The Poetry Space_

What happens when you pit a hoops-loving narrative philosopher against a tight-lipped Zen wit with a side hustle in metaphysical mischief? You get this episode of The Poetry Space_, where Pulitzer Prize winners Stephen Dunn and Kay Ryan go poem-to-poem in a lyrical Duel that’s part therapy session and part riddle wrapped in enjambment.

Dunn brings conversational wisdom and emotional nuance to the ring. Ryan counters with compressed clarity and punchlines precise enough to crack granite. Who wins? Who learns? Who makes the best metaphors out of antiquated outergarments? Tune in to find out.

At the table:

Katie Dozier

Timothy Green

Is the influence of the Imagists alive in contemporary poetry? In this episode, Katie, Tim and the Squad take a look at how their own poems may have been influenced by the poets of the previous episode. What is the true importance of imagery in poetry, and how can contemporary poets harness the power of writing over a hundred years after the Imagists?

At the Table:

Katie Dozier

Timothy Green

Joe Barca

Dick Westheimer

Brian O’Sullivan

A bit over a hundred years ago, Ezra Pound corralled a group known as the Imagists that would have a profound effect on poetry as we know it. A controversial figure, Pound explored and enlivened the economy of language and rich images that became founding principles of the group, along with H.D. (Hilda Doolittle), Richard Aldington, William Carlos Williams, Amy Lowell, and F.S. Flint.

At the Table:

Katie Dozier

Timothy Green

Joe Barca

Dick Westheimer

Brian O’Sullivan

What constitutes fair use when it comes to poetry? Is the Cento form illegal? While this is obviously not legal advice, as no one should seek that from any podcast, let alone one primarily related to poetry, exploring fair use turned out to be as fun as reading a good poem! We covered many questions from listeners that were posed to us over social media. 

Note: While we initially set out to cover both copyright and fair use in this episode, we realized it would be better split into half-sandwiches for easier consumption.

At the Table:

Timothy Green

Katie Dozier

In one of our most-requested topics, Tim fields many questions. While this is obviously not legal advice, as no one should seek that from any podcast, let alone one primarily related to poetry, we had a lot of “fun” exploring this topic. Just ask Sheryl Crow (who has no idea this podcast exists)! We covered many questions from listeners that were posed to us over social media. 

Note: While we initially set out to cover both copyright and fair use in this episode, we realized it would be better split into half-sandwiches for easier consumption.

At the Table:

Timothy Green

Katie Dozier

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