When a poet, sociologist, and musician earns a major literary distinction and then immediately prepares to unveil his work in two new audio formats, the moment deserves attention. Dr. Matthew C. Johnsen is doing exactly that, with a November 1, 2026, dual release that pairs his poetry with his piano compositions in a single celebratory event.
Poet, sociologist, and musician Dr. Johnsen prepares for a November 1 audiobook and Murmuration CD launch following Distinguished Author recognition.
Words and music have always belonged together for me. On November 1 we're bringing them together in one room — poetry, piano, and my musical friends and colleagues — and everyone is welcome.”— Dr. Matthew C. JohnsenWORCESTER, MA, UNITED STATES, October 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Dr. Matthew C. Johnsen, Professor Emeritus of Sociology, poet, musician, and public engagement advocate, announces the upcoming audiobook release of To Make the World a Better Place: Poems of Hope and Healing, alongside his music CD Murmuration, scheduled for November 1, 2026.
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This announcement comes on the heels of another major milestone: the International Impact Book Awards has named Dr. Johnsen a Distinguished Author for To Make the World a Better Place, an honor that recognizes the collection’s meaningful contribution to readers and communities through its themes of hope, healing, peace, and social awareness.
The audiobook, narrated by Ellen O’Neall Waite, brings Johnsen’s poetry to life through spoken word, offering listeners a new way to connect with his reflections on humanity, compassion, and positive change.
An official Audiobook and CD Launch Event is set for November 1, 2026, at 3:00 PM, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester, 140 Shore Drive, Worcester, MA 01605, USA. The program will feature narrator Ellen O’Neall Waite, violinist JaganNath Khalsa, and the Friends of Matt chorus performing alongside Dr. Johnsen. The event celebrates both the audiobook and the Murmuration music project.
Originally published in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover editions on August 17, 2026, To Make the World a Better Place: Poems of Hope and Healing uses poetry as a lens for examining the challenges, questions, and possibilities shaping today’s society.
Distinguished Author Recognition Celebrates the Impact of Poetry
Being selected as a Distinguished Author by the International Impact Book Awards represents a notable achievement in Johnsen’s literary career. According to the organization’s recognition announcement, the honor is designed to celebrate authors and voices whose work demonstrates genuine impact on readers and communities. Johnsen’s collection was recognized for embodying the values the award was created to uphold.
Through To Make the World a Better Place, Johnsen blends social observation with personal reflection and a steadfast belief in humanity’s capacity for compassion and change. The recognition underscores a key aspect of his writing: it aims to go beyond personal expression and inspire readers to examine their relationships with others and the world around them.
This distinction marks an important chapter in the collection’s journey as it moves toward reaching listeners in audiobook form.
Poetry as a Pathway for Social Reflection and Change
Drawing on decades of experience in sociology, education, and community engagement, Dr. Johnsen views poetry as more than just artistic expression. His collection invites readers to reflect on human connection, shared responsibility, peace, social awareness, and the challenges confronting modern communities.
By weaving imaginative language with social insight, Johnsen uses poetry to connect individual experiences with broader conversations about the world we share. Rather than offering simple answers to complex social questions, his writing encourages thoughtful consideration of how compassion, understanding, and individual action can build stronger communities.
From Sociology to Poetry: A Vision of Public Engagement
Dr. Johnsen’s academic background deeply informs his creative work. As Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Worcester State University, he spent decades studying social structures, community dynamics, mental health systems, and social innovation. During his academic career, he also served as Director of the Centre for Social Innovation, focusing on understanding communities and exploring approaches that foster positive social development.
His shift from academic scholarship to poetry reflects a conviction that meaningful social conversations can take many forms. Johnsen is also a Rotary Peace Fellow alumnus, having studied peace and conflict resolution at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand, alongside an international group dedicated to advancing peacebuilding efforts. These experiences continue to shape his writing, music, and public engagement.
Audiobook Edition Expands Access to Hope and Healing
The November 1 audiobook release offers audiences another way to experience To Make the World a Better Place: Poems of Hope and Healing. Narrated by Ellen O’Neall Waite, the audiobook brings Johnsen’s verses to life through spoken performance, highlighting the rhythm, emotion, and reflections within the collection.
This new format allows listeners to engage with the poetry during everyday activities while introducing its themes to those who prefer audio literature. Arriving shortly after the Distinguished Author recognition, the release represents another opportunity for Johnsen’s work to reach people through a different form of storytelling.
Connecting Poetry, Music, and Creative Expression
Alongside the audiobook, Johnsen is preparing the separate music CD Murmuration, also scheduled for release on November 1, 2026. The CD features musical works by Johnsen, Gjeilo, Debussy, and other composers, reflecting his longstanding involvement in music and artistic expression.
Johnsen serves as music director of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester and co-founded Peace Choir Worcester, a group that performs at gatherings focused on peace and solidarity. The combined audiobook and music launch brings together two dimensions of his creative life, reflecting an enduring interest in how words and music can foster understanding, emotional connection, and shared reflection.
Reflecting on the upcoming event, Dr. Johnsen said:
"Words and music have always belonged together for me. On November 1 we're bringing them together in one room — poetry, piano, and my musical friends and colleagues — and everyone is welcome."
With a new literary distinction and two upcoming audio releases, Johnsen continues to expand his creative work across poetry, music, and community engagement.
About Dr. Matthew C. Johnsen
Dr. Matthew C. Johnsen is a sociologist, educator, poet, and musician whose work explores social understanding, community engagement, peacebuilding, and human connection. He is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Worcester State University and a Rotary Peace Fellow alumnus. He has been named a Distinguished Author by the International Impact Book Awards for To Make the World a Better Place: Poems of Hope and Healing.
Through academic scholarship, creative writing, music, and public engagement, Johnsen continues to encourage reflection, compassion, and conversations about building a better future.
For information about Dr. Johnsen’s books and music CD, visit Dr. Matthew C. Johnsen's official website.
Dr. Matthew C. Johnsen
Author, Poet, Sociologist & Musician
+1 508-494-2522
Matthew.Johnsen@worcester.edu
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Why it matters: This dual launch signals how creators are increasingly using multiple formats—print, audio, and music—to expand the reach of their work. Johnsen’s approach demonstrates that poetry can serve as a bridge between personal reflection and collective social action, offering audiences new entry points into conversations about hope and healing.
