Code Switch
NPR
What's CODE SWITCH? It's the fearless conversations about race that you've been waiting for. Hosted by journalists of color, our podcast tackles the subject of race with empathy and humor. We explore how race affects every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, food and everything in between. This podcast makes all of us part of the conversation — because we're all part of the story. Code Switch was named Apple Podcasts' first-ever Show of the Year in 2020.Want to level up your Code Switch game? Try Code Switch Plus. Your subscription supports the show and unlocks a sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/codeswitch
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 14, 2026 • 33min
Venezuela and the long tradition of US interference
Join Jasmine Garsd, an NPR immigration correspondent with firsthand reporting on Venezuelan migration, and Greg Grandin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, as they dissect the turbulent history of U.S. interventions in Latin America. Jasmine shares her surreal experience at Nicolás Maduro's court appearance, revealing polarized reactions from the crowd. Meanwhile, Greg dives into how Latin American struggles shaped modern notions of sovereignty and critiques U.S. policies that intertwine material interests with ideology, shedding light on the refugee crisis fueled by decades of interference.
10 snips
Jan 10, 2026 • 18min
Jelani Cobb talks democracy, Trumpism, and the future of journalism
Jelani Cobb, a journalist and the Dean of Columbia Journalism School, dives deep into the current state of U.S. democracy. He discusses Trump's rise as a backlash to Obama's presidency and examines the lethal acceleration of undemocratic actions during Trump’s second term. Cobb addresses the militarization of policing and critiques recent military operations abroad. He also stresses the ethical duties of journalists to uphold trust and highlights the need for focus on pressing questions amidst societal progress and potential authoritarian threats.
Jan 7, 2026 • 35min
How 'The Joy Luck Club' highlighted the complicated dynamics of immigrant families
In this discussion, author Jasmine Chan shares her insights on the enduring themes presented in Amy Tan’s The Joy Luck Club. Chan reflects on the challenges of intergenerational communication within immigrant families and how these dynamics resonate today. The conversation explores the evolution of Asian narratives in literature, showcasing critiques of gatekeeping in publishing. They also discuss the novel's emotional depth, contrasting it with its film adaptation, and how these stories inspire broader conversations about motherhood, identity, and empathy.
16 snips
Jan 3, 2026 • 34min
Support for Israel is waning, but many White Evangelical Christians remain steadfast
Daniel Hummel, a historian and fellow at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, dives into the steadfast support for Israel among older White Evangelical Christians, despite declining support from other demographics. He explores the historical roots of this connection and its substantial influence on U.S. foreign policy. Hummel details how dispensationalism and key figures like Billy Graham shaped modern evangelical beliefs. He also discusses the political mobilization of evangelicals in the 20th century and the global reach of Christian Zionism, highlighting its theological and political implications.
Dec 31, 2025 • 39min
From "CRT" to "DEI": A history of race and moral panics
In this enlightening discussion, Kiara Bridges, a critical race scholar and law professor at UC Berkeley, breaks down critical race theory and its origins. She connects the historical significance of moral panics, primarily focusing on fears surrounding race and education. The conversation touches on how legislative actions reflect broader societal anxieties, and the alarming trend of conflating CRT with DEI initiatives. Bridges also challenges the narratives surrounding integration and resources, revealing the complexities of America's educational landscape.
Dec 27, 2025 • 19min
Where ICE came from, and where it needs to go
Erica Lee, a revered immigration historian and director at the Immigration History Research Center, joins Debra Kang, an expert on U.S.-Mexico border policy, to dive deep into the origins and consequences of ICE. They discuss the historical roots of U.S. immigration enforcement, from the Chinese Exclusion Act to post-9/11 changes that shaped today’s policies. Kang highlights the pressing issue of accountability within immigration enforcement and calls for reforms to protect vulnerable populations, especially immigrant children.
12 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 41min
What the 1968 fight for ethnic studies classes teaches us about today
Shereen Marisol Maragi, a journalist known for her compelling storytelling, dives deep into the 1968 San Francisco State strike, a pivotal moment in the fight for ethnic studies. She highlights how the protests were fueled by racial injustices and significant figures like George Murray connected the movement to broader national sentiments. Listeners hear about the formation of the Third World Liberation Front and the push for admissions reform. Maragi emphasizes the lasting impact of this struggle on higher education and the ongoing relevance of ethnic studies today.
Dec 20, 2025 • 18min
Keep culture and tradition alive at the mahjong table
Nicole Wong, a researcher and author who founded the Mahjong Project, shares her journey of preserving family traditions through the game of Mahjong. She discusses her experiences hosting Mahjong nights and navigating feelings of imposter syndrome. Wong also highlights the variety of Mahjong styles among the Asian diaspora and clarifies misconceptions influenced by popular media. Furthermore, she emphasizes Mahjong's role in cultural preservation, likening her book to a cookbook filled with family rules and stories.
14 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 38min
The fight over public education, from Texas to the White House
Mike Hixenbaugh, a senior investigative reporter for NBC News and author of "They Came for the Schools," dives into the heated education battles in Southlake, Texas. He discusses how local school boards are becoming battlegrounds for broader ideological conflicts, particularly regarding diversity and inclusion. Hixenbaugh reveals how a seemingly nonpartisan diversity plan became a flashpoint for political division and how national conservative groups have adapted these local strategies. His insights touch on the experiences of marginalized families and the complex dynamics of suburban identity.
8 snips
Dec 13, 2025 • 16min
The evolution of blackface in the age of AI
Writer and cultural critic Zeba Blay, known for her insights on race and representation, delves into the unsettling rise of AI-generated Black influencers. She discusses how these hyper-realistic personas can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, eroding society's understanding of real Black experiences. Zeba emphasizes the risks of digital blackface, where often non-Black creators exploit Black imagery for engagement. She critiques the dehumanization it fosters and calls for leveraging real-world Black archives as a resistance against this digital exploitation.
