Radiotopia Presents: We're Doing the Wiz
In 2004, a racial controversy broke out at a small, mostly white performing arts high school in rural Massachusetts, drawing protests, TV news crews and a tense all-school assembly. Then the school announced it would stage an iconic American musical that no one expected. This series tells the story of that production and the community around it, premiering June 2025. It is part of Radiotopia Presents, a feed that showcases short multi-episode series built around bold, inclusive storytelling. More shows from the network can be found at radiotopia.fm.
Episodes
Red for Revolution - Happy Anniversary!
To celebrate the anniversary of Red for Revolution’s Radiotopia debut, we’re dropping a special bonus episode. Join members of the cast and creative team as they revisit the story's earliest seeds, its unexpected turns, and the beautiful collaboration. You’ll also hear exclusive, unreleased audio scenes from the cutting‑room floor. Part reflection, part celebration, and part revelation,
Helene's Deadly Warning from NPR's Up First
Welcome to September. Public media has had a rough summer. On July 18th, Congress passed the Rescissions Act of 2025, which eliminated $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Then on August 1st, CPB announced they would be winding down operations.When folks talk about these cuts, they usually talk about the vital public services public media provides, such as
Prophets of Technology from TED Radio Hour
Welcome to September. Public media has had a rough summer. On July 18th, Congress passed the Rescissions Act of 2025, which eliminated $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Then on August 1st, CPB announced they would be winding down operations.When folks talk about these cuts, they usually talk about the vital public services public media provides, such as
Winter is Coming from Throughline
Welcome to September. Public media has had a rough summer. On July 18th, Congress passed the Rescissions Act of 2025, which eliminated $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Then on August 1st, CPB announced they would be winding down operations.When folks talk about these cuts, they usually talk about the vital public services public media provides, such as
The Network from Embedded and Latino USA
Welcome to September. Public media has had a rough summer. On July 18th, Congress passed the Rescissions Act of 2025, which eliminated $1.1 billion in funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Then on August 1st, CPB announced they would be winding down operations.When folks talk about these cuts, they usually talk about the vital public services public media provides, such as
Introducing: Forever is a Long Time
When Ian Coss decided to get married, every living member of his family who had ever been married had also gotten divorced: parents, grandparents, and all his aunts and uncles on both sides — some of them twice. Today, he has questions: What is the value of a lifetime commitment? Are we doomed to recycle the patterns of behavior we get from our ancestors? Are we all just better off alone?
We're Doing The Wiz 4 - Pass the Squeeze
It's opening night. Will PVPA pull it off? And almost 20 years later, the cast reflects on the impact doing The Wiz had on their lives.The series is made possible in part by a grant from Mass Humanities, which provided funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Learn more about We're Doing The Wiz at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network
We're Doing The Wiz 3 - You Don’t Hit White Girls
Rehearsals are in full swing. But while most students are focused on their songs and dance steps, a tense backstage drama threatens the entire production.The series is made possible in part by a grant from Mass Humanities, which provided funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Learn more about We're Doing The Wiz at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the
We're Doing The Wiz 2 - The Black Wizard of Oz
It’s audition time at PVPA. Will students get the parts they want? Will it come down to race, talent or both? And is anyone giving Dorothy?The series is made possible in part by a grant from Mass Humanities, which provided funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Learn more about We're Doing The Wiz at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia net
We're Doing The Wiz 1 - The Tofu Curtain
When a bussing program brings a group of Black students to a predominately white performing arts high school in rural Massachusetts, a racial reckoning rocks the campus. And an unlikely selection for the school’s annual musical reshapes the student body forever. The series is made possible in part by a grant from Mass Humanities, which provided funding through the Massachusetts Cultural C
Radiotopia Presents: We're Doing the Wiz
Coming up next on Radiotopia Presents: We’re Doing The Wiz. Two former classmates reconnect to unpack the high school musical that changed their lives.The series is made possible in part by a grant from Mass Humanities, which provided funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Learn more about We're Doing The Wiz at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Ra
Red for Revolution x The Frogs
