Shows
The Poetic TurnThe Road Not Taken, by Robert FrostThe 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.TakeawaysChoices and their impactThe complexity of creating meaningChapters00:00 Introduction to The Poetic Turn Podcast07:09 The Deeper Meaning and the Poem's Context18:11 Reading and Reflecting on the PoemA link to The Road Not TakenA trailer for...
2026-02-1019 minThe Poetic TurnThe Mummy in the Freeport Art Museum, by Austin SmithIn 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 audience.A link to The Mummy in the Freeport Art Museum.
2026-02-0618 minThe Poetic TurnThe Chimney Sweeper, by William BlakeThe 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.TakeawaysPoetry as a means of social commentaryThe impact of poetry on social changeChapters00:00 Introduction to Poetry and Age Perspectives02:42...
2026-01-2719 minThe Poetic TurnHow to Sing, by Dan Smart and an interviewThe 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.TakeawaysDaily writing as a habitThe importance of...
2026-01-2037 minThe Poetic TurnThe Fish, by Elizabeth BishopThe 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.TakeawaysPoetry as a form of observationThe emotional impact of poetryChapters00:00 Introduction and Podcast Subject07:29 Reading and Discussion of the Poem13:01 Building Tension and the Poetic Turn in the Poem18:33 Understanding and Enjoying PoetryA link to the poem is here: https://allpoetry.com/poem/8493567-The-Fish-by-Elizabeth-BishopTo...
2026-01-1919 minThe Poetic TurnIn the Desert, by Stephen CraneThe 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.TakeawaysPoetry as an escapeStephen Crane's unique approach to poetryChapters00:00 The Value of Poetry11:03 In the Desert by Stephen Crane18:24 A Man Saw a Ball of Gold in the SkyLink to The Desert: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46457/in-the-desert-56d2265793693
2026-01-1222 minThe Poetic TurnTo Carelessness, by Kenneth KochThe 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.TakeawaysPoetry as a Source of ConnectionThe Impact of Line Breaks in PoetryA link to the poem is here:https://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/index.php%3Fdate=2003%252F03%252F29.htmlTheater bookstore in Chicago that we mentioned is called The Understudy: https://www...
2026-01-0618 minThe Poetic TurnWelcome to The Poetic Turn - Poems by Billy Collins and Archibald McLeishThe 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.TakeawaysPoetry as an impactful and wordless artThe concept of the poetic turn in poetryChapters00:00 Exploring the Idea of a Poetry Podcast07:57 The Impact of Poetry on Perception13:12 The Impact of Wordless PoetryA...
2026-01-0613 min