The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
American Public MediaHost 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 conne... more
| Publishes | Daily | Episodes | 420 | Founded | 8 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Performing ArtsArts | |||
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Latest Episodes
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 Myka Kielbon writes… “In the seemingly endless spring of 2020, my roommate and I briefly... more
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 Perihelion: A History of Touch by Franny Choi.
The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In th... more
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 Now by Robin Beth Schaer.
The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Mag... more
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 Bar by Margot Kahn.
The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie wr... more
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Reviews
- The Slowwww Down
The host speaks excruciatingly slowly. It is patronizing to the listener of moderate cognitive capacity (such as myself) to expect them to speed up the podcast. Very disappointing.
Apple Podcasts2Stourleyk
United States6 months ago - Still daydreaming
Thank you for choosing so carefully works that inspire awe.
Apple Podcasts5AMH957United States9 months ago - I look forward to this daily!
And today, Maggie your choice brought me to grateful tears. Waiting on the porch of the Old Faithful Inn soaking in the poker straight pines and geysers in a distance decided to flip on the slowdown. And to listen to a poem about the beauty of our Earth and stopping life to notice it- a little more magic added to an already otherworldly magical day. You are the best!! The Slowdown is a gift
Apple Podcasts5ClimgirlUnited Statesa year ago - My everyday treat
Joy *is* an act of resistance. (Toi Derricotte) Thank you for creating a daily place to cultivate that joy.
Apple Podcasts5Andrea MontanaUnited Statesa year ago - Great show!
I love this show. I find that I need it more than ever in these current troubled times. I look forward to the new host.
Apple Podcasts5PR 3672United Statesa year ago
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Apple Podcasts | #20 | United States/Arts/Performing Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #134 | United States/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #12 |  United Kingdom/Arts/Performing Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #15 |  Canada/Arts/Performing Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #103 | Canada/Arts |
Apple Podcasts | #120 | United Kingdom/Arts |
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
What is The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily about and what kind of topics does it cover?
A daily five-minute journey through poetry and reflection, pairing contemporary and classic verse with thoughtful commentary to invite stillness and attention when starting the day. Recurring themes include time, memory, place, and human connection, often explored through intimate readings that bridge personal experience with larger cultural moments. The format is consistent and accessible, frequently weaving in brief prompts, host narration, and occasional sponsor messages, making it a reliable daily ritual for listeners seeking calm, creative focus, and a humane perspective on everyday life. A standout is the blend of familiar voices and new poets, creating a welcoming entry point for poetry lovers and newcomers alike, with a reassuring e... more
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Which podcasts are similar to The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily?
These podcasts share a similar audience with The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily:
1. Poetry Unbound
2. The New Yorker: Poetry
3. Poetry Off the Shelf
4. Emergence Magazine Podcast
5. Fresh Air
How many episodes of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily are there?
The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily launched 8 years ago and published 420 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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What guests have appeared on The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily?
Recent guests on The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily include:
1. Quinn Franzen
2. Abbie Scott
3. Rekha Mera
4. Abdulmueed Balugun Adewale
5. Prerna Barwa
6. Isaac Pickell
7. Robin Coste Lewis
8. Omotara James
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