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Quintessential Poetry: A Global Poetry & Spoken Word Poetry Podcast
Quintessential Poetry: A Global Poetry & Spoken Word Poetry…
Established in 2018, Quintessential Poetry has grown into a trusted space for poets, storytellers, and spoken word artists seeking meaningful dialogue and authentic expression. Known for its thoughtful interviews, global perspectives, and commitment to elevating diverse voices, the podcast continues to resonate with listeners who value depth, creativity, and the transformative power of language. In 2024, Quintessential Poetry achieved a global ranking of second among the premier poetry podcasts and secured prominent positions on Goodpods, Player.fm, Ivy.fm, and the NYC World Podcast Network, among other platforms. In 2025 and 2026, the podcast garnered nominations from five prominent podcasting organizations—Podcast Tonight, the Golden Lobes Awards (UK), the Black Podcasting Awards, the People’s Choice Podcast Awards, and the NYC Podcast Awards—receiving accolades for Best Arts and Culture Podcast and Best International Show. This acknowledgment signifies the podcast's increasing impact and the potency of the voices it elevates. Quintessential Poetry: A Poetry & Spoken Word Poetry Podcast.
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Quintessential Poetry: A Global Poetry & Spoken Word Poetry Podcast

The Quintessential Poetry Network (QPN), which hosts the Quintessential Poetry podcast, is a global creative place where poets, storytellers, and truth tellers examine the human condition through reflection, presence, and firsthand experience.

QPN also operates several other initiatives, such as Quintessential Poetry+, Spotlights, Poetic Empathy Cards, Let Poetry Ring Conversations, publications, and community-oriented partnerships. We design these initiatives to cultivate creativity and connection between poets and audiences, ensuring that poetry remains a dynamic component of the cultural environment. The network fosters an inclusive environment that honors the power of words by incorporating various voices and perspectives.

QPN celebrates the Four Pillars—Hear, Absorb, Inscribe, and Enact—by inviting visitors to engage in conversations, discussions, and other activities that enhance understanding, praise courage, and embrace the power of the poetic voice.

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…

About the Host

Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram

Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram is a retired Associate Professor of Counselor Education and Supervision, a social change activist, and an acclaimed poet and spoken word artist. His work explores themes of power, identity, and oppression, and he has traveled widely to lead lectures and workshops on cultural competence, mental health awareness, and the development of empathy through poetry.

He is the Founder and Executive Director of the DC Poetry Project, Inc., a Washington, D.C.–based organization dedicated to promoting cultural, educational, and community engagement through poetry and performance art.

Dr. Ingram has been featured in national media, including an interview with Heart of Hollywood magazine, and has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize in poetry. His forthcoming second poetry collection, Metaphorically Screaming, is highly anticipated for its bold exploration of language, memory, and emotional truth.

Reviews

LOVE THIS SHOW!!!

"The best value podcast ever!!"

Nicolas Hermandez | May 29, 2022

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."

Michelle Carter-Douglass | Nov. 14, 2022

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 specia…"

italetjhdc | Aug. 7, 2024

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…"

ataletwmhv | Nov. 14, 2025