How to Be a Better Human: Enriching Your Everyday Life with Poetry (Featuring Sarah Kay)
Episode Release Date: April 14, 2025
Host: Chris Duffy
Guest: Sarah Kay, Poet and Educator

Introduction

In this engaging rerun of How to Be a Better Human, host Chris Duffy reconnects with acclaimed poet Sarah Kay to explore the transformative power of poetry in everyday life. Originally recorded in 2021, this conversation remains profoundly relevant, especially with the release of Sarah's new poetry collection, A Little Daylight Left. Chris expresses his deep appreciation for Sarah's artistry and friendship, setting the stage for a heartfelt and insightful dialogue.

Sarah Kay’s Journey into Poetry

Sarah Kay begins by sharing the origins of her relationship with poetry, tracing it back to her childhood.

Sarah Kay [12:04]: "Poems became something that was dependable, like clockwork. I knew I could expect it every day. But it was also a surprise. It was also a gift."

She reminisces about how her parents, neither poets themselves, would leave little poems in her lunchbox each day during her elementary years. This routine not only fostered her love for poetry but also served as a profound expression of love and care, embedding poetry deeply into her daily life.

Incorporating Wordplay and Poetry into Daily Life

The conversation shifts to how Sarah integrates poetry and wordplay into her everyday routines. Sarah humorously recounts her tradition of creating pun-filled Halloween costumes, inspired by a vivid dream where she imagined herself as "a rebel without a cause" through a clever trigonometry pun.

Sarah Kay [14:43]: "I just find them so delightful. And that Halloween thing happened because many years ago, I had a dream... what about this trigonometry pun?"

Sarah emphasizes the importance of observation and cherishing small moments of delight, transforming everyday experiences into poetic inspiration. She maintains a dedicated notebook to jot down fleeting moments and intriguing phrases, serving as a reservoir of ideas for her creative process.

Sarah Kay [17:56]: "I have a little notebook that I keep nearby at all times... it's much more record keeping. Just jot it down, really, just to keep. To note it for later."

Encouraging Others to Embrace Poetry

As an educator, Sarah shares her strategies for making poetry accessible to those who might not see themselves as poets. She advocates for lowering the stakes around both writing and performing poetry, using familiar and non-intimidating exercises like creating lists. For instance, she encourages writing "10 Things I Know to be True" or "Things I Should Have Learned by Now," which can organically evolve into poetic expressions.

Sarah Kay [21:48]: "The point is to allow yourself the opportunity to take a peek at what you already have going on in your brain without worrying that it's not poetic enough or deep enough."

Sarah also highlights the significance of community in poetry, noting how sharing and discussing poetry with others can enhance one's enthusiasm and creativity. She believes that poetry thrives in communal settings, where individuals can connect and find solace in shared expressions.

Sarah Kay [19:36]: "Very few things make me as alive, make me feel as alive as when I read a poem by someone else... that feeling is just like, you know, plugging my soul into an amplifier."

Process Over Product: Embracing Iteration in Creative Work

A key theme in the discussion is the emphasis on process over product. Sarah advises writers to focus on the journey of creation rather than the final outcome, drawing parallels to podcasting's iterative nature.

Sarah Kay [32:00]: "Can we have that kind of compassion for ourselves as writers?"

She shares her own struggles with perfectionism and the importance of allowing oneself to draft multiple versions to refine ideas and expressions. This approach not only alleviates the pressure of producing a flawless piece but also fosters continuous improvement and deeper exploration of themes.

The Importance of Reading and Continuous Learning

Sarah underscores the critical role of reading in enhancing one's writing and linguistic skills. She encourages immersing oneself in diverse genres and styles to broaden one's understanding of language and narrative techniques.

Sarah Kay [30:13]: "Reading and reading and reading helps... soaking in all of that good, good writing."

By exposing oneself to a wide array of literary works, writers can discover new methods and inspirations, enriching their own creative endeavors.

Personal Insights and Reflections

Towards the end of the episode, Sarah shares a poignant realization about expressing love and care. She discusses the importance of tangible expressions of affection, especially when physical distance separates loved ones.

Sarah Kay [35:58]: "I could love someone and think about them all the time and care about them and be invested in their life... But no one knows that that's happening in my brain."

This insight underscores the human need for visible and meaningful gestures of connection, reinforcing her belief in the power of poetry to articulate and manifest such emotions.

Conclusion

Chris wraps up the conversation by expressing his gratitude for Sarah's contributions and wisdom, highlighting the enduring impact of their dialogue on listeners striving to be better humans through the art of poetry. Sarah's thoughtful reflections and practical advice offer valuable guidance for anyone looking to integrate creativity, vulnerability, and intentionality into their lives.

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah Kay [12:04]: "Poems became something that was dependable, like clockwork. I knew I could expect it every day. But it was also a surprise. It was also a gift."

• Sarah Kay [14:43]: "I just find them so delightful... what about this trigonometry pun?"

• Sarah Kay [17:56]: "Just jot it down, really, just to keep. To note it for later."

• Sarah Kay [21:48]: "The point is to allow yourself the opportunity to take a peek at what you already have going on in your brain without worrying that it's not poetic enough or deep enough."

• Sarah Kay [32:00]: "Can we have that kind of compassion for ourselves as writers?"

• Sarah Kay [30:13]: "Reading and reading and reading helps... soaking in all of that good, good writing."

• Sarah Kay [35:58]: "I could love someone and think about them all the time and care about them and be invested in their life... But no one knows that that's happening in my brain."

Through this heartfelt conversation, Sarah Kay illuminates the profound ways poetry can enrich our lives, fostering deeper connections, enhancing self-expression, and promoting personal growth. Whether you're a seasoned poet or someone curious about the art form, this episode offers inspiration and practical insights to help you embrace poetry as a tool for becoming a better human.