Stifling

I stumbled on Frank Skinner’s poetry podcast after searching for Beat poetry. As an American I had no idea who Frank Skinner was (apologies from across the pond!), but immediately I was struck by his discerning eye (and ear) for the poem within Ginsberg’s “Sunflower Sutra.” … Many people look at the rhythm of a poem, others the meaning, some the syntax and the form. Frank Skinner illuminates the all this and also the pulsating soul within each poem. I’ve learned from him that a poem (no matter how old) is a living world unto itself, and the more time spent pondering it, the more fruit it yields; just as a fruit tree may take time to flower and fruit, a (great) poem may do the same. Thanks for this absolutely brilliant podcast!

Podcast series ? Thanks

I read a lot of poetry. And I love some of it, and I hate some of it. I listen to Frank talk about the poetry he loves, and I love it. Even the poetry he reads and talks about that I don’t especially like turns into excellent talk about craft and meaning and value and his enthusiasm becomes my enthusiasm and I end up in love with the poet he features and with poetry in general for the power it has to make a person react the way Frank reacts. Know what I mean?

I listen to a lot of podcasts. This is the first review I’ve written. I know I should write more, since it helps podcasters - I think. I’m far from being a young man, and although I’m a pretty avid reader, I’ve tried to “get into” poetry many times, but always felt like I’m missing something, like I didn’t get it. Frank makes poetry accessible and fascinating without dumbing it down, or over simplifying. His analysis is always engaging, and does so in a very pleasant conversational voice. I feel like I’m sitting across from him at a small table, in the corner of a cafe, after the breakfast rush but before lunch. I’ve heard every show more than once, and always get excited when a new show drops. Love it!

I never miss an episode. Frank’s approach introduces me to new poets in such an interesting and unassuming way. I’m always sad when an episode ends, and I applaud Frank for sharing his passion with us all!!

Love this Podcast, Frank looks at all some of his favorite poetry and gives us an understanding of what the writer is trying to get across to us. His utter delight at the words and phrases is so joyous to hear. So nice to listen to something that is cerebral and thought provoking. If Frank had been my English teacher, I might have listened more!!!

I can only imagine the effort you put into this podcast but I want you to know there is an old Cockney guy in Nyack NY who really appreciates your show, thank you.

This podcast is a thing of beauty. Insightful, witty, and filled with interesting anecdotes.

More please! Franks unaffected enthusiasm and love of these different poems and poets is infectious. A lovely show. Just a joy!

Please keep going! I find myself wishing I could chat with Frank over a cup of tea and biscuits about understanding and appreciating poetry even more. Thank you for these.

Lying in the dark, buds in ears, listening to poems and Frank conjuring up worlds is beyond the beyond. Equally recommended is being transported while doing the ironing.

“Whooh, come on! Ginsy Ginsy Ginsy” that sums it up for me. Who could fault a man with this passion for a subject?

Love Frank Skinners’ conversational style. Enjoyable and unpretentious. Made me think, but not too hard and sparked my interest in reading more from the featured poets.

Really enjoyed listening!

Based on the first episode, I know I’m going to really enjoy this new enterprise of Frank’s. But I think it’s important that he read the full poem before he starts explicating it, as he did with the Stevie Smith poem. To explain as he goes, without letting us hear the full poem first, is akin to only letting us see tiny glimpses of a complete painting out of context, and in this episode Frank even admitted that he wants to look at any painting for a few minutes for reading what’s written on the card beside it. It’s the same with a poem: read it to us first, in total. Let us get a sense of the whole thing on its own ambiguous but formally complete terms. Then go back and take us through it through your eyes. I feel strongly that this one change of approach will make this a very much-loved podcast indeed! Bravo, Frank!

I’ve been hoping someone would come up with a poetry podcast for ages . Frank is so thoughtful and interesting I really enjoyed listening to him read and talk about the selected poems . Good distraction from the dreaded lockdown too.

I thoroughly enjoyed this pod! Sorry for the repetition, but it is truly brilliant!