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
Jul 1, 2020 • 41min
We Aren't Who We Think We Are
Every family has a myth about who they are and where they came from. And there are a lot of reasons people tell these stories. Sometimes it's to make your family seem like they were part of an important historical event. Other times, it's to hide something that is too painful to talk about. That last point can be especially true for African American families.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Jun 27, 2020 • 29min
They Don't Say Our Names Enough
This year, Pride Month intersects with a surge of protests against racism and police brutality. So this week, courtesy of The Nod podcast, we're looking back at the life of Storme DeLarverie — a Black butch woman who didn't pull any punches when it came to protecting her community from violence.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Jun 24, 2020 • 23min
Author Karla Cornejo Villavicencio Talks 'The Undocumented Americans'
In her new book, The Undocumented Americans, Karla Cornejo Villavicencio writes about delivery men, housekeepers, and day laborers — the undocumented immigrants who are often ignored while the media focuses its attention on Dreamers. "I wanted to learn about them as the weirdos we all are outside of our jobs," she writes.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Jun 19, 2020 • 18min
DACA Decision: Check-In with Miriam Gonzalez
When the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that DACA could remain in place, recipient Miriam Gonzalez was relieved. As a plaintiff in the case, she's been fighting to keep the program alive since 2017 and we've been following her story. In this bonus episode — an update on Miriam, and why this decision is such a big deal.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Jun 17, 2020 • 28min
Why Now, White People?
The video is horrific, and the brutality is stark. But that was the case in Ferguson, Mo., in 2014 and Minnesota in 2016. This time, though, white people are out in the streets in big numbers, and books such as "So You Want to Talk About Race" and "How to Be an Antiracist" top the bestseller lists. So we asked some white people: What's different this time?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Jun 12, 2020 • 42min
Bonus Episode: 'Not Just Another Protest'
Suffice it to say, the past few weeks have been a lot to unpack. So today, we're bringing you a special bonus episode from our friends at It's Been a Minute with Sam Sanders. The podcast explores how protests have changed over time, and how certain people's thoughts about race are evolving.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Jun 10, 2020 • 29min
Unmasking The 'Outside Agitator'
Whenever a protest boils up, it's a safe bet that public officials will quickly blame any violence or disruption on "outside agitators." But what, exactly, does it mean to be an agitator? And can these mysterious outsiders be a force for good?Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
May 31, 2020 • 22min
A Decade Of Watching Black People Die
The last few weeks have been filled with devastating news — stories about the police killing black people. At this point, these calamities feel familiar — so familiar, in fact, that their details have begun to echo each other.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
May 27, 2020 • 23min
Songs Giving Us (Much Needed) Life
Talking about race can get real heavy, real fast. Listening to music is one way people have been lightening the mood and sorting through their feelings. So this week, we're sharing some of the songs that are giving all of us life during this especially taxing moment.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
May 20, 2020 • 34min
COVID Diaries: Jessica And Sean Apply For A Loan
On March 1, two Los Angeles-based capoeira instructors realized a dream almost 15 years in the making — they opened up their very own gym. Two weeks later, California's stay-at-home order went into effect, and the gym shut its doors. This week, we follow the two of them as they navigate how to keep their dream alive in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
