The Poetic Turn

The Poetic Turn is a podcast hosted by Darren Stephens and Evan Carlson that explores poems and poetry through conversation—thoughtful, curious, and welcoming. Each episode invites listeners into close encounters with poems: how they work, why they matter, and what they can offer us. The show is for anyone who wants more poetry in their world. Whether you’re brand new to poetry, returning after a long absence, or already comfortable reading and discussing poems, The Poetic Turn meets you where you are—without gatekeeping, jargon for its own sake, or academic posturing. The goal is simple: to make poetry more approachable, more meaningful, and more present in everyday life.