Podcast Summary: The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily Episode: [encore] 1175: Hunger by Kelli Russell Agodon
Release Date: July 11, 2025
Host: Major Jackson
Produced by: APM Studios in partnership with The Poetry Foundation
Supported by: National Endowment for the Arts

Introduction to the Episode

In this encore episode of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, host Major Jackson delves into the intricacies of love, deception, and self-discovery through the evocative poem "Hunger" by Kelli Russell Agodon. This episode not only presents the poem but also incorporates community reflections, enriching the listener's experience with diverse perspectives.

Community Submissions and Reflections

Producer Micah Keelvan opens the episode by reminiscing about previous collaborations and inviting the community to share poems that have resonated with them. At [00:46], Micah expresses gratitude for the community's involvement:

"The Slowdown team and I asked you to help us select for the podcast to send in poems that have helped you slow yourself down. It was such a beautiful way to connect with our community..."

This initiative led to the inclusion of a heartfelt reflection from Janine Hall.

Janine Hall, from Woodinville, Washington, shares her personal connection to the poem, emphasizing its depth and layered meanings. At [01:10], Janine states:

"This poem really fits the Slowdown because it's dark and funny the first time you read it... But the more you go back and read it and think about it, like it really has these dark, twisty turns..."

She highlights how the poem transforms upon repeated readings, revealing deeper insights into love and its potential pains:

"...Love can hurt. You're like, oh, that's sort of innocuous. Then you're like, is it an innocuous what do we do for love?"

Janine's reflection sets the stage for a profound exploration of the poem's themes, capturing the essence of The Slowdown's mission to foster introspection through poetry.

Deep Dive into "Hunger" by Kelli Russell Agodon

Major Jackson takes the listeners on an emotional journey as he unpacks "Hunger." Starting at [01:49], he shares a poignant narrative that intertwines personal anecdotes with the poem's themes:

"What is it about this stage of dating that has us turn off the radar, render us blind to the red flags, to what we hope our instincts should catch?"

He reflects on the complexities of relationships, deception, and the longing for genuine connection. Jackson paints a vivid picture of a relationship's rise and fall, marked by both tender moments and underlying tensions. At [05:30], he poignantly remarks:

"Sometimes love hurts. Sometimes the lost dog doesn't want to be found."

This line encapsulates the bittersweet nature of love and loss, resonating deeply with listeners who have experienced similar emotional turmoils.

"Hunger" weaves allegorical elements, comparing love and relationships to wild animals and unexpected intrusions:

"Once I brought home a coyote and told my lover we had a new pet until it ate our chickens, our ducks, and our cat."

This metaphor underscores the unpredictability and potential chaos that can arise in relationships, emphasizing the delicate balance between care and control.

The poem also delves into the human tendency to rationalize mistakes and the blurred lines between intention and consequence:

"Sometimes we make mistakes and call them coincidences. We hold open the door, then wonder how, how the stranger ended up in our home."

Through these verses, Agodon explores the internal conflicts and external manifestations of unmet emotional needs, portraying a landscape where love's demands can lead to both creation and destruction.

Themes and Insights

The episode masterfully navigates several intertwined themes:

1. Love and Deception: The poem illustrates how love can be both nurturing and, at times, deceptive. The metaphor of a "wolf in sheep's clothing" reflects the duality of appearances versus reality in relationships.

2. Self-Discovery: As listeners engage with the poem, they are invited to reflect on their own experiences and emotions, fostering a deeper understanding of themselves through the poetic narrative.

3. Impermanence and Loss: The transient nature of relationships and the inevitable pain of loss are poignant reminders of the fleeting moments that shape our emotional landscapes.

4. Human Vulnerability: The poem and the accompanying discussions highlight the innate vulnerability in seeking love and the inherent risks of emotional investment.

Conclusion

In this episode of The Slowdown: Poetry & Reflection Daily, Major Jackson successfully intertwines personal anecdotes, community insights, and the rich layers of Kelli Russell Agodon's "Hunger" to create a tapestry of reflection and emotional depth. The episode not only showcases the power of poetry to convey complex emotions but also emphasizes the importance of community in sharing and interpreting these universal experiences.

Listeners are left with a profound appreciation for the nuanced ways in which love, loss, and self-awareness intersect, all within the comforting and contemplative framework that The Slowdown consistently provides.

Production Credits:

• Written by: Major Jackson
• Lead Producer: Micah Keelvan
• Associate Producer: Maria Wartel
• Music Composer: Alexis Cuadrado
• Engineering: Eric Romani, Josh Savageau
• Digital Producer: James Napoli
• Additional Production: Charlotte Traver, Susanna Sharpless, Jess Miller, Lauren Humpert
• Executives in Charge of APM Studios: Chandra Kavati, Joanne Griffith

The Slowdown is a production of American Public Media in partnership with The Poetry Foundation and supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.