Dana Gioia

Dana Gioia remains an influential figure in American poetry and cultural advocacy. Though he officially retired from his roles in business, government, and academia, he continues to write, speak, and engage with audiences across the country.

Gioia's most recent poetry collection, “Meet Me at the Lighthouse” (2023), delves into themes of heritage, music, and memory, including poems like “The Ballad of Jesus Ortiz,” which explores his Mexican ancestry. In 2024, he released Poetry as Enchantment, a collection of essays offering a personal perspective on poetry's role in human experience. He also published “Weep, Shudder, Die: On Opera and Poetry” in 2024.

Gioia remains active on the lecture circuit. In February 2025, he delivered a talk titled “Poetry’s Role in Education” at Valor Schools in Austin, Texas. In April, he participated in the University of Tulsa’s Presidential Lecture Series, discussing poetry, culture, and public life. Additionally, he was a featured speaker at the 2025 Gala for Western Civilization, presenting a keynote address titled “Beauty Will Save America” and participating in a live Q&A session alongside painter Jamie Wyeth.

Gioia has been featured in several recent interviews and podcasts. In a March 2025 episode of “How I Write,” he discussed his creative process and the future of literature. He also appeared on the Conversations with Tyler podcast, exploring topics ranging from poetry to cultural leadership.

While Gioia no longer holds formal academic positions, he continues to influence the literary world through his writings and public engagements. He divides his time between Los Angeles and Sonoma County, California, and remains a Senior Fellow at The Trinity Forum, contributing to discussions on art, faith, and public life.