Our Body Politic

On Sippin’ the Political Tea, Farai Chideya goes through the most important news of the week with contributors Errin Haines of the 19th and Jess Morales Rocketto of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. Farai welcomes Trymaine Lee of MSNBC’s podcast “Into America” to talk about his coverage of the centennial of the Tulsa Massacre. Social justice advocate Tamika Mallory shares her family’s legacy of activism in her new book, “State of Emergency.” OBP tech contributor Mutale Nkonde of AI for the People explains why we’re more aware of disinformation and misinformation after January 6th, and what her organization is doing to combat algorithmic discrimination. EPISODE RUNDOWN00:39 Sippin’ the Political Tea with Errin Haines of the 19th and Jess Morales Rocketto of the National Domestic Workers Alliance goes over the week’s news18:22 Trymaine Lee of MSNBC on the Tulsa Race Massacre’s impact on Black business owners today30:39 Tamika Mallory on her new book and generations of her family being activists39:45 Mutale Nkonde of AI for the People explains our growing understanding of disinformation and misinformation and their role in Covid vaccinations

Farai Chideya talks with Dr. Anthea Butler, professor at the University of Pennsylvania, about the role white evangelical Christians play in maintaining racist systems in the U.S. Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani shares why she started the Marshall Plan For Moms, to support working mothers trapped by poor child care systems and the Covid-19 financial fallout. Documentary filmmaker Loira Limbal talks about her movie “Through the Night,” which profiles families that run and utilize a 24-hour daycare center. And Farai Chideya welcomes Michelle Singletary, personal finance columnist at the Washington Post and author of the new book, "What To Do With Your Money When Crisis Hits,” and Nathalie Molina Niño, managing director at Known Holdings, to Sippin’ the Political Tea, for a roundtable dedicated to securing your finances post-Covid.1:03 Dr. Anthea Butler on the political power of white evangelical Christians12:21 Girls Who Code founder Reshma Saujani on why moms need better child care infrastructure18:30 Documentarian Loira Limbal shares her poignant film about a 24-hour daycare center and the families that rely on it29:03 Sippin’ the Political Tea welcomes Washington Post columnist Michelle Singletary and impact investor Nathalie Molina Niño for a practical roundtable about securing your finances post-Covid

Farai Chideya talks with political advisor and long-time conservative Tara Setmayer on repudiating Donald Trump from the beginning, and where she fits in our divided body politic. Valerie Jarrett, Board Chair of the non-profit Civic Nation, shares what they're doing to get more disproportionately impacted people vaccinated. Our public health contributor Dr. Kavita Trivedi is back with an update on what to do and not do once you’re vaccinated. And Farai Chideya welcomes Errin Haines of the 19th and Jess Morales Rocketto of the National Domestic Workers Alliance for a round of Sippin’ the Political Tea all about the week's news.EPISODE RUNDOWN0:49 The Lincoln Project advisor Tara Setmayer on the turmoil within the Republican Party12:41 Former Obama advisor Valerie Jarrett on the importance of vaccinating people of color20:56 Public health contributor Dr. Kavita Trivedi on what’s really going on with the CDC’s recommendations31:18 Sippin’ the Political Tea with regular contributors Errin Haines and Jess Morales Rocketto covers the week’s news

Farai Chideya talks with Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawai’i about opposing Donald Trump vociferously, her bill to tackle anti-Asian hate crimes, and her new memoir. Our Body Politic legal analyst Tiffany Jeffers explains the Supreme Court’s latest decision on life imprisonment for minors, and updates Farai on voting rights across the country. Dr. Jenn Jackson and Dr. Diane Wong, research analysts at the GenForward Survey, discuss what makes good data, and what sets their survey apart. And Farai Chideya welcomes Errin Haines of the 19th and Karen Attiah of the Washington Post to Sippin’ the Political Tea for a roundtable focused on international news.0:57 Senator Mazie Hirono on evolving her leadership in the Senate12:33 Legal analyst Tiffany Jeffers on the Supreme Court case about sentencing minors to life without parole21:13 Researchers from the GenForward Survey on working hand-in-hand with community28:56 Sippin’ the Political Tea: an international news roundup analyzes the changing role of the United States in worldwide issues, with special guest Karen Attiah of the Washington Post

This week Farai Chideya looks at what makes it into our history books—and why—with New York Times investigative journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, creator of the 1619 Project. Then she talks with poet and philanthropist Elizabeth Alexander about how monuments and public spaces also shape our historical narrative. Dr. Mary Bassett of Harvard University shares what she thinks it will take to truly address healthcare inequities laid bare by Covid-19, and how that would prepare us for the next epidemic. And the weekly roundtable Sippin’ the Political Tea welcomes special guests Kyhisha Zebley, a police sergeant in Philadelphia, and Gabriela Mejia, an anti-harassment advocate at the organization Hollaback!, to talk about how to be a safe and effective bystander during encounters with police.1:05 Nikole Hannah-Jones on why teaching the 1619 Project is a free speech issue12:41 Poet Elizabeth Alexander on the role of public spaces in teaching history20:59 Dr. Mary Bassett talks about lessons learned from Zimbabwe’s healthcare system29:15 Sippin’ the Political Tea: how to be a safe witness to police brutality with a law enforcement officer and an anti-harassment advocate

This week Farai Chideya talks with DC Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on why she’s fighting to make DC a state. Public opinion researcher Tresa Undem shares how attitudes about race, gender, and power influenced voters in 2020. Retired Major General Linda Singh of the National Guard talks about how the insurrection on January 6th highlighted the need to focus on domestic terrorism, and discusses the role of law enforcement in social-justice protests. On Sippin’ the Political Tea, contributors Errin Haines of the 19th and Jess Morales Rocketto of the National Domestic Workers Alliance join Farai to take stock of the first 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration.0:52 Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton on the argument for DC statehood12:30 Survey researcher Tresa Undem on top predictors for voters in 202020:22 Retired Major General Linda Singh on the aftermath of January 6th28:50 Sippin’ the Political Tea: a look back at the first 100 days of the Biden-Harris administration with regular contributors Errin Haines and Jess Morales Rocketto

This week Farai Chideya talks with Samaria Rice, mother of Tamir Rice and founder of the Tamir Rice Foundation, on what justice looks like to her. Our Body Politic contributor Dr. Kavita Trivedi reminds us how to keep children safe until they’re eligible for Covid-19 vaccines. PBS NewsHour White House correspondent Yamiche Alcindor reflects on the responsibility of covering whoever is in power. And The Grio’s April Ryan joins our Sippin’ the Political Tea roundtable to analyze the week’s news.EPISODE RUNDOWN0:48 Samaria Rice on what justice looks like to her and her family12:16 Contributor Dr. Kavita Trivedi on how to protect kids in the pandemic19:58 PBS NewsHour’s Yamiche Alcindor on lessons learned from the Trump era30:49 Sippin’ the Political Tea invites The Grio’s April Ryan to talk about the news

This week Farai Chideya talks with Representative Val Demings about Donald Trump’s first impeachment trial, the continued threat of domestic terrorism, and her thoughts on George Floyd’s murder as a former officer of the law. Cannabis entrepreneur Khadijah Adams talks about what it would take to give people of color an equal opportunity in the industry they helped create. And Dianna Houenou of New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission shares what it means to work for social equity in the state’s new cannabis marketplace. Plus, on our weekly roundtable, Sippin’ the Political Tea, Farai welcomes business of entertainment contributor Casey Mendoza and #OscarsSoWhite founder April Reign to talk about what the latest awards nominations say about inclusion in Hollywood.EPISODE RUNDOWN0:44 Representative Val Demings on accountability for the January 6th insurrection12:33 Dianna Houenou on New Jersey’s regulation of cannabis businesses19:08 Khadijah Adams on why people of color need to invest in the marijuana industry28:44 Sippin’ the Political Tea: representation in Hollywood with #OscarsSoWhite campaign founder April Reign and OBP business of entertainment contributor Casey Mendoza

This week Farai Chideya talks with Representative Lauren Underwood about how the federal government can tackle the Black maternal health crisis. Dr. Rachel Hardeman of the Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity explains why she focuses on the impact of racism on health. Farai shares the latest findings that Black women are over three times more likely to die of Covid-19 than white men or Asian men in two U.S. states. And we learn about Dr. Justina Ford, a Black doctor in the 1900s who served patients of color in Denver. On Sippin’ the Political Tea, Farai and Errin Haines of the 19th welcome journalist Fernanda Santos to talk about the state of things at the U.S.-Mexico border, and the possibilities of immigration reform under the Biden-Harris administration.EPISODE RUNDOWN1:03 Representative Lauren Underwood on the Black maternal health crisis12:00 Doctor Rachel Hardeman on how racism impacts health outcomes20:45 Covid Update: new study on Black women’s high mortality rates, plus Covid risks for pregnant people23:52 Sylvia Lambe shares the story of Dr Justina Ford, a Black doctor who delivered 7,000 babies at her home in Denver30:21 Sippin’ the Political Tea: the state of migrants at the Mexican border, and immigration reform from the Biden-Harris administration

