Shows / The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
Host Maggie Smith is your daily poetry companion. Poetry is one of the greatest tools we have to wield our own attention — to consider our own lives and the lives of others, to help us live creatively and compassionately, to use that attention to lean into wonder, and joy, and truth, and to find hope — to keep hoping. The Slowdown community knows that reflecting on a poem, every weekday, can connect us to our inner world and the world around us. Listen as you make your morning coffee, as you go…
Episodes
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1596: Hares by Angela Ball
Today’s poem is Hares by Angela Ball. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Sometimes I read or listen to a poem, and I’m…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1595: My Shark by Ellie Black
Today’s poem is My Shark by Ellie Black. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Writing is a process of discovery. When I’m…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1594: The Grass Could Be Yours by Emily Lee Luan
Today’s poem is The Grass Could Be Yours by Emily Lee Luan. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Feeling at home…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1593: Halloween in the Anthropocene by Karyna McGlynn
Today’s poem is Halloween in the Anthropocene by Karyna McGlynn. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Now that we’re past…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1386: [encore] Night of the Living, Night of the Dead by Kim Addonizio
Today’s poem is Night of the Living, Night of the Dead by Kim Addonizio. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “It might…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1363: [encore] Notes on Beachgrass by Yong-Yu Huang
Today’s poem is Notes on Beachgrass by Yong-Yu Huang. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem offers us images…
- The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
1360: [encore] Wind, Blue Sky by Susan Aizenberg
Today’s poem is Wind, Blue Sky by Susan Aizenberg. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem speaks to the…
- The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
1354: [encore] Checkout by Caroline Bird
Today’s poem is Checkout by Caroline Bird. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “I’m willing to bet that no one on their…
- The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
1352: [encore] Blue by Jodie Hollander
Today’s poem is Blue by Jodie Hollander. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem speaks to how we all see the…
- The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
1351: [encore] The Happy Middle by Hedgie Choi
Today’s poem is The Happy Middle by Hedgie Choi. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem walloped me with its…
- The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
1350: [encore] Real Estate by Richard Siken
Today’s poem is Real Estate by Richard Siken. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem unpacks some of what…
- The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
1349: [encore] Sati by Vandana Khanna
Today’s poem is Sati by Vandana Khanna. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem is a persona poem from the…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1345: [encore] Arrangements by Adrienne Chung
Today’s poem is Arrangements by Adrienne Chung. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem speaks to the things we…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1344: [encore] Cento Between the Ending and the End by Cameron Awkward-Rich
Today’s poem is Cento Between the Ending and the End by Cameron Awkward-Rich. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “In…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection DailyAlynda Segarra: Holes by Eileen Myles (Extended Version)
Today’s poem is Holes by Eileen Myles, with special guest Alynda Segarra of Hurray for the Riff Raff. Alynda Segarra is a singer-songwriter and frontperson of…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection DailyAlynda Segarra: Holes by Eileen Myles
Today’s poem is Holes by Eileen Myles, with special guest Alynda Segarra of Hurray for the Riff Raff. Alynda Segarra is a singer-songwriter and frontperson of…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1342: [encore] And Then It Was Less Bleak Because We Said So by Wendy Xu
Today’s poem is And Then It Was Less Bleak Because We Said So by Wendy Xu. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “When the…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1339: [encore] Wind-Related Ripple in the Wheatfield by Mikko Harvey
Today’s poem is Wind-Related Ripple in the Wheatfield by Mikko Harvey. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Who might I…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1338: [encore] Are you bringing fruits, plants, seeds, by Karen Llagas
Today’s poem is Are you bringing fruits, plants, seeds, by Karen Llagas. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection DailyR.K. Russell: They/Them by Danez Smith (Extended Version)
