Poetry Unbound
On Being StudiosShort and unhurried, Poetry Unbound is an immersive exploration of a single poem, hosted by Pádraig Ó Tuama. Pádraig Ó Tuama greets you at the doorways of brilliant poems and walks you through — each one has wisdom to offer and questions to ask you. Already a listener? There’s also a book (Poetry Unbound: 50 Poems to Open Your World), a Substack newsletter with a vibrant conversation in the commen... more
| Publishes | Twice weekly | Episodes | 221 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | RelationshipsArtsSociety & CultureBooks | |||
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Latest Episodes
“Poetry should be horrifying,” says Rachel Mann. “It should be … on the edge of the edge of what could be said.” We are delighted to bring you this vibrant conversation featuring Rachel and Yomi Ṣode speaking with Pádraig Ó Tuama at the 2024 StAnza P... more
From a young age, says Palestinian American poet and physician Fady Joudah, “I had such a fascination with the way the alphabet makes music in the mind.” We are thrilled to offer this thoughtful conversation between Pádraig and Fady, recorded when Fa... more
“I still have the best three-point shot of any Canadian poet born before 1943” is one of the first things that acclaimed poet Don McKay says in this expansive and intimate exchange. We are thrilled to offer this conversation between Padraig and Don, ... more
Host Pádraig Ó Tuama shares “The Listeners” by Walter de la Mare, a favorite childhood poem of his, and offers an audio postscript to Season 10 of Poetry Unbound. Later in 2026, he will bring us more Poetry Unbound to look forward to — find out what ... more
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Reviews
- Feeling uplifted, yet grounded
Such a gift to pause and savour the poems and insightful interpretation Padraig offers in each episode. I love this audio exploration. Please keep diving into the pool of poetry for those of us longing and needing to swim too.
Apple Podcasts5tarrylong
Canadaa month ago - Gorgeous
I used to say I did not like podcasts, but this changed my mind. Padrig’s voice is almost as smooth as the interpretations he offers and through the format of poem-interpretation-poem, I learned a way to read poems I am happy to now carry with me. Highly recommended.
Apple Podcasts5PaquitasMom
Mexico4 months ago - Just
Exquisite
Apple Podcasts5Frederika Francisca
United Kingdom5 months ago - Making poetry accessible
I’m so grateful to the way this series helps me unpack and understand poetry. I also appreciate the unwavering commitment to raise up and respect diverse and marginalized voices.
Apple Podcasts5Rayellen
United States5 months ago - Inspirational
Listening to poetry read, interpreted and read again is a beautiful way to experience this art form. Thank you
Apple Podcasts5JMBgratitudeUnited States7 months ago
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #27 | United States/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #79 | United States/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #11 | Canada/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #34 | United Kingdom/Arts/Books |
Apple Podcasts | #38 | Canada/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #103 | United Kingdom/Arts |
Talking Points
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Frequently Asked Questions About Poetry Unbound
What is Poetry Unbound about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A quiet, thoughtful exploration of short-form poetry that emphasizes close reading, personal reflection, and the interplay between poetry and lived experience. Episodes center on a single poem, with the host guiding listeners through the text, offering interpretations, and then inviting readers to hear the work anew through recitation and reflection. Notable threads include how language, memory, and image shape understanding, the role of poetry in community and spirituality, and a steady, meditative pacing that makes complex ideas feel accessible. The show often pairs literary analysis with themes like ecology, time, identity, and moral reflection, making it appealing to listeners who value contemplative reading, calm storytelling, and a st... more
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How many listeners does Poetry Unbound get?
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What are the audience demographics for Poetry Unbound?
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How many subscribers and views does Poetry Unbound have?
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Which podcasts are similar to Poetry Unbound?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Poetry Unbound:
1. On Being with Krista Tippett
2. The New Yorker: Poetry
3. The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
4. Poetry Off the Shelf
5. Emergence Magazine Podcast
How many episodes of Poetry Unbound are there?
Poetry Unbound launched 6 years ago and published 221 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Poetry Unbound?
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What guests have appeared on Poetry Unbound?
Recent guests on Poetry Unbound include:
1. Rachel Mann
2. Yomi Šode
3. Fady Joudah
4. Don McKay
5. Ruth Irupé Sanabria
6. Sanah Ahsan
7. Marie Howe
8. Eugenia Leigh
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.