This week Farai Chideya talks with Nse Ufot, CEO of the New Georgia Project, and Tiffany Jeffers, Our Body Politic legal analyst, about the ramifications of Georgia’s restrictive new voting law. House Majority Whip James Clyburn on the need to still work across the aisle. Farai asks EunSook Lee, director of the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund, about the growing political power of Asian-American women. And Farai and Errin Haines of the 19th welcome writer Jemele Hill to Sippin’ the Political Tea, our weekly roundtable, to talk about voting rights, politics in sports, and the gender pay gap.EPISODE RUNDOWN1:26 Nse Ufot and Tiffany Jeffers on Georgia’s new voting law13:01 Representative James Clyburn on bipartisanship in Congress19:16 EunSook Lee on AAPI political organizing across the country28:02 Sippin’ the Political Tea: the intersection of politics and sports with guest Jemele Hill

This week Farai Chideya talks with Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley about her legislative priorities, holding fellow members of Congress accountable for the insurrection, and what keeps her going in the fight for justice. Georgia State Senator Dr. Michelle Au decries anti-Asian American hate and wants fellow politicians to treat gun violence as a public health issue. TransLash Media founder and journalist Imara Jones reflects on her experience of patriarchy and Trump’s weaponization of government against trans people. And our weekly roundtable, Sippin’ the Political Tea, welcomes sociologist Nancy Wang Yuen and podcast host Merk Nguyen to talk with Errin Haines about how Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are experiencing the racial animus of the past year.0:53 Representative Ayanna Pressley on her goal to legislate healing and racial equity12:44 Georgia State Senator Michelle Au on what’s needed to address anti-Asian violence21:27 Imara Jones of TransLash Media talks about how to protect and uplift trans lives29:11 Sippin’ the Political Tea: how Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are experiencing the racial animus of the past year

This week Farai Chideya talks with WNBA star Layshia Clarendon about their role in pushing the league to engage with politics, and why it’s important for them to proudly share their identity as a Black, trans and nonbinary, Christian person. Marian Liu of the Washington Post examines the shootings in Atlanta, Georgia, that left six Asian women dead, and how race, gender, and immigration underscore what happened. Author Anna Malaika Tubbs shares highlights from her new book about Louise Little, Berdis Baldwin, and Alberta King, the mothers of three important civil rights leaders. And our weekly political roundtable, Sippin’ the Political Tea, welcomes Our Body Politic Executive Producer Juleyka Lantigua-Williams in conversation with Farai and Jess Morales Rocketto, Civic Engagement Director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance. They discuss the workers who were murdered in Atlanta, the role of Trumpism in rising violence, and what Interior Secretary Deb Haaland intends to focus on.EPISODE RUNDOWN0:56 Layshia Clarendon on the grassroots activism in the WNBA12:19 Marian Liu of the Washington Post discusses the violence in Atlanta20:32 Anna Malaika Tubbs talks about the powerful Black mothers of civil rights leaders28:07 Sippin’ the Political Tea: the gender-based violence in Georgia, Deb Haaland’s confirmation as Interior Secretary, and voting rights in Florida

This week Farai Chideya dives into the consequences of zero-sum thinking around race with Heather McGhee, author of “The Sum of Us.” Marissa Tirona recounts her harrowing experience with Covid-19, one year after her hospitalization in New York City. Our Covid Update looks at vaccination rates among people of color. Our Body Politic national security contributor Holli Draines breaks down what we need to know about threats to Capitol Hill. And Errin Haines of the 19th and Jess Morales Rocketto of the National Domestic Workers Alliance dissect the Covid relief package, the White House’s latest move on gender policy, and voter suppression in Sippin’ the Political Tea, our weekly political roundtable.EPISODE RUNDOWN0:54 Heather McGhee on the role racism plays in U.S. domestic policy failures12:03 Marissa Tirona recalls her hospitalization with Covid-19 one year ago22:06 Holli Draines on vetting security personnel at the U.S. Capitol 27:53 Sippin’ the Political Tea: Covid relief, White House gender policy, and voter suppression in Georgia

This week we’re recharging and planning ahead. So we’ve curated some of the most interesting conversations Farai Chideya has had with our guests in the last few months. Senator Tammy Duckworth talks about how her service in the military inspires her political leadership, including her advocacy for veterans and people with disabilities. Investor Nathalie Molina Niño explains why it makes business sense to see entrepreneurship by women of color as an investment opportunity. Professor Steven Thrasher explains the ableism that seeps into talk of Covid-19’s disproportionate impact on communities of color, and the creation of what he calls a “viral underclass.” Journalist Leezel Tanglao talks about the platform Tayo Help which disseminates useful information to Filipinos, a population heavily impacted by Covid-19 due to the large number of Filpino healthcare workers on the front lines of the pandemic. MacArthur Fellow Tressie McMillan Cottom shares her personal story of pregnancy and loss to “reanimate” the worrisome statistics about Black maternal mortality. And futurists Sharon Chang and Kamal Sinclair discuss better ways our country could plan for retirement and work-life balance.EPISODE RUNDOWN3:40 Senator Tammy Duckworth says even though she was injured in combat, serving in the military was the “greatest privilege” of her life.5:37 Senator Duckworth explains why it’s important to tailor policy so veterans can transfer their skills to the civilian workforce.10:02 Senator Duckworth says she would like to see more people with disabilities in government positions in order to inform policy.15:06 Nathalie Molina Niño describes the moment she realized that access to money was the root issue getting in the way of success for women and people of color entrepreneurs.23:02 Dr. Steven Thrasher explains why he says ableism is a “plague” during the Covid-19 pandemic.28:16 Leezel Tanglao talks about her online platform Tayo Help and how it works to stop the spread of misinformation about Covid-19 within the Filipino community.37:44 Tressie McMillan Cottom talks about her hesitancy to write about the death of her newborn daughter, but says she did so to illuminate how a statistic could be someone’s lived experience.44:20 Sharon Chang and Kamal Sinclair of the Guild of Future Architects discuss what a true work-life balance could look like if society redefined the value of work.

This week, Farai Chideya talks with Senator Elizabeth Warren about why she still pushes for student debt relief and an increased minimum wage, and why she believes these are racial-justice issues. Epidemiologist and Our Body Politic contributor Dr. Kavita Trivedi takes our most pressing questions about Covid-19 vaccinations. Film producer and author Tanya Selvaratnam discusses her new book “Assume Nothing: A Story of Intimate Violence.” Plus, our political roundtable with Errin Haines and special guest Brittany Packnett Cunningham, unpacks the racial resentment behind the aftermath of the January 6th insurrection, CPAC, and Senators’ grilling of the Biden-Harris Cabinet picks.EPISODE RUNDOWN0:59 Senator Elizabeth Warren talks about how her personal experience growing up “on the ragged edge of the middle class” informs her view of our current economic structures6:15 Black and Latinx students are disproportionately impacted by student loan debt, Senator Warren explains, which is why she says debt relief is a racial-justice issue.12:11 Dr. Kavita Trivedi explains in detail what you need to know about the protection the Covid-19 vaccine provides.15:39 The decline in Covid cases in the U.S. might be a hopeful sign as we aim for herd immunity, Dr. Trivedi says.22:06 Tanya Selvaratnam discusses why she wrote her new book, “Assume Nothing: A Story of Intimate Violence.”25:13 Selvaratnam says she talks about her experience with intimate partner violence to remove the stigma of being a survivor of abuse.30:41 “Sippin’ the Political Tea” guest Brittany Packnett Cunningham talks about her podcast, UNDISTRACTED.35:19 Errin Haines talks about the potential significance of Maya Wiley’s candidacy in the New York City mayoral race.36:04 Haines says the idea of “electability” hampers many minority candidates, including Black women who run for office, but that “electing somebody is what makes them electable!”37:56 Packnett Cunningham compares the lack of accountability for the January 6th, 2021, insurrection to decisions made in the post-Civil War era.40:12 “I'm less worried about Donald Trump running for reelection than I am about a kinder, gentler, ready-for-prime-time Donald Trump to run,” Packnett Cunningham says, about why it’s important to hold the former President accountable for his role in the insurrection.42:28 Packnett Cunningham says the real concern about elections should be around the unprecedented amount of voter suppression bills currently in state legislatures.44:50 Farai Chideya says fear of revenge from historically oppressed minorities may be a factor in the higher scrutiny several Biden-Harris Cabinet nominees are currently facing in the Senate.

