64 Best Contemporary Poetry Podcasts to Listen to (2026)

Host Maggie Smith is your daily poetry companion. Poetry is one of the greatest tools we have to wield our own attention — to consider our own lives and the lives of others, to help us live creatively and compassionately, to use that attention to lean into wonder, and joy, and truth, and to find hope — to keep hoping. The Slowdown community knows that reflecting on a poem, every weekday, can connect us to our inner world and the world around us. Listen as you make your morning coffee, as you go on a walk in your neighborhood, as you pull away from the to-do list, as you resist the dismal, endless scroll to share five minutes of perspective through the lens of poetry, from poets old and new, well-loved and emerging onto the scene. Brought to you by American Public Media, in partnership with the Poetry Foundation. more

Producer Helena de Groot talks to poets about language, dreams, love and loss, identity, connection, anger, discomfort, the creative process, the state of the world and the world of the soul. Hard conversations are welcomed—laughter is, too. more

The VS podcast is a bi-weekly series where poets confront the ideas that move them. Hosted by poets Ajanaé Dawkins and Brittany Rogers, produced by Cin Pim/Ombie Productions, and presented by the Poetry Foundation. more

Short and unhurried, Poetry Unbound is an immersive exploration of a single poem, hosted by Pádraig Ó Tuama.Pádraig Ó Tuama greets you at the doorways of brilliant poems and walks you through — each one has wisdom to offer and questions to ask you.Already a listener? There's also a book (Poetry Unbound: 50 Poems to Open Your World), a Substack newsletter with a vibrant conversation in the comments, and occasional gatherings. more

Readings and conversation with The New Yorker's poetry editor, Kevin Young.

Audio recordings of classic and contemporary poems read by poets and actors, delivered every day.

The Poetry Magazine Podcast takes listeners on an audio journey into and beyond the pages of Poetry. Hear poets share the surprises, confusions, and desires that keep them writing. Produced by Rachel James. more

This podcast is for those who already love poetry and for those who know very little about it. In this podcast, we read a poem, discuss it, see what makes it tick, learn how it works, grow from it, and then read it one more time.Introducing our brand new Poetry For All website: https://poetryforallpod.com! Please visit the new website to learn more about our guests, search for thematic episodes (ranging from Black History Month to the season of autumn), and subscribe to our newsletter. more

Poem-a-Day is the original, daily poetry series featuring new poems by today's poets. Produced by the Academy of American Poets, this free digital series is made possible by you, our readers and listeners. Theme music by Kat Rejsek. Audio engineering by Genevieve Shubeck. Learn more about Poem-a-Day and, if you can, please consider supporting this series by making a gift at poets.org/give. more

Poetry Sessions is a raw and intimate space where emotion takes the mic. These are not just poems but confessions, confrontations, and conversations with the soul. Whether you're looking to feel, reflect, or simply breathe in some truth, this is where poetry meets presence. more

Interesting People Reading Poetry is a short, sound-rich podcast where artists and luminaries read a favorite poem and share what it means to them. Created by Andy & Brendan Stermer. more

Poetry episodes of the popular The Creative Process podcast. Listen to poets reading their poetry & discuss their lives, work & creative process. Includes environmental poetry, humanities & activism. To listen to ALL arts & creativity episodes of 'The Creative Process · Arts, Culture & Society', you'll find our main podcast on Apple: tinyurl.com/thecreativepod, Spotify: tinyurl.com/thecreativespotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!Exploring the fascinating minds of creative people. Conversations with writers, artists & creative thinkers across the Arts & STEM. We discuss their life, work & artistic practice. Winners of Oscar, Emmy, Tony, Pulitzer, leaders & public figures share real experiences & offer valuable insights. Notable guests and participating museums and organizations include: Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, Neil Patrick Harris, Smithsonian, Roxane Gay, Musée Picasso, EARTHDAY.ORG, Neil Gaiman, UNESCO, Joyce Carol Oates, Mark Seliger, Acropolis Museum, Hilary Mantel, Songwriters Hall of Fame, George Saunders, The New Museum, Lemony Snicket, Pritzker Architecture Prize, Hans-Ulrich Obrist, Serpentine Galleries, Joe Mantegna, PETA, Greenpeace, EPA, Morgan Library & Museum, and many others.The interviews are hosted by founder and creative educator Mia Funk with the participation of students, universities, and collaborators from around the world. These conversations are also part of our traveling exhibition.
 www.creativeprocess.infoFor The Creative Process podcasts from Seasons 1 & 2, visit: tinyurl.com/creativepod or creativeprocess.info/interviews-page-1, which has our complete directory of interviews, transcripts, artworks, and details about ways to get involved.

