The Poetic Turn
The Poetic Turn is a podcast hosted by Darren Stephens and Evan Carlson that explores poems and poetry through conversation—thoughtful, curious, and welcoming. Each episode invites listeners into close encounters with poems: how they work, why they matter, and what they can offer us.The show is...
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Recent Episodes
March 19, 2026
The Beauty in Everyday Life: Insights from Dan Smart
Welcome to the latest episode of The Poetic Turn! Have you ever wondered how poets see the world differently? In this episode, we dive deep into the creative mind of Dan Smart, a prolific poet, who shares his experiences and ...
March 10, 2026
Regalito, with guest poet Diego Baez
In this episode, poet Diego Baez discusses the significance of poetry in fostering understanding across divides, shares insights into his creative process, and reads his evocative poem 'Regalito.' We explore themes of languag...
March 2, 2026
Edna St. Vincent Millay - Three Poems
The conversation delves into the exploration of poetry, focusing on the works of Edna St. Vincent Millay. It includes an analysis of her poems, the use of rhyme in poetry, and the technique of reading poems fast and slow to g...
Feb. 18, 2026
Demeter's Last Stand, by Joanne Diaz and an interview with Mike Theune
Summary In this episode of The Poetic Turn, hosts Darren and Evan engage with Professor Mike Theune to explore the concept of the poetic turn, particularly through the lens of the poem 'Demeter's Last Stand' by Joanne Diaz. T...
Feb. 10, 2026
The Road Not Taken, by Robert Frost
The Poetic Turn podcast discusses the famous poem 'The Road Not Taken' by Robert Frost, exploring its deeper meaning and the misconceptions surrounding it. The hosts share their personal interpretations and insights, shedding...
Feb. 6, 2026
The Mummy in the Freeport Art Museum, by Austin Smith
In this episode of The Poetic Turn, hosts Darren Stephens and Evan Carlson explore the poem 'The Mummy in the Freeport Art Museum' by Austin Smith. They discuss the themes of humor, the Midwestern experience, and the importan...