Radiotopia Presents: We're Doing the Wiz

Recently, the White House announced its plans to ask Congress to rescind funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. If the plan passes, there could be serious consequences for the public media ecosystem.Rather than tell you why we think public media is important, we are sharing this piece from NPR's Up First. This story is one of the best things we've listened to this year, so we think you'll enjoy it, just because. We also think it'll show you, a thousand times better than we can tell you, about why public media is essential. Kudos to The Sunday Story team at NPR for this magnificent piece. For more info, visit NPR.org. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Today we're sharing the first episode of Harlem Queen, a historical audio drama detailing the powerful story of “Policy Queen” and “gangster” Madame Stephanie St. Clair.Madame St. Clair had a powerful impact on building the Harlem community underground and aboveground and defining the Harlem Renaissance. Our goal is for you to be entertained, educated, empowered and uplifted after hearing this amazing story! Harlem Queen can be found at https://www.yhanewashingtonsmith.com/ or anywhere you listen to podcasts.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In October 2024, Apple Podcasts launched a new initiative to highlight narrative series, including designating a new show every month as a Series Essential, celebrating the finest storytelling and the medium’s greatest achievements. My Mother Made Me is the March 2025 selection.For this special occasion, we asked Jason to sit down with his mother to reflect on their experience of documenting and sharing their very special relationship with the world. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Today, we're sharing the first episode of a new limited-run series from NPR's Embedded, "Alternate Realities".Zach Mack and his dad are living in separate realities, and it's tearing their family apart. Like so many Americans, Zach's dad has gotten swept up in conspiracy theories. After years of circular arguments, the father challenged his son to a bet: $10,000 on ten politically apocalyptic predictions that would all happen in 2024. In this three-part series, we follow Zach on an intimate journey to bring his father back from the rabbit hole. "This is more than just a story about whose reality is 'correct'," said Zach Mack. "As I documented my father's beliefs throughout the past year, I was also trying to understand how the conspiracy theories he found took hold. The bet offered a way to settle our endless debates, which I know so many other families are having, and arrive at a place of truth and understanding.""Alternate Realities" intimately explores how the intermingling of misinformation and Zach's father's religious beliefs tests the bonds of his family, and offers a first-person perspective into an issue plaguing close relationships across the nation. How do you reach a loved one who is lost inside his own conspiracy mentality? And what do you do if your best efforts to bring them back end up failing?Embedded is available wherever you get your podcasts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

As tensions escalate and hearts are both shattered and healed, our season one love story reaches its climax in the City of Love. Jazmine’s family surprises her with a graduation trip to Paris, but little do they know, she has a surprise of her own in store.Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee.The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. For additional resources and to sign up for our newsletter visit redforrevolution.com.This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract. Episode Six Cast:Jordan Hull a s Jazmine JamesS. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day)Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day)Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)Alimi Ballard as LeRoyJennifer Beals as Suzanne Sands  Mal'akiy Rhoden as Miles JamesAshley J. Hobbs as Airline AnnouncerMathew Quitney as Stage ManagerChristine Angelique as Paris Music Festival Announcer Caro Guzmán as AdrienneMusic Featured:“I Don’t Want To Know”Written by Jana Naomi SmithOriginal Composition by Tammy L. Hall Performed by Jordan Hull “I Love Paris”Written by Cole PorterPerformed by Loretta Devine and the Red for Revolution BandCourtesy of WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC INC.“Dare To Love”Written by Jana Naomi SmithOriginal Composition by Tammy L. Hall Performed by Loretta Devine and the Red For Revolution BandFor Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

