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
Oct 25, 2025 • 17min
Unpacking the Trump administration's immigration raid in Chicago
Myra Kwaja, a reporter from the Invisible Institute, dives deep into the chaotic midnight immigration raid in Chicago, revealing how heavily armed agents executed a military-style operation that left both migrants and citizens traumatized. She discusses the deteriorating conditions of the building where many migrants lived and the controversial tactics used by DHS to dramatize the raid. Furthermore, Myra highlights local community efforts to resist these aggressive actions and the complex relationships between migrants and longtime residents.
12 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 37min
Racist slurs, naughty words, and how dictionary editors define them
Join journalist Stefan Fatsis, author of 'Unabridged,' as he dives into the world of slurs and the editorial battles behind their definitions. Discover how dictionary editors navigate heated debates over terms like the N-word and why its lookups spiked recently. Fatsis shares insights on the evolution of language, from controversial entries like 'ain't' to the ongoing discussions about gendered terms. He also highlights the challenges faced by lexicographers in the digital age, including the threats posed by AI and declining staffing.
16 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 42min
What does Israel mean to American Jews?
Marjorie Feld, a history professor and author of 'Threshold of Dissent,' dives into the complex history of Jewish criticism of Israel, discussing how early anti-Zionism emerged and the impact of the Holocaust on Jewish unity. Activist Will Alden shares his personal journey navigating Jewish identity and political activism amidst the current Israel-Palestine discourse. They explore generational divides, the fraught language surrounding the conflict, and how recent events have sparked renewed discussions and coalition-building within the Jewish community.
9 snips
Oct 11, 2025 • 15min
Stacey Abrams on how voter suppression threatens democracy
Stacey Abrams, a prominent voting rights activist and founder of the American Pride Rises Network, discusses the urgent threats to democracy posed by voter suppression. She highlights how demographic shifts and targeted tactics are increasing restrictions on voters of color. Abrams details the ten steps leading rights from democracy to autocracy, and emphasizes the role of local governance in restoring faith in the electoral process. Her call to action? Stay engaged, hold officials accountable, and ensure every vote counts.
15 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 34min
Voting rights are at risk. Here's why.
Carol Anderson, a historian and professor of African-American studies, dives deep into the ongoing threats to voting rights. She reveals how recent Supreme Court rulings have weakened the Voting Rights Act, enabling partisan gerrymandering and voter suppression tactics. Anderson highlights the historical context of disenfranchisement, from Reconstruction to modern voter ID laws that disproportionately affect communities of color. She also emphasizes the importance of public mobilization and civic engagement as vital tools for reversing these troubling trends.
18 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 42min
Why Malala Yousafzai is a hero in the West but not back home
Maria Karimji, a Karachi-based freelance reporter, and Sana Meher, a Pakistani journalist and author, dive into the complex perceptions surrounding Malala Yousafzai. They explore why Malala is celebrated in the West but faces skepticism in Pakistan, linking it to distrust of foreign influences. The duo discusses the Malala test as a measure of social attitudes, highlights the backlash against her advocacy, and examines how societal pressures uniquely affect women activists in Pakistan. Their insights shed light on the intricate dynamics of fame, activism, and local versus global narratives.
Sep 24, 2025 • 33min
Is the American dream a scam?
Edgar Gomez, a memoirist and author of Alligator Tears, shares his rich experiences growing up poor and queer in Florida. He discusses the contradictions of the American dream, revealing the hustles he engaged in, like selling bootleg CDs and navigating timeshare tours for theme-park tickets. Gomez reflects on class anxiety and challenges the notion of wealth as a measure of success. He also touches on the importance of community and identity, particularly his connection to Orlando's Pulse nightclub.
Sep 17, 2025 • 44min
The stakes of calling Israel's actions in Gaza a genocide
Mohammed El-Kurd, an author and journalist focused on Palestinian perspectives, joins Omer Bartov, a professor at Brown University specializing in genocide studies. They delve into the terminology surrounding Israel's actions in Gaza, specifically the implications of labeling it as genocide. The conversation explores historical parallels with the Rwandan genocide, the moral responsibilities tied to such designations, and the complexities in public and political discourse. The guests emphasize the urgent need for global recognition and intervention regarding the humanitarian crisis.
Sep 10, 2025 • 43min
How calls for mass deportations went mainstream
Lisa Hagan, an NPR journalist focusing on far-right immigration rhetoric, and Kuo Jingnan, an expert on the normalization of fringe ideas, discuss the surge of calls for mass deportations in American politics. They explore how once-fringe concepts like 'remigration' have entered mainstream discourse, showing alarming parallels with white nationalist ideologies. The conversation reveals the historical roots of these ideas and their implications for national identity and policy, highlighting the troubling rise of anti-immigrant sentiment in both the U.S. and Europe.
Sep 3, 2025 • 41min
Digging into our ancestors' drama
Nicole Hill, a captivating storyteller and host of 'Our Ancestors Were Messy', dives into the intriguing fallout between literary giants Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes. She reveals how their friendship, once rich with collaboration and cultural exploration, unraveled due to differing artistic visions. Hill highlights the significance of their journey through the South, their shared passion for Black folklore, and the emotional nuances of their bond. She also touches on the vibrant tradition of toasting and its role in preserving Black narratives, showcasing the complexities of identity and creativity.
