Best Alex and Abram Podcasts (2024)

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Word Made Fresh (and Exciting Updates) 12:35

3d ago12:35

12:35

We're interrupting your summer this week with a few exciting updates about Poetry For All and an excerpt from Abram Van Engen's newly released book, Word Made Fresh. If you want to join Abram for a book launch online on July 9 at 4pm Eastern, register for free by clicking this link. And if you want a free subscription to Image Journal, which is an …

1
Ep. 185: Billy Steinberg 1:27:21

10d ago1:27:21

1:27:21

Today’s guest is a songwriting hall of fame who has been a fixture in the writing scene for decades. Defining and launching careers one lyric at a time, this writer has crafted anthems for Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston, Heart, The Bangles, Pretenders, Linda Ronstadt, Jojo, Demi Lovato, and many more. As much as these songs launched these a…

1
Ep. 184: Ilsey Juber 1:17:38

24d ago1:17:38

1:17:38

Today's guest is a multi-faceted songwriter who is as versatile as she is accomplished. Topping charts from multiple genres, this writer’s vocal chops are brilliantly unique. Her songwriting wisdom is unparalleled. She’s written with huge names from just about every genre — Drake, Miley Cyrus, Harry Styles, Kasey Musgraves, David Guetta, Nas, Panic…

1
Ep. 183: James Bay pt.2 59:51

1M ago59:51

59:51

Today’s three-time Grammy Award-nominated, two-time BRIT Award recipient, claimed top honors at the Ivor Novellos not just because he is an authentic crooner but because he is a prolific song craftsman. His work is known globally but his story started at open mic nights. His raw talent was captured on camera by a fan and uploaded via YouTube, which…

1
Episode 72: Victoria Chang, My Mother--died unpeacefully... 20:01

1M ago20:01

20:01

In this episode, we read one of Victoria Chang’s moving poems from her collection OBIT, and discuss how the poem explores the interplay between life, death, grieving, and memory as the poet tries to process her mother’s passing. Thanks to Copper Canyon Press for granting us permission to read this poem, which was originally published in OBIT. Victo…

1
Ep. 182: Gracie Abrams 1:33:23

2M ago1:33:23

1:33:23

Today’s guest is one of the leading young voices in the pop world. With her breakout hit in 2019, this writer instantly connected with listeners, and through hard work and a steady stream of releases, she has built a fiercely loyal fanbase. Her debut album came out in early 2023 and received high praise for its poetic honesty and depiction of the t…

1
Ep. 181: Maggie Lindemann 1:04:21

2M ago1:04:21

1:04:21

Today’s guest journey to stardom began on the World Wide Web. At 17 years old, she was quickly noticed by fans and industry professionals alike. She has since accumulated over a billion streams, sold out her first headlining tour, spearheaded her beloved clothing line, and started her own podcast solidifying herself as a multi-hyphenate artist. Aft…

1
Episode 71: Hopkins, As Kingfishers Catch Fire 23:55

3M ago23:55

23:55

This episode dives into the wonderful world of Gerard Manley Hopkins, the musicality of his language, and the vision he has of becoming what we already are. This poem illustrates the cover of Abram Van Engen's new book, Word Made Fresh. The book explores connections between poetry and faith, and it serves as an invitation to reading poetry of all k…

1
Ep. 180: Noah Kahan 1:06:41

3M ago1:06:41

1:06:41

Today’s guest is a small town boy turned songwriting superstar. Hailing from Strafford, Vermont, our guest spent his life surrounded by profoundly beautiful nature, and a quaint, tight-knit community. This environment served as a source of inspiration for his introspective lyrics and homey folk melodies. After years of honing his craft in this spac…

1
Episode 70: Lauren Camp, Inner Planets 28:29

4M ago28:29

28:29

In this episode, Lauren Camp joins us to read and discuss "Inner Planets," a poem that she wrote during her time as the astronomer in residence at Grand Canyon National Park. She describes her poetic process and the value of solitude in a place full of wonderment. To learn more about the Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence program, click here. To …

