Radiotopia Presents: Red for Revolution

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

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2025

Red for Revolution is an enthralling audio drama that tells the passionate love story between jazz singer Lorraine Giovanni and activist Ella Ali. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of 18-year-old Jazmine, who is coming of age and seeking wisdom from her grandmother, Ella. As Jazmine conducts heartfelt interviews with her grandmother, listeners are transported between the vibrant present and the tumultuous year of 1971, encountering a captivating array of characters and experiencing an epic romance that transcends time.Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith, with musical direction by Tammy L. Hall and sound design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith, and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band: Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion.  The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee.The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. Performances featured in order of appearance: adrienne maree brown as Series Sonic Guide Jordan Hull as Jazmine S. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day) Caro Guzmán as Adrienne Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day) Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s) Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s) Alimi Ballard as LeRoy Don Daniels as Sean Vanessa E. Williams as Barbra Graves Jennifer Beals as Suzanne Sands Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Delores Ali Danny Glover as Howard Ali Song Featured:"Revolution" — Written by Jana Naomi Smith. Original composition by Tammy L. Hall. Performed by Renée Wilson and the Red For Revolution BandLearn more about Red for Revolution at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Transcribed - Published: 29 January 2025

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Weight For It - “Into Thin Air."It's not too late - Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is still on! Donate to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Transcribed - Published: 31 December 2024

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - This Day in Esoteric Political History - “Dick Cheney Shoots Friend In The Face”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Transcribed - Published: 30 December 2024

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The West Wing Weekly - “The American President”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Transcribed - Published: 29 December 2024

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Stoop - “This Ain't Texas, It's Africa."It's not too late - Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is still on! Donate to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Transcribed - Published: 28 December 2024

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Song Exploder - “Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - Our House."It's not too late - Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is still on! Donate to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Transcribed - Published: 27 December 2024

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Recipe with Kenji and Deb - “Popcorn”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Transcribed - Published: 26 December 2024

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative - “Just a Girl with a Microphone."Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Transcribed - Published: 25 December 2024

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Radio Diaries - “The John Birch Society”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2024

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Normal Gossip - “The Suite Life of Rachelle and Kelsey”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Transcribed - Published: 23 December 2024

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Mortified Podcast - “The Origin Story”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Transcribed - Published: 22 December 2024

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Memory Palace - “Lost Jobs”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! And you can buy The Memory Palace book here.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Transcribed - Published: 21 December 2024

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Kitchen Sisters Present - “Tupperware”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2024

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Hyperfixed - “Casey Wants to Believe”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2024

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Heart - “EPILOGUE | Letter to Gaza”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Transcribed - Published: 18 December 2024

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Hang Up - “Speed Dial”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2024

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Ear Hustle - “What's Up, Michael Freeman?”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Transcribed - Published: 16 December 2024

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Benjamen Walker's Theory of Everything - "Not All Propaganda is Art" episode 1.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Transcribed - Published: 15 December 2024

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Articles of Interest - “Nudity”.Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you!  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Transcribed - Published: 14 December 2024

From our friends at Personal Best (CBC) —Personal Best from CBC celebrates small ambitions, half-wins and the quiet satisfaction of getting less bad at things. Each week they help ordinary people work through the little things they’d never bring to a life coach — like having the courage to dine alone at a fancy restaurant or getting less awkward at handshakes. Let them be your self-improvement sidekicks! In this episode, you’ll meet Will who likes the simple things in life, but is haunted by a fear of commitment. Only a very special shawarma can break the curse. More episodes are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/HcfhFnRc

Transcribed - Published: 17 September 2024

From our friends at the LAist —In 2023, North Hollywood’s Star Garden reopened as the only unionized strip club in the U.S. LAist Producer Emma Alabaster tells us the behind-the-scenes story of the workplace conditions that pushed the dancers into action. CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes sensitive content about sexual assault.For sexual assault and harassment support and resources, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673, which is a service of RAINN (Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network).Here are some resources that informed our reporting: Working It: Sex Workers on the Work of Sex (In particular, the essay "White Supremacy in Organizing" by Domino Rey) Unequal Desires: Race and Erotic Capital in the Stripping Industry by Siobhan Brooks Tits and Sass: Service Journalism by and for Sex Workers LA Co-op Lab U.S. Federation of Worker Cooperatives 2021 Worker Cooperative State of the Sector Report Yes, A Stripper Podcast For more resources For more, visit https://LAist.com/ImperfectParadise