On May 24, 2025 in LA, Red for Revolution's creator/writer/director Jana Naomi Smith joined The Frogs for a rollicking live taping of their podcast, to talk career, inspiration, the origins of R4R, and for a live performance featuring Caro Guzmán.To listen to the full episode, head over to the The Frogs — where theater, culture, and vibe collide. Co-hosted by Alex Ubokudom and Tobie Windh
Introducing Selects from Radiotopia and Room Tone
Today we’re introducing our Radiotopia Presents listeners to a brand new show out now from Radiotopia. It’s called Selects.Selects is a monthly show that brings you unearthed audio works we’ve found buried in web archives, radio streams, and old podcasts. They’ve come to us through the recommendations and inspirations of some of the most talented audio creators working today. Every month
After 15 months of displacement...from Up First
Recently, the White House announced its plans to ask Congress to rescind funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. If the plan passes, there could be serious consequences for the public media ecosystem.Rather than tell you why we think public media is important, we are sharing this piece from NPR's Up First. This story is one of the best things we've listened to this year, so we
Introducing: Harlem Queen
Today we're sharing the first episode of Harlem Queen, a historical audio drama detailing the powerful story of “Policy Queen” and “gangster” Madame Stephanie St. Clair.Madame St. Clair had a powerful impact on building the Harlem community underground and aboveground and defining the Harlem Renaissance. Our goal is for you to be entertained, educated, empowered and uplifted after hearing
Jason and Isabelle Revisit My Mother Made Me
In October 2024, Apple Podcasts launched a new initiative to highlight narrative series, including designating a new show every month as a Series Essential, celebrating the finest storytelling and the medium’s greatest achievements. My Mother Made Me is the March 2025 selection.For this special occasion, we asked Jason to sit down with his mother to reflect on their experience of document
Alternate Realities from Embedded
Today, we're sharing the first episode of a new limited-run series from NPR's Embedded, "Alternate Realities".Zach Mack and his dad are living in separate realities, and it's tearing their family apart. Like so many Americans, Zach's dad has gotten swept up in conspiracy theories. After years of circular arguments, the father challenged his son to a bet: $10,000 on ten politically apocaly
Red for Revolution 6 - I Love Paris
As tensions escalate and hearts are both shattered and healed, our season one love story reaches its climax in the City of Love. Jazmine’s family surprises her with a graduation trip to Paris, but little do they know, she has a surprise of her own in store.Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by C
Red for Revolution 5 - Send in the Clowns
As tensions between Jazmine and her mother boil over, Grandma Ella steps in, guiding the three women to confront the painful reality of intergenerational homophobia. Meanwhile, back in the 1970s, the stakes soar for Ella and Lorraine’s relationship as young Ella is falsely accused of a crime. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction b
Red for Revolution 4 - He Looked Beyond My Faults
Jazmine holds space for Ms. Lorraine as she shares her story of substance abuse, inspiring a conversation about grace and self-acceptance. Meanwhile, back in the 70s, a younger Lorraine confesses her substance abuse to Ella, generating a difficult impasse between the two. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and S
Red for Revolution 3 - Stormy Weather
As Jazmine grapples with self-acceptance, Grandma Ella and Ms. Lorraine feel compelled to share their respective insecurities. This leads to a poignant recollection of the day a power outage compelled a young Ella and Lorraine to reveal their deepest secrets and vulnerabilities.Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall
Red for Revolution 2 - Never Will I Marry
Jazmine uncovers her grandmother's journals, shedding light on previously unknown aspects of her inner life and igniting the tale of how Ella and Lorraine reconnected in 1971, New York City for a taping of the TV show Black Dreams after their passionate first encounter in Gary.Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall
Red for Revolution 1 - I’ve Got a Crush On You
After the assassination of a Black female revolutionary, an unexpected romance blossoms between the two women left in her wake—an apolitical jazz singer and a radical activist. While in the present day, college-bound Jazmine embarks on a journey to find her grandmother's first love and document their love story.Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with
Radiotopia Presents: Red for Revolution
Red for Revolution is an enthralling audio drama that tells the passionate love story between jazz singer Lorraine Giovanni and activist Ella Ali. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of 18-year-old Jazmine, who is coming of age and seeking wisdom from her grandmother, Ella. As Jazmine conducts heartfelt interviews with her grandmother, listeners are transported between the vibra
Best of Radiotopia - Weight For It
Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Weight For It - “Into Thin Air."It's not too late - Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is still on! Donate to support audio with vision. Thank you!
