Episodes

Wallace Stevens' "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird" is a profound exploration of perception, reality, and the interplay between the observer and the observed. Through its innovative structure and rich imagery, the poem invites readers to engage with the complexities of existence in a meaningful way. As we reflect on Stevens' work, we are reminded of the importance of embracing multiple perspectives and the beauty that lies within the act of observation. Read the poem: Thirteen Ways of Loo...

Wallace Stevens' "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird" is a profound exploration of perception, reality, and the interplay between the observer and the observed. Through its innovative structure and rich imagery, the poem invites readers to engage with the complexities of existence in a meaningful way. As we reflect on Stevens' work, we are reminded of the importance of embracing multiple perspectives and the beauty that lies within the act of observation. Read the poem: Thirteen Ways of Loo...

Walt Whitman, an iconic figure in American poetry, invites us to explore the essence of humanity through his works. In today’s post, we’ll delve into some of his most resonant poems, reflecting on themes of connection, love, and the joy found in companionship. Whitman’s ability to capture the beauty of everyday moments makes his poetry timeless, and understanding it can enrich our appreciation of literature and life itself. Walt Whitman (1819-1892) was a groundbreaking American poet known for hi...

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 tradition. The use of music in Burns' poetry and the reading and interpretation of his work are also highlighted. Takeaways Robert Burns' poetry is often set to music, with half of his poems being lyrics to existing melodies. Burns suppers are a worldwide tradition, celebrat...

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 an entity that has come to be known as the Haiku Milieu . From HAIKU MILIEU VOL. 1 FORTHCOMING NEW ALBUM: Friday Night Live Robin Bienemann “ Forever Wishing - YouTube ” Old Sky New Rachel Drew “ Forever Wishing - Bandcamp ” Forever wishing To be somewhere else except When I ...

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 website: www.darrensvoice.com Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

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 to poetry and the impact of poetry on his life. The exploration of Mark's work and the power of language in poetry are also highlighted, emphasizing the depth and emotional resonance of poetic expression. The conversation delves into the significance of re-reading poetry to d...

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, and the enduring relevance of his work. keywords: Carl Sandburg, poetry, collective power, remembrance, American literature, poetry analysis, Chicago poets key topics: Sandburg's definitions of poetry The collective voice of the people The importance of remembrance in histo...

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 showcases his literary genius but also reflects his complex relationship with art and its audience. William Butler Yeats was an Irish poet, dramatist, and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature. His work is deeply intertwined with Irish culture and mythology, often ...

In this episode of The Poetic Turn, we dive into the poetry of one of America’s most renowned poets, Emily Dickinson. Known for her unique style and introspective themes, Dickinson’s work remains relevant and compelling. Across the centuries, Emily Dickinson’s poetry has continued to speak to us about the fundamental aspects of human existence. Her ability to distill complex emotions into simple yet profound language makes her work timeless. If you’re inspired to explore more of her poetry, chec...

Austin Smith is the author of two collections, Flyover Country (2018) and Almanac (2013), both published by Princeton University Press. He has been awarded a Wallace Stegner Fellowship, a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Amy Lowell Poetry Travelling Scholarship. He is a Jones Lecturer at Stanford University. ## Understanding the Connection: Why Poetry? Poetry often serves as a window into our emotions, allowing us to express what we feel but cannot articulate. In our conve...

Austin Smith is the author of two collections, Flyover Country (2018) and Almanac (2013), both published by Princeton University Press. He has been awarded a Wallace Stegner Fellowship, a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Amy Lowell Poetry Travelling Scholarship. He is a Jones Lecturer at Stanford University. In the world of literature, poetry holds a unique and powerful place. Why is it that poems resonate so deeply with us? In this podcast, we explore the insights of poet...

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 insights on writing and the nature of poetry. From the beauty of everyday moments to the meditation of writing, this conversation reveals how poetry can help us discover a different way of engaging with the world. ## About Dan Smart Dan Smart is a talented poet and writer ba...

