Poet Major Jackson Named New Host Of 'The Slowdown' Podcast

Jackson (Photo: Erin Patrice O’Brien)

AMERICAN PUBLIC MEDIA and THE POETRY FOUNDATION's poetry podcast "THE SLOWDOWN" has a new host, poet and writer MAJOR JACKSON, who replaces poet ADA LIMÓN on the show starting JANUARY 23rd. LIMÓN replaced TRACY K. SMITH on the daily short-form feature in its third season; LIMÓN is leaving to become the 24th Poet Laureate of the UNITED STATES.

JACKSON said, “Since its first episode, each morning I listened to THE SLOWDOWN, a ritual in my day as essential as taking a walk or brushing my teeth. Through the open-ended splendor of a poem, the podcast’s hosts encouraged me to find possibility and power in the small moments and sacred mysteries. Even before walking out the door, I felt energized, occasionally provoked, by poetry’s wisdom and the daily wonders occasioned by the simple act of listening. I felt prepared to enter the thick of my workday with just a little more understanding and curiosity. Poetry allows us to collect the rich chorus, that is our tender humanity, within us. I am excited to continue the amazing privilege of daily presenting a poem knowing some listener will feel renewed, maybe even seen, and even better, transformed by the grace of insightful language.”

LIMÓN said, “MAJOR and I have known each other for over twenty years and I was delighted to hear that he was selected to take over the show. I know THE SLOWDOWN will benefit from his insight, humor, and wisdom, and that he will be helming the ship with both grace and warmth.”

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