This week, Farai Chideya talks to Charles Blow, New York Times opinion columnist and author of “The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto,” about his proposal for building Black political power in the South. Dr. Ashish Jha of Brown University explains why vaccinating against Covid-19 must be a global effort, and Dr. Debra Furr-Holden of Michigan State University says getting Black Americans vaccinated is a key part of that effort. Our business of entertainment contributor Casey Mendoza breaks down who was nominated, who was snubbed, and who might be miscategorized at the Golden Globes. And political roundtable regulars Errin Haines and Jess Morales Rocketto explain why it’s important to keep trying to hold former President Trump accountable for his actions, despite his acquittal by the Senate.EPISODE RUNDOWN0:55 Writer and columnist Charles Blow explains how moving en masse can change the political dynamics of a state. 7:04 A central argument in his book, Blow dispels the myth that racism only exists in the South. 10:34 Blow says that because of implicit bias, multi-racial coalitions can be limiting for building Black power. 14:16 Dr. Ashish Jha explains how herd immunity works in the vaccination process. 16:26 Dr. Jha says there is promising research that current vaccines can fight against most variants of Covid-19. 17:54 Dr. Jha says that vaccination efforts must be global in order to eliminate the threat of Covid-19 variants that prolong the pandemic.19:58 Casey Mendoza looks at past controversies addressing the lack of diversity in entertainment awards shows.22:38 Mendoza reflects on the role of white creators in the conversation about diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. 24:38 Mendoza explains why the Golden Globes were highly criticized for the categorization of “Minari” as a foreign language film. 25:53 Categorizing international or foreign-language films still proves to be problematic, Mendoza explains.30:00 Errin Haines reflects on her interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. 33:28 Farai Chideya discusses Charles Blow’s idea for obtaining Black political power with Errin Haines. 36:02 After the impeachment acquittal of former President Donald Trump, Jess Morales Rocketto says that the threat of Trump and Trumpism is still very real. 39:00 Chideya tries to make sense of the conflicting positions from Senator Mitch McConnell regarding Trump’s role in the January 6th insurrection.41:27 Sippin’ the Political Tea’s experts discuss other ways people are trying to hold Trump accountable for the events of January 6th, and why voting to convict on an impeachment charge would have had different consequences.

This week, Farai Chideya and her guests talk about whistleblowing in the tech industry, how ecofascism happens, and the second Trump impeachment trial. Ifeoma Ozoma, founder of Earthseed, talks about the discrimination she says she experienced as a Black woman working at Pinterest, and what she’s doing to protect more whistleblowers through a new California amendment. Technology contributor Mutale Nkonde breaks down why the way tech companies treat their employees impacts our everyday lives. And climate writer Mary Annaïse Heglar explains why how white supremacists engage with the climate crisis matters. Plus, Errin Haines of the 19th and Jess Morales Rocketto of the National Domestic Workers Alliance discuss the repercussions of former President Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial, pandemic relief from the Biden-Harris administration, and Stacey Abrams’ plan to strengthen our democracy.EPISODE RUNDOWN3:04 Ifeoma Ozoma talks about how Pinterest benefited from having her be the face of the company, and why she feels she was treated unfairly by those in more powerful positions.5:37 Ozoma says the way tech companies treat employees like her is similar to the way they treat their PoC consumer base.6:34 Ozoma talks about why she is working to get resources to whistleblowers in the tech industry, including protections through a proposed California legislation, the Silenced No More Act.12:26 Contributor and tech expert Mutale Nkonde continues the conversation about discrimination in the tech industry.13:45 Nkonde talks about Timnit Gebru, her significant research into artificial intelligence, and why her treatment at Google strikes so close to home.17:41 Some of Nkonde’s recent research looks into a significant disinformation campaign during the 2020 Presidential election, that many newsrooms missed.20:04 Climate writer Mary Annaïse Heglar talks about her work identifying ecofascism.22:38 Heglar talks about how the climate crisis is a “threat multiplier.”24:11 Heglar explains why she uses Twitter to call out fossil fuel companies for their wrongdoings.28:10 Our weekly political roundtable “Sippin’ the Political Tea’ breaks down the ramifications of the second impeachment trial for the public, and the political parties.29:42 Farai Chideya and Errin Haines of The 19th talk about the video of the January 6th insurrection that was played during the impeachment trial.31:19 Jess Morales Rocketto talks about House delegate Stacey Plaskett and how female elected officials are using fashion to make a statement.33:18 Chideya discusses the potential consequences of the impeachment trial for the Republican Party.36:58 Haines discusses Vice President Kamala Harris’ role as an equal partner in the administration. 39:30 Morales Rocketto says she wants to see the policies focused on helping immigrants, included in Covid relief negotiations.40:43 Chideya says the pandemic relief plan gives Americans the opportunity to see what their government can do for them, and compares it to government aid in Europe.

This week, Farai Chideya and her guests discuss the Covid-19 vaccine, a Golden Globe-nominated film, and the future of the Republican Party. Businesswoman Bertica Cabrera Morris and Professor Geraldo Cadava share the diversity of the conservative Hispanic experience. Dr. Celine Gounder, an infectious diseases specialist and epidemiologist, explains why the lack of public health infrastructure, especially technology, impacts the distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine. Business of entertainment contributor Casey Mendoza discusses two major Black films making waves in the upcoming awards season. Plus, political journalist Errin Haines of The 19th and Professor Tiffany Jeffers of Georgetown Law dive into the repercussions of the January 6th insurrection for the Republican Party, members of Congress, and voting rights across the country.EPISODE RUNDOWN1:24 Businesswoman Bertica Cabrera Morris talks about her relationship with the Republican Party as a Hispanic conservative.6:15 Cabrera Morris says she doesn’t agree with the behavior exhibited at the Capitol on January 6th, and that it harmed organizers in the Republican party like herself.11:47 A listener shares their response on the SPEAK platform, to the question, “How have your priorities changed since the beginning of the pandemic?” 14:41 Professor Geraldo Cadava explains that the Republican Party has fed divisions between Latinos and African Americans for political gain. 16:51 Cadava explains that Hispanic Republicans will often point to the ways the Democratic Party has let down or alienated Latino voters, giving the Republican Party room to grow their base.17:58 Dr. Celine Gounder explains how the variants of Covid-19 present new and different challenges to controlling the pandemic.19:54 The vaccination process is hampered by the lack of health infrastructure, including basic technology for scheduling patients, says Dr Gounder.21:38 Dr. Gounder dives into what is needed for a more equitable distribution of vaccines. 25:54 Casey Mendoza gives an overview of Golden Globe-nominated film, One Night in Miami. 27:28 Mendoza talks about the ways award shows have adapted to include movies that are streaming during the pandemic.29:22 The documentary film MLK/FBI looks at how strategically the FBI worked to discredit the Civil Rights Movement.30:40 Errin Haines and Tiffany Jeffers break down the recent events in Congress in the weekly political roundtable “Sippin’ the Political Tea.”31:13 Farai Chideya talks about being impacted by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez’s Instagram Live video recounting her experience of the January 6th insurrection.33:13 Jeffers looks back to the Civil War and Reconstruction to draw comparisons to the divisions in politics today.35:31 Haines and Chideya discuss the Republican Party’s response to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green.37:14 Voters who changed their party registration after the election may be key to understanding the future of the Republican party, Chideya explains. 42:02 Jeffers makes the case that granting D.C statehood could give Capitol Hill staff and D.C. residents more security. 46:35 The burden that people of color endure when taking the time to vote needs to be addressed to ensure a more fair democracy, Chideya says.

This week, Farai Chideya and her guests talk about the challenges and victories of Covid vaccination efforts, and dive into the administration’s plans to reverse course on four years of Donald Trump. Dr. Grace Lee of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices describes what must be done to distribute vaccines equitably. “Vaccine Vixen” Ashley Nealy explains why as a Black woman she wanted to participate in the clinical trials. Actor and playwright Anna Deavere Smith analyzes the image of Vice President Kamala Harris in the White House. Author Kenya Hunt reflects on Black female identity around the world in her book, Girl Gurl Grrrl: On Womanhood and Belonging in the Age of Black Girl Magic. Plus, political journalist Errin Haines of The 19th and Jess Morales-Rocketto of the National Domestic Workers Alliance get into the swift actions of the Biden-Harris administration, the white supremacy problem within law enforcement, and the future of the Republican party.EPISODE RUNDOWN0:43 Dr. Grace Lee explains that some populations who are less likely to be willing to receive the Covid vaccine, are the same groups that have been disproportionately ravaged by the disease. 4:20 Although many people are skeptical about getting vaccinated, Dr. Lee says inoculation is the best way for society to create immunity.7:10 Dr. Lee emphasizes the importance of community leaders leading the way towards vaccination, especially within groups that may not trust the medical establishment.10:21 A caller from the SPEAK platform shares what she’d do to get the pandemic under control if she was at the White House.12:03 Ashley Nealy, a Covid-19 vaccine trial participant, shares why it’s important to encourage other people of color to take the Covid-19 vaccine. 15:56 Playwright, university professor and author Anna Deavere Smith discusses her most recent works, including a TIME magazine article on Vice President Kamala Harris. 18:02 Deavere Smith explains how she uses performing arts to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline.23:04 Fashion director Kenya Hunt explores her experience of Black womanhood, in the U.S. and abroad.24:14 Hunt explains why she thinks Black women like herself feel pressure to represent a whole demographic of people, and why that’s too simplistic.27:20 Seeing the political force that Black women wielded in the recent U.S. elections gives Hunt hope and optimism.28:19 Errin Haines, editor-at-large at The 19th, and Jess Morales Rocketto, civic engagement director at the National Domestic Workers Alliance, take part in our weekly politics segment Sippin the Political Tea.28:58 Haines and Chideya talk about the slate of executive orders signed by the Biden-Harris administration within the last week, including the reversal of the transgender military ban. 34:09 With the new administration’s huge emphasis on racial equity, Morales Rocketto admits that she has been slightly skeptical, yet optimistic, about the Biden-Harris administration’s plan to deliver on this front.36:56 Haines breaks down Democrats’ plans to get cash to people who are most in need of assistance, emphasizing the impact this could have specifically on women.41:07 Haines and Chideya discuss the warnings from the Department of Homeland Security of increased threats of domestic terrorism.43:24 Haines and Morales Rocketto unpack the importance of the second impeachment trial of Donald Trump, which is expected to start on February 9th.

