Michael Eric Dyson, an acclaimed author and scholar on race and democracy, teams up with Marc Favreau, a history-focused writer, to delve into the epic struggle for voting rights in America. In a lively discussion led by journalist Ayesha Rascoe, they uncover inspiring lesser-known figures who fought for suffrage and dissect the myths of voter fraud that persist today. They highlight the political consequences of non-voters and reflect on the continuing relevance of these issues as we approach the 2024 election.

With President Biden's agenda stalled in Congress, lawmakers are turning their attention to bipartisan reform proposals meant to increase public trust in government. Two ideas that have garnered attention: barring legislators from trading individual stocks and clarifying the Electoral Count Act, which sets the process for certifying presidential election results. This episode: White House correspondent Ayesha Rascoe, acting congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh, and congressional reporter Claudia Grisales.Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Find and support your local public radio station.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Ta-Nehisi Coates, a celebrated author known for his profound political essays, joins NPR journalist Ayesha Rascoe for a compelling discussion. They dive into the themes of his new book, exploring book bans, the intricacies of Black identity, and the significance of historical narratives. Coates draws parallels between the injustices of Jim Crow America and the Palestinian experience. They also tackle the complexities of political writing, the impact of criticism, and the vital role literature plays in shaping understanding and relationships.

Eve, a groundbreaking rapper and author, shares her journey through the male-dominated hip-hop scene. Joined by co-author Kathy Iandoli and journalist Ayesha Rascoe, they discuss the struggles Eve faced, including early career setbacks and the evolution of female representation in music. Eve also addresses the complexities of her identity and the misconceptions tied to being labeled a 'kept woman.' Their conversation highlights the importance of authenticity and resilience for women in hip-hop.

Andrea Freeman, an author diving into food policy and societal control, joins NPR journalist Ayesha Rascoe to discuss the darker aspects of American food history. They explore how government orders, like George Washington's to destroy Indigenous food sources, reveal a long tradition of using food for oppression. Freeman highlights the politics behind nutrition campaigns, such as the promotion of milk, and discusses ongoing health disparities affecting marginalized communities. Their conversation unveils the complex relationship between food, power, and culture in America.

In this engaging discussion, Bram Stoker Award-winning author Gabino Iglesias talks with NPR correspondent Ayesha Rascoe about his latest novel, which explores themes of grief, vengeance, and deep friendship in the backdrop of Puerto Rico's tumultuous past. They dive into how the tragic loss of a friend's mother compels a group to take drastic actions and the complexities of their emotional bonds. Iglesias also reflects on his personal journey into horror writing and the impact of Hurricane Maria on society and storytelling.

In this discussion, horror author Stephen Graham Jones shares insights into his latest novel, featuring a chilling tale set in a small Texas town during the late 1980s. Ayesha Rascoe engages him in exploring the dynamics of outsider friendships between the characters Tali and Amber, and the complexities of identity within the slasher genre. Jones's protagonist defies typical tropes, providing a refreshing take on morality and empathy in horror. He also reflects on how his personal experiences shape the narrative, revealing deeper truths about youth and accountability.

Host Brittany Luse, NPR's Ayesha Rascoe, and Vox's Alex Aband-Santos present the first ever IBAMmys, diving into the biggest cultural moments of the past year, covering topics like the word of the year, the best beef, Taylor Swift's impact on American football, a shoe-stealing Tinder story, and the villain of the year.

Ayesha Rascoe, the voice of Ayesha Rascoe on NPR, faces criticism for her loud and high-pitched voice. The podcast explores the racial implications of this criticism and discusses the representation of black voices in media. It also examines the double standard in judging voices based on gender and race and explores the evolution of voices in media. The speaker challenges common perceptions about Ayesha Rascoe's voice, emphasizing its beauty.

The NPR Politics crew shares the things that they just can't let go of this year, politics and otherwise.This episode: political correspondent Susan Davis, political reporter Deepa Shivaram, political reporter Ximena Bustillo, national political correspondent Mara Liasson, Weekend Edition host Ayesha Rascoe, voting correspondent Miles Parks, and political reporter Barbara Sprunt.This episode was produced by Elena Moore and Casey Morell. It was edited by Eric McDaniel. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi. Research and fact-checking by Katherine Swartz.Unlock access to this and other bonus content by supporting The NPR Politics Podcast+. Sign up via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Connect:Email the show at nprpolitics@npr.orgJoin the NPR Politics Podcast Facebook Group.Subscribe to the NPR Politics Newsletter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy