poem is Like Apple from Seed by Molly Johnsen.

20251022 Slowdown Elizabeth Lindsey Rogers

1379: Arkansabop by Elizabeth Lindsey Rogers

October 22, 2025

Today’s poem is Arkansabop by Elizabeth Lindsey Rogers.

The Slowdown

Get a poem handpicked by Maggie Smith every weekday. The email includes an abridged version of Maggie’s introduction.

Announcements

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A Farewell to Major Jackson

After two years, two seasons and 443 episodes, Major Jackson is stepping down from the host chair.

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Supported in Part by National Endowment for the Arts

To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.

Poetry Foundation

Produced in Partnership With the Poetry Foundation

Raising poetry to a more visible and influential position in American culture.

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