Writer's Almanac

The Writer's Almanac is a daily radio and on-line program and podcast of poetry and historical interest pieces, usually of literary significance.

The program is hosted by Garrison Keillor and is produced and distributed by American Public Media. Program sponsors include, among others, The Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry Magazine and The Mosaic Foundation of Rita and Peter Heydon.

Each program is five minutes long and begins with the phrase "And here is the Writer's Almanac..." Each daily program includes vignettes about authors and other noteworthy people whose birthdays or significant events coincide with the date of the particular program, as well as excerpts of important events in history. The program continues with one or more poems usually chosen by Keillor, and ends with Keillor's traditional sign-off, "Be well, do good work, and keep in touch." The program's theme music is a version of the Swedish song "Ge mig en dag", performed by Richard Dworsky on the piano.

Usually recorded two to three weeks in advance, Keillor typically records an entire week of programs at one time. Written by Betsy Allister, Priscilla Kinter, Heather McPherson, and Holly Vanderhaar, the program is engineered and edited by Thomas Scheuzger, Noah Smith, and Sam Hudson. Production assistance is by Kathy Roach and Katrina Cicala.