INSTAGRAM @creativeprocesspodcast more

Join hosts Katie Dozier and Timothy Green for The Poetry Space_, a weekly poetry podcast featuring lively, free-wheeling discussions on poems, poetry craft, and the writing life. Each episode explores poet interviews, literary magazines, haiku, meter, collaboration, and more in an insightful and fun live-recorded format. Perfect for poets, writers, and anyone poetry-curious looking for smart conversations that inspire and improve your work. New episodes every Friday at noon ET. more

A podcast for writers and readers who are obsessive about their books. Interviews with established and up-and-coming writers, and recommendations for the best in contemporary fiction, poetry, and drama. Chris Holmes. Chris is Chair of Literatures in English and Associate Professor at Ithaca College. He writes criticism on contemporary global literatures. He is the co-director of The New Voices Festival, a celebration of work in poetry, prose, and playwriting by up-and-coming young writers. more

Poems to take your breath away. Listen to contemporary poets reading their poems and talking about what went into them. You will also hear Mark McGuinness reading classic poems and sharing his thoughts on what makes them great. more

Refresh your life with THE POET AND THE POEM. Hear America's most beloved poets in reading and conversation. Award winning poet/host Grace Cavalieri presents poets reading their work and talking about their art. After 41 years consecutive on public radio, cited by The Encyclopedia of Broadcasting for longevity, THE POET AND THE POEM has made history for one reason: It's powerful. Voted top in the nation for ENTERTAINMENT IN MEDIA by The National Commission On Working Women, ALL NEW 30-minute shows are now available. (Made possible by donors McNeil and Shashaani.) more

Kitchen table conversations with poets, hosted by Han VanderHart.

Listen to authors reading from their new books of poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction featured in Page One: Where New and Noteworthy Books Begin. more

A poetry podcast

Linger in the space between a poem being spoken and being heard. Poetry Centered features curated selections from Voca, the University of Arizona Poetry Center's online audiovisual archive of more than 1,000 recordings of poets reading their work during visits to the Center between 1963 and today. In each episode, a guest poet introduces three poems from Voca, sharing their insights about the remarkable performances recorded in our archive. Each episode concludes with the guest poet reading a poem of their own. more

Poetry Pea is a poetry podcast from www.poetrypea.com. It features haiku and senryu and other Japanese short form poetry. There are lots of free writing resources, workshops from experts, readings of original poetry, haiku and senryu, as well as prompts and writing exercises. You can submit your haiku or senryu to Patricia and be featured on the podcast and in the Poetry Pea Journal. Let's write together. more

This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field. Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: ⁠newbooksnetwork.com⁠ Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: ⁠https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/⁠ Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetwork Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/poetry more

PoemTalk at the Writers House, hosted by Al Filreis and based at Kelly Writers House in Philadelphia. PoemTalk is a collaboration with the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Programs in Contemporary Writing and Jacket2.org. more

Brief reviews of new poetry collections for those who need--or don't yet know they need--poetry. Hosted by Benjamin Landry . more

