Ms. Underwood's Class Podcasts

In this episode, hosts Jasmine Walia and Natalie Kim explore Elizabeth Acevedo's "Rat Ode," a poem that challenges societal perceptions of worth and beauty. They delve into Acevedo's poignant use of the rat as a metaphor for marginalized or overlooked individuals and entities. The hosts discuss how Acevedo's personal experiences and cultural background influenced her portraya...

In this episode of "Unveiling Wisdom, The Journey to Inner Peace," hosts Karen Martinez and Micah Ramos explore the timeless relevance of Max Ehrmann's poem "Desiderata." The hosts delve into the poem's serene language and profound messages of peace, authenticity, and self-compassion, emphasizing its significance in today's fast-paced and often chaotic world. They d...

In this episode, Lauren, Soli, and William delve into Edgar Allan Poe's profound poem "Annabel Lee." They explore the intense, haunting themes of love and mortality that Poe masterfully weaves through vivid imagery and emotional depth. The hosts discuss how Poe's personal history, particularly the tragic loss of his wife Virginia, deeply influenced the themes of eternal love and...

In this episode, hosts Isaac Taylor and Cisco explore Amanda Gorman's "The Hill We Climb," a poem that captures the essence of America's struggles and hopes. They discuss how Gorman's words at the 2021 Presidential Inauguration encapsulate a vision for a unified and resilient America, addressing the nation's collective challenges and aspirations. The discussion highlights...

In this episode, hosts Justin Cheong and Varun Karra delve into Robert Frost's iconic poem, "The Road Not Taken." They explore the theme of decision-making and its significance in shaping one's life path. The hosts discuss how the poem resonates with their personal experiences and the pressures of academic excellence. They reflect on the poem's universal message about the imp...

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Jake and Charles delve into Dylan Thomas's famous poem, "Do not go gentle into that good night." They discuss the themes of mortality, the inevitability of death, and the human instinct to resist the end of life. The discussion unpacks the poem’s use of villanelle form to emphasize a fierce battle against the dying of the light, symbolizing a fig...

Hosts Anthony De La Rosa and Jerome Reyes delve into William Shakespeare's timeless poem "Shall I Compare Thee to a Summer’s Day?" on their podcast episode. They explore the enchanting imagery and the emotional depth that Shakespeare weaves through his words, likening a beloved to a perfect summer's day, symbolizing warmth, beauty, and fleeting perfection. Their discussion highli...

In this episode, hosts Namish Sharan and Matthew Shin explore Jan Wagner’s "Portrait of the Rain," translated by David Keplinger. They discuss Wagner's keen observation of nature and his skill in highlighting everyday phenomena through vivid, multi-sensory imagery that evokes nostalgia and renewal. The hosts analyze how Wagner’s detailed imagery transforms the simple act of rain into...

In this episode of Burst By Burst, hosts Gavin Manuelian and Kate Martinez delve into "One Today," a poem by Richard Blanco that was written for the 57th presidential inauguration in January 2013. The poem paints a vivid tableau of America, capturing the mundane yet profound activities that stitch the fabric of everyday life across the nation. From the rhythmic pulse of traffic lights to...

In this episode of Cool Poetry Podcasting, hosts Daniel Son and Euna Kim explore "Stunt Double" by Thomas Q. Morin, a poignant reflection on the challenges and resilience of families facing financial hardships. The poem delves into the complex dynamics of family roles, personal struggles, and societal expectations. Using vivid imagery and powerful language, Morin captures the essence of...

In this episode, Christopher Shiell and April Kang delve into Adrienne Rich’s "Planetarium," a poem that pays homage to the unsung contributions of women in science, particularly referencing the astronomer Caroline Herschel. They discuss the intertwining of feminism and astronomy within the poem, reflecting on how Rich uses the vastness of space as a metaphor for both the isolation and t...

In this episode of the "Live Poets Society" podcast, hosts Aspen Chung and Luna Kup explore the poem "Text" by Carol Ann Duffy. They discuss how the poem masterfully encapsulates the nuances of online messaging compared to in-person communication, articulating the disconnect and sense of silence that often accompanies digital interactions. The analysis highlights the poem’s min...