This week, Farai Chideya and her guests discuss the new administration and the historic role of Vice President Kamala Harris. Democratic Congresswoman Maxine Waters discusses what her party wants to accomplish now that it controls the legislative and executive branches. Political strategist Glynda Carr of Higher Heights wants to elevate more Black women to political leadership roles. Activist and producer Sarah Eagle Heart examines what the Biden-Harris administration could do to address the needs of Indigenous communities. Plus, political journalist Errin Haines of The 19th and Jess Morales-Rocketto of the National Domestic Workers Alliance dive into the priorities, hurdles, and first 100 days of the 46th President and Vice President.EPISODE RUNDOWN1:26 Farai Chideya talks to people in D.C. for the Presidential Inauguration.2:52 Representative Maxine Waters describes the scene during the Capitol siege. 5:14 Representative Waters describes the inequalities that Black women like her experience in the many facets of society. 8:39 Representative Waters says she is elated about the organizing efforts in Georgia.11:16 Having Kamala Harris as Vice President speaks to what is possible for Black Americans, says Waters. 13:16 Political strategist Glynda Carr talks about her efforts to get more Black women elected into leadership roles.14:05 Carr breaks down the four pillars of Higher Heights, her organization that endorses and advocates to elect Black women into office.17:10 Electing New York’s Attorney General Letitia James was a recent success story for Higher Heights.21:40 The Covid update looks into the strategy to get Covid vaccinations to those who need it most. 23:13 Activist and producer Sarah Eagle Heart dives into her social justice work as a member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe. 26:03 Eagle Heart recounts her first time protesting a racist depiction of Indigenous people at a homecoming ceremony in her hometown, when she was a teenager.28:13 When Eagle Heart approached top organizers of the Women’s March to point out the lack of Indigenous representation, she became part of the solution to amplify these voices in the movement.29:21 If she was able to ask anything of Vice President Kamala Harris, Eagle Heart would want to be sure that the rights of Indigenous people are included in the new administration.32:34 Our segment Sippin’ the Political Tea, looks back at a historic week with political experts Errin Haines and Jess Morales Rocketto.33:58 Youth poet laureate Amanda Gorman was Chideya’s favorite moment of last week’s inaugural celebration. 36:39 Chideya takes her listeners to the streets of D.C. the morning of the Inauguration.39:42 Morales Rocketto looks at some of the historic appointments to the Biden-Harris administration’s Cabinet.43:14 Haines looks at how the media will shift its focus from President Trump to the Biden-Harris administration.44:50 Although there is a new president, “Trump is gone, but Trumpism isn’t,” Chideya explains.45:33 The Biden-Harris administration has promised to make sweeping reforms to immigration policy, Morales Rocketto says.47:53 Haines questions how the Biden-Harris administration will tackle issues like systemic racism.

This week, Farai Chideya and her guests dissect the aftermath of the January 6th coup attempt at the Capitol. New York AG Letitia James shares the values that guide her work, which includes investigating President Trump. Boston Globe reporter Jazmine Ulloa reflects on her first-hand experience of the Capitol siege. As transition director of Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris’ team, political strategist Minyon Moore expands on Harris’ role in uniting the country. Plus, a new extended segment of “Sippin’ the Political Tea” with contributors Errin Haines and Jess Morales Rocketto.EPISODE RUNDOWN0:51 Farai Chideya breaks down what she calls the “Black Cassandra Syndrome” and why she thinks more people should listen to journalists of color.2:34 New York Attorney General Letiticia James talks about her goal to uphold an equal application of the law, regardless of social status.5:50 James explains that her humble upbringing and daily interactions with her community encourage her to seek justice for all.7:55 Lawmakers’ priorities tend to neglect the needs of average Americans, especially minority communities, James explains.13:12 Journalist Jazmine Ulloa describes what the siege on the Capitol looked like, on the ground.14:56 Many journalists in the Senate press gallery doubted that rioters could break into the building, Ulloa explains. 17:40 Ulloa has had a career in crime reporting and describes the impact her work has on her community.21:48 The Covid Update looks at the uptick in daily deaths and the effects of the illness on “long-haulers.”24:04 Political strategist Minyon Moore gives her insight on the upcoming Biden-Harris Administration.24:47 Moore’s political career began with the campaign to elect Chicago’s first Black mayor. 28:17 Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris uplifts the voices of everyday Americans and “represents the people,” Moore explains. 29:42 The SPEAK platform takes in input from callers all across the country. This week, one caller shares what they’d do if they were President, on their first day in the Oval Office.32:31 Our Body Politic’s extended roundtable “Sipping the Political Tea” covers all things news and politics with contributors Jess Morales Rocketto and Errin Haines.34:03 Chideya breaks down her blog post from four years ago, “The Call to Whiteness,” which dissects and predicts the patterns that result from white supremacy in politics. 37:16 Haines expresses the frustration that her and other Black journalists have experienced over the years when they try to talk about racism and white supremacy.39:17 Morales Rocketto looks into the motives behind President Trump’s supporters in the Capitol, Senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley, and their future roles in the Republican Party. 43:19 Haines, Morales Rocketto, and Chideya talk about what in politics has most surprised them most in the last week.

This week, Farai Chideya and her guests dissect political news across the country, from the Senate races in Georgia to the violence in our nation’s capital. And we welcome new contributor and legal analyst Tiffany Jeffers. Impact investor Nathalie Molina Niño takes on the exclusion of women of color in finance. Business reporter Ruth Umoh takes stock of corporations’ promises to invest in racial equity. Former journalist Carla Murphy tells Farai about her mission to understand why other journalists of color leave newsrooms. Plus, the leaders of the Guild of Future Architects on what work will look like decades from now.EPISODE RUNDOWN0:45 Farai Chideya asks supporters of President Trump why they came to DC on January 6th.2:41 Legal analyst Tiffany Jeffers breaks down the different legal and ethical questions behind Trump’s call to Georgia’s Secretary of State. 4:46 Political contributor Errin Haines and Tiffany Jeffers dissect what the insurrection means for democracy in America. 6:16 Jeffers explains how white supremacy is baked into the country’s legal systems.10:00 Haines describes what the group of reluctant Trump supporters will mean for the incoming Biden-Harris administration.13:09 Impact investor Nathalie Molina Niño talks about her background in tech, and her increasing interest in political financing.17:45 Niño explains the importance of investing in women of color, one the most entrepreneurial and innovative groups of businesspeople across the globe.19:37 In order to get more money in the hands of women business owners, we have to invest, loan, and buy from this same community, Niño says.22:27 The Covid update looks at the upward trend of confirmed cases and deaths due to the coronavirus, as well as the implication of the newest variant of the virus.26:11 Our Body Politic contributor and business reporter, Ruth Umoh, looks into corporations’ promises to invest in racial equity.28:07 The mechanism behind diversity initiatives differs from company to company, leaving it up to reporters to hold them accountable, Umoh says.30:17 Umoh suggests that companies should first define what they mean by diversifying their company, before trying to hit unknown targets.32:38 Carla Murphy, a former journalist, has stepped out of the profession and now focuses on why others are leaving the industry.34:56 The reckoning in journalism is being shaped by the social movements of the last few years, Murphy explains, like Occupy Wall Street and #MeToo.36:32 Murphy says it’s very difficult to succeed in the media industry without having independent financial support as an early career journalist.37:24 Organizing for a living wage is imperative in the journalist world, Murphy says. 39:55 The SPEAK platform records callers’ voicemails and gives a prompt for listeners to participate in Our Body Politic.41:46 Sharon Chang and Kamal Sinclair of The Guild of Future Architects return to examine how we can better understand the role work plays in our lives.45:50 Sinclair suggests society should invest in unlocking human potential by not only valuing people’s work output, but by valuing the creativity and passion within their work.49:30 Chang explains why she thinks the word retirement should be abolished altogether.