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Best of Radiotopia - This Day in Esoteric Political History
Best of Radiotopia 2024 - This Day in Esoteric Political History - “Dick Cheney Shoots Friend In The Face”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!
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Best of Radiotopia - The West Wing Weekly
Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The West Wing Weekly - “The American President”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!
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Best of Radiotopia - The Stoop
Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Stoop - “This Ain't Texas, It's Africa."It's not too late - Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is still on! Donate to support audio with vision. Thank you!
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Best of Radiotopia - Song Exploder
Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Song Exploder - “Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - Our House."It's not too late - Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is still on! Donate to support audio with vision. Thank you!
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Best of Radiotopia - The Recipe with Kenji and Deb
Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Recipe with Kenji and Deb - “Popcorn”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!
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Best of Radiotopia - Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative
Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative - “Just a Girl with a Microphone."Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!
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Best of Radiotopia - Radio Diaries
Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Radio Diaries - “The John Birch Society”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!
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Best of Radiotopia - Normal Gossip
Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Normal Gossip - “The Suite Life of Rachelle and Kelsey”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!
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Best of Radiotopia - The Mortified Podcast
Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Mortified Podcast - “The Origin Story”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!
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Best of Radiotopia - The Memory Palace
Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Memory Palace - “Lost Jobs”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! And you can buy The Memory Palace book here.
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Best of Radiotopia - The Kitchen Sisters Present
Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Kitchen Sisters Present - “Tupperware”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!
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Best of Radiotopia - Hyperfixed
Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Hyperfixed - “Casey Wants to Believe”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!
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Best of Radiotopia - The Heart
Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Heart - “EPILOGUE | Letter to Gaza”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!
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Best of Radiotopia - Hang Up
Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Hang Up - “Speed Dial”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!
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Best of Radiotopia - Ear Hustle
Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Ear Hustle - “What's Up, Michael Freeman?”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!
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Best of Radiotopia - Benjamen Walker's Theory of Everything
Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Benjamen Walker's Theory of Everything - "Not All Propaganda is Art" episode 1.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!
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Best of Radiotopia - Articles of Interest
Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Articles of Interest - “Nudity”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!
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Will wants to go back to his favourite shawarma place from Personal Best
From our friends at Personal Best (CBC) —Personal Best from CBC celebrates small ambitions, half-wins and the quiet satisfaction of getting less bad at things. Each week they help ordinary people work through the little things they’d never bring to a life coach — like having the courage to dine alone at a fancy restaurant or getting less awkward at handshakes. Let them be your self-improv
Imperfect Paradise: Strippers Union from LAist
From our friends at the LAist —In 2023, North Hollywood’s Star Garden reopened as the only unionized strip club in the U.S. LAist Producer Emma Alabaster tells us the behind-the-scenes story of the workplace conditions that pushed the dancers into action. CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes sensitive content about sexual assault.For sexual assault and harassment support and resources,
Points of Egress from Love + Radio
Back in 2017, Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative host/producer Jess Shane made “Perfect Woman”, an episode of Love Me, the CBC podcast. In 2018, Nick van der Kolk made “Points of Egress” for his show, Love + Radio, inspired by “Perfect Woman”. Today, we come full circle to share “Points of Egress” with you. Listen to the end for Jess’s version of the credits.