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 language, heritage, and the power of poetry to connect generations and cultures. keywords Poetry, Language, Heritage, Cultural Identity, Creative Process, 'Regalito', Diego Baez, Poetry in Education, Bilingualism, Cultural Heritage key topics The role of poetry in fostering unders...

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 gain a deeper understanding. The discussion also touches on the exploration of limericks and poetry for young audiences. Takeaways Exploring the technique of reading poems fast and slow to gain a deeper understanding. Connecting poems by the same poet to identify themes and c...

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. They discuss the significance of the turn in poetry, its structural and emotional implications, and how it enhances reader engagement. The conversation delves into the myth of Demeter and Persephone, the mechanics of poetic turns, and recommendations for discovering impactful...

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 light on the complexity of choices and the creation of meaning. Takeaways Choices and their impact The complexity of creating meaning Chapters 00:00 Introduction to The Poetic Turn Podcast 07:09 The Deeper Meaning and the Poem's Context 18:11 Reading and Reflecting on the P...

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 importance of art in small towns. The conversation delves into the role of poetry in expressing personal and cultural narratives, as well as techniques for reading and interpreting poetry. The hosts emphasize their passion for poetry and their desire to share it with a wider audienc...

The conversation delves into the power of poetry as a means of social commentary and its impact on social change. It explores the personal connections to poetry and the discussion of William Blake's poem 'The Chimney Sweeper.' The hosts reflect on the impact of the poem and its relevance to contemporary issues, encouraging listeners to engage with poetry as a means of disruption and reflection. Takeaways Poetry as a means of social commentary The impact of poetry on social change Chapters 00:00 ...

The conversation introduces Dan Smart, a poet, and musician, and delves into the importance of daily writing as a habit and the focus on the process over the outcome. It explores the life of a poet, the habit of writing poetry, and how repeated activity can create new neural pathways. Also discussed is the art of a life, the significance of line breaks in poetry and the value of surprise in poetic expression. Also explored is the dedication required to craft poetry on a daily basis. Takeaways Da...

The Poetic Turn podcast discusses 'The Fish' by Elizabeth Bishop, exploring its themes, emotions, and the impact of its powers of description. The hosts share their insights and encourage listeners to engage with the poem. Takeaways Poetry as a form of observation The emotional impact of poetry Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Subject 07:29 Reading and Discussion of the Poem 13:01 Building Tension and the Poetic Turn in the Poem 18:33 Understanding and Enjoying Poetry A link to the poem i...

The conversation explores the value of poetry as a means of escape and reflection, delving into the works of Stephen Crane and his unique approach to poetry. The discussion highlights the impact of Crane's poems and their relevance in the context of modern poetry appreciation. Takeaways Poetry as an escape Stephen Crane's unique approach to poetry Chapters 00:00 The Value of Poetry 11:03 In the Desert by Stephen Crane 18:24 A Man Saw a Ball of Gold in the Sky Link to The Desert: https://www.poet...

The conversation delves into the significance of poetry in different stages of life, the power of poetry to evoke emotions and images, an exploration of the poem 'To Carelessness' by Kenneth Koch, and an analysis of the line breaks in the poem. Takeaways Poetry as a Source of Connection The Impact of Line Breaks in Poetry A link to the poem is here: https://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/index.php%3Fdate=2003%252F03%252F29.html Theater bookstore in Chicago that we mentioned is called The Underst...

The conversation explores the idea of a poetry podcast, the concept of the poetic turn in poetry, the impact of poetry on perception, interpreting Ars Poetica, and the impact of wordless poetry. The key takeaways include the impactful and wordless nature of poetry and the concept of the poetic turn in poetry. Takeaways Poetry as an impactful and wordless art The concept of the poetic turn in poetry Chapters 00:00 Exploring the Idea of a Poetry Podcast 07:57 The Impact of Poetry on Perception 13:...