NEW Season 1 Oct 9, 2026 · 19 min
R.K. Russell: They/Them by Danez Smith (Extended Version)
Today’s poem is They/Them by Danez Smith, with special guest R.K. Russell. R.K. Russell is an NFL legend, writer, and social justice advocate who made history by becoming the first out active NFL player to identify as bisexual. The Slowdown is your daily poetry ritual. In this episode, R.K. shares… “Oftentimes we see writing as a reflection of society, when really writing is where we bend society. It's where we bend the rules. Society is not shaping what we write. What we write is shaping society. Identity and relationships are what bust down the framework.” This show is supported by gifts from listeners. Support The Slowdown with a donation today. Slowdownshow.org/donate
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