Podcast Summary: The Slowdown Episode 1332: Slow Take: An Evening of Poetry and Reflection with The Slowdown and The Porch
Release Date: June 18, 2025
Hosts: Micah Kielbon, Major Jackson, Jad Abumrad
Guests:
- Mark Jarman (Poet)
- Kate Daniels (Poet)
- Tia Sillers (Grammy Award-Winning Songwriter)
- Dee Dee Jackson (Poet)
- Siana Rouse (Poet and Educator)
1. Introduction and Event Overview [00:58 – 05:02]
The episode kicks off with Micah Kielbon welcoming listeners to "Slow Take," a special live event held at Analog at the Hutton Hotel in Nashville. He introduces the collaboration with The Porch, a local literary arts organization, aiming to celebrate the Nashville literary community. The event features local poets, a musician, and a conversation about the role of poetry in daily life.
Micah Kielbon:
"Let's hear it for the Porch... We're here tonight to celebrate the Nashville literary community."
[02:15]
2. Host Introductions and Achievements [05:02 – 07:30]
Micah introduces the evening's hosts, Jad Abumrad and Major Jackson, highlighting their illustrious careers. Jad is renowned for his work on "Radiolab" and other award-winning projects, while Major Jackson is celebrated for his contributions to "The Slowdown," his poetry collections, and his role at Vanderbilt University.
Major Jackson:
"Poetry is an estate, something that we have inherited over the years... encouraging them to reacquaint themselves with those voices."
[76:10]
3. Celebrating Major Jackson’s Contributions [07:30 – 09:16]
Dee Dee Jackson expresses excitement about celebrating Major Jackson's significant contribution to "The Slowdown," noting his involvement in over 443 episodes. Major humbly acknowledges the enriching experience of curating such a vast collection of poems.
Dee Dee Jackson:
"I've contributed to 443 of them."
[07:54]
4. Conversation on Poetry’s Impact and Selection Process [09:16 – 15:30]
Dee Dee engages Major Jackson in a discussion about his extensive work on the podcast. Major shares insights into his diverse poetry archive and the democratic approach to selecting poems, emphasizing inclusivity and the balance between established and emerging voices.
Major Jackson:
"The first thing is that I wanted the show to be as inclusive of all voices that constitute our polis."
[11:44]
5. Poets Mark Jarman and Kate Daniels’ Presentations [17:30 – 32:35]
Mark Jarman presents his poem "She Twirled Along the Brick Wall Fingertips," depicting a poignant moment of helping a student avoid slipping on ice. Kate Daniels shares a heartfelt poem titled "Love Pig," inspired by her granddaughter, celebrating the tender and messy aspects of infancy.
Mark Jarman:
"As I helped her stand, she pulled an earplug out beneath her knit cap and said ouch."
[07:54]
Kate Daniels:
"Love me because Lyra is also a juicy, kissable, lickable infant."
[21:00]
6. Discussion on the Craft of Poetry [32:35 – 35:30]
Dee Dee and the poets delve into the nuances of creating poetry, discussing the importance of revision, patience, and emotional connection. They explore how precision and artfulness are achieved through continual refinement and the willingness to discard parts that do not serve the poem's essence.
Mark Jarman:
"Poetry writing is a process of vision and revision... the poem will tell you when it's done."
[26:24]
Kate Daniels:
"We're in this sort of little cult, and we're all in here together."
[26:32]
7. Guest Performance by Tia Sillers [36:03 – 53:06]
Tia Sillers takes the stage, performing her original song "Tale of the Troubadour," weaving themes of love and mythological references with a lyrical narrative. Her performance is interspersed with poetic verses that resonate deeply with the audience.
Siana Rouse (Performer):
"Love we love who we love and love doesn't think it's some impossible thing at all."
[43:27]
8. Post-Performance Discussion and Insights [53:06 – 71:35]
Following Tia’s performance, the hosts and guests engage in a reflective conversation about the intersection of poetry and music. Tia shares her journey as a songwriter, emphasizing the intentionality behind her lyrics and the emotional depth they convey. The discussion also touches upon poetry's accessibility and the efforts to integrate it into everyday life.
Tia Sillers:
"With each song that was successful, it made me lean into even more each time I write."
[46:35]
Dee Dee Jackson:
"I would love to just create dinners all over the place where people like each course comes with a different idea of talking about a poem."
[69:53]
9. Poetry Reading by Dee Dee Jackson and Siana Rouse [55:42 – 71:35]
Dee Dee Jackson presents her poem "Wild," inspired by visual propaganda posters from WWII, juxtaposing themes of empowerment and societal expectations. Siana Rouse follows with a moving rendition of her poem, further enriching the evening's thematic tapestry.
Dee Dee Jackson:
"To be wild, that is."
[62:29]
10. Discussion on Poetry’s Role in Society and Education [72:31 – 75:42]
The conversation shifts to the broader role of poetry in society, including its perception, accessibility, and educational value. Dee Dee proposes innovative ideas for integrating poetry into social settings, such as poetry dinners, to foster a deeper appreciation and connection among people.
Dee Dee Jackson:
"We're talking about poetry the way that people talk about Bieber or Beyonce... Dinners are places where you fall in love."
[71:27]
11. Closing Remarks and Farewells [75:42 – 78:53]
Major Jackson concludes the evening by reflecting on the collective experience, highlighting the importance of poetry in healing and human connection. He expresses gratitude to all participants and encourages listeners to continue embracing poetry as a vital part of their lives.
Major Jackson:
"Earth's the right place for love. I can live with that."
[77:37]
Micah Kielbon:
"One big round of applause again to Major for everything you do for the Slowdown."
[78:53]
Key Takeaways:
-
Inclusivity in Poetry: Major Jackson emphasizes the importance of including diverse voices in poetry selections, fostering a democratic and representative literary culture.
-
The Art of Revision: Both Mark Jarman and Kate Daniels highlight the significance of revising poetry, considering it a foundational aspect of the creative process.
-
Integration of Poetry and Music: Tia Sillers' performance showcases the seamless blend of poetic lyrics with musical composition, demonstrating poetry's versatility.
-
Accessibility and Community Engagement: Dee Dee Jackson advocates for innovative methods to make poetry more accessible and engaging, such as poetry-centered dinners, to democratize and normalize its presence in everyday life.
-
Poetry as Healing and Reflection: The hosts and guests collectively underscore poetry's role in personal healing, reflection, and fostering human connections.
Notable Quotes:
-
Major Jackson on Inclusivity:
"The first thing is that I wanted the show to be as inclusive of all voices that constitute our polis."
[11:44] -
Mark Jarman on Revision:
"Poetry writing is a process of vision and revision... the poem will tell you when it's done."
[26:24] -
Kate Daniels on Poetry’s Purpose:
"What is the use of poetry if it doesn't say something meaningful about the human experience?"
[31:05] -
Dee Dee Jackson on Poetry Accessibility:
"I would love to just create dinners all over the place where people like each course comes with a different idea of talking about a poem."
[69:53] -
Tia Sillers on Songwriting:
"With each song that was successful, it made me lean into even more each time I write."
[46:35]
This episode of "The Slowdown" serves as a profound exploration of poetry's enduring relevance, its intricate crafting process, and its power to connect and heal individuals and communities alike. Through engaging dialogues, heartfelt performances, and insightful reflections, listeners are invited to rediscover the beauty and depth of poetry in everyday life.