U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith is bringing the power of poetry to listeners around the globe as host of the new weekday podcast and radio feature The Slowdown. The five-minute program encourages listeners to make a daily space for poetry in an increasingly busy and chaotic world. Smith, who is also a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, will read works by writers from around the country and the world and explore how poetry helps us better understand life, history, art, science, and more.
“Poetry isn’t an escape or even a luxury,” Smith said. “I’d argue it’s a necessity, a means of living more deeply with reality.”
“We are thrilled to continue our commitment to poetry and to introduce it to new audiences,” said Dave Kansas, executive vice president and chief content officer for American Public Media Group. “The Slowdown will bring in new and more voices to the poetry scene, while also reaching existing fans with a deep appreciation for this type of literary work.”
The Slowdown will be made available for broadcast on public radio stations across the United States beginning January 14, 2019, however listeners can find it on Apple Podcasts and all podcast platforms beginning November 26, 2018. Public radio broadcasting details for The Slowdown will be announced this winter.
Listen to a trailer for The Slowdown and subscribe here.
