Code Switch

Palestinian American poets, Fady Joudah and Tariq Luthun, discuss the erasure of their identities and the challenges they face as Palestinian Americans. Topics include advocacy for Palestinians, the impact on parents of the conflict in Gaza, and the erasure and dehumanization of Palestinians in the media.

Safiya Noble, professor at UCLA, discusses how AI and race bias intersect. The podcast explores misconceptions about AI, the burden on women of color in the tech industry, the lack of digital literacy, and the importance of policy and accountability. Safiya highlights the limitations and dangers of relying on AI as a truth machine.

Meet Zen, a Mexican-American trans person from New Orleans, and learn about the historic trans figure, Bernard, from Alabama in the early 1900s. Explore the vibrant queer and trans communities in the 1920s and 30s, challenges faced by trans individuals, medical gaslighting, and gender norms. Reflect on personal identity and future aspirations as a trans youth seeking gender affirming care.

This podcast explores the Black punk scene and the liberating atmosphere of punk shows. It also delves into the corporatization of the community, reflecting on the rise and fall of the Afropunk Festival. Additionally, the speaker shares their experience of introducing their daughter to the punk scene and discusses generational differences in taste.

Ada Limón, U.S. Poet Laureate and a recently named MacArthur 'Genius', discusses her search for her 'original animal' core. They explore the themes of seasons, nature, and identity in her latest poetry collection. Ada also reflects on her experience as a working poet and her success with her book 'Bright Dead Things'. She shares her journey and initial reaction to receiving the MacArthur Genius Grant. The speaker reflects on grief, unexpected inheritance, and the power of eulogies. Ada discusses mortality and her latest poetry collection.

Hari Kondabolu, a comedian and actor known for his comedic commentary on social and political issues, explores the challenges of parenting in a complex world. The podcast discusses perspectives on fatherhood, challenging stereotypes, parenting biracial children, and the joys of becoming a father.

Alejandra Oliva, author and translator, discusses her experiences as an advocate for asylum seekers, exploring connection, power imbalances, navigating the immigration system, and the emotional toll at the border.

Teenage climate activists in South Baltimore fight against coal pollution in their neighborhoods. They successfully stood up against a company planning to build an incinerator and now face the challenge of fighting against the coal industry. The student activists investigate the impact of coal pollution, collaborate with scientists, and highlight the importance of community support. Residents share personal anecdotes about industrial pollution and advocate for cleaner air. The frustrations and challenges faced by student activists are explored, as well as the progress they are making in reducing coal pollution.

The podcast explores the overlooked aspects of probation and parole in the mass incarceration system, discussing their impact on communities, disparities based on race and poverty, and the potential need for their abolition. It also shares personal anecdotes and experiences, and offers insights into transforming troubled facilities. The episode concludes with expressions of gratitude, teaser for the next episode, and sponsor ads.

The podcast explores the Supreme Court's ban on affirmative action in colleges, with military academies being the exception. It discusses the impact on individuals, challenges of culture fit in the military, lack of diversity in West Point, experiences of black women in the military, and potential implications of the court decision.