Quintessential Poetry Presents Mike Jurkovic: The Poet Who Makes Jazz Sing and Words Swing|Poems

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🎷EPISODE 2: MIKE JURKOVIC Poetry That Swings, Sings, and Refuses to Sit Still

Mike Jurkovic joins the Quintessential Poetry podcast for a vibrant conversation blending poetry, jazz, rhythm, and creative expression. Known for making “jazz sing and words swing,” he shares insights into sound‑driven writing, performance, and the emotional energy that shapes his work. This spoken word poetry interview highlights his unique voice and artistic approach.

Mike is the host of an acclaimed jazz radio show, as well as the Ulster County Poet Laureate for 2025. As a poet, Mike's work is a wonderful blend of humor, wisdom, and folksy charm. The vivid imagery and surrealist style that characterize his poetry have brought him widespread renown. His understanding of rhythm's importance is another defining feature of his jazzy, melodic, lyrical poetry. Rhythm is an inherent part of Mike's poetry.

BACKGROUND

Mike is originally from the South Bronx and has lived in Ulster County, New York, for over 30 years. He is the president and co-founder of Calling All Poets, a prominent poetry organization in the Hudson Valley that has been fostering poetic expression for 26 years. His widely read poetry collections and acclaimed poetry readings often explore themes of everyday life, absurdity, and human connection, making them relatable and impactful.

THE CONVERSATION

This conversation, originally recorded live on May 13, 2024, explored the deep connections between jazz improvisation and poetic rhythm, how music and poetry inform each other, and the art of making complex ideas feel accessible and inviting after being edited and remastered for rebroadcast. From getting nauseous listening to Bob Dylan at 14 to becoming a poet who puts a backbeat in every line—this is Mike's journey. "This conversation has rhythm. It has laughter. It has depth." This episode creates a thoughtful, performance‑driven space for poetry enthusiasts, spoken word poetry performers, cultural storytellers, and audio creatives alike.

📖 BONUS:

Podcast includes six poems from Mike Jurkovic exclusively for Timeless Classics (in order): The Whereabouts of Heaven, Your North Star Still stirs (Sojourner Truth), Mama's Meatballs (off Jerome Avenue), Charming Ineptness You’ve Taken to Heart, Only Here and Saltwater Taffy with Nick Bisanz.

WHEN

Catch the episode on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 8:00 PM (EST) by visiting the Quintessential Poetry website at https://rss.com/podcasts/quintessential-poetry/2393065.

OR

Visit this link on YouTube to listen to the episode: https://youtu.be/o2Swis9mWRQ?si=hRKd17ksu2EwEGsd

About Quintessential Poetry: The award-nominated podcast, Quintessential Poetry, has featured 500+ poets across 450+ episodes, reaching 350,000+ listeners globally. Created and hosted by four-time Pushcart Prize nominee Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram, the podcast celebrates diverse voices in contemporary poetry and spoken word.

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• Website: www.quintessentialpoetry.network
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Keywords: poetry podcast, spoken word, Mike Jurkovic, contemporary poetry, literary interviews, American poets, creative writing, poetry performance, literary podcast, Dr. Michael Anthony Ingram, poetry community, alternative poetry,