Featuring recordings from the BWLS archive, in which contemporary poets explore their thinking on poetry & poetics, & give a series of lectures resulting from these investigations. Season 10 features lectures by Srikanth Reddy. Seasons 1-9 include lectures by Joshua Beckman, Dorothea Lasky, Terrance Hayes, Cedar Sigo, Douglas Kearney, among others as well as recordings from the 2018 BWLS conference, 'You Are Who I'm Talking To: Poetry, Attention & Audience,' and The Seattle Series, which ran from 2016-2018 and includes recordings of Don Mee Choi, Tyehimba Jess, Ange Mlinko, and more. more

Andrew French interviews established and emerging authors about breaking through as writers and finding their literary style. more

Two friends try to figure out what it means to write poems and stay sane while putting one foot in a poetry world that seems to baffle us all. By Alice Allan & Jonathan Farmer. more

A program dedicated to the eclectic world of poetry and performance. Guests are contemporary poets who read and discuss their works. more

Presented by Spokane Public Radio, Poetry Moment is a program that showcases myriad poems as read by poets and poetry lovers from across the Inland Northwest — and occasionally beyond.Poetry Moment airs one poem on KPBX each weekday at 9am; a single reader curates the entire week's worth of poetry. Sometimes the poems are the reader's own, and sometimes they're written by poets whose work they admire and want to share with listeners.Since its start in 2018, Poetry Moment has featured readers ranging from the Washington State Poet Laureate and popular local slam poets to listeners who simply want to give voice to a few of their favorite pieces.Are you interested in reading for Poetry Moment too? If so, e-mail us at ****@kpbx.org. more

Now more than ever, we need the fierce, insightful, inspiring power of poetry in our lives, connecting head, heart and soul... more

When Ted Hughes and Daniel Weissbort founded MPT in 1965 they had two principal ambitions: to get poetry out from behind the Iron Curtain into a wider circulation in English and to benefit writers and the reading public in Britain and America by confronting them with good work from abroad. They published poetry that dealt truthfully with the real contemporary world. For more than 50 years MPT has continued and widened that founding intent. more

Hi! Welcome to the poetic realm of 'We, the Poets'! Join us as we dive deep into the vibrant world of poetry, where some of the most electrifying legends in the field take center stage. Led by Mark Grist & featuring a hosting panel from across the midlands, we're bringing you voices at the pinnacle of their craft, sharing poetry from our guests & listeners each month as we dive into our vibrant community & the remarkable journey we get to go on as poets.Forget about the endgame we're here to celebrate the wild, messy, and utterly glorious process of creating something beautiful with words.We'd love you to join us! more

Truthful, humorous and insightful poetry to uplift and brighten your day. Hosted and written by Martin Strasmore. The resounding gongs, played by Kassandra Strasmore, offer an experience of peace and tranquility. Good poetry can open up the mind and heart to new ways of seeing the world, accepting difficulties and embracing opportunities for transformation. Each episode is intended to support and uplift the world and to renew our respect for each other and nature. more

Welcome to Unique the Sonneteer—a space where poetry meets music and every word carries emotion. This podcast brings spoken poetry to life through heartfelt storytelling, original poems, and soulful background music that creates a deeper experience for every listener. Each episode is a journey through love, pain, healing, growth, and real-life emotions, turning poetry into a voice you can feel. It's more than a podcast—it's poetic soul, rhythm, and truth all in one place. more

The Poetry Lab Podcast is a short-form podcast designed to help creative writers carve out the time, the courage, and the inspiration they need to keep writing their new sh*t. With easy-to-follow advice, geeky deep-dives into craft techniques, book recommendations, and answers about everything from performance to publishing, The Poetry Lab Podcast is made for self-taught writers eager to learn wherever and whenever they are. Are you ready poet? Let's get into it. more

Lannan Center for Poetics and Social Practice at Georgetown University is a literary, critical, and pedagogical undertaking devoted to the situation of poetry and poetics in the contemporary world. Based in the President's Office, the Center brings attention to a traditional domain of academic research, but sees poetry as a current practice rather than as a field of historical research. The Center recognizes that 'art's social presence,' in the phrase of Adrienne Rich, is vital to contemporary culture; that poetry, or writing more generally, traverses the fields of aesthetic, social, political, and religious thought: it reconfigures these fields according to the designs of imagination. The Lannan Center hosts Readings and Talks throughout the academic year. Music: Quantum Jazz — 'Orbiting A Distant Planet' — Provided by Jamendo. more

