The Poetic Turn

Darren Stephens and Evan Carlson
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The Poetic Turn is a podcast hosted by Darren Stephens and Evan Carlson that explores poems and poetry through conversation—thoughtful, curious, and welcoming. Each episode invites listeners into close encounters with poems: how they work, why they matter, and what they can offer us. The show is for anyone who wants more poetry in their world. Whether you’re brand new to poetry, returning after a long absence, or already comfortable reading and discussing poems, The Poetic Turn meets you where you are—without gatekeeping, jargon for its own sake, or academic posturing. The goal is simple: to make poetry more approachable, more meaningful, and more present in everyday life.

  1. Jul 26

    Daniel Smith: Land and Language

    In this episode, Daniel Smith shares his poetic journey rooted in farming life, his influences like poet Gary Snyder, and the importance of capturing fleeting moments through poetry. We explore how his work preserves rural heritage and inspires future generations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Daniel Smith and his poetic roots 02:17 Why Daniel started writing poetry: influence of family and land 06:52 First poem: Gary Snyder's influence and farm life 15:05 Story behind 'Texas Nineteen Seventy Four' 27:13 Austin Smith's poetry and their father-son connection 33:47 Daniel's current writing and recent publications The poems on today's podcast can be found in Daniel Smith's book Ancestral. "Instructions on How to Put an Old Horse Down" can be found in Austin Smiths book Almanac. Poems from the Winter House by Daniel Smith Ancestral by Daniel Smith Gary Snyder - Official Website - https://www.garysnyder.org/ Daniel's son Austin Smith's website: https://austinsmithpoetry.com/ The episode on The Poetic Turn featuring Austin Smith: https://www.thepoeticturn.com/austin-smith-the-poetry-of-place/ Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

  2. Jul 2

    The Raven, by Edgar Allan Poe

    In this episode of the Poetic Turn, Darren and Evan dive into one of the most famous poems in the English language: The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe. Along with a reading of the poem and a discussion of it, there is a musical version of the poem performed aaaaall the way back in the 80s, performed by The Four Guys Standing Around Singing, an acappella group in which Darren performed. Love it or hate it, if you listen to this podcast, you'll escape the poem... Nevermore! The Raven, by Edgar Allan Poe. Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

  3. Jun 18

    Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird, by Wallace Stevens

    Wallace Stevens' "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird" is a profound exploration of perception, reality, and the interplay between the observer and the observed. Through its innovative structure and rich imagery, the poem invites readers to engage with the complexities of existence in a meaningful way. As we reflect on Stevens' work, we are reminded of the importance of embracing multiple perspectives and the beauty that lies within the act of observation. Read the poem: Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird A link to Dan Smart's blog Rhythm is the Instrument: https://www.rhythmistheinstrument.com Dan's book The Flowers of Nonchalance can be found here. Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

  4. Jun 3

    Walt Whitman - Three Poems

    Walt Whitman, an iconic figure in American poetry, invites us to explore the essence of humanity through his works. In today’s post, we’ll delve into some of his most resonant poems, reflecting on themes of connection, love, and the joy found in companionship. Whitman’s ability to capture the beauty of everyday moments makes his poetry timeless, and understanding it can enrich our appreciation of literature and life itself. Walt Whitman (1819-1892) was a groundbreaking American poet known for his innovative style and themes of democracy, nature, and human connection. His seminal work, Leaves of Grass, celebrates the individual and the collective, making him a pivotal figure in American literature. Whitman’s poetry often blurs the lines between the personal and the universal, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives in relation to the world around them. I Sing The Body Electric https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45472/i-sing-the-body-electric A Glimpse https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/50478/a-glimpse When I Heard the Learn’d Astronomer https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45479/when-i-heard-the-learnd-astronomer Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

  5. May 26

    Robert Burns, with Thomas Keith

    The conversation delves into the life and work of Robert Burns, exploring his poetry, the tradition of Burns suppers, the challenge of understanding Scots language in his poetry, and the significance of Scotland's bawdy song tradition. The use of music in Burns' poetry and the reading and interpretation of his work are also highlighted. Takeaways Robert Burns' poetry is often set to music, with half of his poems being lyrics to existing melodies.Burns suppers are a worldwide tradition, celebrated on his birthday with readings, songs, and haggis.Burns' use of Scots language in his poetry presents a challenge for modern readersBawdy poetry was a significant part of Burns' writingWe discuss Robert Burns' reputation and personal life A Red, Red Rose To a Mouse John Anderson my jo, John Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

