Running and poetry are all Denison Witmer needs as a songwriter.

"When I'm being physically active, my brain opens up," he says. Running is a big part of Witmer's life and plays a big role in his creative process. The other major source of Witmer's inspiration is poetry, and we talk about its impact on his songwriting. We also make a collective case for why the poet Li-Young Lee is so, so, so great and why you should read him right after you listen to this episode. 

Denison Witmer's new album Anything At All  (produced and recorded by Sufjan Stevens) is out now on Asthmatic Kitty Records.