Announcements

Each time you tune in to The Slowdown®, you make space for a moment of poetry and pause, as well as an opportunity for reflection with host Major Jackson. During this season of giving and gratitude, we’re reminded of why our community of listeners makes this public media show a part of their daily lives. Many listeners have already stepped up and made a gift to support the show.

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

Thank you for making this public media podcast a part of your life, every weekday.

A letter from Tracy K. Smith

The Slowdown team made an appearance at the Twin Cities Book Festival this year to connect with poetry lovers and fans of the show!

Major Jackson’s collection of new and selected poems is now on bookstore  shelves — and he’s hitting the road in support.

Today’s poem is In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa by Ada Limón. This is the full version of the interview, only on our website.

Librarian of Congress names Ada Limón the nation's 24th U.S. Poet Laureate

Whether you're a lifelong poetry lover, a casual reader, an educator, a parent, or completely new to poetry (welcome!), we’ve compiled a list of helpful resources that can make poetry a bigger part of your life.  

This playlist highlights episodes and poems that shed light on social justice, racism, and oppression, while celebrating Black lives and poets.

Take a breath with our most uplifting episodes.

Here are some of our favorite kid-friendly episodes.

Want to know more about our host? Read this New York Times piece on her nonstop work week.

See poet photos, get snippets of our featured poems to share, and more.

Read Smith’s latest poetry collection, Wade in the Water.