  6. May 17

    Haiku, with Jenny Bienemann

    This episode of The Poetic Turn delves into the world of haiku with poet and singer-songwriter Jenny Bienemann. Many singer-songwriters have taken inspiration from Jenny's haiku, and this large group of artists have created an entity that has come to be known as the Haiku Milieu. From HAIKU MILIEU VOL. 1 FORTHCOMING NEW ALBUM: Friday Night Live Robin Bienemann “Forever Wishing - YouTube” Old Sky New Rachel Drew “Forever Wishing - Bandcamp” Forever wishing To be somewhere else except When I am with you. Single Kelli Owens Hutton: “Car Seat Hot Sun - Youtube”   Car seat in the hot sun Hot as the hinges of hell And less forgiving From HAIKU MILIEU VOL. 2 Where It Really Starts by Jon Langford & the Bright Shiners “Tell Me Your Stories - YouTube”   Tell me your story Begin at the beginning and leave nothing out Love Bug Naomi Ashley “Be In Love with You - Bandcamp”   In all that we do We are either making love Or making nothing Pretty Little Bow Jodi Walker “Wandering Eye - YouTube”   Can you remember what it felt like to desire all that you have now? From SUNDAYS WITH JENNY Ukulele Duke “With Love Surrounded - YouTube"   Lay down your weapons Love has got you surrounded There is no way out The most-written-to haiku Jenny shared, that is not in the perfect 575 structure:  tears like stars must fall Hearts like stones must sink Grief like Dawn must break Robert Lloyd and Janet Bean’s cover of Jon Langford’s song: https://readdork.com/track/robert-lloyd-black-cat-dark-horse-d2-3-tears-like-stars Jon’s version of Tears like Stars on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MObgcP0jEX8 ************* Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

  7. May 7

    The Poetic Turn in Sonnet 29

    In this episode, Darren and Evan delve into Shakespeare's Sonnet 29, exploring its relevance, emotional depth, and especially the wonderful example it gives of a poetic turn. Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

  8. May 5

    Echo, by Mark Yakich, with an interview

    The conversation with Mark Yakich delves into the emotional connection and playfulness of language in poetry. It begins with an introduction to Mark and his influence on the hosts, followed by a discussion on Mark's journey to poetry and the impact of poetry on his life. The exploration of Mark's work and the power of language in poetry are also highlighted, emphasizing the depth and emotional resonance of poetic expression. The conversation delves into the significance of re-reading poetry to deepen the connection and understanding of the verses. It explores the underrated nature of William Shakespeare as a poet and the choice of medium between prose and poetry. Additionally, it highlights the impact of reading poetry aloud and the nuances of language and line breaks in poetry. Takeaways Poetry as a means of emotional connectionThe playfulness and depth of language in poetry Re-reading poetry enhances connectionThe depth of poetry requires multiple readings Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mark Yakich08:55 Exploring Poetry through Mark's Work18:11 The Power of Language in Poetry25:19 The Art of Re-reading Poetry37:00 Choosing the Medium: Prose vs. Poetry42:25 The Impact of Reading Poetry Aloud Poetry: A Survivors Guide The Poetry Reader: An Anthology Poets mentioned: Vasko Popa Zbigniew Herbert Evan's website: www.evancarlsonactor.com Darren's website: www.darrensvoice.com Our cover art is by Lara Johnson: @lara_johnson_art

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Ratings & Reviews

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About

The Poetic Turn is a podcast hosted by Darren Stephens and Evan Carlson that explores poems and poetry through conversation—thoughtful, curious, and welcoming. Each episode invites listeners into close encounters with poems: how they work, why they matter, and what they can offer us. The show is for anyone who wants more poetry in their world. Whether you’re brand new to poetry, returning after a long absence, or already comfortable reading and discussing poems, The Poetic Turn meets you where you are—without gatekeeping, jargon for its own sake, or academic posturing. The goal is simple: to make poetry more approachable, more meaningful, and more present in everyday life.

Information

  • Creator
    Darren Stephens and Evan Carlson
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Darren Stephens and Evan Carlson
  • Show Website
    The Poetic Turn