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Maggie Smith’s second season hosting The Slowdown, returns November 2, 2026.


Season 7 Returns with Host Maggie Smith

After two years, two seasons and 443 episodes, Major Jackson is stepping down from the host chair. 


A Farewell to Major Jackson

Raising poetry to a more visible and influential position in American culture.


Produced in Partnership With the Poetry Foundation

Announcements

1601: Girls Overheard While Assembling a Puzzle by Mary Szybist

Today’s poem is Girls Overheard While Assembling a Puzzle by Mary Szybist.


Today’s poem is Girls Overheard While Assembling a Puzzle by Mary Szybist.

The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem eavesdrops on two girls playing together, and I find the dialogue between them so charming. ”

This show is supported by gifts from listeners. Support The Slowdown with a donation today. slowdownshow.org/donate


The Slowdown

1600: The Thing Is by Ellen Bass

Today’s poem is The Thing Is by Ellen Bass. 


Today’s poem is The Thing Is by Ellen Bass.

The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem is one that I seek out, and one that I’m always glad to come across in the wild.”

This show is supported by gifts from listeners. Support The Slowdown with a donation today. slowdownshow.org/donate


1599: Heading Out to Sea by José A. Alcántara

Today’s poem is Heading Out to Sea by José A. Alcántara.


Today’s poem is Heading Out to Sea by José A. Alcántara.

The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “The truth is, all bodies are imperfect. But today’s poem reminds me, importantly, that this body is the only one I have. There’s no “spare,” no back up, no alternative. When I think of it that way, it’s impossible not to be grateful.”

This show is supported by gifts from listeners. Support The Slowdown with a donation today. slowdownshow.org/donate


The Slowdown

Latest Episode

Recent Episodes

1601: Girls Overheard While Assembling a Puzzle by Mary Szybist

1600: The Thing Is by Ellen Bass

1599: Heading Out to Sea by José A. Alcántara

Announcements

Season 7 Returns with Host Maggie Smith

A Farewell to Major Jackson

Produced in Partnership With the Poetry Foundation

Other APM Podcasts

Truth Be Told

Ripple

The Splendid Table

The Slowdown

Latest Episode

Recent Episodes

1601: Girls Overheard While Assembling a Puzzle by Mary Szybist

1600: The Thing Is by Ellen Bass

1599: Heading Out to Sea by José A. Alcántara

Get a poem handpicked by Maggie Smith every weekday. The email includes an abridged version of Maggie’s introduction.

Announcements

Season 7 Returns with Host Maggie Smith

A Farewell to Major Jackson

Produced in Partnership With the Poetry Foundation

Other APM Podcasts

Truth Be Told

Ripple

The Splendid Table