Basement Poetry Podcast

Recorded in my basement, a podcast where we read and discuss poetry and try to uncover the roots of what makes a poem work.

Last refreshed: July 10th, 2025 at 9:41 AM ⓘ

Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Biking Across Town

Today, I will be reading one of my own poems titled "biking across town at 15" All Inquiries: BasementPoetryPod@gmail.com biking across town at 15 boy riding free— don’t you dare hide your heat from this world let them smell the rubber burning at your feet watch their faces turn and sink when they see you speeding downhill shirt snatched back by the wind boy follow those yellow lines and freeze time between them— only then can you observe how they all pause and swerve making sure you know fear i...

Jun 24, 2020•8 min•Season 1Ep. 8

With Gratitude

Today we will take a look at "Ode to Buttoning and Unbuttoning My Shirt" by Ross Gay and talk about Imagery in Poetry Email all inquiries to BasementPoetryPod@gmail.com Link to Poem: https://onbeing.org/poetry/ode-to-buttoning-and-unbuttoning-my-shirt/ Ode to Buttoning and Unbuttoning My Shirt by Ross Gay Listen No one knew or at least I didn’t know they knew what the thin disks threaded here on my shirt might give me in terms of joy this is not something to be taken lightly the gift of buttonin...

Jun 23, 2020•9 min•Season 1Ep. 7

"The Double Image"

Today We will look at "The Double Image" by Anne Sexton All questions or poetry suggestion, send to BasementPoetryPod@gmail.com Anne Sexton Bio: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/anne-sexton Poem Link/Transcription: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/53110/the-double-image 6. In north light, my smile is held in place, the shadow marks my bone. What could I have been dreaming as I sat there, all of me waiting in the eyes, the zone of the smile, the young face, the foxes’ snare. In south ...

Jun 17, 2020•10 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Remain Uncomfortable

Today we have a poem that really speaks to what our nation is going through, and what black people have to go through on a regular basis. We will take a look at Terrance Hayes's poem "Talk" Link to his Bio: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/terrance-hayes BPP Email: BasementPoetryPod@gmail.com Transcription of the Poem: Talk like a nigger now, my white friend, M, said after my M.L.K. and Ronald Reagan impersonations, the two of us alone and shirtless in the locker room, and if you're thinki...

Jun 12, 2020•13 min•Season 1Ep. 5

A Lament for Spring

Today I bring you very special news, as well as "The Widow's Lament in Springtime" by William Carlos William. Basement Poetry Podcast email: basementpoetrypod@gmail.com I am welcome to all inquiries and comments (be nice though) Link to Poem: https://poets.org/poem/widows-lament-springtime William Carlos Williams Bio: https://poets.org/poet/william-carlos-williams

Jun 10, 2020•13 min•Season 1Ep. 4

The Gift

Today I will give you a gift; it’s a poem called “The Gift” by poet Li-Young Lee. Link to the poem: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43010/the-gift-56d221adc12b8 Link to Li-Young Lee Bio https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/li-young-lee...

Jun 08, 2020•14 min•Season 1Ep. 3

What Is There to Be Afraid Of?

Today we will be looking at the poem "Allowables" by Nikki Giovanni. For more info on Nikki Giovanni: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/nikki-giovanni Poem Transcription: I killed a spider Not a murderous brown recluse Nor even a black widow And if the truth were told this Was only a small Sort of papery spider Who should have run When I picked up the book But she didn’t And she scared me And I smashed her I don’t think I’m allowed To kill something Because I am Frightened

Jun 05, 2020•10 min•Season 1Ep. 2

What's Love got to Do With It

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Basement Poetry Podcast. I hope you enjoy your stay. Today I will introduce myself, and read the poem, Love Is Not All" by Edna St. Vincent Millay. Link to Poem: https://poets.org/poem/love-not-all-sonnet-xxx

Jun 03, 2020•10 min•Season 1Ep. 1

← Prev

Hosted on Spotify for Creators (Anchor)

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android