1
Episode 69: Live with Marilyn Nelson! 55:17

5M ago55:17

55:17

Our first live performance of the podcast, featuring Marilyn Nelson and a discussion or her amazing poem "How I Discovered Poetry." On January 31, we met at Calvin University for its January Series and spoke with Marilyn Nelson about poetry and her work for a live audience. For more on Marilyn Nelson, visit her website or The Poetry Foundation. Thi…

1
Announcement 2:15

5M ago2:15

2:15

We share some news about a new website at poetryforallpod.com and a live event next week! https://poetryforallpod.com/By Joanne Diaz and Abram Van Engen

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Episode 68: W.S. Merwin, To the New Year 22:48

6M ago22:48

22:48

In the first episode of 2024, we read one of the great poets of the past century, W.S. Merwin, and his address to the new year, considering his attentiveness, his style, and his wondrous mood and mode of contemplation and surprise. Picking up on the "radical hope" we discussed in Dimitrov's "Winter Solstice," we turn to Merwin's sense of what is un…

1
Episode 67: Alex Dimitrov, Winter Solstice 24:27

7M ago24:27

24:27

In this episode, we read and discuss a poem that provides a powerful meditation on the longest night of the year. To learn more about Alex Dimitrov, please visit his website. Thanks to Copper Canyon Press for granting us permission to read this poem from Love and Other Poems. During our conversation, we briefly allude to "Love," Dimitrov's wonderfu…

1
Episode 66: Katy Didden, The Priest Questions the Lava 26:10

8M ago26:10

26:10

In our discussion of "The Priest Questions the Lava," Katy describes the sentience of the natural world, her erasure of documentary texts, her interest in visual poetry, and the importance of poems that examine ethical and spiritual questions in an era of climate change. To see Katy's erasure, click on the Academy of American Poets Poem-a-Day featu…

1
Episode 65: Du Fu, Facing Snow 23:57

9M ago23:57

23:57

In this episode, Lucas Bender guides us through his translation of Du Fu's "Facing Snow," one of the most famous poems in the Chinese language. To learn more about Du Fu's life, work, and cultural significance, please see Lucas Bender's Du Fu Transforms: Tradition and Ethics amid Societal Collapse (Harvard University Press, 2021).…

1
Episode 64: Shakespeare, Sonnet 29 19:51

10M ago19:51

19:51

In episode 64, we talk about Shakespeare's sonnet 29, a poem about comparison and competition, leading the poet almost to despise himself before, by chance, he remembers his dear friend and is lifted by the deep joy of that relationship. We link our discussion to present-day concerns about social media, the Surgeon General's warning about an epidem…

1
Ep. 179: Mike Shinoda 1:41:01

10M ago1:41:01

1:41:01

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Ep. 178: Laura Veltz 1:27:11

10M ago1:27:11

1:27:11

Today’s versatile songwriting superstar earned her stripes touring with her family band. Originally from New York, this writer spend most of her childhood on the road, playing instruments, singing and writing songs. After the family band split up, she moved to Nashville where she dove into the songwriting scene. It took many years of grinding throu…

1
Episode 63: Rumi, Colorless, Nameless, Free 29:56

10M ago29:56

29:56

Poet and translator Haleh Liza Gafori joins us to closely read and discuss a poem by Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī (1207-1273 CE), one of the greatest of all Sufi poets. We discuss the poetic constraints of the ghazal form, Rumi's encounters with the divine, and the significance of his friendship with Shams, a man who transformed his life and poetic p…

1
Ep. 177: Jeff Barry 1:26:18

10M ago1:26:18

1:26:18

Today’s guest is a songwriting legend who helped shape the sound of American pop music. Originally setting out to be a recording star, this guest became one of the most respected pop songwriters within the Brill Building complex of the ’60s. A struggling New Yorker, this writer’s fortunes changed considerably when he met his future wife and songwri…

