In this episode of The Poetry Space_, we explore the power of persona poems. We dive into Robert Browning’s "My Last Duchess," William Blake’s "The Chimney Sweeper," Nikky Finney’s "Red Velvet," Margaret Atwood’s "Pig Song," and James Tate’s "The Motorcyclists." What happens when poets speak through masks, giving voice to dukes, children, pigs, and even storms? Join us as we unpack how persona reveals hidden truths, sparks empathy, and complicates the line between poet and speaker.

At the Table:

Katie Dozier

Timothy Green

Joe Barca

Dick Westheimer

Brian O’Sullivan

In the second half of our visit with Billy Collins, the door stays wide open. We talk dogs, humor, memory, and the surprising turns that make his poems feel like they’ve been waiting for us all along. If the first episode was the invitation, this one’s the living room conversation you never want to leave.

At the Table:

Katie Dozier

Timothy Green

Billy Collins

Dick Westhiemer

Joe Barca

Nate Jacob

Brian O'Sullivan

Billy Collins joins Katie and Tim for a conversation that we hope feels like one of his poems: open-armed, slyly funny, and disarming in the best way. We dive into the idea of poetic hospitality—how a poem welcomes its reader in—and explore how Billy pulls off that rare trick of being both approachable and profound.

At the Table:

Katie Dozier

Timothy Green

Billy Collins

Dick Westhiemer

Joe Barca

Nate Jacob

Brian O'Sullivan