Dr. Johnsen sets audiobook and music CD launch for Nov. 1 after award recognition

Dr. Matthew C. Johnsen will launch the audiobook edition of To Make the World a Better Place: Poems of Hope and Healing and his Murmuration CD on Nov. 1 in Worcester, Massachusetts. The release follows his designation as a Distinguished Author by the International Impact Book Awards for the poetry collection.

Why it matters: - Dr. Matthew C. Johnsen’s poetry collection is reaching a wider audience through audio, expanding access for listeners who prefer spoken-word literature. - The International Impact Book Awards recognition adds outside validation to a project centered on hope, healing, peace and social awareness. - The combined launch ties together Johnsen’s work in poetry, music and public engagement.

What happened: - Dr. Matthew C. Johnsen announced an audiobook release of To Make the World a Better Place: Poems of Hope and Healing and a separate music CD, Murmuration, both scheduled for Nov. 1, 2026. - The launch event is set for 3:00 PM on Nov. 1 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester, 140 Shore Drive, Worcester, MA 01605. - The event will feature narrator Ellen O’Neall Waite, violinist JaganNath Khalsa and the Friends of Matt chorus, along with Johnsen. - The poetry collection was originally published in Kindle, paperback and hardcover editions on Aug. 17, 2026. - The audiobook is narrated by Ellen O’Neall Waite.

The details: - The International Impact Book Awards named Johnsen a Distinguished Author for To Make the World a Better Place. - The award recognizes selected authors whose work demonstrates meaningful impact on readers and communities. - The collection is described as exploring hope, healing, peace and social awareness. - The audiobook format is meant to make the poetry available in spoken performance and during everyday listening. - Murmuration includes musical works by Johnsen, Gjeilo, Debussy and other composers. - Johnsen serves as music director of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester. - Johnsen also co-founded Peace Choir Worcester, which performs at gatherings focused on peace and solidarity. - Johnsen is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Worcester State University. - Johnsen previously served as director of the Centre for Social Innovation. - Johnsen is a Rotary Peace Fellow alumnus and studied peace and conflict resolution at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand.

Between the lines: - The award and the launch together position Johnsen’s work as both literary and civic, not just artistic. - The project reflects a broader trend of authors using audio formats to reach audiences beyond print readers. - Johnsen’s background in sociology helps explain why the poetry leans toward community, social structure and shared responsibility rather than purely personal reflection. - 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."

What’s next: - The Nov. 1 launch will formally introduce the audiobook and CD to the public. - The audiobook release gives Johnsen’s poetry another distribution channel after the award recognition. - Johnsen will continue presenting his work across poetry, music and community-based events.

The bottom line: - Johnsen’s Nov. 1 launch turns an award-winning poetry collection into an audio experience and pairs it with a music release built around the same message of hope and connection.

For more information, visit Dr. Matthew C. Johnsen's official website