MPR has had a keen ear for capturing the words and meter of poetry. Minnesota is home to many nationally renowned poets, city and state poet laureates, spoken word artists, and individuals young and old that have simply created work for the sake of the form. The state is also a magnet for poets all throughout the world. Here is a wonderful breadth of those readings, speeches, thoughts, and histories of the poet.
March 17, 2000 - On this Word of Mouth program, MPR’s Chris Roberts brings together Lou Bellamy, Penumbra Theatre artistic director; and Dominic Papatola, Pioneer Press critic, to discuss viewpoints on poet Rita Dove’s The Darker Face Of The Earth play that was performed at the theatre.
October 2, 2000 - MPR’s Euan Kerr interviews Chicago-based poet Ana Castillo about her novel "Peel My Love Like and Onion." The book tells the story of Carmen, a flamenco dancer who overcame the ravages of childhood polio.
October 18, 2000 - MPR’s Katherine Lanpher talks with highly acclaimed gay poet and memoirist Mark Doty. The two discuss his second memoir “Firebird.” Doty reads from his book.
December 15, 2000 - On this Talking Volumes, MPR’s Katherine Lanpher interviews Minnesota writer Bill Holm. Lanpher talks to Holm about his book “The Heart Can Be Filled Anywhere on Earth.” Holm also reads from book.
February 28, 2001 - MPR commentator Dale Connelly with his humorous Robert Frost inspired poem "Stopping by the Links on a Snowy Evening."
July 19, 2001 - Alice Quinn, poetry editor at the New Yorker and Head of the Poetry Society of America discusses the promotion of poetry. Quinn also reads two of her favorite poems.
July 30, 2001 - MPR’s Annie Feidt interviews slam poet Thadra Sheridan. She is one of five local poets that are sharpening their words, and clearing their throats in perparation for this year's National Poetry Slam.
August 2, 2001 - MPR Sports Commentator Jay Weiner has been thinking about MInnesota Viking Korey Stringer's death. It reminded him of a 100-year-old poem by A.E. Housman.
October 10, 2001 - MPR’s Tasha Rosenfeld interviews American-born Iranian poet Susan Atefat Peckham about the country Iran and Peckham's first book "That Kind of Sleep." Peckham reads from book.
December 12, 2001 - A Midmorning broadcast of Talking Volumes event with Minnesota poet Robert Bly and MPR’s Katherine Lanpher, held at the Woman's Club of Minneapolis.