Do the names Mirza Ghalib, Shiv Kumar Batalvi, or Mir Taqi Mir stir your soul? Kavinaama is the essential podcast for exploring the deep, rich culture of the Indian subcontinent through its timeless poetry and literature. Every weekly episode, hosts Kshitij and Burair dive into a specific topic, sharing the best classic and contemporary verses, along with the fascinating cultural anecdotes behind them. This is not a lecture—it's a celebration. Subscribe now and join the conversation! more

A daily reading. A quiet moment. One poem, center stage: just for now, just for you. A one-night-only show, in verse.Come back tomorrow. The curtain rises again. more

This podcast celebrates my love of poetry. I've been writing poetry for about 4 1/2 decades and after years of hauling around boxes of poetry books and scatters of paper with poetry scribbled in both sides I decided to unload the boxes and share with you my poetic creations. more

One poem from poet John Paul Davis at a time.

Conversations with today's poets and writers about Emily Dickinson and about the scope and sources of creative influence and the relevance of the past. Guests choose a Dickinson poem and one of their own to read. kathrynpetruccelli.substack.com more

A podcast experiment in communing through poetry.•Each Sunday, Rachel Schroeder and a friend — poets and non-poets alike — exchange poems written in conversation with each other, then follow the conversation into memory, mystery, grief, humor, love, and the full spectrum of being alive. Join the conversation and read full show notes at poetrybetweenfriends.substack.com•Hosted by Rachel Schroeder, a New York-based playwright, poet, lyricist, and educator.•Because poetry lives between friends. more

Poetry As Usual, is a spoken word poetry podcast created by poets, for poets. Hosted by a collective of spoken word artists known as the Dope Poets, the show explores the culture, craft, and business of spoken word poetry. From unpacking the history and evolution of the art form to highlighting legendary voices, rising stars, and future trailblazers, this podcast creates space for real conversations about poetry on and off the stage. Through guest interviews, poem breakdowns, and honest discussions about open mics, showcases, and the overall culture of this art form, Poetry as Usual pulls back the curtain on what it truly means to live life through the spoken word. In essence, this is the politics of poetry. more

In each episode Chris Jones invites a poet to introduce a poem by an author who has influenced his, her or their own approach to writing. The poet discusses the importance of this work, and goes on to talk in depth about a poem they have written in response to this original piece. more

The Prolific Pulse is all about poetry and other writing.

The Poetry Nook is a cozy monthly conversation about the magic of poetry as a mirror and container for our lives, hosted by Charlie Hunt and Analía Gómez Vidal. Each episode, we bring a poem (or two or three) to the table on a theme that speaks to us, and talk through all the language, logic, and emotions that come with them. Pull up a comfy chair and join us! more

Original poems written and recited by Tim Windisch covering a range of topics including past experiences, current events, love, loss, and anything else worth writing poetry about. I have stood firmly upon the shoulders of giants that passed before me, climbed higher into the heads of them and many more, all leading to the words found within. Many thanks to those who touched my life and helped write these selections. Enjoy reading them and your time inside my mind more

The Poets is an online poetry feature. With roots in Denver's vibrant poetry scene, this show looks to feature talented voices from the Queen City of the Plains, as well as around the world.Poetry read on the show is selected by the feature poet, and may contain references to challenging topics. All views expressed by feature poets are their own. Open minds are encouraged.Poet info will be included alongside each episode.Support local art and please, do not stop creating. more

Sit Back, Relax, and Enjoy some Poems! Tune in every Wednesday to learn about a new poet, hear five of their poems read aloud (with permission), and explore the relevant links provided in the show notes. It's the perfect podcast for people who love poetry and want to discover someone new, so follow and subscribe today! IF YOU ARE A POET, You can request an episode through the submission form at Present-Poetry.com. We'd love to read your work! more

