Quintessential Poetry: A Global Poetry & Spoken Word Poetry Podcast
Quintessential Poetry: A Global Poetry & Spoken Word Poetry…
The Quintessential Poetry Network is the proud home of the Quintessential Poetry Podcast (QPP). The QPP is an award‑nominated global poetry and spoken word podcast featuring poets, storytellers, performers, and creative writers from around the world. Established in 2018, the show blends performance with reflective conversation, offering listeners meaningful insights into identity, healing, culture, and the human experience.

Hosted by Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram—a four‑time Pushcart Prize–nominated poet, retired professor of Counselor Education, and internationally respected spoken word artist—the podcast is known for its warm, grounded, and emotionally attuned interviews. Each episode highlights global poetic voices and the cultural stories behind their work, creating a thoughtful, performance‑driven space for poetry enthusiasts, spoken word poetry performers, cultural storytellers, and audio creatives alike.

With thousands of downloads and listeners across more than a dozen countries, Quintessential Poetry has become one of the most widely heard poetry podcasts in the world—a global stage where performance, reflection, and lived experience take center spotlight.

With more than 500 episodes, the show has consistently ranked among the top poetry podcasts worldwide, including multiple #2 placements on 2024 global lists and top rankings on Goodpods, Player.fm, Ivy.fm, and the NYC World Podcast Network. Quintessential Poetry has also earned nominations in the Best Arts & Culture categories across major podcasting awards in 2025 and 2026.

Poets interested in being featured may contact Dr. Ingram at mai327@gmail.com. Learn more at https://www.quintessentialpoetry.network.

Quintessential Poetry: A Poetry & Spoken Word Poetry Podcast.
Quintessential Poetry: A Global Poetry & Spoken Word Poetry Podcast
Top Poetry Podcast Worldwide!

Quintessential Poetry Network

The Quintessential Poetry Network (QPN) is the creative hub that supports the broader mission of the Quintessential Poetry podcast. Through community initiatives, curated conversations, and collaborative projects, QPN uplifts poets, storytellers, and spoken word artists while fostering spaces where authentic expression can thrive.

Please note that the Quintessential Poetry podcast is currently on hiatus. Due to ongoing health concerns, new episodes and guest interviews are temporarily paused.

The full archive remains available, and the Quintessential Poetry Network continues to support poets, storytellers, and spoken word artists through community projects and curated resources.

Thank you for your patience, kindness, and continued support.

Recent Blog Posts

May 18, 2026

Dr. Arif Ahmad: Poetry, Convergence, and the Courage to Speak

When Dr. Arif Ahmad joined me on the Quintessential Poetry podcast in December of 2022 (https://rss.com/podcasts/quintessential-poetry/1839119), I expected a conversation about craft, influence, and the making of a debut collection. What unfolded in…
April 11, 2026

Poetry as a Living Dialogue: Revisiting Serena Agusto‑Cox

A return to Serena Agusto‑Cox’s 2021 interview and the insights that still resonate In a world saturated with noise, poetry has always offered a place where language can breathe—where truth can arrive quietly, steadily, and without apology. Recentl…
March 16, 2026

Listening Again: What Four Years Revealed About Celaine Charles’ Poetic Voice

Reflections on the 2020 and 2024 Quintessential Poetry Interviews When I revisited my two interviews with Celaine Charles—one recorded in 2020 and the other in 2024—I expected to hear familiar moments. Instead, I found myself listening to a poet wh…

Reviews

LOVE THIS SHOW!!!
The best value podcast ever!!
Powerful, professional, and encouraging.
I absolutely love the podcast. Dr. Ingram provides an encouraging platform for his guests and audience. As a guest, I was also encouraged by his written work.
Quintessential Poetry
There is often nervousness in the poets’ voices as they talk about their creative processes. Doubt regarding feelings such as "Am I really a poet?" Dr. Ingram has a way of making everyone feel special. Always an enlightening episode!
Quintessential Poetry
This podcast has been a constant source of amazement for me over the past several years of listening to it. Every conversation is so engaging and real. The production values are top-notch, with crisp audio and astute editing that enhances the host's and guest's interaction. I love how each episode explores a different poetic topic while still being engaging and easy to understand. Poets, spoken word artists, and other creative writers can always rely on it. If you're looking for an informative a