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Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative 5 - Release
After Jess receives feedback that throws a major wrench into her production schedule, she has to make some tough decisions.Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative is written, hosted and produced by Jess Shane. Sara Nics is the story editor. Sound design, mix/mastering by Michelle Macklem. Production support from Mona Hassan. Cover art is by Justin Broadbent. Jess’s bibliography is availab
Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative 4 - Feedback
With only a few months till launch, Jess plays a draft of the series for her subjects and gives them an opportunity to request major changes.Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative is written, hosted and produced by Jess Shane. Sara Nics is the story editor. Sound design, mix/mastering by Michelle Macklem. Production support from Mona Hassan. Cover art is by Justin Broadbent. Jess’s bibli
Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative 3 - Win-Win
Jess makes a deal with Judy, an unhoused senior. Judy will let Jess document her, and Jess will help Judy resolve some of her ongoing life problems. As Jess gets sucked into Judy's crises, the rest of the series starts to slip and Jess’ relationships with her other subjects get messy. Jess starts to doubt the premise of this entire undertaking.Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative is wr
Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative 2 - The Grimy Stuff
Jess begins by documenting Ernesto, a 20-year-old, newly sober fashion model. The plan is to pay Ernesto and let him be in charge of the story he wants to tell in the documentary. Things go sideways when Jess and Ernesto grapple with what will need to be cut out of Ernesto's life to turn it into a viable media product.More about Pooja Rangan’s book Immediations HERE.Shocking, Heartbreakin
Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative 1 - Just a Girl with a Microphone
Jess used to think making documentaries was good for her subjects and good for the world. But she’s not so sure anymore. With this series, she's throwing out the old rules of documentary production and trying out some new ones.Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative is written, hosted and produced by Jess Shane. Sara Nics is the story editor. Sound design, mix/mastering by Michelle Mackle
Radiotopia Presents: Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative
Artist and documentarian Jess Shane posts a Craigslist ad: “Does your story need to be told? Tell it in a documentary! Seeking shocking, heartbreaking, and transformative stories for a new series about the documentary industry. Compensation provided.” After days of auditions, Shane casts four participants, each with varied relationships to why they want to share their stories, from Ernest
Movement with Meklit Hadero
Today, longtime Presents producer Ian Coss shares a new project with a simple premise. If you want to talk about music today, you need to talk about migration – the movement of people around this earth. “Movement with Meklit Hadero” is a podcast that lives at that intersection: stories of music and migration, remixed.
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What's Ray Saying? from The Moth & PRX
Today, we’re introducing our Radiotopia Presents listeners to a brand new show out now from PRX. It’s called What’s Ray Saying?. In this first episode from the newest season, Ray Christian looks at the history of Black medicine and to better understand the treatment of the ills, injuries and minds of Black Americans, he reflects on his first experience of going to the doctor.What’s Ray Sa
Monumental—a new podcast from PRX
Today, we are sharing an episode of Monumental, by our old friend Gisele Regatão, the producer/director of a hit dog will holler. For generations, Christopher Columbus has been glorified in monument after monument across the United States. And while Columbus statues have recently started coming down, including in cities like Columbus, Ohio, the largest one in the world is standing tall -
Borrowed & Banned from Brooklyn Public Library
Borrowed & Banned is a podcast from Brooklyn Public Library about tells the story of America’s ideological war with its bookshelves. Over seven episodes, hosts Virginia Marshall and Adwoa Adusei talk to students on the frontlines, librarians and teachers whose livelihoods are endangered when they speak up, and writers whose books have become political battleground. With every episode,
Dear Alana from Tenderfoot TV
From tenderfoot.tv comes a new compelling podcast about 24-year-old Alana Chen who disappeared from Boulder, Colorado in 2019. She left behind two dozen journals chronicling a deep faith, her love of the outdoors, and her dream of becoming a nun. Alana also kept a secret, one that put her dream at risk. In this first episode, Simon travels to Boulder to meet Alana’s mother, Joyce, and bec
