Welcome to the inaugural episode of “Beyond the Verse,” the official podcast of PoemAnalysis.com and Poetry+. 

In this first episode, Joe and Maiya share their personal paths to poetry, revealing how influential teachers and early literary successes sparked their enduring love for the art form. They discuss their academic backgrounds in English literature and how their experiences have shaped their understanding and appreciation of poetry.

Get answers from questions submitted Poetry+ subscribers. Joe and Maiya delve into the importance of studying poetry beyond artistic appreciation, exploring how poetry serves as a cultural artifact that reflects historical, social, and political changes. 

As they discuss their favorite poets and influential works, listeners get a glimpse into the diverse voices that have shaped Joe and Maya’s literary tastes. From classic poets like Emily Brontë (Poems/PDF Guide) and Federico García Lorca (Poems/PDF Guide) to contemporary voices like Ocean Vuong and Danez Smith (Poems), the hosts highlight the enduring impact of these poets on their lives and work.

Joe and Maiya also address the evolution of poetry in the digital age, considering how social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have made poetry more accessible and popular among younger audiences. They reflect on the balance between short-form and long-form poetry, acknowledging the benefits of both in engaging modern readers.

Tune in and Discover:

• Personal stories of discovering poetry and the impact of inspirational teachers.
• The role of poetry in understanding cultural and historical contexts.
• Tips for writing effective GCSE essays and making poetry relevant in education.
• Favorite poets and influential works that have shaped Joe and Maiya’s literary journeys.
• The intersection of poetry and social media in the 21st century.

and much more! 

As always, for the ultimate poetry experience, join Poetry+ and explore all things poetry at PoemAnalysis.com.