1
Ep. 176: Evan Bogart 1:26:28

11M ago1:26:28

1:26:28

Today’s guest is a multi-talented writer, producer, music publisher and executive! He grew up in an incredibly unique environment, being the son of the legendary founder of Casablanca Records, which brought the world Donna Summer, Village People, Parliament-Funkadelic and Kiss. This musical upbringing prompted him to work in virtually every sector …

1
Ep. 175: Maisie Peters 59:20

11M ago59:20

59:20

Today’s guest wrote her first song when she was nine years old and quickly began honing her songwriting skills. After teaching herself guitar, this writer took to open mic nights and busking around West-Sussex, using the money to launch a YouTube channel. Over time, she began cultivating what is now one of the most dedicated fanbases in modern pop.…

1
Episode 62: Kobayashi Issa, Haiku 17:19

11M ago17:19

17:19

What makes haiku "the perfect poetic form"? This episode reads three wonderful haiku by Kobayashi Issa and explores what makes them so moving and fun. We use the beautiful translations of award-winning poet Robert Haas in The Essential Haiku: Versions of Basho, Buson, and Issa. To see these haiku and others online, visit The Poetry Foundation here.…

1
Ep. 174: Alex Heiche (Sound Royalties) 13:39

11M ago13:39

13:39

We’re excited to announce a special bonus interview with Alex Heiche, the CEO & Founder of our incredible supporters, Sound Royalties. Ross recently sat down with Alex to discuss the artist-friendly royalty funding services they provide. Read below to find out more about Sound Royalties and listen to this conversation on any platform you find your …

1
Ep. 173: Shy Carter 1:28:20

11M ago1:28:20

1:28:20

Today’s guest is a bona fide hit-maker whose worked across all corners of the industry. Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee this songwriter got their start playing saxophone in church and with bands on Beale Street before being discovered by a talent manager. He soon signed a publishing deal and began his career as a successful songwriter and producer.…

1
Ep. 172: Mike Elizondo 1:28:00

11M ago1:28:00

1:28:00

Today’s guest is a grammy award winning producer, songwriter and musician who has worked with an impressive and eclectic group of stars. He spent 11 years under the wing of legendary producer Dr.Dre and produced songs for Eminem, Carrie Underwood, NF, Fiona Apple, 50 Cent, Keith Urban, Twenty-One Pilots, Ed Sheeran, Gary Clark Jr., Regina Spektor, …

1
Ep. 171: Natalie Hemby 1:12:09

12M ago1:12:09

1:12:09

Today’s guest signed her first publishing deal at the astonishing age of 19 and has since become one of the most successful and sought-after songwriters in the music industry. She has hits with Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, Sheryl Crow, Miranda Lambert, Lady Gaga, Yola, Dierks Bentley, Rag'n'Bone Man, Lady A, Kelly Clarkson, Little Big Town, and L…

1
Ep. 170: Jeff Bhasker 1:17:33

12M ago1:17:33

1:17:33

Today’s guest has worked with some of the world's most famous artists and left a lasting legacy on hip-hop. Raised in a musical household in Socorro, New Mexico, this writer fell in love with Jazz at a young age. Later on, he studied Jazz piano and arranging at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where his love of music quickly turned into his life…

1
Ep. 169: Tyler Hubbard 1:20:07

12M ago1:20:07

1:20:07

Originally from Monroe, Georgia, today’s writer has accumulated 21 No. 1 hits and is a staple on Country music radio. Yet, his Southern-bred authenticity is what makes him a real star. He’s never made a project bearing solely his name — telling his story — until releasing his debut solo album on January 27, 2023. A decade ago as the lead singer of …

