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APM Studios and the Poetry Foundation today announced that award-winning poet and writer Major Jackson has been selected as the new host of the celebrated poetry podcast, The Slowdown. Jackson takes over hosting duties from Ada Limón, who is departing to become the 24th Poet Laureate of the United States.
Jackson is the author of six books of poetry. He 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.”