This week, Farai Chideya spends more time with the sparkling roster of Our Body Politic contributors. Errin Haines of the 19th predicts the most important political stories of 2021 for women of color. Mutale Nkonde of AI for the People shares her secrets to envisioning success. Psychologist Dr. Ryan DeLapp offers advice to parents about having conversations on race and resilience with their children. Newsy reporter Casey Mendoza reflects on the successes and failures of 2020 in entertainment. Forbes reporter Ruth Umoh looks back on how the year impacted Black women.EPISODE RUNDOWN3:27 Errin Haines reflects on 2020 and predicts what could happen politically in 2021.7:39 Haines says Black women were key figures in politics in 2020: “as crucial part of the electorate, you definitely saw Black women flexing their power in 2020.”14:18 Mutale Nkonde of AI for the People takes listeners back to being inspired by Oprah 20 years ago, and how those practices helped her work towards her future.15:42 Nkonde describes how she envisions and reaches the goals she sets for herself professionally.17:54 Nkonde talks about Dr. Timnit Gebru’s studies on racism within facial recognition technology. 24:50 Dr. Ryan DeLapp, an attending psychologist at Montefiore health system in the Bronx, explains the mental health impact Covid is having on children.26:56 Dr. Delapp says reorganizing routines will be important as things continue to change with the pandemic.29:23 Dr. DeLapp explains that having a conversation with children about race should start from a place of pride.32:30 Casey Mendoza gives updates on the major gains and losses in entertainment in 2020.25:45 One group that has emerged with the pandemic is the National Independent Venue Association or NIVA, a lobbying group for venues across the country.37:28 Mendoza offers a glimmer of hope for the upcoming year.38:52 Ruth Umoh recaps the financial ramifications of 2020 for Black women and all women of color.39:52 Umoh discusses why she thinks Black women should invest more in the stock market, especially since it’s been fruitful during the pandemic.44:34 Reflecting and looking towards the New Year with the Our Body Politic team.

This week, Farai Chideya talks with Nse Ufot of the New Georgia Project about the power of organizing the vote. Air Force Sergeant Tamika Hamilton on what inspired her to run in California, and Varshini Prakash of the Sunrise Movement connects racial inequity and the climate crisis. Saru Jayaraman of One Fair Wage explains the pandemic's effect on service workers. Alejandra Gomez of Living United for Change in Arizona reflects on organizing efforts in the election. Plus, how Dr. Camilla Pang explains the average human’s behavior.EPISODE RUNDOWN2:27 Chief officer of The New Georgia Project Nsé Ufot explains how The New Georgia Project used platforms like Twitch to reach a younger audience. 8:16 Ufot gives details on the group’s goal to knock on one million doors ahead of the Georgia Senate race.15:45 Air Force Sergeant Tamika Hamilton describes what inspired her to run as the Republican candidate for California’s 3rd Congressional District. 19:52 Hamilton talks about her plans to run in 2022. 22:51 Varshini Prakash, co-founder and executive director of the Sunrise Movement, explains why climate policies might have a chance in 2021. 25:14 Prakash explains that to deal with the climate crisis, the country must also deal with inequality. 28:23 Prakash talks about the prospect of Deb Haaland as Interior Secretary in the Biden Administration.32:22 Saru Jayaraman is the president of One Fair Wage, an organization fighting for a more equitable wage structure for workers in the service industry.34:20 Jayaraman says workers who live off tips are facing major challenges with the pandemic.38:32 Alejandra Gomez of LUCHA shares what inspired her to get involved in organizing.40:16 Gomez the role of organizing and activism in the political changes in her state of Arizona.44:19 Dr Camilla Pang talks about how she uses science to better understand human behavior.

This week, Farai Chideya talks with Representative Veronica Escobar about Covid and immigration in her district of El Paso. Gina Pérez of the Texas State Board of Education explains how continued cuts to school programs inspired her to take action. Our political contributor Errin Haines brings updates from the political world, and business contributor Ruth Umoh analyzes Black homeownership. Medical student Nia Buckner explains why she and other students updated the Hippocratic Oath, and entertainment contributor Casey Mendoza reflects on the representation of Latinos on television. Plus, journalist Paola Ramos goes looking for the meaning of “Latinx."EPISODE RUNDOWN1:35 Representative Veronica Escobar describes the impact of Covid in her district of El Paso.4:42 Rep. Escobar explains how the pandemic has laid bare the inequalities that exist in the country.10:46 The incoming Biden-Harris Administration will be crucial in addressing immigration in border towns like El Paso, Rep. Escobar explains.13:24 Gina Pérez sits on the Texas State Board of Education on behalf of District One in Texas and explains how Covid is impacting education in her district.15:31 Pérez describes why she first got involved on the State Board of Education. 19:30 The Covid update breaks down the issues rural communities might face distributing the vaccine.22:26 Medical student Nia Buckner explains how her and other students intend to confront racism within the medical field.24:42 Buckner explains the importance of understanding patients’ outside lives when treating them inside the clinic. 26:27 Errin Haines talks about the significance of Deb Haaland being nominated for Secretary of the Interior in the upcoming Biden-Harris Administration.27:55 The Biden-Harris Administration is on its way to breaking records if all 25 women who are nominated are confirmed to cabinet level positions.31:20 Haines says civil rights leaders are looking for “real systemic change and not just kind of the incremental change” that has been happening in American politics. 32:13 Ruth Umoh explains the disparities between Black and white homeownership in the U.S.34:15 Discriminatory policies have historically prevented Black people from being able to buy homes and accrue wealth, Umoh states.36:37 Umoh looks back on the financial commitments made by corporations in the wake of George Floyd protests, and says that they’re a step in the right direction, they are “a drop in the bucket” for many of these companies.38:08 Our SPEAK callers share why self-care is important to them during the pandemic.39:19 Paola Ramos discusses her new book, Finding Latinx: In Search of the Voices Redefining Latino Identity.40:56 Ramos digs into her own history to try to understand the systemic discrimination against Afro-Latinos among Latinos in the U.S., and abroad.42:53 Ramos says President-Elect Biden will have to keep his promises to the Latinos who voted for him, or there will be important consequences for the Democratic party.43:53 Entertainment contributor Casey Mendoza speaks about Latino representation on TV.47:12 Mendoza goes over the films added to the National Film Registry this year, and how they show a growing understanding in entertainment about the importance of people of color in film.

This week Farai Chideya talks with Representative-Elect Jamaal Bowman of New York about his plans for a more just and equitable district, with a major focus on education. Contributor Errin Haines of The 19th updates listeners on the latest moves in the incoming Biden Administration, and NPR correspondent Hansi Lo Wang explains why the 2020 Census is still not over. Advocate Imani Barbarin discusses the intersection of disability and social media. And Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom beautifully annotates her lived experience as a Black woman and sociologist in her collection of personal essays.EPISODE RUNDOWN1:13 Representative-Elect Jamaal Bowman of New York on why he ran for office. 4:05 Bowman discusses possibilities for adapting education for Covid safety, and why it’s hard to make change in education systems. 8:13 In years prior, Bowman didn’t align with any particular political party, because he “didn't feel either party spoke to my needs personally or the needs of my family and my community.”14:00 Errin Haines discusses the lack of diversity in President-Elect Joe Biden’s administration so far. 15:35 Susan Rice is slated to become the next Director of White House Domestic Policy Council, Haines says, a position that crucially does not require Senate confirmation. 18:37 A new poll out of Georgia finds that a majority of registered Black female voters are highly concerned about the outcome of the Senate races.21:04 Our Covid update highlights the crisis in Navajo Nation, and the systemic difficulties that health care providers face there.24:06 NPR national correspondent Hansi Lo Wang breaks down the importance of the 2020 Census, and how the Supreme Court could be making some historic changes to the way it operates. 33:00 Disability activist Imani Barbarin talks about how she uses social media to get her message out and connect with others in the disability community.35:02 Barbarin explains the parallels between those impacted by Covid and those in the disability community.37:48 Having lived in France, Barbarin says having a disability in the two countries is a completely different experience.38:38 Author, professor and sociologist Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom talks about her latest collection of essays and her lived experience of being a Black woman in America. 40:09 “..whiteness defends itself against change, against progress, against hope, against black dignity, against black lives, against reason,” McMillan Cottom says. 41:46 McMillan Cottom talks about the trauma of her own birthing experience, and explains the dangers of the US healthcare system for Black women and others who are meant to understand their bodies are “incompetent.”

