

Jelani Cobb
New Yorker staff writer and Columbia professor, expert on race and American history.
Top 10 podcasts with Jelani Cobb
Ranked by the Snipd community

38 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 30min
Dean of the Columbia School of Journalism, Jelani Cobb
Jelani Cobb, the Dean of the Columbia School of Journalism and a staff writer for The New Yorker, dives into the shifting landscape of journalism influenced by social media. He examines how TikTok affects news consumption and public trust. The conversation also critiques educational shows like Sesame Street, questioning their impact on youth education. Cobb emphasizes the importance of real-life experiences in both journalism and learning, advocating for accountability and ethical standards in news reporting.
30 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 26min
Trump’s Boogeyman: D.E.I.
Jelani Cobb, a historian and dean at Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism, joins to critique the Trump administration's portrayal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) as a scapegoat for societal issues. Cobb discusses how D.E.I. is manipulated as a political tool, linking it to everything from academic concerns to media narratives. He draws parallels to historical boogeymen like the Red Scare, emphasizing the malleability of D.E.I. rhetoric and its implications for marginalized communities in today’s political climate.

29 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 27min
Trump’s Boogeyman: D.E.I.
Jelani Cobb, a distinguished staff writer at The New Yorker and dean of Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, dives into the political framing of diversity, equity, and inclusion (D.E.I.) under the Trump administration. He discusses how D.E.I. became a scapegoat for societal problems and the impact of recent Supreme Court rulings on affirmative action. Cobb also draws parallels to historical periods of fear, comparing anti-D.E.I. sentiment to the McCarthy era, while addressing the media's role in this contentious landscape.

22 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 32min
America Had a Black President. Then Came the Whitelash.
Jelani Cobb, a New Yorker staff writer and the dean of Columbia Journalism School, discusses how the death of Trayvon Martin ignited a decade of social change. He reflects on the defining moments of the Black Lives Matter movement and evaluates President Obama's complex legacy amidst rising political hostility. Cobb shares insights on the challenges facing journalism in today's polarized climate and emphasizes the importance of integrity and transparency in media. His recent book, 'Three or More Is a Riot,' encapsulates these pivotal themes.

13 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 47min
A 25 for 25 Double Feature: Dean Jelani Cobb on the Future of J-School. Plus, Spencer Hall on “Weird Internet.”
Jelani Cobb, Dean of Columbia Journalism School and New Yorker staff writer, discusses the evolving future of journalism education, emphasizing ethics, public trust, and the importance of transparency in media. He argues for a balance of subject expertise and journalistic technique. Spencer Hall, writer and co-founder of Channel 6, reflects on his unique voice, the 'weird internet,' and how his unconventional path shaped his career. He shares insights on community engagement and creative independence in the media landscape.

10 snips
May 25, 2025 • 1h 15min
Graduation Week with Columbia Journalism Dean Jelani Cobb
Jelani Cobb, Dean of the Columbia Journalism School and a seasoned staff writer at The New Yorker, dives into the tumultuous climate of academia today. He examines the urgent issues of free speech and activism amid graduation celebrations, the Trump administration's impact on higher ed, and the detention of student activist Mahmoud Khalil. Cobb also reflects on the evolving challenges in journalism, the fleeting nature of corporate activism post-2020, and the enduring legacy of George Floyd, emphasizing the need for truthful storytelling in these complex times.

7 snips
Dec 5, 2023 • 27min
How Did Our Democracy Get so Fragile?
Jelani Cobb, Evan Osnos, and Jill Lepore discuss the fragility of American democracy, touching on the historical foundation of the country and the impact of politically biased interpretations of the past. They also explore the disengagement of citizens from the political system, reflecting on the Capitol insurrection and the challenges ahead for democracy. The conversation includes comparisons between different eras of American history, the undemendability of the Constitution, and the counter-majoritarian nature of American democracy.

Dec 2, 2025 • 37min
Jelani Cobb: Journalism at a Crossroads
Jelani Cobb, a prominent journalist and Dean of the Columbia School of Journalism, dives into the evolving landscape of news. He highlights the decline of public trust in media and its impact on local news, which has left significant coverage gaps. Cobb also discusses the challenges posed by AI and the shift from traditional journalism to digital formats. Despite these hurdles, he emphasizes the resilience of journalism students and innovative strategies—like bundling news with engaging content—to attract readers and sustain the industry.

Nov 20, 2025 • 56min
Deadly Attacks Continue in Gaza, West Bank
Join Israeli comedian and activist Noam Shuster-Eliassi as she shares her journey from Neve Shalom/Waht As-Salam, exploring how comedy can reveal difficult truths amid conflict. She emphasizes that true coexistence requires justice and accountability. Meanwhile, Jelani Cobb, Dean of Columbia Journalism School, discusses his essay collection, connecting race, power, and American democracy from 2012 to 2025. He highlights how Trump capitalized on populist grievances and the enduring impact of anti-Black politics in shaping contemporary U.S. dynamics.

Nov 13, 2025 • 22min
Defining the Decade
Jelani Cobb, the Dean of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and a staff writer for The New Yorker, dives into the turbulent threads of recent history. He reflects on his parents' Great Migration and its impact on his dedication to public education. Cobb explores what he calls 'the parameters of hope,' contrasting optimism from the Obama era to the disillusionment after George Floyd's death. He connects the Voting Rights Act and immigration reform to today's political climate, delving into the nativism highlighted in Trump’s rhetoric.


