I'm Major Jackson, and this is the slowdown.

Dear listener, with great honor and pride, I am announcing that my last episode as host will

release on April 11, 2025. Since 2018, the slowdown has been a part of your daily ritual and

listening routine.

We will be back with a new host very soon.

Until then, the slowdown team will share episodes from the archive going back to the very beginning.

From its initial launch, the slowdown has remained a consistent space to reflect, to remain present, even as the world rapidly changed around us.

Now more than ever, the slowdown will continue to be an instrument of compassion.

We will continue to cultivate a deep appreciation for the richness of

our humanity, for the many voices and perspectives that enliven and give shape to our communities.

Each week, I felt like the friend who walked into your home with an armful of gifts.

I love how poetry has us adjust to each other,

how we make room inside ourselves for the words of our neighbors, near and far. I want to thank you for listening to my meditations and my stories. And even more, for writing us at the

slowdown whenever a poem or reflection moved you. Through poetry, we flex a spiritual muscle

that bolsters our resilience and fortitude. I want to thank those poets whose gifts and passion for language is nothing

less than inspiring and uplifting. I have tremendous hope for our future. As do the brilliant

team of producers, editors, and executives of the slowdown. They work hard to bring light to our world.

I want to especially shout out dear Micah Kilbon, Maria Wartell, James Napoli, and our many interns.

Serving as host of the Slowdown and your colleague ranks among the greatest honors of my life as a poet and citizen of our beloved community.

And to Chandra Kavati and Joanne Griffith,

thank you enormously for the opportunity to steward poetry each morning into the lives of many.

I am signing off, but you'll hear more exciting news ahead.

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