Poetry Off the Shelf

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Producer Helena de Groot explores the diverse world of contemporary poetry with readings by poets, interviews with critics, and short poetry documentaries. Nothing is off limits, and nobody is taken too seriously.

Poetry Foundation


    • Jun 24, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 235 EPISODES

    4.6 from 380 ratings Listeners of Poetry Off the Shelf that love the show mention: poetry podcast, poets, helena, poems, gasp, org, skeptics, contemporary, featuring, writers, tone, great host, range, program, missed, outstanding, engaging, commentary, quality, minutes.


    Ivy Insights

    The Poetry Off the Shelf podcast is a must-listen for any poetry enthusiast or aspiring poet. Hosted by Helena de Groot, this podcast offers a refreshing and genuine exploration of poetry and its creators. De Groot's conversational style and insightful questions make for engaging discussions with poets, allowing listeners to gain deeper insights into their work. The podcast stands out among others in the genre due to its focus on the poets themselves, rather than the host or other extraneous topics.

    One of the best aspects of The Poetry Off the Shelf podcast is Helena de Groot's skill as an interviewer. She asks intelligent and thoughtful questions that prompt poets to delve into the inspiration behind their work and share personal anecdotes. This creates a rich and authentic conversation that not only reveals more about the poet but also enhances our understanding of their poetry.

    Another standout aspect of this podcast is its diverse range of guests. The show features both well-known poets and emerging voices, showcasing a variety of styles and perspectives. This allows listeners to discover new poets and expand their appreciation for different forms of poetry.

    Unfortunately, there are some downsides to The Poetry Off the Shelf podcast. One criticism is that episodes can be irregularly released, making it difficult to anticipate when new content will be available. Additionally, some listeners may find certain episodes less engaging if they are not familiar with or interested in the featured poet or topic.

    In conclusion, The Poetry Off the Shelf podcast is a treasure trove for poetry lovers. Helena de Groot's skillful interviewing style brings out the best in her guests, offering illuminating conversations about poetry and its creators. Despite occasional irregularity in episode releases and potential lack of interest in certain topics, this podcast remains an essential listen for those hungry for poetic inspiration and knowledge.



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