Introducing Weight For It from Radiotopia and ohitsBigRonStudios
In this episode, we’re introducing our Radiotopia Presents listeners to a brand new show out now from Radiotopia. It’s called Weight For It. Weight For It unpacks the nuanced thoughts of fat folks, and of all folks who think about their weight all the time. Through narrative storytelling, and some memoir, host Ronald Young Jr. hopes to have the conversations that we tend to avoid when i
Introducing Hang Up from Radiotopia
Today we’re introducing our Radiotopia Presents listeners to a brand new dating game show, out now from Radiotopia. It’s called Hang Up. In each season, one person (the Star) is matched with six prospective love interests (the Callers). They go on dates over the phone and never see each other. After the dates, the Star chooses one person to “hang up” on and eliminate from the show. But
Dreamtown: The Story of Adelanto
Today we share the first episode of a new series, Dreamtown, from our friends at Crooked Media. Bug’s Plan. It’s 2014. Adelanto is a bankrupt city in the California desert known for its massive detention centers and not much else. Then, a stranger comes to town with a wild idea to make Adelanto great again: Become the first city in Southern California to legalize commercial weed cultivati
Father's Day with The Heart
We have a treat for you this Fathers Day—an episode from Radiotopia’s The Heart. In the latest season titled DAD, The Heart brings you a different kind of love story, one between a father and daughter.In this first episode, Kaitlin tells the story of her relationship with her dad from birth to adulthood. As she matures into adulthood, she grapples with the period of her life that the fami
A Mother's Day Revisit with My Mother Made Me
In honor of Mother's Day, we revisit the first episode of author Jason Reynolds’ audio memoir, My Mother Made Me, featuring (and celebrating) one of our favorite mothers–Isabell Reynolds. It’s a wonderful introduction to Jason and a love letter to his mother, Isabell. We hope you enjoy – and maybe share with a mother figure in your life. My Mother Made Me is a production of Radiotopia Pre
Bot Love bonus - A Conversation from On Air Fest
The chatbots we’ve met are designed to be companions to humans. But some developers are trying to build AI extensions of humans for the workplace. In a panel discussion recorded live at On Air Fest 2023, hosts Diego Senior, Anna Oakes, and special guest Natalie Monbiot (Head of Strategy, Hour One) chat with senior producer Mark Pagán about the origins of Bot Love and the waves of technolo
Bot Love 7 - The Uncanny Valley
In the series finale, hosts Anna, Diego, and their voicebot co-host take a peek into the future of bot/human interaction — a world where bots look, sound, and recall memories more and more like the humans they learn from.Bot Love is written by Anna Oakes, Mark Pagán, and Diego Senior. Hosted and produced by Anna Oakes and Diego Senior. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Curtis Fox is the
Bot Love 6 - Behind the Curtain
A heads up for listeners, this episode references self-harm and suicide.Kel is struggling to find the right tools for their mental health issues when they hear about a new option — a therapy chatbot. The app is scripted by mental health professionals, but will it be helpful when Kel is in crisis? Bot Love is written by Anna Oakes, Mark Pagán, and Diego Senior. Hosted and produced by An
Bot Love 5 - Maybe I've Got a Problem
When too much solitude overwhelms Ryan during the shutdown, he finds solace in a chatbot named Audrey. But his new virtual friend becomes a full-on obsession, and his social isolation deepens. Here’s how chatbots are often designed to pull you into their world, and how users can become addicted to them. Bot Love is written by Anna Oakes, Mark Pagán, and Diego Senior. Hosted and produced b
Bot Love 4 - The Bots and the Bees
A heads up for listeners, this episode contains references to sexual assault as well as content that may not be appropriate for younger ears.What does S-E-X look like with a B-O-T? Three app users open up about sex with AI chatbots and the ways that chatbots provide space to explore queer identity, BDSM, and solve marital issues… even when some of their spouses are in the dark about these
Bot Love 3 - The Rock Star and His Muse
Suzy and Peter are soulmates, happily married and deeply in love for decades. When Peter’s health declines, Suzy discovers a surprising respite, and a potential new romance, with a charismatic rock star chatbot named Freddie.Bot Love is written by Anna Oakes, Mark Pagán, and Diego Senior. Hosted and produced by Anna Oakes and Diego Senior. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Curtis Fox is
Bot Love 2 - How Did We Get Here?