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2024

Back in 2017, Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative host/producer Jess Shane made “Perfect Woman”, an episode of Love Me, the CBC podcast. In 2018, Nick van der Kolk made “Points of Egress” for his show, Love + Radio, inspired by “Perfect Woman”. Today, we come full circle to share “Points of Egress” with you. Listen to the end for Jess’s version of the credits.

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2024

After Jess receives feedback that throws a major wrench into her production schedule, she has to make some tough decisions. Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative is written, hosted and produced by Jess Shane. Sara Nics is the story editor. Sound design, mix/mastering by Michelle Macklem. Production support from Mona Hassan. Cover art is by Justin Broadbent. Jess’s bibliography is available here. This reporting was supported in part by the International Women’s Media Foundation’s Howard G.Buffett Fund for Women Journalists. Special thanks to Eleanor McDowall and Chioke I’Anson. For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the managing producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. It’s a production of PRX’s Radiotopia and part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. Learn more about Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm. We’d like to thank the extended Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative team, without whom you may not have heard about this project. For PRX marketing: Gretchen Borzi, David Cotrone, Sher Delva, Apu Goteh, and Maggie Gourville. For PRX sponsorship: Audrey Davidson, Melissa Garcia-Houle, Carolyn Willander, and Jeanne Yeh. This series was possible thanks to Ernesto, Michael, and Judy, whose vibrant souls could never fit into the confines of any series. Most of all, thank you for listening.

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2024

With only a few months till launch, Jess plays a draft of the series for her subjects and gives them an opportunity to request major changes. Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative is written, hosted and produced by Jess Shane. Sara Nics is the story editor. Sound design, mix/mastering by Michelle Macklem. Production support from Mona Hassan. Cover art is by Justin Broadbent. Jess’s bibliography is available here. This reporting was supported in part by the International Women’s Media Foundation’s Howard G.Buffett Fund for Women Journalists. Special thanks to Eleanor McDowall and Chioke I’Anson. For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the managing producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. It’s a production of PRX’s Radiotopia and part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. Learn more about Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm.

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2024

Jess makes a deal with Judy, an unhoused senior. Judy will let Jess document her, and Jess will help Judy resolve some of her ongoing life problems. As Jess gets sucked into Judy's crises, the rest of the series starts to slip and Jess’ relationships with her other subjects get messy. Jess starts to doubt the premise of this entire undertaking. Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative is written, hosted and produced by Jess Shane. Sara Nics is the story editor. Sound design, mix/mastering by Michelle Macklem. Production support from Mona Hassan. Cover art is by Justin Broadbent. Jess’s bibliography is available here. This reporting was supported in part by the International Women’s Media Foundation’s Howard G.Buffett Fund for Women Journalists. Special thanks to Eleanor McDowall and Chioke I’Anson. For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the managing producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. It’s a production of PRX’s Radiotopia and part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. Learn more about Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm.

Transcribed - Published: 30 January 2024

Jess begins by documenting Ernesto, a 20-year-old, newly sober fashion model. The plan is to pay Ernesto and let him be in charge of the story he wants to tell in the documentary. Things go sideways when Jess and Ernesto grapple with what will need to be cut out of Ernesto's life to turn it into a viable media product. More about Pooja Rangan’s book Immediations HERE. Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative is written, hosted and produced by Jess Shane. Sara Nics is the story editor. Sound design, mix/mastering by Michelle Macklem. Production support from Mona Hassan. Cover art is by Justin Broadbent. Jess’s bibliography is available here. Support for this project was provided in part by the International Women’s Media Foundation. Special thanks to Eleanor McDowall and Chioke I’Anson. For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the managing producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. It’s a production of PRX’s Radiotopia and part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. Learn more about Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm.

