Classical Poets Live Andrew Benson Brown

In this first installment in a series about forgotten epic poems, the host examines why Tasso's "Gerusalemme liberata," one of the most influential works of post-medieval literature, has suffered a radical reversal of status in the last century. The poet's colorful life and legacy is explored, interspersed with passages from his great epic.

Arts grants are being given to woke organizations in sums that are, at times, outrageously lavish. Given that a requirement of grant applications now is demonstrating a commitment to “equity,” is it possible to salvage the National Endowment for the Arts from Neo-Marxist maniacs? Or should it just be defunded entirely? Also, poet C.B. Anderson joins to share his thoughts on being the long-time gardener for the PBS series ‘The Victory Garden,’ publishing 1000 poems, and the gradual disappearance of formalist poetry journals.

The host responds to criticisms made about the Society of Classical Poets, fact-checks the supposed popularity of competing journals, examines why trendy poets are all eccentric weirdos, and offers an alternative model to inspire contemporary poets by looking to the medieval Welsh literary tradition.

Poet Adam Sedia comes on to discuss the need for an artistic secession from our decaying cultural institutions, and what it takes to kickstart a renaissance that can refresh traditional forms. Plus, why Amanda Gorman is not a poet.

Can ChatGPT write good poetry? What about coding programs like Python? Plus, poet James Tweedie talks about being a world traveler, why whimsicality is important in verse, and how classical music is saving lives.

Author and motivational expert James Sale discusses poet laureates, Dante, and continuing the epic tradition in modern times. Plus, the sins of the Poetry Foundation and why arts organizations need to reject equity agendas.