{"type":"doc","content":[{"type":"paragraph","content":[{"text":"","type":"text"}]}]}

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


A Farewell to Major Jackson

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


Supported in Part by National Endowment for the Arts

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


Produced in Partnership With the Poetry Foundation

Announcements

[encore] 1336: I Find Myself Defending Pigeons by Keith S. Wilson

Today’s poem is I Find Myself Defending Pigeons by Keith S. Wilson.


Today’s poem is I Find Myself Defending Pigeons by Keith S. Wilson. This episode was originally released on August 22, 2025. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “One thing I love about poems is how they give us the opportunity to take our time, to dial in, to look and listen closely. Not everything screams to be noticed. Some things barely whisper! Or they might just squawk or coo now and then.” This show is supported by gifts from listeners. Support The Slowdown with a donation today. Slowdownshow.org/donate

The Slowdown

[encore] 1369: Six Hours Lost, Land Between the Lakes by Kathleen Driskell

Today’s poem is Six Hours Lost, Land Between the Lakes by Kathleen Driskell. 


Today’s poem is Six Hours Lost, Land Between the Lakes by Kathleen Driskell. This episode was originally released on October 8, 2025. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem tells a story about a tense encounter in the woods. I so admire how this poet unfolds the narrative, then leaves me sighing deeply at the end.” 
This show is supported by gifts from listeners. Support The Slowdown with a donation today. Slowdownshow.org/donate

[encore] 1520: The New City by Hieu Minh Nguyen

Today’s poem is The New City by Hieu Minh Nguyen.


Today’s poem is The New City by Hieu Minh Nguyen. This episode was originally released on May 21, 2026. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “There’s a very specific pleasure in doing things alone. Going to the movies by yourself, sitting in the dark with your own drink and popcorn or candy that you don’t have to share, and sitting anywhere you want in the theatre without asking a companion where they want to sit. Or having a meal on your own, party of one, just people watching and enjoying the ambience without the need to make conversation.” This show is supported by gifts from listeners. Support The Slowdown with a donation today. Slowdownshow.org/donate


The Slowdown

Latest Episode

Recent Episodes

[encore] 1336: I Find Myself Defending Pigeons by Keith S. Wilson

[encore] 1369: Six Hours Lost, Land Between the Lakes by Kathleen Driskell

[encore] 1520: The New City by Hieu Minh Nguyen

Announcements

A Farewell to Major Jackson

Supported in Part by National Endowment for the Arts

Produced in Partnership With the Poetry Foundation

Other APM Podcasts

Truth Be Told

Ripple

The Splendid Table

The Slowdown

Latest Episode

Recent Episodes

[encore] 1336: I Find Myself Defending Pigeons by Keith S. Wilson

[encore] 1369: Six Hours Lost, Land Between the Lakes by Kathleen Driskell

[encore] 1520: The New City by Hieu Minh Nguyen

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

Announcements

A Farewell to Major Jackson

Supported in Part by National Endowment for the Arts

Produced in Partnership With the Poetry Foundation

Other APM Podcasts

Truth Be Told

Ripple

The Splendid Table