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
5 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.
6 snips
Nov 22, 2025 • 12min
Fearing deportation, undocumented parents are preparing to leave their kids behind
Jasmine Garsd, an NPR immigration reporter, shares poignant stories of immigrant families in Washington, D.C. grappling with the threat of deportation. She reveals how parents are making heartbreaking plans for emergency guardianship, ensuring their children are cared for if they are forcibly removed. Jasmine introduces the American guardian willing to step in and discusses the emotional toll on families living under the constant fear of ICE. The growing demand for legal preparations highlights the urgency and complexity of securing children's futures.
Nov 19, 2025 • 32min
How undocumented families are navigating the looming threat of ICE
Jasmine Garsd, an NPR immigration reporter, shares poignant insights into the lives of undocumented families facing the looming threat of ICE. She discusses how Florida's strict laws have led families to limit their movement and live in fear. Garsd recounts personal stories, including a mother named F who experienced detention and separation from her husband. The episode highlights the mental health toll on families, especially children, and explores the tough decisions parents face regarding self-deportation while protecting their American-born kids.
Nov 15, 2025 • 18min
How Trump's cuts to public media threaten the first Native American station
Kristin Hall, the general manager of KYUK in Bethel, Alaska, oversees an Indigenous-led station facing severe funding cuts. Joining her is Esther Green, a Yupik elder and co-host of the spiritual wellness show Ikayutet. They discuss how KYUK lost 70% of its budget, the station's critical role as the only local news source for 56 villages, and their on-the-ground reporting during recent disasters. Esther shares insights on community healing through Ikayutet, while Kristin highlights the bid for new funding amidst staff reductions.
Nov 12, 2025 • 31min
Tribal colleges are a unique resource — and they're under threat
Graham Lee Brewer, an Associated Press reporter focused on Indian Country, leads a discussion on the unique role of tribal colleges. Ruth de la Cruz shares insights on the Four Sisters Garden and revitalizing traditional seed banks. Mike Bartholomew emphasizes the importance of archival projects for Indigenous knowledge. Student Zaysha Grinnell highlights the community-centered learning experience enriched by elder involvement. Together, they address funding challenges and the impact on cultural education, revealing the resilience and significance of these institutions.
4 snips
Nov 8, 2025 • 36min
The hidden history of demonizing SNAP recipients
Josh Levin, a journalist and author, discusses the infamous Linda Taylor, whose story fueled the 'welfare queen' stereotype. The conversation highlights how political rhetoric demonized SNAP recipients, especially Black women, amid economic turmoil in the 1970s. Levin reveals Taylor's criminal history and complex identity claims, and how her narrative was manipulated by politicians like Reagan and Clinton to justify welfare cuts. The aftermath saw aggressive prosecutions of minor infractions, pushing many into extreme poverty.
Nov 5, 2025 • 40min
Freedom of speech has never been for everyone
Anshuman Mondal, a Professor and author of 'Racism and Free Speech', dives deep into the complexities surrounding freedom of speech. He explores how social and economic dynamics amplify certain voices while marginalizing others. Mondal advocates for nuanced approaches to speech limitations to advance racial equality, discussing tools like counter-speech and social sanctioning to combat racism. The conversation emphasizes that current free speech debates often reflect underlying power struggles rather than clear rights.
