Sean Roberts, a renowned professor at George Washington University and author on Uyghur issues, joins Rob Schmitz, an NPR reporter with extensive coverage of the Uyghur crisis. They delve into the rich cultural identity of the Uyghur people, discussing their traditions, music, and the oppressive challenges they face in China. The conversation highlights the impact of the 9/11 attacks on China's policies, the harsh realities of detention camps, and the resilience of the Uyghur community amid efforts to erase their existence.

Rob Schmitz, a China correspondent for American Public Media, discusses his book about the people living and working on a Shanghai street. Topics include waidiren, accordion salesman turned sandwich restaurant proprietor, a couple fighting developers, and pensioners selling questionable sexual potency medicines.