Scene on Radio
Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University
Scene on Radio is a two-time Peabody-nominated podcast that dares to ask big, hard questions about who we are—really—and how we got this way. Our latest is Season 7, Scene on Radio: Capitalism. Previous series include Seeing White (Season 2), looking at the roots and meaning of white supremacy; MEN (Season 3), on patriarchy and its history; The Land That Never Has Been Yet (Season 4), exploring democracy in the U.S. and why we don’t have more of it; The Repair (Season 5), on the cultural roots of the climate crisis; and Season 6, Echoes of a Coup, the story of the only successful coup d'etat in U.S. history, in Wilmington, North Carolina, in 1898. Produced and hosted by John Biewen, with collaborators, Scene on Radio comes from the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University. The show is distributed by PRX.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 22, 2025 • 15min
Historical Maturity and Cowardice: Keeping ScOR #15
Host John Biewen reads an essay from his newsletter, Keeping ScOR. After a visit to his hometown, Mankato, Minnesota -- the subject of the Scene on Radio episode, "Little War on the Prairie" -- John reflects on the changes there and America's latest assault on history. Music by goodnight, Lucas. To read see the Keeping ScOR newsletter archive or subscribe to receive it, go here: https://buttondown.com/KeepingScOR#subscribe-form
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Oct 9, 2025 • 34min
Revisionist History: The Alabama Murders
Kate Porterfield, a psychologist who worked closely with death-row inmate Kenny Smith, provides a riveting perspective on a case that ignited a national debate. She discusses the harrowing repercussions of a botched execution and the role shame played in escalating crises within a tightly-knit community. Porterfield also highlights how the rigid practices of the Church of Christ contributed to the tragedy. Their conversation explores the complexities of morality, belonging, and the often unseen consequences of individual choices.
9 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 34min
Voices of Hiroshima
Explore the contrasting tales of Hiroshima, a city reborn from its devastating past. Listen to powerful narratives from atomic bomb survivors as they reflect on their experiences. Delve into the challenges faced by hibakusha and their families, revealing the long-lasting scars of history. The podcast emphasizes the importance of remembrance and resilience in shaping a brighter future. Through personal stories, it encourages listeners to consider the significance of Hiroshima in the global conversation about peace and nuclear policy.
Jul 23, 2025 • 39min
Lever Time: Trump, Colbert, And The War On Truth
A bonus episode from the Lever Time podcast: Their latest, exploring the decision by CBS to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and the wider context for that move -- Donald Trump's effort to crush dissent through lawsuits and other attacks on media corporations. With host David Sirota and his guest, New York Times journalist David Enrich.
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4 snips
May 14, 2025 • 16min
Making Ignorance Sacred Again: Keeping ScOR #7
The host reflects on the Trump Administration's attempts to control the national narrative and the battle for historical accuracy. There's a critical examination of political efforts to reshape educational content and historical perspectives in the U.S. Discussions reveal the complexities of figures like Columbus and the legacy of whiteness in America. The exploration of divergent views on history between political factions highlights the struggle for a truthful collective memory amidst a culturally divided landscape.
11 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 18min
The New Old Racism: Keeping ScOR#4
The host shares exciting updates about a new newsletter focused on societal issues. There's a deep dive into the resurgence of white identity politics during the Trump era and its impacts on policy-making. The discussion critiques how racism intertwines with political strategy, especially regarding global aid and military diversity. Additionally, they explore the MAGA movement's rhetoric and the pervasive normalization of racist attitudes in political discourse. It's a compelling examination of power, inequality, and the ongoing struggle against systemic injustice.
Jan 22, 2025 • 34min
Bonus: Michael Kliën and the Body Politic
Michael Kliën, an Austrian-born dance professor and leading social choreographer at Duke University, explores profound societal change through movement. He discusses innovative projects like 'Parliament,' which emphasizes non-verbal communication to foster connection. Kliën highlights the transformative power of movement for personal identity and communal expression, advocating for inclusivity, especially among diverse groups. He also reflects on the role of art in activism and challenges listeners to embrace the absurd as a means to inspire societal transformation.
47 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 1h 12min
S7 E13: CAPITALISM Bonus, Live at Motorco
Chenjerai Kumanyika, an assistant professor at NYU and podcast maker, joins community leaders Cameron Smith and Courtney Smith. They dive into rethinking capitalism and its true impact on freedom for the average citizen. The trio emphasizes local economic empowerment, discussing food accessibility and systemic inequalities. They advocate for affordable housing and transformative justice, highlighting the importance of community-rooted organizations. With a focus on collective action, they inspire hope while reflecting on meaningful change and grassroots initiatives.
37 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 1h 20min
Post-election '24 All-Star Special
Celeste Headlee, an NPR veteran and author, joins Chenjerai Kumanyika, a journalism professor and podcast creator, alongside business journalist Ellen McGirt and climate journalist Amy Westervelt. They dive into the complexities of the 2024 election, tackling topics like race, political communication, and Trump's potential second term. They confront challenges like sexism and inequality in politics and stress the importance of empathetic dialogue and grassroots activism in driving change. The conversation urges a deeper understanding of interconnected social issues.
75 snips
Sep 18, 2024 • 1h 3min
S7 E12: Reimagined Economies
Join Ander Etxeberria, spokesperson for the Mondragon Corporation, as he shares insights into the revolutionary cooperative model thriving in the Basque Country. He delves into how Mondragon emerged from the ashes of the Civil War, fostering community and cooperation. Topics include the transformative power of regenerative economics, the importance of solidarity in work, and the benefits of giving workers a voice. The conversation challenges traditional capitalism and presents a sustainable, people-focused alternative to economic systems.
