Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! · Podcast summary
Our panel goes on shore leave with Maggie Smith
Poet Maggie Smith joins the panel to discuss her viral poem "Good Bones," her new book "Dear Writer," and her experiences as a "divorce doula" and a teacher of writing.
Listen on the show ↗Key takeaways
- ✍️Maggie Smith's poem "Good Bones" went viral, leading to her bestselling memoir "You Could Make This Place Beautiful."02:05
- 🗣️Smith is often approached by people who have connected with her memoir about divorce, leading her to be called a "divorce doula" or "divorce whisperer."02:15
- 🐍Santino Marella's wrestling move, "The Cobra," involved a snake sock puppet that would bite his opponent.02:36
- 🚜Brock Lesnar once won a wrestling match by driving a tractor into the ring and using it to lift the entire ring, spilling his opponent out.02:40
- ⬆️Smith admits to having an "up-speak" in her natural voice, where her sentences often sound like questions, which she considers her version of the "poet voice."02:42
- 🥪Smith uses a "compliment sandwich" approach when giving feedback on writing, emphasizing positive aspects before offering suggestions.02:43
Chapters
- 0:00Opening and Guest Introduction
- 3:29The "Divorce Doula" and "Divorce Whisperer"
- 4:01Teaching Writing and the "Poet Voice"
- 4:21Ohio's Poetic Landscape and a Presidential Poem
- 4:37Body Slams and Toothbrushes
- 5:34The Dirt Zone and a Bat in the Mouth
- 7:11Lightning Fill in the Blank
- 8:11Looking Ahead
The digest
Poet Maggie Smith, known for her viral poem "Good Bones" and her bestselling memoir "You Could Make This Place Beautiful," joined the panel to discuss her latest work and unique experiences. The conversation covered everything from the challenges of being a local celebrity in Ohio to her role as a "divorce whisperer" and her approach to teaching writing.
From Viral Poem to Bestselling Memoir
Host Peter Sagal introduced Maggie Smith, highlighting the immense success of her poem "Good Bones," which became a viral sensation about a decade ago. This poem, which Meryl Streep famously read, led to her bestselling memoir, "You Could Make This Place Beautiful." Smith has since penned another New York Times bestseller, "Dear Writer," an advice book for the creative life. Sagal noted that Smith still resides in her hometown near Columbus, Ohio, and welcomed her back to the show, recalling her previous remote appearance from Chicago.
Keep reading in The Digest
The full 5-minute article, 6 more sections, and every new episode from Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! and the creators you follow.
- The "Divorce Doula" and "Divorce Whisperer"
- Teaching Writing and the "Poet Voice"
- Ohio's Poetic Landscape and a Presidential Poem
- Body Slams and Toothbrushes
- The Dirt Zone and a Bat in the Mouth
- Looking Ahead
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