A lovely moment of calm in my day. Even on the days I’m listening at 1.25X.

The reminder to “Praise the mutilated world” arrived right on time. As did your introduction so resonate with the morning I ran out of my favorite coffee. Thank you from a newly minted fan of your show.

I love that Slowdown consistently offers beautiful, accessible poetry read by someone passionate about life and the craft. I often use the slowdown in the classroom and professional development teaching workshops as a powerful opener to spark curiosity and discussion. I shared the “Chaos Theory” episode with 125 students in our last class of the academic year. What a gift! Thanks for all that you do, Major.

The boring, cliched host opens every episode with a story about Me, Me, Me, Me, Me, Me but if you can survive those 45-60 seconds you’re typically rewarded with a fresh, insightful poem. Just try to ignore what the host has gleaned from it and you’ll be better off.

Major takes me back to the 1980s when I was a teenager and when I was judged, and when I judged, based on the radio station I listened to. The voices of my favorite DJs are recorded in my memory like a beloved mixtape. I counted on them to wake me up, introduce me to the latest songs, and lull me to sleep. I listen to Major every morning. He is my current day DJ. I count on him for inspiration, wisdom, and messages so beautiful I am dazzled all day long.

Poetry is always been a love of mine, and the show delivers in such a powerful and beautiful way. Major has a great way of delivering such beautiful reflections. It's a great way to start the day! Thank you so much.

I remember when Tracy left the show and I thought, “oh my gosh - it will never be the same” and then Ada, and then Major showed up and I was like “oh my gosh - this is amazing” and then there is a guest host and I think “this is going to be horrible!” and then I get a hot take that thrills me from Jason Schneiderman or Shira Erlichiman and I’m again reminded that change is good. I love the voices and reflections on the poems. The intros are often poems themselves. We listen in the car as the sun comes up on our way to work. Communing silently as we listen. Sometimes only a sigh or breath is heard for a few minutes after a particularly powerful episode. Thank you all so very much.

I’m so grateful for this podcast. Major Jackson frames each poem in such a poignant way, and I look forward to his stories as much as the daily poem. I am invariably moved to thought and feeling. Truly soul nourishing. Thank you to Mr Jackson and his production team!

Love being read the poems they choose.

I’ve listened to all three hosts insights prior to each reading. All have an insight that gives the poem more meaning. I barely thought of poetry prior to listening to this podcast. Thanks for opening my mind.