1
Episode 61: Ada Limón, "The Raincoat" 18:34

1y ago18:34

18:34

With her quality of attention and focus on vivid, specific images, Ada Limón brings us to a moment of surprising insight in "The Raincoat." "The Raincoat" appears in Ada Limón's book The Carrying by Milkweed Editions. Thank you to Milkweed Editions for permission to read the poem on this podcast. You can find the "The Raincoat" on the Poetry Founda…

1
Episode 60: Li-Young Lee, From Blossoms 19:07

1y ago19:07

19:07

In this episode, we explore the poetry of joy in a world of shade and death, looking to sounds and repetitions while examining how "From Blossoms" speaks back to the poem that immediately precedes it in Lee's great book Rose. For more on Li-Young Lee, see The Poetry Foundation here. Thanks to BOA Editions for granting us permission to read Li-Young…

1
Episode 59: Tichborne's Elegy 21:25

1y ago21:25

21:25

In this episode, we read the elegy of Chidiock Tichborne, written the night before his execution, and contemplate the power of repetitions, the balanced precision of a man facing his end, and the drumbeat of monosyllables that takes his imagination beyond the moment of his death. Tichborne's Elegy My feast of joy is but a dish of pain, My crop of c…

1
Episode 58: Richie Hofmann, Things That Are Rare 23:57

1+ y ago23:57

23:57

In this episode, we are delighted to have Richie Hofmann as our guest. Richie Hofmann is the author of two collections: Second Empire and A Hundred Lovers. His poetry has appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Yale Review, and many other literary magazines, and he is the recipient of Ruth Lilly and Wallace Stegner fellowships. To learn more …

1
Episode 57: Edna St. Vincent Millay, She had forgotten how the August night 23:46

1+ y ago23:46

23:46

She called herself Vincent, she smoked cigarettes, and she wore shimmery golden evening gowns when she read her poetry to sold-out crowds. Edna St. Vincent Millay was the emblem of the "New Woman" and one of the most important American poets of the twentieth century...but in years after her death, her literary reputation suffered, and only recently…

1
Episode 56: Queen Elizabeth, On Monsieur's Departure 18:46

1+ y ago18:46

18:46

Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603) was one of the longest-reigning monarchs in all of British history, but she was also a gifted poet. In this episode, we discuss "On Monsieur's Departure," a poem that is inspired by Petrarchan conventions and gives insight into the public and private selves of a powerful queen. (For the text of the poem, scroll to the …

1
Episode 55: Kay Ryan, Crib 17:17

1+ y ago17:17

17:17

In this episode, we discuss Kay Ryan's "Crib," a brief poem that begins with an interest in the deep archaeology of language and shifts to a powerful meditation on theft, innocence, and guilt. "Crib" appears in The Best of It © 2010 by Kay Ryan. Used by permissions of Grove/Atlantic, Inc. For more on Kay Ryan and her work, you can visit the Poetry …

1
Ep. 168: Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons 1:24:18

1+ y ago1:24:18

1:24:18

With over 66 million album equivalents, and 55 million digital songs sold, not to mention over 110 billion combined streams, today guest is the singer of a GRAMMY® Award-winning, multi-Platinum rock band. The group developed a grassroots following with a series of independent EPs before making their major-label debut on KIDinaKORNER/Interscope with…

1
Grant Writing Break 2:59

1+ y ago2:59

2:59

This week, Joanne and Abram take a break to write a grant for the podcast. We very much hope you enjoy Poetry For All. And if you do, please leave us a review, share it with a friend, and let us know! Thank you all for listening.By Joanne Diaz and Abram Van Engen

1
Ep. 167: Jimmy Napes 1:16:05

1+ y ago1:16:05

1:16:05

Today’s guest is an English songwriter and record producer. He has won a number of awards, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, 3 Grammy Awards, and 2 Ivor Novello Awards. He is best known for his work with Sam Smith (“Unholy” "Stay with Me", "Writing's on the Wall", "Lay Me Down", "Too Good at Goodbyes", "Dancing with a Stranger"), Di…

