Podcast Episode Summary

Title: The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily
Episode: 1289: Things I Want to Tell You About California by Barbara Costas-Biggs
Host: Maggie Smith
Release Date: February 6, 2025
Produced by: American Public Media in partnership with The Poetry Foundation
Supported by: National Endowment for the Arts

Introduction

In Episode 1289 of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, host Maggie Smith engages listeners in a heartfelt exploration of Barbara Costas-Biggs' evocative poem, "Things I Want to Tell You About California." This episode delves into the poet's reflections on place, memory, and the intricate relationship between identity and environment.

Host and Poet Introduction

Maggie Smith opens the episode, setting the stage for a contemplative journey through California's landscapes and personal significance. She introduces Barbara Costas-Biggs, whose work poignantly captures the essence of her familiar yet ever-changing surroundings.

Barbara Costas-Biggs begins by referencing Ralph Ellison's insightful observation:

"If you don't know where you are, you probably don't know who you are."
— Invisible Man, Ralph Ellison (00:50)

This quote serves as a thematic anchor for her poem, emphasizing the deep connection between one's sense of self and their environment.

Exploration of Place and Identity

Barbara reflects on her lifelong roots in central Ohio, underscoring how a sense of place contributes significantly to her identity:

"Being rooted in this place is a big part of who I am." (01:21)

She discusses her initial doubts about needing grand adventures to fuel her poetry, ultimately realizing that profound inspiration often arises from day-to-day experiences and keen observation.

Maggie Smith adds:

"You don't need to be someplace new to see or hear or taste or smell something new that can happen right in your own backyard." (01:24)

This sentiment highlights the idea that depth and novelty can be found within the familiar, encouraging listeners to perceive their surroundings with fresh eyes.

The Poem: Things I Want to Tell You About California

Barbara presents her poem as a "wish you were here" postcard, pondering how to convey the unique allure of California to someone distant. She contemplates the specific details that make her home special and how these elements might entice others to share in her experiences.

Key excerpts from the poem include vivid imagery and personal reflections:

"The perfect weather. How I stood on a five-gallon bucket to reach oranges hanging over the fence from the neighbor's tree." (02:30)

"Red-winged blackbirds sit on fence posts and rise from tall grasses, test the hawks like toddlers tugging at sleeves..." (03:00)

These lines illustrate Barbara's deep appreciation for the natural beauty and subtle nuances of her environment, painting a vivid picture for the listener.

Reflections on Familiarity and Change

Barbara expresses a longing for connection and the desire to share her beloved California with others:

"I miss having peonies in the yard. And you said, we'll get you some." (04:17)

This statement reveals the emotional ties to place and the comfort derived from familiar elements of home. It also touches upon themes of nostalgia and the yearning for shared experiences.

Maggie Smith responds by acknowledging the challenges of changing one's perspective:

"At home I know you won't change your mind and give it a shot across the country." (03:50)

This interaction underscores the tension between a desire for exploration and the anchoring force of established roots.

Insights and Conclusions

Throughout the episode, both Maggie and Barbara emphasize the profound impact that place has on personal identity and artistic expression. Barbara's poem serves as a testament to finding inspiration in the everyday and recognizing the extraordinary within the ordinary.

The discussion encourages listeners to:

• Appreciate Familiar Surroundings: By noticing details previously overlooked, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary.
• Embrace Empathy and Imagination: Understanding that rich storytelling doesn't require exotic experiences, but rather a deep connection to one's environment.
• Reflect on Personal Connections to Place: Considering how specific locations shape and define who we are.

Notable Quotes

• Barbara Costas-Biggs:
  "Being rooted in this place is a big part of who I am." (01:21)
  "Today's poem feels like a wish you were here postcard." (02:00)

• Maggie Smith:
  "You don't need to be someplace new to see or hear or taste or smell something new that can happen right in your own backyard." (01:24)
  "At home I know you won't change your mind and give it a shot across the country." (03:50)

Final Thoughts

Episode 1289 of The Slowdown offers a serene and introspective look into how our environments shape our identities and creative expressions. Through Barbara Costas-Biggs' eloquent poetry and thoughtful conversation with Maggie Smith, listeners are invited to pause, reflect, and find inspiration in their own familiar landscapes.

Listen to More Episodes: Explore the back catalog featuring previous hosts Tracy K. Smith and Ada Limón, alongside guest hosts Jenny Xie, Brenda Shaughnessy, Tina Chang, Nate Marshall, Shira Erlichiman, and Jason Schneiderman. Discover more poems that resonate and inspire by visiting slowdownshow.org.

Timestamp References

• 00:50 Barbara's reference to Ralph Ellison
• 01:18 Maggie introduces key theme
• 01:21 Barbara discusses being rooted in place
• 01:24 Maggie on empathy and imagination
• 02:30 Poem excerpt about oranges
• 03:00 Poem excerpt about red-winged blackbirds
• 03:50 Maggie on not changing her mind
• 04:17 Barbara on missing peonies

Note: Advertisements and non-content sections have been excluded from this summary to focus on the core discussion and poetic exploration.