
Scene on Radio
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.
Latest episodes

55 snips
Nov 28, 2018 • 38min
S3 E11: Domination
Exploring sports talk radio and its connection to masculinity and societal expectations. Analysis of a popular sports talk host known for macho speech. Discussion of handshakes and dominance mentality in basketball. Evolution of a sports talk show host into an advocate against rape culture. Examination of traditional American masculinity and the emphasis on winning.

50 snips
Nov 14, 2018 • 55min
S3 E10: The Juggernaut
A discussion on childhood banter and gendered insults; Reflections on past sexist behavior and limited interest in girls; Exploring gender roles and the policing of masculinity; Ben James and his son Huck's unique audio essay on masculinity; A strange encounter with a rabid skunk; Toxic masculinity and homophobia in middle school; Raising sons in a sexist culture.

34 snips
Oct 31, 2018 • 38min
S3 E9: Be Like You
A transgender man shares his journey of embracing his identity, defying societal expectations, and navigating gendered spaces. The podcast discusses the challenges faced by trans individuals, the importance of living authentically, and redefining masculinity in a patriarchal society.

49 snips
Oct 17, 2018 • 45min
S3 E8: American Made
Scholars Tim Yu and Mark Anthony Neal discuss the portrayal of Asian and African American men in American culture, challenging stereotypes and exploring the influences of race and ethnicity on masculinity. They also delve into the concept of the strong black man, examine the complexities of the character Troy Maxson in 'Fences', and address gender dynamics within the black community. The podcast explores the impact of upbringing and work environments on experiences of masculinity.

52 snips
Oct 3, 2018 • 51min
S3 E7: Himpathy
Philosopher Kate Manne joins Janey Williams in sharing her experiences of sexual assault and the troubling reactions she received from loved ones. They discuss the concept of 'himpathy' and the biased nature of empathy, highlighting the unequal treatment of male perpetrators and female victims. The podcast explores the aftermath of trauma, the reasons for not reporting immediately, and the complex dynamics of holding men accountable. They also delve into the impact of rape culture on women's experiences and the urgent need for change.

47 snips
Sep 19, 2018 • 42min
S3 E6: Warriors
Scholars discuss whether nations fight wars because of natural male violence or societal conditioning. They explore the role of men in defending their community, gender inequality in the military, gender divisions in war, challenging gendered notions of manhood and militarism, and the challenges faced by women in the military.

50 snips
Sep 5, 2018 • 53min
S3 E5: More Than Paper Cuts
Researchers Hannah Riley Bowles, Meg Bond, Peter Glick, and Mily Treviño-Sauceda discuss the pervasive issue of sexual harassment in the workplace in the US. The podcast explores personal experiences of workplace abuse, the impact of the #MeToo movement, and the need for change and equality. It also delves into romantic interests at work and changing workplace culture.

54 snips
Aug 22, 2018 • 47min
S3 E4: Feminism in Black and White
Scholars Glenda Gilmore, Ashley Farmer, and Danielle McGuire discuss the intersections between male dominance and white supremacy in the United States. They explore the significance of Sojourner Truth's 'Ain't I a Woman?' speech, the relationship between women's suffrage and abolitionism, Audley Moore's activism, standpoint theory, voting patterns in the 2016 election, and privilege in the workplace.

43 snips
Aug 8, 2018 • 34min
S3 E3: Skeleton War
Historians and sociologists explore the Enlightenment period and its influence on women's rights. They discuss the setbacks women faced during the age of revolution and how anatomy was used to justify their exclusion. The limited citizenship rights before the American Revolution are also discussed, as well as the interconnected struggles of racism and sexism.

32 snips
Jul 25, 2018 • 33min
S3 E2: Ain't No Amoeba
Lisa Wade, a sociology professor, and Mel Konner, an anthropology professor, discuss the nature-nurture gender debate, gender stereotypes and societal norms, arguments for gender superiority, violence and rape culture, gender identity, and challenging traditional expectations.