5 Poetry Podcasts that Don't Suck

Writing, reading and listening to stories are some of my most exuberant passions, and I am always excited when I get to explore the written word in a new way. When approached with the idea of exploring poetry podcasts online I approached the topic with enthusiasm and couldn't wait to begin exploring an area I hadn't yet discovered. What an interesting adventure it's been.

There are a lot of poetry podcasts on the net that have been long abandoned by their originators, are simply outlets for some very eclectic and narcissistic personalities (John Rhodes, I'm talking to you) or are simply too droning to listen to. Luckily, after hours of scouring the web and listening to dozens of misguided producers, I have been able to discover some of the best poetry podcasts available.

Indie Feed: Performance Poetry
New episodes: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday
Indiefeedpp.libsyn.com

With over 800 podcasts available through iTunes, Indie Feed has brought a host of poets and fans together through their ongoing podcast. Host Mongo delves beyond simple poetry by telling listeners about the history behind the words, a biography of the poet and lots of little tidbits to help fans find more by the writers.

Poetry Off the Shelf
New episodes: Almost weekly
Poetryfoundation.org

The Poetry Foundation brings Poetry Off the Shelf to listeners' ears. Bringing poetry to life through reviews and information on poetry events, speaking with poets about their poems and allowing new and established poets to read their works to fans. Producer Curtis Fox offers entertaining insight as he interviews guests and will keep you interested enough to keep coming back for more.

Poetry Magazine Podcast
New episodes: 1st of every month
Poetryfoundation.org

Poetry Magazine Editors Christian Wilman and Don Share sit down monthly with authors published in their magazine to read and discuss poetry. The back and forth conversation of the editors and their guest writers is interesting and intriguing, complimenting their publication with a "behind the scenes" feel. Reading and discussing individual lines and whole prose in a dynamic and digestible manner brings the words into a whole new dimension of understanding.

Scottish Poetry Library
New Episodes: Weekly
Readingroom.spl.org.uk

A podcast from across the pond, the Scottish Poetry Library attracts poets both as guests and as fans. Host Ryan Van Winkle pulls words off the page and inflects in them intrigue and honesty. With interviews of a variety of poets and discussion of poetry events, the Scottish Poetry Library is worth subscribing to.

The Poetry Podcast
New Episodes: unknown
Cloudydayart.com

Although episodes are sporadic and new podcast content hasn't been added since 2010, The Poetry Podcast is full of so much good content it had to be included on this list. More than just a podcast, Cloudy Day Art provides a host of fantastic poetry in written, video and audio form that it is certainly a great page to browse on your next rainy day. Will, the host of the podcast show, takes listeners on an imaginative journey through poetry submitted from a select array of poets.

Each of the above podcasts are a wealth of information on the poetry scene, bringing to the surface a wealth of undiscovered works that spur both smiles and deep thought. With interviews varying from a critique of poems submitted to information on how to break into the poetry world, all of these podcasts will benefit both the reader and aspiring writers.