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...
Recent Episodes
May 26, 2026
Robert Burns, with Thomas Keith
The conversation delves into the life and work of Robert Burns, exploring his poetry, the tradition of Burns suppers, the challenge of understanding Scots language in his poetry, and the significance of Scotland's bawdy song ...
May 17, 2026
Haiku, with Jenny Bienemann
This episode of The Poetic Turn delves into the world of haiku with poet and singer-songwriter Jenny Bienemann. Many singer-songwriters have taken inspiration from Jenny's haiku, and this large group of artists have created a...
May 7, 2026
The Poetic Turn in Sonnet 29
In this episode, Darren and Evan delve into Shakespeare's Sonnet 29, exploring its relevance, emotional depth, and especially the wonderful example it gives of a poetic turn. Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com Darren's ...
May 5, 2026
Echo, by Mark Yakich, with an interview
The conversation with Mark Yakich delves into the emotional connection and playfulness of language in poetry. It begins with an introduction to Mark and his influence on the hosts, followed by a discussion on Mark's journey t...
April 21, 2026
I Am the People, the Mob, by Carl Sandburg
Explore profound themes in Carl Sandburg's poetry, in this case focusing on the collective power of the people and the importance of remembrance. This discussion delves into Sandburg's poetic definitions, historical context, ...
April 13, 2026
The Fisherman, by William Butler Yeats
In the realm of poetry, few figures stand as tall as William Butler Yeats, whose works resonate with profound imagery and spiritual depth. In this post, we'll explore Yeats' poem "The Fisherman," a piece that not only showcas...