Poetry Unbound
Short and unhurried, each episode of Poetry Unbound is an immersive exploration of a single poem, hosted by Pádraig Ó Tuama. I joined the team for its sixth season, which coincided with the release of the book “Poetry Unbound: 50 Poems to Open Your World.” Poetry Unbound’s production process is a careful, collaborative one. Poems are chosen mindfully to offer a moment of healing or reflection when they land in listeners’ feeds. Pádraig’s narration introduces each poem with a personal anecdote and rounds it out with an interpretation of the language, literary devices, and themes employed by the author. The show is constructed to be accessible enough to new poetry fans and thoughtful enough for more seasoned readers. In addition to collaborating on the production of each ~15-minute narrative episode, I led the strategy for the book release, which included a social activation and a poetry retreat in Rhinebeck, NY.
Select Episodes
Episode 05
feat. “if i had to sing” by Hinemoana Baker
In the aftermath of disaster, how do you sing a song to mark what’s gone, and praise what’s growing?
Listen
Episode 10
feat. “Mama Cockroach, I Love You” by Fiona Benson
Do you experience disgust at the sight of certain insects? Which ones? Fiona Benson teaches us how to see.
Listen
Episode 02
feat. “Gloria Mundi” by Michael Kleber-Diggs
Is there life after death? This poem says yes: where one life is part of a cycle of life
that continues.
Listen
Social Presence
Poetry Unbound episodes are immersive experiences of a single poem, guided by host Pádraig Ó Tuama. While poetry can be intimidating, our goal was to use the show’s social presence to make understanding poetry feel more accessible. For each episode, I curated excerpts and created prompts for further reflection and community engagement. We also produced a series of video excerpts to offer visual accompaniments to the poems featured in the show.
Art Direction:
Lilian Vo