When you’re struck with a difficult emotion, like loneliness, anxiety, or heartbreak, sometimes the best remedy isn’t a pill or herbal potion, but poetry. Poems can reveal something you hadn’t seen, expose a lingering feeling, or crystallize something you needed reminding of.

In this audio series, listeners will send in their problems and well-known guest poets will prescribe their favorite lyrical remedy. Problems can be anything -- from wanting to escape to an island free of Coronavirus, roommates or squealing kids; to having to go to work (or not having work) and facing down the risks; or really just any sundry problem that we face as humans. In each episode, the guest will listen to the situation. In response, they'll read a poem that they (or someone they admire) has written, and talk about what it’s meant to them during turbulent times. Sometimes their lyrical remedy will offer advice, or comfort, or just a nudge for getting unstuck.

Our host is Luisa Beck, a Washington Post reporter who observes the news all over the world, but who turns to poetry for answers to some of life's most difficult questions. They're questions we all ask, but that even the most unbiased facts and well-researched articles can't answer. In each episode, she presents the ailment of the listener who’s written to her and asks her guest poet questions about what they recommend. She also introduces the guest's work, and talks to them about how they came to love poetry, and what the poem they chose means to them personally.

This project is presented solely for entertainment purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional.

This episode contains content best suited for adults.

A caller is looking for TRUE love, but can’t seem to find it. Poet Luther Hughes responds with ‘Judith Slaying Holofernes: Oil on Canvas, Artemisia Gentileschi, 1620’ by Paul Tran.

The poem in this episode appears courtesy of Paul Tran.

The song ‘Mercenary Heart’ appears courtesy of Soltero (aka Tim Howard).

A caller is worried about our species. Writer Cheryl Strayed responds with ‘Good Bones’ by Maggie Smith.

The poem in this episode appears courtesy of Tupelo Press.