Today’s poem is They/Them by Danez Smith, with special guest R.K. Russell. R.K. Russell is an NFL legend, writer, and social justice advocate who made history…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection DailyR.K. Russell: They/Them by Danez Smith
Today’s poem is They/Them by Danez Smith, with special guest R.K. Russell. R.K. Russell is an NFL legend, writer, and social justice advocate who made history…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1337: [encore] New York Address by Linda Gregg
Today’s poem is New York Address by Linda Gregg. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this encore episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem captures that…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1335: [encore] Bonfire Opera by Danusha Laméris
Today’s poem is Bonfire Opera by Danusha Laméris. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this encore episode, Maggie writes… “Yes, I have new lines…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1334: [encore] Étude by Amy Gerstler
Today’s poem is Étude by Amy Gerstler. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this encore episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem is a celebration of…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection DailyDavid Duchovny: Dream Song 1 by John Berryman (Extended Version)
Today’s poem is Dream Song 1 by John Berryman, with special guest David Duchovny. You know him from his breakout role as Fox Mulder on The X-Files, as well as…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection DailyDavid Duchovny: Dream Song 1 by John Berryman
Today’s poem is Dream Song 1 by John Berryman, with special guest David Duchovny. You know him from his breakout role as Fox Mulder on The X-Files, as well as…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1333: [encore] Crossing the Line by E. Ethelbert Miller
Today’s poem is Crossing the Line by E. Ethelbert Miller. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem reads to me…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1430: [encore] Earth Shovel by Dan Albergotti
Today’s poem is Earth Shovel by Dan Albergotti. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem, which looks at the…
- The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
1359: [encore] Lotioning My Mother’s Back by Ama Codjoe
Today’s poem is Lotioning My Mother’s Back by Ama Codjoe. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “The world feels like a…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily[encore] 1501: at the baggage claim in JFK by Lo Naylor
Today’s poem is at the baggage claim in JFK by Lo Naylor. This episode was originally released on April 24, 2026. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily[encore] 1445: Hackberry by Cecily Parks
Today’s poem is Hackberry by Cecily Parks. This episode was originally released on January 29, 2026. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily[encore] 1568: Panegyric by Leila Farjami
Today’s poem is Panegyric by Leila Farjami. This episode was originally released on July 28, 2026. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily[encore] 1507: How to Dress a Star by Nicholas Goodly
Today’s poem is How to Dress a Star by Nicholas Goodly. This episode was originally released on May 4, 2026. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this…
- The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
[encore] 1347: Animal Prudence by Kathy Fagan
Today’s poem is Animal Prudence by Kathy Fagan. This episode was originally released on September 8, 2025. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily[encore] 1336: I Find Myself Defending Pigeons by Keith S. Wilson
Today’s poem is I Find Myself Defending Pigeons by Keith S. Wilson. This episode was originally released on August 22, 2025. The Slowdown is your daily poetry…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily[encore] 1369: Six Hours Lost, Land Between the Lakes by Kathleen Driskell
Today’s poem is Six Hours Lost, Land Between the Lakes by Kathleen Driskell. This episode was originally released on October 8, 2025. The Slowdown is your…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily[encore] 1520: The New City by Hieu Minh Nguyen
Today’s poem is The New City by Hieu Minh Nguyen. This episode was originally released on May 21, 2026. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily[encore] 1412: Ledge (ars poetica) (love poem) (true story) by Amorak Huey
Today’s poem is Ledge (ars poetica) (love poem) (true story) by Amorak Huey. This episode was originally released on December 15, 2025. The Slowdown is your…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily[encore] 1427: A toast to something beautiful flapping in the wind by J. Hope Stein
Today’s poem is A toast to something beautiful flapping in the wind by J. Hope Stein. This episode was originally released on January 5, 2026. The Slowdown is…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily[encore] 1491: The Plum You're Going to Eat Next Summer by Gayle Brandeis
