Hi everyone, I'm Susie Weiss, and I've noticed there's just simply not enough podcasts in the world. So I'm launching my own. Let's go. Let's go, baby. Second Thought is a weekly show about pop culture. The stuff everyone's been binging, arguing about, obsessing over. Here's the thing about heated rivalry. I mean, even the most devoted swifties, I think we can agree, not our best work. We'll be hosting thoughtful conversations with culture's most important figures. Talk about genius.

Talk about generational talent.

Coming to headphones near you on

April 17th with a first guest you won't want to miss. Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Hi, my name is Michelle and here's my question. I'm white and I've often heard the critique that

white people's attempts at anti-racism and or social justice work are largely performative.

I definitely do not want to be performative, but as somebody who is still learning how to show up for anti-racism, what's the alternative?

Welcome to how to. I'm Courtney Martin. We love when you guys send us hard questions like the one you just heard.

Ultimately, Michelle wasn't up for coming on the show, which we totally understand, but her question has really resonated with me.

Maybe it's resonating with you too, given what's been happening this year all across the country.

Universities here in Texas are now banned from engaging in any diversity, equity, and inclusion activities.

Governor Cox vowed to end diversity hiring practices at Utah's public colleges and universities.

The State Board of Education passed a rule permanently prohibiting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the Florida college system.

I don't know about you, but stories like these make me want to take action.

When fighting for racial justice, there's a phrase that is often floated these days. Maybe you've heard it. It's, quote, doing the work.

But sometimes you wonder,

what does that actually mean? I mean, as I see it, doing the work is largely about getting willing white folks to listen to, learn from, and fight alongside people of color, which is

essential. It's something we talked a lot about after the death of George Floyd in 2020.

It was such a sobering, important moment for so many people.

But these days, the backlash is real.

As we just heard, racial justice work is getting harder in some states,

which is all the more reason that we need to welcome people into the racial justice conversation

...