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
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.
10 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.
7 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.
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.
Dec 10, 2025 • 31min
In the Trump era, has the word 'racist' lost its meaning?
Mark Mamet, a former NPR standards editor, shares insights on when to label language as racist. He discusses a recent decision regarding derogatory tweets from Trump. Joining him is Keith Woods, former VP of newsroom training, who debates the challenges of maintaining consistent standards in such labels. They explore how today's rhetoric has influenced perceptions of racism and the implications for journalism's credibility. Their deep dive reveals the fine line reporters must walk between factual reporting and the moral obligation to call out hateful language.
13 snips
Dec 6, 2025 • 17min
Remembering disability activist Alice Wong
Yomi Young, a disability and social justice organizer, reflects on the life and legacy of her close friend, Alice Wong, a powerhouse in disability activism. They explore Alice's profound belief in self-advocacy for disabled individuals and discuss her contributions, including founding the Disability Visibility Project. Yomi shares heartfelt memories of their time together, Alice's philosophy on connection, and her insistence on linking disability rights with larger social injustices. The conversation emphasizes the importance of honoring Alice's legacy through continued activism and storytelling.
Dec 3, 2025 • 41min
How the Trump administration is reshaping immigration
Ximena Bustillo, an NPR immigration and DHS reporter, dives into the significant changes in the U.S. immigration system. She reveals alarming patterns of immigration judges being fired, particularly those with defense backgrounds, while $3 billion is funneled into ICE for new 'deportation judges.' Bustillo highlights the backlog of cases affecting thousands, discusses bias in judicial appointments, and considers the long-term implications of these shifts on enforcement and judicial independence.
Nov 29, 2025 • 17min
Gratitude isn’t just for Thanksgiving
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Laurie Santos, a Yale psychology professor and host of The Happiness Lab, shares insights on the science of gratitude. She explains how practicing gratitude boosts our overall well-being, enhances relationships, and even improves our future self-care choices like eating healthier and saving money. Dr. Santos highlights the surprising effects of gratitude on workplace performance and underscores its potential as a public health tool to promote mental and social benefits year-round.
9 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 36min
How poetry helps Ada Limon navigate life, even when it’s tough
Ada Limon, a celebrated poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate, dives into the transformative nature of poetry during turbulent times. She discusses her shift from identifying as a 'summer person' to embracing the reflective beauty of fall. Limon reveals how her collection 'The Hurting Kind' captures themes of loss and identity, while exploring the power of poetry to articulate deeper emotions. She candidly shares her journey through grief and the serendipity of receiving the MacArthur Fellowship, highlighting the financial freedom it brings to her writing.