This week Farai Chideya talks to Dallas Chief of Police Reneé Hall about her career in law enforcement at a time of rising consciousness across the nation. Dr. Kavita Trivedi explains the intricacies of Covid testing and why it’s important to keep safety protocols in place. Reporter Ruth Umoh makes the connection between student debt and entrepreneurship, and Errin Haines gives us an update on the incoming stars of the Biden-Harris White House. Plus, a higher education leader on how students and colleges are coping during Covid, and searching for a shared history with author Morgan Jerkins.EPISODE RUNDOWN2:09 Dallas Chief of Police Reneé Hall talks about being a police officer for the majority of her career and explains why after three years as Chief, she is now stepping down. 6:51 Chief Hall describes a series of “unimaginable events” in her resignation letter and explains how she coped with tumultuous times in law enforcement. 8:16 During the onset of the George Floyd protests, Chief Hall received criticism for detaining protesters in Dallas. Chief Hall explains why she stands by her decision. 13:18 Chief Hall reflects on the current racial reckoning and her place in it:,“So how can blue lives matter and Black lives not? And how can Black lives matter and blue lives not? I happen to be both.” 15:29 Political contributor Errin Haines dives into the President-Elect’s incoming staff selections.15:45 Recent news of a Georgia election official reaching his boiling point has put even more eyes on the status of Georgia’s election system.17:07 Haines talks about how the upcoming Georgia senate election is a reflection of our democracy..18:59 Vaccines, survival rates, and more, in our weekly Covid update.20:19 Low income students are falling behind in their education as the pandemic forces schools to use a distance learning model. 21:51 Dr. Angel Perez, CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling, talks about the changes in higher education due to Covid.23:27 Dr. Perez explains that in some ways, higher education is more accessible than ever before, as the pandemic forces institutions to rethink their admissions process.24:29 Funding for under-resourced schools, including K-12 schools, is needed right now, says Dr. Perez. 26:35 Dr Kavita Trivedi says we shouldn’t rely on testing as a means of preventing Covid infection.28:39 Dr. Trivedi urges the public to continue sticking to CDC guidelines to prevent further spread of the virus. 32:08 Ruth Umoh, Forbes magazine journalist, breaks down how student debt forgiveness could impact Black businesses. 33:15 Umoh states that Black students are more likely to borrow money for higher education, and are more likely than their white counterparts to owe a majority of their initial loan balance 20 years later. 36:30 Several tech companies gave shout-outs to Black owned businesses ahead of Black Friday, and Umoh says corporations can participate in the country’s racial reckoning in meaningful ways.38:15 Leezel Tanglao of Tayo Help talks about the prevalence of disinformation among the Filipino community and how her group is combating it. 40:16 Tanglao says there are cultural barriers that make it more difficult to help those who might be affected by Covid within the Filipino community. 42:38 Morgan Jerkins is a New York Times bestselling author and Senior Editor for ZORA, and talks about her book “Wandering in Strange Lands: A Daughter of the Great Migration Reclaims Her Roots.” 44:18 Jerkins explains that she wrote the book to understand her ancestry, which she felt disconnected from as a Black American.47:20 While exploring her roots, Jerkins discovered pieces of history that were never taught to her through her formal education.

This week Farai Chideya talks with journalists who are changing the world around them. First, veteran journalist Maria Hinojosa on creating a more inclusive newsroom as one of the pioneering Latinas in public radio. Then journalist Wendi Thomas on why she built a newsroom by and for locals in Memphis; and Jenni Monet on decolonizing our news feeds. The New York Times’ Somini Segupta talks about covering the climate crisis. And Lisa Lucas explains how a Twitter hashtag changed her career path, and her goals as a new publisher. Plus, the women behind the Guild of Future Architects join Farai for the second part of their conversation on envisioning our collective future.Episode Rundown1:22 Veteran journalist Maria Hinojosa talks about the ups and the downs of her career in public radio and what she’s learned in the process.5:12 Hinojosa talks about having to defend herself in the newsroom, even as colleagues accused her of having a “Latino agenda.”6:55 Hinojosa talks about creating the newsroom she wished she had as a young journalist, in Futuro Media Group.13:05 Tennessee journalist Wendi Thomas on why she started her media outlet, MLK 50, and how she was able to get the funding to make it all happen.15:40 Thomas recently won an award for her investigative piece about a local hospital suing patients, “whose only mistake was being sick and poor at the same time.”17:05 Thomas talks about why local journalism is so important in creating change.18:30 Our weekly Covid update looks into how the pandemic has wreaked havoc on those who were already experiencing hardships before Covid. 20:39 Investigative reporter Jenni Monet talks about her newsletter, called Indigenously: Decolonizing Your News Feed.24:04 Chideya and Monet reflect on their time at Standing Rock and whether or not people should expect their government to make change.27:42 Somini Sengupta shares what she’s learned covering climate change for The New York TImes, “I've learned that climate change is not a future risk. It is a now risk.”32:03 Lisa Lucas, the Executive Director of the National Book Foundation, talks about rising up in the literary world.35:57 Lucas talks about the tweet that landed her a publishing job.34:40 Lucas never imagined herself to be a publisher, but has big goals for the position.38:39 Journalist Sarah Smarsh talks about her piece “Poor Teeth,” which explores the accessibility of dental care in America and how it is an indicator of socioeconomic status.40:39 Smarsh talks about The Poor People’s Campaign and how it is carrying out the legacy of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.42:42 Why Dolly Parton is an important role model for feminist, working class women.44:28 Guild of Future Architects founder Sharon Chang explores the importance of imagination in studying history.46:36 Farai shares a listener voicemail and discusses paths to equitable and accessible care systems with the Guild of Future Architects leaders.

Congresswoman Tlaib talks about The Squad’s role and how grassroots activism is shaping the future of the Democratic Party. Infectious disease expert Dr. Celine Gounder, a member of the Biden Covid-19 task force, offers insights into two promising vaccines. Scholar Robert P. Jones discusses the intersection of religion and politics, and bestselling author Yaa Gyasi tells us about her new book, her Ghanaian roots, and removing the stigma around mental health.Episode 9 Rundown2:42 Representative Rashida Tlaib on how she continues to fight for her constituents despite working in a polarized Congress. 4:28 Representative Tlaib reminisces on her upbringing in Detroit and how her community was so accustomed to inequality, they didn’t realize they had the short end of the stick. 9:12 When talking about The Squad, Representative Tlaib says it’s all about the grassroots support, and how that supports the progressive policies she champions.13:14 Dr. Celine Gounder dives into the goals of President-Elect Joe Biden’s Covid Task Force. 15:05 Dr. Gounder breaks down the challenges that low-income and rural communities will have distributing a Covid vaccine.21:12 Learn about how experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci envisions the rollout of the vaccine in our weekly Covid update.22:28 Lonnae O’Neal of ESPN’s “The Undefeated” investigates the intersection of race, sports and health in America.25:00 The distrust of the medical system among the Black community dates back decades, O’Neal explains.27:03 Errin Haines of The 19th shares her take on current events as a political contributor for Our Body Politic.27:53 Haines says the division between those who trust and those who don’t trust election results speaks to a wider disenfranchisement of Black and brown voters.30:29 The Biden-Harris administration has a plan to put people in historically underrepresented communities into his cabinet, Haines explains, but where are the Black women?32:23 Robert P. Jones, CEO and founder of The Public Religion Research Institute, gives listeners some insight on the influence of religion on how people vote.37:17 Jones breaks down the cultural divide we are seeing in the country, “It really comes down to this big question of who is America, who gets to be an American, what does an American look like?”41:45 Yaa Gyasi talks about writing, her Ghanaian roots, and finding her identity in America.46:20 Growing up, Gyasi recalls her parents finding community in the church and explores the topic of finding community in her book.

This week Farai Chideya speaks with Senator Tammy Duckworth about serving in the military, becoming a mother, and advocating for safe and equitable environments for veterans. Washington insider Stephanie Valencia breaks down the so-called Latino vote, and challenges the major parties to show up beyond an election year. Farai talks to our finance contributor Ruth Umoh about the significance and optics of Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris for women of color. And journalist S. Mitra Kalita and Farai get real on the role of journalists in a pandemic.Episode Rundown1:00 Farai gets a feel for post-election celebrations in Washington, DC, and introduces this week’s show.1:52 Tammy Duckworth talks about serving in the military and how she would do it again, even if that meant she’d be injured again.8:46 Duckworth shares her thoughts on the importance of Senator Kamala Harris becoming the Vice President elect.9:38 The Senator balances being career-driven and becoming a mother.13:20 We congratulate our political contributor Errin Haines for receiving the Vernon Jarrett Medal for Journalistic Excellence.15:03 Chideya and Haines talk about what the Biden-Harris administration can and should do to materially improve the lives of Black Americans. 17:54 Looking into the Senate race in Haines’ home state, Georgia.20:50 Stephanie Valencia breaks down the “Latino vote” and insists there’s just as much nuance to this voter group as others, but less attention paid to that complexity.24:06 “I would like Democrats to treat Latino voters a little bit more like white swing voters. We are that diverse and that nuanced...” says Stephanie Valencia of EquisLabs.24:58 Our weekly Covid update looks at how communities of color are continually impacted by the pandemic.26:02 Researchers determine that there are not enough people getting the flu shot this season.27:07 Ruth Umoh talks about the Biden Plan for Black America and how it could be accomplished.29:26 Umoh breaks down how we hold politicians accountable by continuing to mobilize and vote. 30:25 Forbes researches the best employers for veterans, and how to ensure veterans succeed in civilian careers.32:18 Imagining a future of liberation for women of color, with Sharon Chang and Kamal Sinclair of The Guild of Future Architects.33:58 Sinclair talks about how and when people feel liberated, and why imagining that liberation can be powerful.36:16 Chang explains why she’s an optimist: “My optimism really rests on our ability to just think outside of all frameworks, all language, all understanding, all mindsets, so we can liberate ourselves in the sense that anything really is possible.”39:25 Call into our SPEAK platform to participate in the collective envisioning of our future!40:21 Ajón Crump decides to make the best of her time in lockdown by fundraising for and sending free sneakers to nurses on the frontline of the pandemic.42:48 Journalist S. Mitra Kalita talks about how her own experience in the pandemic made her aware of the importance of tight-knit communities and taking care of your neighbors.45:28 How Kalita uses her skills as a journalist to help her community survive the effects of the pandemic, and gets the idea for starting a local newsletter, Epicenter-NYC.46:53 Kalita talks about how Epicenter-NYC could be the framework for a new model of community-based, hyperlocal journalism.

