Poetry Unbound in Conversation — Fady Joudah

Poetry Unbound in Conversation — Fady Joudah

May 29, 2026 · 47 min · Season 10 · Episode 14

About this episode

Fady Joudah discusses his poetry and the themes of memory, history, and identity in a conversation with Pádraig.

From a young age, says Palestinian American poet and physician Fady Joudah, “I had such a fascination with the way the alphabet makes music in the mind.” We are thrilled to offer this thoughtful conversation between Pádraig and Fady, recorded when Fady received the 2024 Jackson Poetry Prize. Fady reads several poems — including two with the same name! — and speaks of how memory, time, history, faith, love, violence, and difference figure in his work. He says, “Ultimately for my existence as a Palestinian in the 20th or 21st century … I am also always, particularly in English, bridging a gap.” We invite you to subscribe to Pádraig’s weekly Poetry Unbound Substack, read the Poetry Unbound books and his newest work, Kitchen Hymns, or listen to all our Poetry Unbound episodes.

More episodes of Poetry Unbound

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Poetry Unbound podcast page.