The Slowdown

New episodes begin today

Hi, Friend.

If you’re not already subscribed to The Slowdown, now is the perfect time. My episodes as the new host begin today! Big thanks to our lead producer Myka Kielbon and associate producer Maria Württele.

From the Poetry Foundation press release:

St. Paul, Minnesota, August 5, 2025 – American Public Media and the Poetry Foundation today announce award-winning poet and writer Maggie Smith has been selected as the new host of the celebrated poetry podcast, The Slowdown. Starting August 18, 2025, Smith will carry on the tradition of sharing a selected poem and thoughtful reflection every weekday, offering listeners a daily opportunity to find connection and calm through poetry. Smith succeeds award-winning poet Major Jackson and former United States Poets Laureate, Ada Limón and Tracy K. Smith.

“I’m a listener and a fan of The Slowdown first and foremost, so I’m thrilled to be a part of its legacy. It's an honor to be welcomed into listeners’ lives, bringing them a poem as they make their morning coffee, or walk their dogs, or commute to work. I think we can all use time away from our to-do lists, and time away from the dismal, endless scroll, to share five minutes of perspective through the lens of poetry,” Smith said.

The Slowdown was most recently hosted by Major Jackson, who said, “Maggie Smith possesses an astonishing ability to read the undercurrents of our lives. An accomplished poet and prose writer, her impact and fine thinking have already enriched our conversations. I look forward to hearing her voice each morning.”

New episodes of The Slowdown are available every weekday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other podcast platforms. Listeners can subscribe to the show’s newsletter and follow along for updates at SlowdownShow.org and at @SlowdownShow on Facebook and Instagram.

Major’s words really touched me, because I admire him so much as a poet and teacher. I’ve loved listening to him on The Slowdown—and I loved listening to Ada and Tracy before him. What an honor to be hosting now! I hope you’ll subscribe and join me each weekday. We have some extraordinary poems coming your way.

Love,
Maggie