This week political contributor Errin Haines and host Farai Chideya reflect on the Presidential election and the role of Black women and women of color voters. Mutale Nkonde returns to talk about the actual impact of targeted voter suppression. Dr. Kimberly Moffitt gets into what it means to find truth in the information age, and a new ISPU study looks at how American Muslims build coalitions. Steven Thrasher applies the lessons learned from the AIDS epidemic to COVID. And science fiction author N.K Jemisin on how she finds inspiration in daily life. Plus, we hear from passionate voters on election day at polls across the country.Episode Rundown0:30 The origins of Our Body Politic, with host Farai Chideya. 5:50 Voters from across the country tell us why they voted in this election. 6:30 Errin Haines, regular contributor and Editor-at-large at The 19th, talks about the voters of color who turned out this election.8:24 Haines explains trends we are seeing in Senate and House races.10:51 The narratives around the role of white voters and Black voters and why that must change.11:50 More voters talk about why they committed to their plan to vote. 13:02 Mutale Nkonde, CEO of AI For The People, talks about the disinformation age and how to combat fake news.16:02 Nkonde explains how the influx of people of color from progressive cities into the suburbs of southern states is turning some districts blue.17:45 Farai and Nkonde ask: what lessons will politicians learn from the 2020 election?20:32 Farai poses a question for our listeners to take part in our SPEAK segment.21:17 The Covid update - record-breaking cases, the impacts of being pregnant with COVID-19, and what’s at stake in the SCOTUS case about the Affordable Care Act. 22:23 Would a federal mask mandate work? Professor Steven Thrasher reflects on his time studying the AIDS epidemic and how we can apply lessons learned to the Covid pandemic. 23:47 Is it helpful to prosecute individuals for a disease? According to Professor Thrasher, it does more harm than good.26:30 A case study of how criminalizing disease creates bias and disincentivizes people from getting tested for disease.32:10 How can we discern fake news from the true facts? Dr. Kimberly Moffitt explains why we are such impulsive media consumers, and how to change that.33:24 Identity politics is a huge problem when seeking out the facts, Dr. Moffitt suggests.37:23 A conversation with Dalia Mogahed and Meira Neggaz from the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding about their recent study on American Muslim voters.40:06 Good news segment brings you good news from the entertainment world: Sharon Jones honored in her home state, Beyoncé lifting up young professionals, and Claire Zhao making impactful movies.41:35 Fiction author N.K. Jemisin tells us about racism and bias in the literary world, and how fiction is based not on the past or the future, but the present. 44:23 Jemisin talks about her Broken Earth trilogy and how it all started with an unexplainable dream.47:00 Jemisin explains some of the conspiracies within the fantasy fandom community that prevent people of color from receiving awards.

Farai Chideya talks with Errin Haines, editor-at-large of The 19th, and Jess Morales Rocketto, civic engagement director at the National Domestic Workers Alliance, about what motivated women of color to turn out at the polls and take up leadership roles in activism, media, and more. Plus, what WoC want to see in political leaders from now on.

This week Farai Chideya dives into how federal judges are central in the fight to protect reproductive health with Alexis McGill Johnson of Planned Parenthood. We break down the steps in creating more inclusive representation with the cofounders of Women of Color for Progress. Also, understanding how students of HBCUs are mobilizing for the upcoming election, and lifetime activist Dolores Huerta reminisces about her advocacy over the years. Correction: We incorrectly stated that Dolores Huerta was awarded the Medal of Freedom in 2000. She was a 2011 Medal of Freedom recipient; the honor was delivered by President Obama in 2012.Episode Rundown1:11 Alexis McGill Johnson, CEO of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, talks about how the new Supreme Court appointment could impact Americans’ reproductive rights.5:28 How the upcoming election will affect access to healthcare for all Americans. 8:36 Women of Color for Progress cofounders Amanda Farías and Karen Coronel talk about running for local office and motivating more women to represent their communities. 11:27 Farías explains how to take the plunge into politics, even if you have no prior experience. 13:31 Errin Haines details her four-hour journey to cast an early vote.15:13 Haines breaks down voter suppression and voter depression. 17:10 Our SPEAK segment explores the top issues that our listeners are sharing with us. 18:22 Delece Smith-Barrow talks about the importance of this election to students at HBCUs. 22:03 Ruth Umoh dives into how Black business women have been affected by the pandemic. 23:48 Umoh describes how the business and finance community has responded to the call for action after the death of Geroge Floyd.27:47 Our weekly Covid update talks about the record number of coronavirus cases, why more white Americans are getting sick, and how masks are stopping the spread of the virus.31:31 Dr. Ijeoma Nnodim Opara describes a recent encounter with a police officer who was not wearing a mask. 33:18 “I recognized that the environments that we're in right now, politically, socially, culturally, economically as well, and that this will not be about public health. The most important thing was for me to get home safe to my babies right now.” Dr. Nnodim Opara reflecting on her identity and having to weigh the risks of an encounter with police.35:55 Alice Wong, founder and director of the Disability Visibility Project, talks about #CripTheVote and raising awareness for voters with disabilities. 39:25 Wong explains her fear of losing the Affordable Care Act and what it would mean for people with disabilities. 42:55 Dolores Huerta and her legacy of “Si se puede.”46:30 Huerta talks about her history with police violence and why she’d be at the protests happening right now if it wasn’t for Covid-19.47:56 Huerta talks about her experiences on the Playa at Burning Man, and why she thinks it should be a model for society at large.

This week Farai Chideya explores Black gun ownership with journalist Trymaine Lee, and takes the pulse of voters in California with Representative Karen Bass. A pediatrician helps us understand how to support kids through the pandemic, and a former Secret Service agent gives us tips for staying safe at the polls. Plus, one writer’s escape to Paris.Episode Rundown0:35 Joe Biden’s campaign raised two million dollars after David Perdue’s exaggerated mispronunciation of running mate Kamala Harris’s name.2:00 Farai talks to journalist Trymaine Lee about the increasing numbers of Black gun owners, a subject he spoke about on his MSNBC podcast Into America.8:02 Lee talks about the risks associated with being a Black man with a gun. “While America has always been a very violent, very dangerous place, where guns are lionized, guns are worshiped, just not in the hands of Black folks.” Lee says.8:39 Representative Karen Bass of California talks about voter suppression and encourages everyone to vote this upcoming election.12:47 Political contributor Errin Haines and Farai talk about all things politics: the significance of having a Black woman moderate a presidential debate, the importance of state races, and Florida’s role in the election.18:15 In the weekly Covid-19 update: the CDC’s new recommendations for avoiding close contact, the rising death rate for Hispanics, and new research on the low risk of transmitting the virus through breast milk.20:18 Genevieve Daftary, pediatric medical director at Codman Square Health Center in Boston, says she sees increasing rates and intensity of anxiety, depression, and behavioral dysregulation in children since the start of the pandemic.26:14 Former Secret Service agent Holli Draines gives advice on how to stay safe and secure at the polls and other public places.28:09 Draines says you should always know your exits, tell people where you’re going, and if you ever feel unsafe, put time and distance between you and the situation.31:48 Listeners tell us what’s on their minds with our SPEAK platform.32:57 Liz Hartley, an investor who is also the co-founder of the group Eleven Three, offers tools that track polling lines and help you plan your voting strategy.36:01 Filpina filmmaker Isabel Sandoval talks with us about her film “Lingua Franca,” a story about a power struggle that defies the tropes of Hollywood, especially when it comes to portraying trans women.42:20 In our weekly “Good news:” Barbie addresses systemic racism, HBO announces more Euphoria episodes, and civil rights icon Angela Davis appears in the New York Times Style Magazine.43:18 Author Audrey Edwards talks about her experience leaving the U.S. for Paris, when Donald Trump was elected in 2016. She talks about the freedom and empowerment she felt in her book American Runaway: Black and Free in Paris in the Trump Years.