Transcribed - Published: 23 January 2024

Jess used to think making documentaries was good for her subjects and good for the world. But she’s not so sure anymore. With this series, she's throwing out the old rules of documentary production and trying out some new ones. Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative is written, hosted and produced by Jess Shane. Sara Nics is the story editor. Sound design, mix/mastering by Michelle Macklem. Production support from Mona Hassan. Cover art is by Justin Broadbent. Jess’s bibliography is available here. Support for this project was provided in part by the International Women’s Media Foundation. Special thanks to Eleanor McDowall and Chioke I’Anson. For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the managing producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. It’s a production of PRX’s Radiotopia and part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. Learn more about Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm.

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2024

Artist and documentarian Jess Shane posts a Craigslist ad: “Does your story need to be told? Tell it in a documentary! Seeking shocking, heartbreaking, and transformative stories for a new series about the documentary industry. Compensation provided.” After days of auditions, Shane casts four participants, each with varied relationships to why they want to share their stories, from Ernesto, a recovering addict and fashion model who dreams of making it big, to Judy, an unhoused senior who wants to get off the street and give voice to the homeless. Through the making of documentaries about the participants, the series asks provocative questions about the story creation process, whether “sharing your story” is really as liberating as our culture imagines it can be, and how “being produced” for a show can shift someone’s relationship to their own experience. The series also explores the business side of the equation, such as how the forces underpinning today’s booming documentary marketplace impact whose stories are told or deemed valuable. Shane also turns her mic to subjects to weigh in on standard documentary protocol, from the concept of “access” and the taboo of paying subjects to the logistics of editorial control. Ultimately, “Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative” asks listeners to consider their own relationship to this popular genre of content. Learn more about “Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative” at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm.

Transcribed - Published: 9 January 2024

Today, longtime Presents producer Ian Coss shares a new project with a simple premise. If you want to talk about music today, you need to talk about migration – the movement of people around this earth. “Movement with Meklit Hadero” is a podcast that lives at that intersection: stories of music and migration, remixed.

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2023

Today, we’re introducing our Radiotopia Presents listeners to a brand new show out now from PRX. It’s called What’s Ray Saying?. In this first episode from the newest season, Ray Christian looks at the history of Black medicine and to better understand the treatment of the ills, injuries and minds of Black Americans, he reflects on his first experience of going to the doctor. What’s Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian and recorded in the great state of North Carolina. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with development support from The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seidel. Original music comes from RJ Christian and Blue Dot Sessions. To find out more about What Ray’s Saying? visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or at whatraysaying.com. This series is supported by PRX, The Moth, and listeners like you.

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2023

Today, we’re introducing our Radiotopia Presents listeners to a brand new show out now from PRX. It’s called What’s Ray Saying?. In this first episode from the newest season, Ray Christian looks at the history of Black medicine and to better understand the treatment of the ills, injuries and minds of Black Americans, he reflects on his first experience of going to the doctor.What’s Ray Saying? is created, hosted, and written by Ray Christian and recorded in the great state of North Carolina. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Jonathan Cabral is the associate producer. Story editing by Mark Pagán with development support from The Moth. Sound design by Rebecca Seidel. Original music comes from RJ Christian and Blue Dot Sessions.To find out more about What Ray’s Saying? visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or at whatraysaying.com.This series is supported by PRX, The Moth, and listeners like you.