In this episode, hosts Pradanya Sathish and Sivan Barda dive into the depths of Edgar Allan Poe’s lesser-known poem, "Alone." Originally penned in 1829 and discovered posthumously, the poem offers a window into Poe’s profound sense of isolation and distinct perspective on the world. The hosts explore how Poe’s tumultuous life experiences, marked by loss and alienation, shaped his poetic...

In this episode, Brandon Nadel and Yunah Choi delve into the profound depths of Alan Seeger’s poem "I Have a Rendezvous with Death." This analysis explores Seeger's vivid encapsulation of life's transience and his personal entanglement with mortality during World War I. The hosts discuss the poem's unique perspective on death as an inevitable, yet almost formal meeting, refle...

In this episode, hosts Hannah and Isabella explore the depths of Bianca Phipps's poem "Almosts," which vividly portrays the pain of losing a loved one. The poem navigates the complex emotions tied to a friend's untimely death, weaving themes of memory, loss, and unspoken words through a deeply personal narrative. The hosts discuss how Phipps uses the literary device of apostrophe...

In this episode, hosts Alexis and Victoria delve into Khalil Gibran's poignant poem "The Grave Digger." The poem explores themes of death and emotional response, challenging conventional reactions to loss. Alexis discusses how the poem resonates with contemporary issues such as increasing suicide rates and society's varied perceptions of death. They highlight the poem's uniqu...

In this insightful episode, hosts Michael and Hrag delve into a reflective analysis of the poem "Good Hot Dogs." The poem, set in a simple yet evocative backdrop, brings to life the nostalgia of childhood memories tied to simple pleasures like eating hot dogs after school. Michael and Hrag explore how the poet uses straightforward yet poignant language to paint a vivid picture of these u...

In this episode, hosts Ilinca and Aiden delve into the profound layers of the poem "Eclipse with Object," exploring its exploration of anxiety and emotional overwhelm through vivid imagery and metaphorical language. The poem encapsulates the feeling of being engulfed by a dark mass of anxiety, likened to an eclipse, which obscures logic and induces a spiral of fear. The hosts discuss how...

In this episode, hosts Stella, Bella, and Ashley explore the poignant and powerful themes in Isabella DeCendy's poem, which delves into the stark realities of dominance, vulnerability, and trauma. They discuss how the poem uses the metaphor of disemboweling a chicken to parallel the experiences of human trauma and power dynamics, emphasizing the representational quality of the poem. The hosts...

In this episode, hosts Gavin and Sebastian delve into Edgar Allan Poe's poignant poem "Annabel Lee." Gavin shares a personal anecdote about experiencing rejection and how it resonated with the themes of loss and undying love in Poe's work. They explore the poem's intricate rhyme scheme and how it enhances the emotional depth of the narrator's obsession with his lost love,...

In this episode, hosts Daisy and Kahan explore "A Litany for Survival" by Audre Lorde, a poem that resonates deeply with the ongoing struggles of marginalized communities. They delve into how Lorde uses parallelism and powerful imagery to convey themes of fear, resilience, and the necessity of speaking out despite the risks. The hosts discuss Lorde's background and her significant co...

Join hosts Shrisha Prakir, Lesly Shim, and Aden Li as they delve into Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven," exploring its haunting portrayal of grief and despair. In this episode, they analyze the poem's intricate structure, its use of repetition and personification, and how these elements intensify the emotional impact of the narrator's descent into madness. They discuss how Poe&#3...

Join hosts Orchid Winters and Rowan Wheaton as they delve into Percy Shelley's iconic poem "Ozymandias." In this episode, they explore the lasting impact of the poem that Orchid vividly remembers hearing from his father during childhood walks. They discuss the poem's powerful themes of impermanence and pride, as well as its rich language and structure that convey the inevitable d...

In this episode, hosts Dez Dhanda and Vahn Petrossian explore "Portrait of the Rain" by John Wagner, a poem that vividly captures the multifaceted nature of rain. They delve into how Wagner personifies rain, transforming it from a simple weather phenomenon into a dynamic, almost mystical entity. The discussion emphasizes the poet’s use of rich imagery and sensory details that evoke nosta...

In this episode, Luka, Jack, and Kellan delve into Clint Smith's poem "What's Left." The hosts explore themes of loss, memory, and resilience as Smith reflects on the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and its impact on his personal life and community. They discuss the poem’s powerful use of rhetorical questions and vivid imagery, emphasizing the emotional and environmental...