In this episode Lisa Angle sits down with acclaimed poet and former Santa Barbara Poet Laureate Perie Longo to explore the deeply personal and transformative power of poetry.
Perie shares how poetry first entered her life through her father’s storytelling and love of verse, and how that early influence shaped a lifelong creative practice. From writing as a child to teaching poetry for over four decades at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference, her journey highlights how poetry becomes both an art form and a way of understanding the world.
This conversation offers inspiration for writers at all levels—whether you’re a seasoned poet or someone who hasn’t written a poem since grade school.
🌟 Key Takeaways
Poetry begins with listening
Perie’s earliest memories of poetry came from hearing her father recite “Paul Revere’s Ride” showing how rhythm and sound spark a lifelong love of language.
Your voice matters more than form
While rhyme has a long tradition, modern poetry embraces many forms. What matters most is writing in your own authentic voice.
Workshops should support—not override—the writer
Constructive feedback should help writers explore their own voice, not replace it with someone else’s style.
Let feedback “mull”
Not every suggestion needs acceptence immediately. Some of the best revisions come after sitting with feedback over time.
Poetry is a container for emotion
Poetry allows writers to safely explore deep feelings. Its structure provides a sense of control and expression at the same time.
About Perie Longo
Perie Longo is an award-winning poet and former Poet Laureate Emeritus of Santa Barbara. She has taught poetry for over 40 years at the Santa Barbara Writers Conference and led workshops in schools, hospice settings, and community programs.
Her work emphasizes poetry as both an artistic practice and a tool for personal insight and healing.
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