Sunday Pick: 20th Anniversary celebration with renowned poets Eileen Myles, Elizabeth Alexander, Sarah Kay, and Amber Tamblyn | from Design Matters - TED Talks Daily Recap

Podcast: TED Talks Daily

Published: 2026-03-22

Guests: Eileen Myles, Elizabeth Alexander, Sarah Kay, Amber Tamblyn

What Happened

Eileen Myles, a literary icon in New York City's East Village, has been a formidable presence in poetry since moving to the city in 1974. They published their first book of poetry using a mimeograph machine in 1978 and gave their first reading at CBGB's, a historic venue for emerging artists. Eileen's work, such as the novel 'Inferno', offers a vivid portrayal of New York's poetry scene in the 1970s.

Elizabeth Alexander gained national recognition when she read her poem at President Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009. Her academic journey included studying under Derek Walcott at Boston University, encouraged by her mother Adele Alexander. Elizabeth's poetry often reflects her experiences as a young black girl in predominantly white educational settings, as seen in her 2005 book 'American Sublime'.

Sarah Kay found her voice in spoken word poetry, a medium that offered her visibility she hadn't experienced before. She recalls registering for the New York City teen poetry slam without knowing who signed her up, a pivotal moment that led to her first poetry performance. Growing up near Ground Zero, 9/11 profoundly impacted Sarah, inspiring her to write about terrorism and personal fears.

Amber Tamblyn, known for her roles in 'General Hospital' and 'Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants', also channels her creativity into poetry. Despite an existential crisis from her acting career, Amber found solace in writing, producing works like 'Dark Sparkler', which explores the lives of actresses who died young. Her candidness about the challenges of show business underscores the importance of maintaining one's identity amidst external pressures.

Key Insights

• Eileen Myles has been a cornerstone of the New York City poetry scene since 1974, debuting their work at iconic venues like CBGB's. Their novel 'Inferno' captures the essence of the poetry scene in the 1970s.
• Elizabeth Alexander's poetry reached a global audience when she read at President Barack Obama's inauguration. Her academic influence includes studying with Nobel laureate Derek Walcott at Boston University.
• Sarah Kay discovered her passion for spoken word poetry after unexpectedly participating in a teen poetry slam. Her experiences growing up in the aftermath of 9/11 have deeply influenced her work.
• Amber Tamblyn balances her acting career with poetry, using it as a form of personal expression and control. Her book 'Dark Sparkler' addresses the pressures and tragedies of Hollywood, providing a unique perspective on the industry's impact on identity.