This week Farai Chideya explores the ideological diversity among women of color with Shirlene Ostrov, the Chairman of the Hawaii Republican Party, and Dr. Leah Wright Rigueur, a leading expert on Black Republicans. "Rise" looks closer at feminism and social issues, from China to the U.S. with writer Frankie Huang, and a provocative discussion of Black leadership with Janaya “Future” Khan, international ambassador of the Black Lives Matter movement.Episode Rundown4:30 Hawaii GOP Chairman Shirlene Ostrov talks about how the President has helped people of color. 7:29 Dr. Leah Wright Rigueur talks about the difference between Black Americans who identify as Democrats and those who identify as Republicans. 10:14 There's a gender gap between Black men and women at the polls. 13:22 Errin Haines and Farai Chideya talk about which congressional races have significant impact on women of color candidates and voters.15:53 New York Times reports that the Trump Administration secretly briefed stock market investors ahead of the pandemic. 17:25 Covid update: Where cases are spiking, and how to vote safely. 20:09 Dr. Kavita Trivedi talks about vaccine trials for COVID24:50 Shyvon Paul and Dr. Ronica Mukerjee tell us about Healthcare for the People. 26:40 The U.S. has “the highest rates of death from COVID in the world because of the lack of caring for communities of color, and also poor people” - Dr. Mukerjee. 28:28 As much as the healthcare system needs reform, systemic racism is at the root of healthcare disparities. 33:30 Writer Frankie Huang talks about the racism Chinese-Americans face because of COVID and white supremacy.37:43 The Good News segment includes Megan Thee Stallion, police accountability and Ava DuVernay. 40:19 Activist Janaya Future Khan explains why “our job is to make revolution irresistible.”44:00 Khan speaks about the new leadership of Black women and queer folks today46:34 Khan talks about their first time experiencing and understanding activism.

This week Farai Chideya talks with California Congresswoman Barbara Lee about housing, climate change and Covid in the East Bay Area. Dr. Jonathan Metzl breaks down how the country’s racial hierarchy affects healthcare access for white Americans. Our weekly Covid update looks at the frontline workers exposed in the White House, and the impact of the pandemic on schools in New York City. And the "Rise" segment features Black explorers in search of sunken slave ships. Plus: an intrepid woman who refused to let Covid slow down her dating life.Episode Rundown0:35 This week’s happenings - Trump gets COVID-19, Minneapolis police officer gets bailed out, Puerto Rican voters at the polls, and the dialogue divide. 2:44 “Here to talk to us about the debate and what America faces next is Representative Barbara Lee of California.”3:25 Representative talks about the historic moment of Kamala Harris on the Vice Presidential Debate stage. 4:55 “We're in the midst of a pandemic upon a pandemic upon a pandemic.” 7:11 Amna Nawaz on the Vice Presidential Debate and what voters learned this time around. 11:11 The Supreme Court and abortion. 13:12 Women in the workforce and how the pandemic has disproportionately affected women. 16:28 The pandemic is absolutely political for women because this is part of their daily lived reality.18:27 Covid update: The virus in the White House and a resurgence in New York City neighborhoods. 21:40 Dr. Jonathan Metzl on his book "Dying of Whiteness," about how the racial resentment affects all americans. 23:47 What whiteness means in this pandemic25:35 How maintaining a white identity is bad for individuals and public health. 28:28 To some, the Affordable Care Act has turned into a social system that defies “whiteness.” How the Supreme Court could change that. 32:03 Two years after Jamal Khoshoghi was murdered, Farai talks to Karen Attiah, global opinions editor at The Washington Post. 36:26 Attiah on the pandemic: “It's a slow moving mass casualty event on par even beyond the scale of the wars that America has participated in.”38:45 Forty dates in the pandemic with Jareen Imam.40:17 “I didn't think in this point in my life that I would be alone. I thought I would be married.”42:18 Some good news: Women of color in film, Angela Davis and the Divine Nine. 43:24 Diving for sunken slave ships with Tara Roberts45:58 “I love the quote by Chimamanda, the writer who talks about the danger of a single story.”48:00 Searching for her roots and knowing that a story that begins with pain isn’t the end of the story.

This week on Our Body Politic, Farai Chideya talks with Congresswoman Deb Haaland of New Mexico about leading with her Laguna Pueblo heritage. Farai digs into politics and the economy in conversations about income taxes and the role of disinformation in our elections. Our weekly Covid update puts President Trump’s diagnosis in context with other impacted Americans. Our Rise segment looks at one woman uplifting families of police-violence victims, and how exotic dancers in Atlanta are getting out the vote. CORRECTION: This episode’s COVID update misstated the likelihood of Black and Hispanic patients dying of Covid as 3 and 4 times more likely than non-Hispanic whites. But they are roughly 2.5 times more likely to die than white patients. Episode Rundown2:20 Deb Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo tribe, talks about being a Congresswoman and how she remained hopeful. 6:58 Haaland talks about why it’s imperative for those who can vote, to vote. 8:09 Farai talks to Radhika Balakrishnan about Trump’s income taxes, income inequality, and our tax system. 10:29 Balakrishnan explains the long-term economic impacts of the pandemic. 13:00 One listener calls in to tell us their experience about incorrect voting dates in NYC.14:22 Farai speaks with Mutale Nkonde, UN advisor on Race and AI, about disinformation campaigns that convince voters not to vote, domestically and abroad.18:15 Disinformation: An art and practice developed in the Cold War, and still used to this day. 22:54 How to steer clear from disinformation this election.25:16 Egyptian-American journalist Mona Eltahawy talks about Amy Coney Barrett after her piece “If Amy Coney Barrett Was a Muslim”29:12 Eltahawy talks about protests, revolution, and who the Supreme Court benefits. 31:39 Errin Haines and Farai grapple with the first Presidential Debate. 32:48 Erinn and her piece “Toxic Masculinity Takes Center Stage at the First Presidential Debate.” 36:46 COVID-19: Who has it (POTUS and FLOTUS), and who it is disproportionately affecting.40:36 Dr. Nikki Jackson talks about the importance of the flu shot. 42:08 Is it safe to go to the doctors office? Dr. Jackson says yes, go! 43:08 The Good News section - Beyonce, voting in style, and so much more. 43:50 A conversation with Shatonna Nelson about police brutality and the communities it impacts. 46:37 Nelson - “They all know that they need to tell the story,” on how to heal as the family of a victim of police brutality.

Welcome to the first episode of Our Body Politic, created by award-winning journalist Farai Chideya. This episode digs into the controversies surrounding the Census with actor and activist Alfre Woodard. Farai talks to two lawyers leading the campaign to put a Black woman on the Supreme Court. Errin Haines of The 19th and Jess Morales Rocketto of the National Domestic Workers Alliance discuss the power of Black and WoC voters this November. Plus, our weekly Covid update about the pandemic’s impact on communities of color. Episode Rundown 1:57 April Reign and Sabriya Williams talk about the death of Supreme- Court- Justice Ruth-Bader-Ginsberg.4:14 Why representation in the Supreme Court matters.5:35 Republicans’ plans to rush a new Supreme Court Justice.8:38 “There’s already names that are being circulated of Black women who might be Supreme Court justices and nominees.”13:51 Errin Haines and Jess Morales Rocketto talk about the importance of the Women of Color vote in the upcoming presidential election. 15:18 Oh my gosh. Absolutely. Women of color are key to winning elections.17:18 Erin Haines - “I mean, you don’t have Joe Biden as your presumptive Democratic nominee weeks ahead of schedule without Black women, right?”18:58 Jess Morales Rocketto - “To my Latina sisters and fems, honestly, I think the most important thing is that we can really make the difference in this election.”20:43 Covid news and how essential workers are disproportionately affected by the virus. 22:07 Last month, the CDC abruptly changed its testing guidelines, saying people who weren’t showing symptoms of COVID-19 didn’t need to be tested, even if they thought they’d been exposed.24:09 Dr. Kavita Trivedi talks about her background iat the CDC as an epidemic intelligence service officer, and helping to manage outbreaks of antibiotic-resistant infections and manage infection control.26:56 “We have now clearly seen that African Americans, Latinx communities, are disproportionately affected by the pandemic in so many different ways. “29:05 Dr. Trivedi stresses the importance of the flu vaccine this upcoming winter, so that doctors can rule out the sickness when COVID symptoms arise.32:16 An interview with Soraya Nadia McDonald about Naomi Osaka. 37:25 Naomi Osaka repping Black Lives Matter masks during the US Open. 40:02 An interview with Alfred Woodard about the importance of the Census. 42:29 “So many people are putting their lives on the line daily to keep the country rolling.”49:25 Alfred Woodward says, if those enslaved can show up for the Census, so can we. 47:48 “I tell stories because I want to lift all of my sisters and my brothers the same way that griots have always done.”48:49 “Black Lives Matter was a hashtag that started after the death of Trayvon Martin to find each other online.”

Created and hosted by award-winning journalist Farai Chideya, Our Body Politic is unapologetically centered on reporting on not just how women of color experience the major political events of today, but how they're impacting those very issues. Weekly episodes feature in-depth conversations about the economy, health, politics, education, the environment, and the most prescient issues—because all issues are women's issues. Tune in every Friday everywhere you listen to podcasts, and on public radio stations around the country. Presented by KCRW, KPCC, and KQED.