

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

8 snips
Dec 27, 2023 • 34min
Women of color have always shaped the way Americans eat
The podcast explores the lack of diverse voices in food media and publishing, highlighting the significant contributions of women, immigrants, and women of color in shaping American cuisine. It also discusses the significance of cookbooks in representing cultural identity and the challenges faced by women of color in the food industry. The hosts and guests emphasize the need for representation and empowerment in documenting the history of women of color in the food world.

Dec 20, 2023 • 31min
Here are our favorite Code Switch episodes from 2023
Code Switch reflects on and recommends their favorite episodes from 2023, including discussions on names and cultural identity, Chinese-American family history, race and brownface on The Simpsons, black immigrants in Tennessee, and the power of sharing stories and understanding systems of power.

Dec 18, 2023 • 47min
Revisiting 'The Color Purple' wars
The podcast explores the impact of the 1985 film 'The Color Purple', controversies surrounding its portrayal of black life and relationships, criticisms from black audiences, and the reactions and discussions it sparked. It also discusses the movie's ability to unveil hidden secrets and resonate with people across different eras.

11 snips
Dec 13, 2023 • 37min
This is what "real self-care" looks like
Explore the concept of real self-care, going beyond surface-level practices and addressing systemic issues. Reflect on the limitations of being a doctor and the journey to true self-care. Learn about setting boundaries, self-compassion, and decision-making as key components of real self-care. Discover the challenges faced by individuals in setting boundaries and prioritizing mental health, including in corporate America. Start a new conversation on self-care, questioning the authenticity of practices like Reiki and emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and taking time for oneself.

Dec 11, 2023 • 19min
Watching 'Renaissance' and what we hear in Beyoncé's silence
Discussion on Beyoncé's captivating film capturing her live concert experience and her executive production skills. Delving into the mixed feelings towards Beyoncé's carefully crafted public persona and the impact of her silence on her brand. Exploring the disconnect between her platform and her perceived lack of engagement with pressing political issues. Focusing on an emotional segment about Uncle Johnny and the cognitive dissonance surrounding Beyoncé's political decisions.

11 snips
Dec 6, 2023 • 35min
The world can be painful. But love is possible, too
Kai Cheng Thom, a trans woman and former sex worker, shares her radical experiment to fall back in love with being human. She confronts her painful experiences through letters, poems, exercises, and prayers. The podcast explores topics of finding love and hope, self-forgiveness, joy, and reflections on forgiveness and empathy.

4 snips
Nov 29, 2023 • 32min
Can you travel the world — ethically?
Exploring the complexities of travel, this podcast discusses passport privilege, the impact of travel on perception, the significance of the term 'third world,' and the ethics of tourism. It emphasizes the need for understanding privilege, respecting places, and challenging power dynamics in travel while advocating for low carbon economies.

19 snips
Nov 22, 2023 • 51min
A Tale of Two Tribal Nations
Discover the unique land and level of independence of the Red Lake tribe. Explore the experiences of Native American tribes in Minnesota and the challenges faced by the Red Lake tribe. Learn about the different land ownership situations of Leech Lake and Red Lake tribal nations. Discover the significance of the Leech Lake reservation to the Ojibwe people and the reasons why tourists visit. Explore the history and migration patterns of the Ojibwe people. Discuss the challenges faced by the Ojibwe people on the Leech Lake reservation and a different future in Red Lake Nation. Learn about the unique aspects and historical events of the Red Lake reservation. Discuss an incident where the Red Lake tribe confiscated a plane that landed on their reservation.

Nov 15, 2023 • 36min
Who Has The "Right To A Story?"
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.

11 snips
Nov 8, 2023 • 34min
How does a computer discriminate?
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.


