Delving deeper into the matter of spirituality in poetry, we begin this episode by hearing Dick Westheimer read his poem, “Perhaps Prayer is Thinly Scattered Matter,” and are treated to more poetry by special guest Deacon Chris Anderson, as well as poems by Ada Limón, Rhina Espaillat, and José A. Alcántara.

At the table:

Katie Dozier

Timothy Green

Chris Anderson

Dick Westheimer

Joe Barca

Nate Jacob 

Brian O’Sullivan

As we cross over to our first triple digit episode, what better topic than spirituality? Special guest Deacon Chris Anderson helps us explore the spirituality of poetry. Is poetry a form of prayer or even a religion in it of itself? Chris shares some of his own poetry, and profound insights. 

At the table:

Katie Dozier

Timothy Green

Chris Anderson

Dick Westheimer

Joe Barca

Nate Jacob 

Brian O’Sullivan

In the second episode of this mini-series, Katie and Tim jump into contemporary political poetry. With a deep dive into Rattle’s Poets Respond series, they examine what makes political poetry successful or unsuccessful in our current poetic climate, and Tim makes such a good point that Katie alters her definition of how she defines poetry.

At the table:

Katie Dozier

Tim Green

In this episode, Katie and Tim talk about the number one thing you’re not supposed to talk about: politics—thankfully this time in the form of political poetry. What makes some political poems memorable and important? We explore the question by looking at older political poetry and what has staying power looking back.

At the table:

Katie Dozier

Tim Green

This week, we dive into the delightful world of limericks with special guest Janet McConnaughey. Join us as we explore the history, structure, and enduring charm of this whimsical poetic form. From classic examples to contemporary twists, we read and discuss so many limericks. Whether you're a seasoned poet or new to the craft, this episode offers insights and inspiration to appreciate and perhaps even pen your own limerick.

At the table:

Katie Dozier

Timothy GreenJanet McConnaughey

Dick Westheimer

Joe Barca

What makes for a fair fight between centuries? In this episode, English titans Emily Dickinson and Margaret Atwood duke it out, poem by poem, as we arrive at a better understanding of each poet through their juxtaposition.

At the table:

Katie Dozier

Timothy Green

The Squad leaps back into the keys to writing an interesting poem with Nate Jacob reading a poem by Robert Hayden. Next up to the plate, Brian shares his list. Tim brings up the question of subjectivity, and Katie shares her own top ten keys. We also read poems by A.E. Stallings and Dorianne Laux.

At the Table:

Katie Dozier

Timothy Green

Brian O’Sullivan

Dick Westheimer

Nate Jacob

How to write an interesting poem is a topic at the very heart of this show, and the Squad wastes no time tackling it. In part one, Tim, Dick, and Nate share their homework from Katie–a top ten list pf the keys to writing an interesting poem. We read poems by Li-Young Lee, George Bilgere, Sharon Olds, and Tiana Clark.

At the Table:

Katie Dozier

Timothy Green

Dick Westheimer

Brian O’Sullivan

Nate Jacob

In this episode, we seek to learn more about two poets by having the two duel! This time, we look at two poets read in translation. Allen Ginsberg once asked in “A Supermarket in California,” “and you. Garcia Lorca, what were you doing down by the watermelons?” and this episode seeks to find out by looking at Federico García Lorca. Tomas Gösta Tranströmer’s The Blue House goes toe-to-toe with Lorca. Add in a totally unrelated chocolate tasting and you have an episode to satisfy the poetry sweet tooth!

At the table:

Katie Dozier

Timothy Green

It seems like such a simple question, but how to read a poem, like poetic interpretation itself, can be answered in many different ways. But what’s the best way to go about reading a poem? Katie turns to art criticism for a process that guides the episode to a deep reading of poems by: Billy Collins, Wallace Stevens, Robert Frost, and John Ashbury.

At the table:

Katie Dozier

Timothy Green

Joe Barca

Brian O’Sullivan

Dick Westheimer

Nate Jacob