Award-Winning Poet Ada Limón Chosen as New Host of Poetry Podcast, The Slowdown, Returning September 21

ST. PAUL, Minn., September 9, 2021 – American Public Media (APM) and the Poetry Foundation today announced the return of celebrated poetry podcast, The Slowdown, with award-winning poet Ada Limón taking over the helm as host for season three. Starting September 21, in a short episode each weekday, Limón will deliver a poem and a moment of reflection, offering listeners a different way to see the world – through poetry.

Listen to the season three trailer here.

Limón is the author of six poetry collections, including The Carrying, which won a National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry. Her fourth book, Bright Dead Things, was named a finalist for the National Book Award, a finalist for the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award, and a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. Her new collection, The Hurting Kind, will be released by Milkweed Editions in May of 2022. A recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship for Poetry, she was born and raised in California and now lives in Lexington, Kentucky.

“As I continue Tracy K. Smith's brilliant work on The Slowdown, I want to focus on how useful poetry can be in our daily lives. Poetry is one of the few art forms that has breath built right into it. It literally wants us to breathe, to pause for a moment and pay attention to what matters. Whether it’s a tree that we are asked to notice, a moment in time, or a lyrical wonder, it only wants us to listen, to slow down, to notice the mystery and awe of this human life. Perhaps more than ever before, these uncertain times require the humanity that poetry offers.”

“For over 500 episodes, The Slowdown has helped listeners find a deeper connection to the world around them. It’s with great joy that we bring this beloved series back to those who have so eagerly awaited its return,” said Alex Schaffert, Chief Operating Officer of APM’s podcast division and executive-in-charge of the series. “Ada adds a singularly unique voice to The Slowdown, and the format of the show allows her to tackle a wide range of topics relevant to the diverse communities we serve at APM. I know she will surprise, delight, and challenge us, in all the right ways. The show couldn’t be in better hands.” 

"We are thrilled to continue supporting The Slowdown, and to experience the show as it evolves under Ada Limón's skill and care," said Sarah Whitcher, marketing and media director of the Poetry Foundation. "Tracy K. Smith brought a dose of poetry to many people who might not have known they were missing it, and we are confident that Ada will reach and renew even more listeners with her selections."

New episodes of The Slowdown are available every weekday starting September 21 on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast platforms. Listeners can subscribe to the show’s newsletter, and follow along for updates at SlowdownShow.org and at @SlowdownShow on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

The Slowdown is produced by American Public Media in partnership with the Poetry Foundation. The program is sponsored by Better Help, an online counseling platform, and is also made possible with the support of listeners.

About American Public Media
American Public Media® (APM) is the national programming and distribution division of Minnesota Public Radio® and reaches nearly 17 million listeners via approximately 1,000 public radio stations and nearly 400 commercial stations nationwide each week. APM is one of the largest producers and distributors of public radio programming in the world, with a portfolio that includes BBC World Service, Marketplace®, and the leading classical music programs in the nation. APM offers a diverse array of podcasts featuring the best in food, culture, entertainment, business and investigative journalism. For more information on APM, visit americanpublicmedia.org. Source: Data are copyright Nielsen Audio, Nationwide DMA data, Persons 12+, Fall ’20.

About the Poetry Foundation
The Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry magazine, is an independent literary organization committed to a vigorous presence for poetry in American culture. It exists to discover and celebrate the best poetry and to place it before the largest possible audience. The Poetry Foundation seeks to be a leader in shaping a receptive climate for poetry by developing new audiences, creating new avenues for delivery, and encouraging new kinds of poetry through innovative literary prizes and programs.

Follow the Poetry Foundation on Facebook at Facebook.com/PoetryFoundation, Twitter @PoetryFound and Instagram @PoetryFoundation.

Media contacts:
American Public Media: Tsering Yangchen, [email protected] 
The Lippin Group for APM: Katie Fuchs, [email protected]
Poetry Foundation: Sarah Whitcher, [email protected]