Poetry 4 The Streets is a podcast where hip hop is treated as literature, culture, and social commentary. Hosted by Amazin Grace and Iz Watt, each episode dives deep into the lyrics of rap artists from every era, breaking down the bars, decoding the metaphors, and exploring the messages hidden beneath the music. Hip hop has always been more than entertainment. It has been a voice for the unheard, a record of history, a form of protest, and a reflection of life in Black communities. On Poetry 4 The Streets, Amazin Grace and Iz Watt read rap lyrics like poetry, examining the storytelling, symb more

The Poetry Bath is a place where poetry lovers can immerse themselves in words and word play. In each episode Siân meets a writer to listen to their work and explore the joys and challenges of the writing life.  more

Original Poetree is a poet and spoken word artist Original Poetree's work explores themes of healing, identity, emotional release, and personal transformation. originalpoetree.substack.com more

Exploring the art of poetry through the craft of some of the world's best but most underrated poems.

Who Yelling Now? is a spoken-word poetry, storytelling, and cultural commentary podcast by Olga Foreign. Through narrative poetry, social commentary, and reflective storytelling, the show explores identity, grief, protest art, emotional honesty, generational silence, and the unseen systems shaping modern life. Each episode blends spoken-word performance with philosophical reflection and cultural critique—asking the question many feel but few say aloud: If the truth is visible to everyone, why does silence remain so loud? #OlgaForeign #WhoYellingNow #CulturalCommentary more

The Poetry Vessel Podcast is a video-based podcast that explores creativity, consciousness, and—of course—poetry. Hosted by Malibu's 5th Poet Laureate, Nathan Hassall, and co-created with his wife, Rachael. The podcast brings together voices from across multiple disciplines—poets, neuroscientists, musicians, psychologists, and more—to examine how language, emotion, and art shape the way we experience the world.Listeners are also invited to become part of the dialogue. Submit your Poetry at www.thepoetryvessel.com/submit for consideration for feature on The Poetry Vessel Podcast. more

🎙️ The Glasgow Sessions celebrates the authentic heart of Glasgow's live music and poetry scene through raw performances, real venues, and true stories. Join host Richard Lee as he ventures into beloved local spots across the city, capturing original spoken word and live music from passionate performers 🎤🎵. Each episode features exclusive recordings of poets, musicians, and artists sharing their craft in intimate venue settings, alongside candid interviews that reveal the stories behind the art 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿✨. Whether you're drawn to powerful spoken word performances, traditional Scottish music, or contemporary original compositions, this podcast brings you backstage access to the city's most genuine cultural experiences 🎸📝. Through immersive storytelling and authentic conversations, Richard creates a comprehensive record of Glasgow's thriving grassroots scene—capturing not just the performances, but the people and places that make them possible 🎧💫. Discover the voices, hear the stories, and immerse yourself in Glasgow's creative spirit—one session at a time 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎶. more

A light-touch exploration of poems and poetry with Neil Elder, long-time English teacher and prize-winning poet. Taking inspiration from the Billy Collins poem, 'An Introduction To Poetry', Neil puts poems alongside each other to see how life looks when seen through the lenses of different poets. There will be poems everyone knows, and plenty that are new to listeners. Not heavy, but certainly illuminating. more

Thought-provoking and wide-ranging conversations on poetry with the poet Pelé Cox and journalist Rich Uridge. Erudition for your ears. more

A glimpse into the creative process and the poetic thinking behind T. S. Eliot Prize-nominated collections. Seven poets all either shortlisted for, or winners of, the T. S. Eliot Prize explore the concepts behind their books, reflect on how particular poems came into being and share behind-the-scenes insights that illuminate their work in a rich and dynamic conversation around the art and craft of contemporary poetry. more