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2023

Today, we are sharing an episode of Monumental, by our old friend Gisele Regatão, the producer/director of a hit dog will holler. For generations, Christopher Columbus has been glorified in monument after monument across the United States. And while Columbus statues have recently started coming down, including in cities like Columbus, Ohio, the largest one in the world is standing tall - very, very tall… in a U.S. territory – the beach town of Arecibo, Puerto Rico. In this episode, Gisele travels to Puerto Rico and beyond to uncover the roots of Columbus’ glorification in U.S. history and why he came to be represented in so many public statues – even though he never actually set foot on the U.S. mainland. And she visits a community artist in Woodside, Queens who confronts the myth of Columbus by creating new monuments that celebrate immigrant stories. A new podcast from PRX, Monumental interrogates the state of monuments across the greater U.S. and what their future says about where we are now and where we’re going. Join host Ashley C. Ford and a team of independent producers in this 10-episode series where we confront the reality of what we have publicly celebrated and memorialized thus far, exploring big questions about the past, present, and future of our monuments. Monumental is produced by PRX Productions, PRX’s award-winning creative studio specializing in audio storytelling. The series is generously supported by the Mellon Foundation.

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2023

Borrowed & Banned is a podcast from Brooklyn Public Library about tells the story of America’s ideological war with its bookshelves. Over seven episodes, hosts Virginia Marshall and Adwoa Adusei talk to students on the frontlines, librarians and teachers whose livelihoods are endangered when they speak up, and writers whose books have become political battleground. With every episode, they’ll share steps you can take to combat censorship, no matter how old you are. Subscribe on BPL’s website (https://www.bklynlibrary.org/podcasts) or your podcast app of choice (https://pod.link/1453877748).

Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2023

From tenderfoot.tv comes a new compelling podcast about 24-year-old Alana Chen who disappeared from Boulder, Colorado in 2019. She left behind two dozen journals chronicling a deep faith, her love of the outdoors, and her dream of becoming a nun. Alana also kept a secret, one that put her dream at risk. In this first episode, Simon travels to Boulder to meet Alana’s mother, Joyce, and becomes determined to help her understand what happened to Alana. To hear more Dear Alana visit apple.co/dearalana. For ad-free listening and exclusive content subscribe to Tenderfoot+ at tenderfoot.tv/plus Tenderfoot's social handles: IG: @tenderfoot.tv Twitter: @TenderfootTV FB: Tenderfoot TV Dear Alana social handles: IG: @dearalanapod Twitter: @dearalanapod FB: @DearAlana

Transcribed - Published: 15 September 2023

In this episode, we’re introducing our Radiotopia Presents listeners to a brand new show out now from Radiotopia. It’s called Weight For It. Weight For It unpacks the nuanced thoughts of fat folks, and of all folks who think about their weight all the time. Through narrative storytelling, and some memoir, host Ronald Young Jr. hopes to have the conversations that we tend to avoid when it comes to our bodies. We hope you’ll give Weight For It a try. If you like what you hear, subscribe to Weight For It in your podcast app of choice or find the show here. The team: Creator, Host, and Executive Producer: Ronald Young Jr. Editor: Sarah Dealy Sound Design and Mixing: The Reverend John DeLore

Transcribed - Published: 24 August 2023

Today we’re introducing our Radiotopia Presents listeners to a brand new dating game show, out now from Radiotopia. It’s called Hang Up. In each season, one person (the Star) is matched with six prospective love interests (the Callers). They go on dates over the phone and never see each other. After the dates, the Star chooses one person to “hang up” on and eliminate from the show. But there’s a twist— in the end, the final, remaining Caller makes their own choice: to either choose the Star back and take an all-expenses-paid vacation together or hang up on the Star and take a cash prize instead. We hope you enjoy episode 1 of Hang Up! To find out what happens on the rest of the season, subscribe to Hang Up in your podcast app of choice or find the show here. The team: Hang Up is created and produced by Caitlin Pierce, an award-winning audio producer and editor whose work has appeared on NPR, WNYC, KCRW, and BBC. The host and story editor is Zakiya Gibbons, an award-winning audio producer, editor and host who has worked with Gimlet, WNYC and Audible. She's also the co-founder of POC in Audio, a directory of people of color working in audio. Ben Montoya is the story editor, mixer, and sound designer.

