Episodes

  • Dear Poetry - Trailer
    Jun 23 2022

    When you’re struck with a difficult emotion, like loneliness, anxiety, or heartbreak, sometimes the best remedy isn’t a pill or herbal potion, but poetry. Poems can reveal something you hadn’t seen, expose a lingering feeling, or crystallize something you needed reminding of.

    In this audio series, listeners will send in their problems and well-known guest poets will prescribe their favorite lyrical remedy. Problems can be anything -- from wanting to escape to an island free of Coronavirus, roommates or squealing kids; to having to go to work (or not having work) and facing down the risks; or really just any sundry problem that we face as humans. In each episode, the guest will listen to the situation. In response, they'll read a poem that they (or someone they admire) has written, and talk about what it’s meant to them during turbulent times. Sometimes their lyrical remedy will offer advice, or comfort, or just a nudge for getting unstuck.

    Our host is Luisa Beck, a Washington Post reporter who observes the news all over the world, but who turns to poetry for answers to some of life's most difficult questions. They're questions we all ask, but that even the most unbiased facts and well-researched articles can't answer. In each episode, she presents the ailment of the listener who’s written to her and asks her guest poet questions about what they recommend. She also introduces the guest's work, and talks to them about how they came to love poetry, and what the poem they chose means to them personally.

    This project is presented solely for entertainment purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional.

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    2 mins
  • Episode 1: Always Near Ends
    Jul 6 2022
    A caller wants to reconnect with her father, who struggles with alcoholism and Alzheimer's disease. Poet Jane Flett responds with “Bottom of the Ocean” by Bob Hicok. The poem in this episode appears courtesy of University of Pittsburgh Press.
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    20 mins
  • Episode 2: I Want To Be Loved
    Jul 7 2022

    This episode contains content best suited for adults.

    A caller is looking for TRUE love, but can’t seem to find it. Poet Luther Hughes responds with ‘Judith Slaying Holofernes: Oil on Canvas, Artemisia Gentileschi, 1620’ by Paul Tran.

    The poem in this episode appears courtesy of Paul Tran.

    The song ‘Mercenary Heart’ appears courtesy of Soltero (aka Tim Howard).

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    30 mins
  • Episode 3: Putting Humanity In Humanity
    Jul 14 2022

    A caller is worried about our species. Writer Cheryl Strayed responds with ‘Good Bones’ by Maggie Smith.

    The poem in this episode appears courtesy of Tupelo Press.

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    26 mins
  • Episode 4: My Inner Taskmaster
    Jul 21 2022
    This episode contains content best suited for adults. A caller struggles to be creative in a world obsessed with productivity. Poet Chen Chen responds with ‘Grace’ by Sarah Gambito. The poem in this episode appears courtesy of Sarah Gambito.
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    26 mins
  • Episode 5: Sea of White Women
    Jul 28 2022
    A caller faces condescension and hostility when she brings up racial equity in her mostly white graduate program. Poet Camille Dungy responds with ‘i am accused of tending to the past’ by Lucille Clifton and ‘White Papers’ by Martha Collins. The poems in this episode appear courtesy of BOA Editions and University of Pittsburgh Press.
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    27 mins
  • Episode 6: Finding Reprieve
    Aug 4 2022
    A caller needs reprieve from the news and terrible forecasts for the environment. Poet Alan Chazaro responds with ‘Sphere of Influence or Praise Song for the Warriors’ by Dean Rader. The poem in this episode appears courtesy of Dean Rader.
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    27 mins
  • Episode 7: Should I Have A Kid?
    Aug 11 2022
    This episode contains content best suited for adults. A caller doesn’t know whether she wants to be a mom. Writer Alissa Jones Nelson responds with ‘Day Out with Daughter’ by Sabrina Mahfouz and an excerpt from ‘Whereas’ by Layli Long Soldier. The poems in this episode appear courtesy of Lewinsohn Literary Agency Limited and Graywolf Press.
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    23 mins