Foundation News

Accepting Applications for New Poetry Magazine Podcast Host

Originally Published: December 14, 2022
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The Poetry Magazine Podcast is looking for a new host! Details on the position, and the link to apply, are below.

Poetry Magazine Podcast Host (Contract Role – 9 months with possible extension)

This is a remote independent contractor position. The Poetry Magazine Podcast host is not a Poetry Foundation employee. 

For over a decade, the Poetry Magazine Podcast has highlighted the work of emerging and iconic poets, with over a million downloads around the world and a National Magazine Award along the way. Most recently hosted by the guest editors of Poetry—Esther Belin, Su Cho, Suzi F. Garcia, Ashley M. Jones, and Srikanth Reddy—the podcast has treated listeners to in-depth conversations on the art of poetry alongside the reading of poems, archival audio, music, and more. We are thrilled to share this open call for a new host in 2023.

The Poetry Magazine Podcast is part poetry reading, part generative writing space, and part interview show, which draws upon poems and poets featured in the current issue of Poetry magazine. The new host will work closely with the podcast producer and the Poetry editorial team to create dynamic episodes on a biweekly basis. Drawing upon previous interviewing experience and their poetry expertise, hosts will engage guests at length about their work and life, which may include discussions of personal joys and challenges related to writing, artistic influences, poetic movements and styles, current or historical events related to their work, writing prompts and process, and other topics. 

Celebrating its 110th anniversary this year, Poetry magazine is surfacing archival portfolios on important poets alongside exciting new work from emerging and established writers all over the world. Recent episodes featured guests Gabrielle Calvocoressi, Leila Chatti, Nikky Finney, Ross Gay, Joy Harjo, Taylor Johnson, A. Van Jordan, Ada Limón, Tariq Luthun, Beth Piatote, Marcus Wicker, Orlando White, and many more. We are excited to work with a host who shares our commitment and enthusiasm for sharing a wide variety of poetry.

Who We’re Looking For

  • A great conversationalist who has a demonstrated interest in poets and poems
  • An eclectic reader who is curious about a wide variety of poetry and excited to share that enthusiasm with a diverse audience
  • A collaborative brainstormer who also enjoys independent research
  • Previous audio experience is not required

Here are some recent episodes to illustrate how the podcast varies depending on the host—we’re excited to learn what you’ll bring to the table and how you’ll make it your own!

-Esther Belin with Patricia Jabbeh Wesley
-Srikanth Reddy with CM Burroughs on Margaret Danner
-Su Cho with Taneum Bambrick

Role Responsibilities

The podcast host will collaborate with the podcast producer to create, host, and record 2 episodes of the Poetry Magazine Podcast per month. This work will include discussing potential guests for podcast episodes; preparing questions and scripts in advance; and researching guests, their work, related topics, and potential archival audio that may be included in episodes.

Key Dates

Deadline to submit: January 20, 2023. 

Applications reviewed on a rolling basis: January–February 2023.

Contract Start Date: March 2023. Contract will be for nine months, with possible extensions.

Rate of Pay: Flat-rate pay at $1,000 per episode ($2,000 per month). 

Anticipated Commitments:

  • The podcast host should anticipate committing around 15-20 hours per month. This includes recording sessions, prep work, meeting with the podcast producer and editorial team.
  • This position requires an internet connection and an internet-connected device.

Learn more about the Poetry Foundation and Poetry magazine

The Poetry Foundation recognizes the power of words to transform lives. We work to amplify poetry and celebrate poets by fostering spaces for all to create, experience, and share poetry. Poetry magazine, published by the Poetry Foundation, is an independent literary magazine committed to a vigorous presence for poetry in our culture. 

Please submit your application on our Submittable page