Get ready for The Title Drop , the new series where we peel back the layers beneath the titles of the most compelling collections in contemporary poetry! Why are poetry titles the conversation everyone is dying to join? Because a title like Black Pastoral is more than just a label—it is a portal into a world of 'lived lives' where the past and present collide. In our premiere episode, host Lois P. Jones dives deep with award-winning poet-storyteller Ariana Benson to discuss her celebrated debut. Discover how a title captures the heart of a collection that both honors the landscape and reclaims history. more

Welcome to The Poetry Tavern, a show about poetry and all its parts. Join us as we explore the world of poetry, from classic verses to contemporary works, discussing what poetry truly means and how it touches our lives. Hosted by Charlotte, every Sunday brings a new episode exploring different aspects of poetry, from classic forms to contemporary works. more

🎙️ Step into the world of indie poetry with Alden Carrow — a weekly poetry podcast where every verse has a story, and every story finds its voice.New episodes drop every Wednesday, taking you behind the scenes of the raw, real, and rewarding life of an independent poet, self-published author, and creative entrepreneur. Whether you're a working writer, aspiring self-publisher, spoken word fan, or simply someone who finds magic in words, you'll feel right at home here.What you'll get every week:• Honest conversations about the indie writing life, creative freedom, and the modern poet's journey• Practical tips on self-publishing, book marketing, building an author platform, and growing an audience online• Candid takes on AI for writers — when ChatGPT and AI tools spark creativity, and when they get in the way• Interviews, reflections, and readings that explore craft, creativity, and the poet's mindset• Two original poems per episode: a Guest Poem from the community, plus a featured piece from Alden's acclaimed collections, Cornwall In Verse - Tide To tor In Poetry, Cumbria In Verse - Lakes To Fells In Poetry and North Yorkshire In Verse — Moor To Shore In Poetry, Expect moor mist, sea spray, and the rugged soul of Yorkshire — nature poetry, landscape poetry, and contemporary British verse brought vividly to life.Perfect for fans of: modern poetry, spoken word, indie authors, self-publishing podcasts, creative writing shows, nature writing, British poetry, and podcasts for writers, poets, and creatives.✍️ Want YOUR favourite poem read on the show? Send it to ****@gmail.com and Alden will read it aloud with a personal shout-out, just for you.If you love poetry that's honest, heartfelt, and a little windswept, hit Subscribe — and never miss a verse.Keywords: poetry podcast, indie poetry, spoken word, self-publishing, creative writing, modern poetry, British poetry, nature poetry, Yorkshire poetry, AI for writers, independent authors, poets, writing life. more

Hidden Notebooks is a spoken word poetry podcast by poet Mel Rae. Each episode is a single original poem read aloud, nothing more. Genuine, nostalgic, and intimate, these are the poems that live in the margins, the ones written for no one and everyone at once.If you love spoken word poetry, poetry readings, contemporary poetry, or just words that romanticize every part of life, this is for you. No commentary. Just words. more

About The Hoo & The Q PodcastThe Hoo & The Q is an atmospheric intersection of two distinct worlds, brought together by a shared belief in the power of the spoken word.The Hoo (Hooman Hassanpour) was born into the abyss of war and has spent a lifetime seeking the light of connection through raw, honest expression.The Q brings a signature style of 'paradoxical prose' and psychological depth—finding the profound meaning hidden in the quietest moments of existence.Together, they host a sanctuary for the 'beautifully broken.' Through a blend of high-concept poetry, visceral spoken word, and immersive low-frequency soundscapes, they explore the heavy, the haunting, and the healing. This isn't just a conversation; it's an emotional descent.Mission Statement'To bridge the distance between souls through the art of the ache.'Our mission is to dismantle the walls of the modern world using the ancient tools of poetry and rhythm. We aim to create a space where listeners are not only heard but deeply felt—stripping away the superficial to engage with the raw emotions of loss, love, and survival.We don't just want you to listen; we want you to bleed, to heal, and to cry. We speak the words you thought you were alone in feeling. more