Today’s poem is The Plum You're Going to Eat Next Summer by Gayle Brandeis. This episode was originally released on April 10, 2026. The Slowdown is your daily…
- The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
[encore] 1358: Parts of a Body House by Erika Meitner
Today’s poem is Parts of a Body House by Erika Meitner. This episode was originally released on September 23, 2025. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily[encore] 1478: If Night You Were a City by Adam Wiedewitsch
Today’s poem is If Night You Were a City by Adam Wiedewitsch. This episode was originally released on March 17, 2026. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily[encore] 1362: For You Who Have Loved Old Dogs by Silas House
Today’s poem is For You Who Have Loved Old Dogs by Silas House. This episode was originally released on September 29, 2025. The Slowdown is your daily poetry…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily[encore] 1373: Protection Spell Jar by Cynthia Marie Hoffman
Today’s poem is Protection Spell Jar by Cynthia Marie Hoffman. This episode was originally released on October 14, 2025. The Slowdown is your daily poetry…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1586: WHITMAN: by Larry Levis
Today’s poem is WHITMAN: by Larry Levis. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Myka Kielbon writes… “Every year, the…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1585: Dialogue on Violence by Jayne Cortez
Today’s poem is Dialogue on Violence by Jayne Cortez. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Myka Kielbon writes… “If you’re…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1584: Missed Time by Ha Jin
Today’s poem is Missed Time by Ha Jin. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Myka Kielbon writes… “I love to journal as…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1583: Are You Not Tired Yet? by Mohammed al-Khatib, translated by Tayseer Abu Odeh and Sherah Bloor
Today’s poem is Are You Not Tired Yet? by Mohammed al-Khatib. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Myka Kielbon writes……
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1582: Visitor's Center by T Bambrick
Today’s poem is Visitor's Center by T Bambrick. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Myka Kielbon writes… “Today’s poem takes…
- The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
From Death of an Artist | Petra Mathers and Her Michael
We’re bringing you a preview of the new series from the podcast, Death of An Artist. In February 2024, celebrated children’s book author and illustrator Petra…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1581: Stop Thinking & End Your Problems by Elisa Gabbert
Today’s poem is Stop Thinking & End Your Problems by Elisa Gabbert. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Myka Kielbon writes……
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1580: Story of My Life by Jameson Fitzpatrick
Today’s poem is Story of My Life by Jameson Fitzpatrick. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Myka Kielbon writes… “Today’s…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1579: Rain by Jennifer Grotz
Today’s poem is Rain by Jennifer Grotz. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Myka Kielbon writes… “Loss of possibility is one…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1578: Lover of Cars by Olivia Sokolowski
Today’s poem is Lover of Cars by Olivia Sokolowski. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host Myka Kielbon writes… “I keep today’s…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily1577: Portrait of the Speaker Riding a Greyhound Bus by Eduardo Martinez-Leyva
Today’s poem is Portrait of the Speaker Riding a Greyhound Bus by Eduardo Martinez-Leyva. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, guest host…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily[encore] 1486: from Perihelion: A History of Touch by Franny Choi
The Slowdown is taking a break. We’ll be back soon with new episodes. This encore episode was originally released on April 3, 2026. Today’s poem is from…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily[encore] 1438: The Long Now by Robin Beth Schaer
The Slowdown is taking a break. We’ll be back soon with new episodes. This encore episode was originally released on January 20, 2026. Today’s poem is The Long…
- The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
[encore] 1355: Rancho Bar by Margot Kahn
The Slowdown is taking a break. We’ll be back soon with new episodes. This encore episode was originally released on September 18, 2026. Today’s poem is Rancho…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily[encore] 1340: From the Sky by Sara Abou Rashed
The Slowdown is taking a break. We’ll be back soon with new episodes. This encore episode was originally released on August 28, 2025. Today’s poem is From the…
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily[encore] 1464: Somewhere Else by Adam J. Gellings
The Slowdown is taking a break. We’ll be back soon with new episodes. This encore episode was originally released on February 25, 2026. Today’s poem is…