1
Episode 54: Carl Phillips, To Autumn 24:47

1+ y ago24:47

24:47

In this episode, we talk with David Baker about "To Autumn" by Carl Phillips, exploring the way Phillips masterfully achieves a sense of intimacy and restlessness in a lyric ode that tosses between two parts while incorporating the sonnet tradition. For more on Carl Phillips, please visit the Poetry Foundation. For more on David Baker, please visit…

1
Ep. 166: Carianne Marshall 1:16:03

1+ y ago1:16:03

1:16:03

Today’s guest is Co-Chair and COO of Warner Chappell Music (WCM), the global publishing arm of Warner Music Group. She is at the forefront of a new generation of music executives at the intersections of creative and commercial, entertainment and technology. Known for being a champion of songwriters and their songs, her dynamic, innovative approach …

1
Episode 53: Carter Revard, What the Eagle Fan Says 25:38

1+ y ago25:38

25:38

In this episode, we focus on the life and work of Carter Revard, an Osage poet whose medieval scholarship informs the structure of "What the Eagle Fan Says." Jessica Rosenfeld, a professor of medieval literature at Washington University in St. Louis, joins us for this discussion. Carter Revard was a prolific poet and scholar. To learn more about hi…

1
Ep. 165: Sam Hollander 1:23:54

1+ y ago1:23:54

1:23:54

Today’s guest is a multi-platinum songwriter behind 22 US Top 40 Hits including everything from Panic! At The Disco, One Direction, Fitz and the Tantrums, Weezer, Katy Perry, blink-182, Ringo Starr, Def Leppard, Carole King, Billy Idol, Jewel, Train, Tom Morello and Gym Class Heroes. He’s been named one of Variety’s Hitmakers as well as Rolling Sto…

1
Episode 52: Shakespeare, Sonnet 73 19:18

1+ y ago19:18

19:18

This sonnet reflects on the autumn of life and an intimate love, and it turns on that love growing stronger in and through its age, even as the body decays. To learn more about Shakespeare's sonnets, visit Folger Shakespeare page. Our favorite editions of Shakespeare's sonnets are edited by Colin Burrow and Stephen Booth. Sir Patrick Stewart's read…

1
Ep. 164: Take A Daytrip 1:37:11

1+ y ago1:37:11

1:37:11

From humble beginnings in the NYU dorms to working alongside some of the biggest stars of the last decade, today’s producer duo guests sit at the center of music culture. They became friends during the first week of freshman year at NYU in 2011, bonding over music and genre collisions. They’re musical omnivores who do their best to inhabit the worl…

1
Episode 51: Martín Espada, Jumping Off the Mystic Tobin Bridge 30:20

1+ y ago30:20

30:20

To learn more about Martín Espada, click here. To read the poem, click here. This is the first poem that appears in Floaters, the winner of the 2021 National Book Award. To purchase a copy of the book, click here. Photo credit: Lauren Marie Schmidt (cropped to fit dimensions)By Joanne Diaz and Abram Van Engen

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And The Update Is...October 10th, 2022 2:25

1+ y ago2:25

2:25

Your weekly update with industry news and happenings from ATWI. Update for the week of October 10th, 2022. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Ep. 163: Nickelback 1:31:15

2y ago1:31:15

1:31:15

Today’s guests are a part of a globally celebrated, multi-platinum rock band and have cemented themselves as one of the most commercially viable and important acts of the past two decades. Their success includes worldwide sales of more than 50-million units, solidifying their status as one of the top-selling acts of all time and the second best-sel…

1
Episode 50: Rafael Campo, Primary Care 22:24

2y ago22:24

22:24

In this episode, we discuss how Rafael Campo, a practicing physician, uses blank verse to explore the experience of illness and suffering. Thanks to the Georges Borchardt, Inc. for granting us permission to read this poem. You can find "Primary Care" in Alternative Medicine (Duke University Press, 2013). Links: Campo reads Primary Care Campo Author…

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