The Beat podcast helps listeners discover the joy of poetry. Its host is librarian Alan May, who has a passion for reading and writing poetry. He's published several books, and his work has appeared in DIAGRAM and The New York Quarterly.
Podcast host May doesn't believe anyone must be an expert to understand and appreciate a poem. If someone has a connection to a poem, they will understand how to read it in time. He also acknowledges that only some may enjoy each poem. So, he welcomes both experts and beginners to hear a range of different styles and themes.
May introduces a new poet, from John Keats to GennaRose Nethercott, on his podcast every month. Either May or the poet will read aloud a selection of their poems. All listeners need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the rhythm of the words.
In one podcast episode, poet and author Jenny Sadre-Orafai shares her poetry. She reads three poems from her book Dear Outsiders. The collection is about two siblings who must learn to survive in an unfamiliar landscape after their parent's deaths. Sadre-Orafai begins with "Occupation Interview," which explores "astronaut" as a potential career. The final poem, "Souvenirs for Locals," is a peculiar list of items. For example, it includes "a warped passport with no stamps," which conjures a feeling of possibility that has lessened with time.
Another poet on The Beat is Texas-raised Juan R. Palomo. For the podcast, he reads aloud "The Day They Do Not Show Up." This poem is about the experience of children like Palomo who have migrant parents. It describes a boy awaiting his parent's return from the potato fields. His sisters cook traditional Mexican food on the stove. When their parents don't return home, they expect the worst.
The Beat shares readings from various poets across history to the present day. Listening to the show is an ideal way to discover what poems one connects to the most. New episodes premiere every month.
Episodes