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


A Farewell to Major Jackson

To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.


Supported in Part by National Endowment for the Arts

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


Produced in Partnership With the Poetry Foundation

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1590: R.K. Russell: They/Them by Danez Smith (Extended Version)

Today’s poem is They/Them by Danez Smith, with special guest R.K. Russell. 


Today’s poem is They/Them by Danez Smith, with special guest R.K. Russell. 

R.K. Russell is an NFL legend, writer, and social justice advocate who made history by becoming the first out active NFL player to identify as bisexual.

The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, R.K. shares… “Oftentimes we see writing as a reflection of society, when really writing is where we bend society. It's where we bend the rules. Society is not shaping what we write. What we write is shaping society. Identity and relationships are what bust down the framework.” 

This show is supported by gifts from listeners. Support The Slowdown with a donation today. Slowdownshow.org/donate


R.K. Russell: They/Them by Danez Smith (Extended Version)

The Slowdown

1589: R.K. Russell: They/Them by Danez Smith

Today’s poem is They/Them by Danez Smith, with special guest R.K. Russell. 

R.K. Russell is an NFL legend, writer, and social justice advocate who made history by becoming the first out active NFL player to identify as bisexual.

The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, R.K. shares… “When you start to want to live authentically as yourself, there are also sacrifices that must be made. A lot of those sacrifices are rooted in your relationships. How people view you, how people want you to give to them and love them and care for them.” 

This show is supported by gifts from listeners. Support The Slowdown with a donation today. Slowdownshow.org/donate


20261008 Slowdown Danez Smith RK Russell 

R.K. Russell: They/Them by Danez Smith

1337: [encore] New York Address by Linda Gregg

Today’s poem is New York Address by Linda Gregg.


Today’s poem is New York Address by Linda Gregg. 

The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, Maggie writes… “Today’s poem captures that feeling when you’ve just had it—you’ve absolutely hit your limit. But at the same time, you realize that you’re the only person who can pick yourself back up. You have to keep yourself going.” 

This show is supported by gifts from listeners. Support The Slowdown with a donation today. Slowdownshow.org/donate


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R.K. Russell: They/Them by Danez Smith (Extended Version)

R.K. Russell: They/Them by Danez Smith

1337: [encore] New York Address by Linda Gregg

Announcements

A Farewell to Major Jackson

Supported in Part by National Endowment for the Arts

Produced in Partnership With the Poetry Foundation

Other APM Podcasts

Truth Be Told

Ripple

The Splendid Table

The Slowdown

Latest Episode

Recent Episodes

R.K. Russell: They/Them by Danez Smith (Extended Version)

R.K. Russell: They/Them by Danez Smith

1337: [encore] New York Address by Linda Gregg

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

Announcements

A Farewell to Major Jackson

Supported in Part by National Endowment for the Arts

Produced in Partnership With the Poetry Foundation

Other APM Podcasts

Truth Be Told

Ripple

The Splendid Table