This week's episode of “Beyond the Verse,” the official podcast of PoemAnalysis.com and Poetry+, sees Joe and Maiya answering questions from listeners about all things poetry.

From a behind the scenes discussion of how they approach analysing and breaking down poems - to Joe and Maiya's goals to emphasise diverse poet selections and meaningful conversations - the hosts explore what is means to be part of the cultural conversation.

They touch on how poetic movements form and whether poets need to belong to them, the significance of movements such as the Romantics, Imagists, and more, before delving into a the historical context and current understanding of spoken word poetry.

Including a fascinating conversation 'behind the veil' of the poetic canon, the hosts talk candidly on the role of awards and finances in the poetry world, the influence and value of critics, and overcoming writer's block. They also debate the (hotly contested) stereotype of the 'sad, lonely poet' versus the reality of what it means to write and be read by millions.

Tune in and Discover:

• How the podcast is created, and what drives the hosts' conversations
• The impact and importance of poetic movements
• Spoken word poetry and the canon's dismissal of it in the modern day
• Whether awards are important
• The stereotypes given to poets across the globe

and much more!

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.

In this week’s episode of “Beyond the Verse,” the official podcast of PoemAnalysis.com and Poetry+, Joe and Maiya explore the poem ‘dear white america’ by Danez Smith, a powerful piece by one of the most influential contemporary poets.

They discuss ‘dear white america’ (2017), examining not only the systemic injustices and racial trauma addressed in the poem, but also the cultural and personal dimensions that shape Smith’s work. Joe and Maiya delve into Smith’s literary influences, the impact of spoken word on their poetry, and their significant role in the modern American literary canon.

Get PDFs on ‘dear white america’ exclusive to Poetry+ users:

• Full PDF Guide
• Poetry Snapshot PDF

For more information on Smith and their work, check out poemanaylsis.com, where you can find a vast selection of analyzed poems, with PDFs to aid, and explorations in our extensive PDF Learning Library - see our Danez Smith PDF Guide.

Plus, stay tuned to get some recommendations for alternate poets inspired by Smith’s work!

Tune in and Discover:

• Smith’s position in the canon and role in modern American literature
• Key themes throughout ‘dear white america’ and the poet’s other works
• Smith’s background and poetic influences
• The significance of the epistolary form, incarceration, and historical context in the poem

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.

In this week's episode of “Beyond the Verse,” the official podcast of PoemAnalysis.com and Poetry+, Joe and Maiya explore the poem 'Digging' by Seamus Heaney, a poem from one of the most revered Irish poets of all time.

They discuss 'Digging' (1966), exploring not only the cultural inheritances imbued in the poem, but the physical manifestations of labour, as well as how nature and literature interact in the poem. Joe and Maiya discuss Heaney's literary forefathers and incredible legacy in both the Irish and English canon.

Get PDFs on 'Digging' exclusive to Poetry+ users:

• Full PDF Guide
• Poetry Snapshot PDF

For more information on Heaney and his work, check out poemanaylsis.com, where you can find a huge selection of analysed poems, with PDFs to aid, and explorations in our extensive PDF Learning Library - see our Seamus Heaney PDF Guide.

Plus, stay tuned to get some recommendations for alternate poets that have been inspired by Heaney's work!

Tune in and Discover:

• Heaney's position in the canon and role in Irish poetic tradition
• Key themes throughout 'Digging' and the poet's other work
• Heaney's childhood and poetic influences
• The significance of the spade, the pen, and the gun

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.