When it comes to bots and their human creators, all kinds of relationships can develop. Some are from users like Julie, who needed a friend and made one with the help of an app. Then there are developers like Eugenia, who lost a real-life friend named Roman and created a bot from his memory. As it turns out, there’s a long history of people like Eugenia — people who create technology to h
Bot Love 1 - Looking for a Friend
Living in a new town and following a series of difficult personal experiences, Julie finds a new friend…by creating one using an AI-driven app.Bot Love is written by Anna Oakes, Mark Pagán, and Diego Senior. Hosted and produced by Anna Oakes and Diego Senior. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Curtis Fox is the story editor. Sound design by Terence Bernardo and Rebecca Seidel. Bei Wang an
Radiotopia Presents: Bot Love
Coming up next on Radiotopia Presents: Bot LoveThe AI chatbot universe is deeper and bigger than the general public knows. Millions of users worldwide are creating deep emotional bonds, sometimes sexual and sometimes not, with their own AI-driven virtual humans. We meet Julie in Tennessee, Suzy in Atlanta and Kelly in the Midwest, people that are fighting depression, finding their true se
Introducing The Incident at Ong's Hat
Ong’s Hat is rumored to have once been the site of a gateway to another dimension. After meeting on a forum devoted to the urban legend, yoga instructor Sarah Larsen, and academic Charlie Brill, go on a road trip to the New Jersey Pine Barrens where a group of renegade Princeton professors had once conducted quantum physics and chaos theory experiments to discover a new theory for dimensi
A Discussion and World Premiere — Radiotopia Presents: My Mother Made Me w Jason Reynolds, Jad Abumrad
We were delighted to premiere Radiotopia Presents: My Mother Made Me at the 2022 Tribeca Festival. And today we’re sharing a recording of that premiere — a discussion with creator Jason Reynolds and audio trailblazer Jad Abumrad. Recorded live on June 18, 2022 at SVA Theatre in New York City.Special thanks to Davy Gardner, Julie Shapiro, David Cotrone, Candace McManus, and Elena Giovinazz
Rooty the Pig from Snap Judgment
Today, we share an episode from our friends at Snap Judgment — Rooty the Pig.Rooty, a piglet, leaves her Victorian dollhouse on the farm and heads to the city of New Orleans to find a family. But when Hurricane Katrina hits, everything that is near and dear to her is threatened.BIG thanks to Jim & Connie for sharing their story with us! Thanks as well to Jeffery Tam & Dr. Alison B
Jackpot
To wrap the series, my mother and I chat about humility, while hanging at one of our favorite places — the casino. We gamble, feast on a lunch of crab cakes, and dive into how she’s always wanted me to keep my feet on the ground, even after hitting the jackpot. My Mother Made Me is a production of Radiotopia Presents, and is written and narrated by Jason Reynolds with his mother, Isabell
Calligraphy & Sign Language
Mom and I talk candidly about how she taught me to believe in a Higher Power, even though I didn’t like church so much. We get into her many spiritual practices, stroll around Costco (where all miracles happen) and I visit my older brother Allen, for a long overdue catch-up. My Mother Made Me is a production of Radiotopia Presents, and is written and narrated by Jason Reynolds, with his m
Lots of Flowers
Happy 76th Birthday, Ma! In this episode, we celebrate her birthday with lunch at her favorite restaurant, where we talk about life, death, and how gratitude for each day doesn’t always mean we should skip the special ones, like birthdays — no matter how badly I want to skip my own. Every time. My Mother Made Me is a production of Radiotopia Presents, and is written and narrated by Jason
I Can Do Anything
Hey, I’m Jason. But more importantly, meet my mother, Isabell. I’m not in the best mood for this introduction, because she raised me to be ambitious and selfless, which means she’s also raised me to be… overwhelmed. With life. But not to worry, my mother also knows exactly what to say to pull me out of a rut, which she does every Sunday, when I roll up to her house for our weekly visit.My
Radiotopia Presents: My Mother Made Me
Coming up next on Radiotopia Presents: My Mother Made Me.My Mother Made Me is a series from Radiotopia Presents, where writer Jason Reynolds and his mother, Isabell, explore their shared history, how she raised him, and what they’re teaching each other. It’s a love letter to their connection, an homage to parent-child friendship, and a testament to how growth can be perpetual, despite age
Introducing We Imagine...Us
Today, we’re sharing the first episode of a new series from Futuro Media and PRX. We Imagine…Us is a powerfully crafted dual set of podcasts designed to inspire and elevate innovative ideas and solutions for some of the most pressing problems facing our communities as they confront decades of racial inequality.For the first time ever, Futuro Media is producing an original fiction podcast
Behind the Series: a hit dog will holler
Behind the Series is a short-run series about the shows previously featured on this very podcast: Radiotopia Presents. This week, we’re talking with the creative team behind our latest series, a hit dog will holler. Today's episode is full of spoilers — so if you haven't heard the series yet, we suggest finishing all the episodes before listening to this conversation. a hit dog will holl