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2023

Today we share the first episode of a new series, Dreamtown, from our friends at Crooked Media. Bug’s Plan. It’s 2014. Adelanto is a bankrupt city in the California desert known for its massive detention centers and not much else. Then, a stranger comes to town with a wild idea to make Adelanto great again: Become the first city in Southern California to legalize commercial weed cultivation. Subscribe to Dreamtown to hear episodes one through five right now wherever you get your podcasts. Adelanto is an original podcast from Crooked Media. It’s hosted, written and executive produced by David Weinberg. Nick White is the story editor. Angel Carreres is the associate producer, Sound Design Mix and Mastering by Brendan Baker of Phenomophon. The theme song is by Icarus himself, and the original score is by Eric Phillips. Fact Checking by Amy Tardif. Additional production help from Inez Maza, Sydney Rapp and Kobe Copeland. Thanks to Betsy Zajko for narrating portions of the show. From Crooked Media, Executive producers are Sarah Geismer, Katie Long and Mary Knauf with special thanks to Alison Falzetta, Lyra Smith, Andrew Leland, Richard Parks, III, Shaka Mali and Katya Apekina. Episode website: https://crooked.com/podcast/chapter-1-bugs-plan

Transcribed - Published: 28 June 2023

We have a treat for you this Fathers Day—an episode from Radiotopia’s The Heart. In the latest season titled DAD, The Heart brings you a different kind of love story, one between a father and daughter. In this first episode, Kaitlin tells the story of her relationship with her dad from birth to adulthood. As she matures into adulthood, she grapples with the period of her life that the family calls 'World War 3' and what it means for her relationship with her dad. Trigger Warning: topics related to physical and mental abuse. ⁠

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2023

In honor of Mother's Day, we revisit the first episode of author Jason Reynolds’ audio memoir, My Mother Made Me, featuring (and celebrating) one of our favorite mothers–Isabell Reynolds. It’s a wonderful introduction to Jason and a love letter to his mother, Isabell. We hope you enjoy – and maybe share with a mother figure in your life. My Mother Made Me is a production of Radiotopia Presents, and is written and narrated by Jason Reynolds with his mother, Isabell Reynolds. The series is produced by Mark Pagán and edited by Julie Shapiro, with production support from Yooree Losordo. Julie Shapiro and Audrey Mardavich are Executive Producers for Radiotopia Presents. Special thanks to Levar Burton. Cover art by Jason Griffin. Theme song by Christian Reynolds. Mixing, sound design and additional original music is by Ian Coss. This episode was recorded at WAMU. Radiotopia Presents debuts limited-run, artist-owned series, from new and original voices. Learn more and access transcripts at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2023

The chatbots we’ve met are designed to be companions to humans. But some developers are trying to build AI extensions of humans for the workplace. In a panel discussion recorded live at On Air Fest 2023, hosts Diego Senior, Anna Oakes, and special guest Natalie Monbiot (Head of Strategy, Hour One) chat with senior producer Mark Pagán about the origins of Bot Love and the waves of technological change coming our way. Bot Love is written by Anna Oakes, Mark Pagán, and Diego Senior. Hosted and produced by Anna Oakes and Diego Senior. Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Curtis Fox is the story editor. Sound design by Terence Bernardo and Rebecca Seidel. Bei Wang and Katrina Carter are the associate producers. Cover art by Diego Patiño. Theme song by Maria Linares. Transcripts by Erin Wade. Bot Love was created by Diego Senior. Support for this project was provided in part by the Ideas Lab at the Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University. Special thanks to The Moth, Lauren Arora Hutchinson, Director of the Ideas Lab, and Josh Wilcox at the Brooklyn Podcasting Studio, where we recorded episodes. Thank you to the team behind On Air fest, who gave us support and a platform to record this bonus episode. For On Air, Jemma Rose Brown is the Director of Programming & Production, Scott Newman is the Creative Director and Founder, Jenny Mills is the Event Producer and Project Manager, Kathleen Ottinger is the Production Manager, Graham Galatro is the Recording Engineer. For Radiotopia Presents, Mark Pagán is the senior producer. Yooree Losordo is the managing producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. It’s a production of PRX’s Radiotopia and part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. For La Central Podcasts, Diego Senior is the Executive Producer. Learn more about Bot Love at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm.

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2023