As tensions between Jazmine and her mother boil over, Grandma Ella steps in, guiding the three women to confront the painful reality of intergenerational homophobia. Meanwhile, back in the 1970s, the stakes soar for Ella and Lorraine’s relationship as young Ella is falsely accused of a crime. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee.The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. For additional resources and to sign up for our newsletter visit redforrevolution.com.This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract. Episode 5 Cast:Jordan Hull a s Jazmine JamesS. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day)Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day)Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)Don Daniels as Sean Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Delores AliDanny Glover as Howard AliJennifer Beals as Suzanne Sands  Vanessa E. Williams as Barbra GravesJoNell Kennedy as News ReporterMark Thompson as William DavisCaro Guzmán as KathyMiles Agee as Vincent and PreacherXavier Miles Temple as Nightclub RunnerMusic Featured:“His Eye is on the Sparrow”Written by Civilla Durfee Martin and Charles Hutchinson GabrielPerformed by Renée Wilson“Send In The Clowns”Written by Stephen SondheimPerformed by Renée Wilson and Jordan Hull and the Red for Revolution BandCourtesy of WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC INC.For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jazmine holds space for Ms. Lorraine as she shares her story of substance abuse, inspiring a conversation about grace and self-acceptance. Meanwhile, back in the 70s, a younger Lorraine confesses her substance abuse to Ella, generating a difficult impasse between the two. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee.The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. For additional resources and to sign up for our newsletter visit redforrevolution.com.This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract. Episode Four Cast:Jordan Hull a s Jazmine JamesS. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day)Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day)Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Delores AliDanny Glover as Howard AliCaro Guzman as KathyDavid Alan Graf as Dean McKennaXavier Miles Temple as Robberadrienne maree brown as series sonic guide Music Featured:“He Looked Beyond My Fault”Written by Dottie RamboPerformed by Loretta DevineCourtesy of Tomorrowland Music, Designer Music, Brandee-Vah Publishing, Capitol CMG PublishingFor Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

As Jazmine grapples with self-acceptance, Grandma Ella and Ms. Lorraine feel compelled to share their respective insecurities. This leads to a poignant recollection of the day a power outage compelled a young Ella and Lorraine to reveal their deepest secrets and vulnerabilities.Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee.The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. For additional resources and to sign up for our newsletter visit redforrevolution.com.This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract. Episode Three Cast:Jordan Hull a s Jazmine JamesS. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day)Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day)Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)Jennifer Beals as Suzanne Sands  David Alan Graf as PilotAshley J. Hobbs as Rubyadrienne maree brown as series sonic guide Music Featured:“Stormy Weather”Written by Harold ArlenPerformed by Loretta Devine and Renée WilsonCourtesy of BMG, Round Hill Music, Sony Music Publishing and S.A. MusicFor Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Jazmine uncovers her grandmother's journals, shedding light on previously unknown aspects of her inner life and igniting the tale of how Ella and Lorraine reconnected in 1971, New York City for a taping of the TV show Black Dreams after their passionate first encounter in Gary.Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee.The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. For additional resources and to sign up for our newsletter visit redforrevolution.com.This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract. Episode Two Cast:Jordan Hull a s Jazmine JamesS. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day)Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day)Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)Don Daniels as Sean Alimi Ballard as LeRoyCaro Guzmán as KathyMal'akiy Rhoden as JoeMark Thompson as Black Dreams HostMiles Agee as Black Dreams ProducerKrystel Roche as RoselineMathew Quitney as Party-Guestadrienne maree brown as series sonic guide Music Featured:“I Don’t Want To Know”Written by Jana Naomi SmithOriginal Composition by Tammy L. Hall Performed by René Wilson and the Red For Revolution Band“My Love Ain’t No Play Thang”Written by Jana Naomi SmithOriginal Composition by Tammy L. Hall Performed by René Wilson and the Red For Revolution Band“Never Will I Marry”Written by Frank LoesserPerformed by Renée Wilson and the Red For Revolution BandCourtesy of MPL Music PublishingFor Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

After the assassination of a Black female revolutionary, an unexpected romance blossoms between the two women left in her wake—an apolitical jazz singer and a radical activist. While in the present day, college-bound Jazmine embarks on a journey to find her grandmother's first love and document their love story.Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee.The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. For additional resources and to sign up for our newsletter visit redforrevolution.com.This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract. Episode One Cast:Jordan Hull as Jazmine JamesS. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day)Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day)Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)Caro Guzmán as AdrienneMathew Quitney as ReporterWill Kachi as the Rally VolunteerMiles Agee as the Announcer Mark Thompson as William Davisadrienne maree brown as series sonic guide Music Featured: “Revolution”Written by Jana Naomi SmithOriginal Composition by Tammy L. Hall Performed by Renée Wilson and the Red For Revolution Band“I’ve Got a Crush On You”Written by George and Ira GershwinPerformed by Loretta Devine and the Red For Revolution BandCourtesy of WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC INC.“Prove It On Me”Written by Ma’RaineyPerformed by Rutina Wesley and Renée WilsonCourtesy of Spike Driver MusicFor Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices