Social Justice Podcasts
We produced podcasts centering around a variety of social issues in Washington DC. From pitch through production, we were able to highlight the voices of those not typically heard, advocating and applauding their work. Although many of us did not have direct podcasting experience, we were able to learn how to produce good sound, meaningful interview tactics, and strong editing skills.
Avery Davis
Modern Prohibition
Modern Prohibition tells the stories of the fight against books that have been prohibited in libraries and schools across the country. This week, we look at how a local Washington, D.C. Unitarian Universalist Congregation is supporting the cause through a festival this upcoming weekend that will celebrate Banned Books Week, showcase banned books, and the local bookstores that spotlight them, host Congressmen and authors, and provide tools to attendees on how they can contribute to efforts to stop books from being banned. I talk to Andrew Batcher, organizer of the event, and Lilly Charron, volunteer. Here is the link to learn more about the event: https://uucf.org/unstoppable/
Claire Leibowitz
Plateonomics
Plateonomics is a podcast dedicated to fighting food insecurity in the DMV. This week’s episode discusses the impact of Francis on The Hill on the Columbia Heights and Mount Pleasant communities – neighborhoods with an influx of migrants who were stuck at the border and sent in buses from Texas by Governor Greg Abott. The organization distributes groceries to those in need on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and they’re always looking for volunteers to pack and hand out the bags. Sitting down with East Coast Director Jay Steptoe and Outreach Coordinator Charlotte West, we learn about how and why Francis on The Hill is able to distribute groceries, diapers and donations to anyone in need, and the other niches they have been able to fill.
Layla Nayfeh
Supreme Court-ology
During this episode, we’ll talk about the Supreme Court’s ban on race-based affirmative action in college admissions. We’ll discuss impact, history and what to expect moving forward. I speak to Professor Cornell William Brooks from Harvard and Dr. Dwayne Kwaysee Wright from George Washington University.
Andrea Serra
Will Work for Visa
In this episode of "Will Work for Visa," host Andrea Serra delves into the challenges faced by international students pursuing their American dreams. The podcast unravels the complexities of visa processes, employer sponsorship, and the unique struggles
recent graduates encounter in the job market. The episode introduces Alejandra Taboada, a recent graduate from Ecuador, who shares her journey and experiences as a business analytics student at the George Washington University in Washington, DC. Join Andrea and Alejandra as they reveal the resilience and determination required of international students in pursuit of their aspirations on U.S. soil.
Will Roberts
Words to Worlds
The Words to Worlds podcast brings stories about those incarcerated to the center stage. More so, the podcast aims to show people the importance of education in prison, as well as the power of books by showcasing organizations, non-profits, and individuals who back this mission. In this week's episode, I focus on Free Minds Book Club, an organization that provides books and educational materials to those incarcerated. I got to speak with Carlos Alonzo Avila, a formerly incarcerated man from Honduras, who now serves as a co-facilitator for Free Minds’ community peacebuilding initiative, On the Same Page. We talked about Carlos’s story, history with Free Minds, and the importance of reading while incarcerated. Here is the link to Free Minds’ website: https://freemindsbookclub.org/about-us/.
David Ruff
The Ruff Report: The New Editorial Landscape
Welcome to "The Ruff Report," where we explore the dynamic editorial industry's transformative shifts. In today's episode, we engage with a panel of accomplished Black journalists leading change in fashion and beauty. We highlight groundbreaking achievements like Edward Enninful's historic role at British Vogue and the rise of notable Black women as editor-in-chiefs—Samir Nasr, Lindsay Peoples, Nikki Ogunnaike, and Chioma Nnadi. Our insightful guests include: Marielle Bobo, Editor-in-Chief of Ebony and SVP at EBONY Media. Maya Allen, Beauty Director at The Cut. Karissa Mitchell, Senior Fashion and Beauty Editor at Teen Vogue.They share experiences, challenges, and the importance of fostering inclusivity. Join us in delving deep into their journeys and stay tuned for more on "The Ruff Report."
Flannery Dunn
After School Podcast
In 2005, Washington D.C. reported the highest annual rate of recorded AIDS cases out of any state in the U.S.; the same report concluded that at least one in 20 District residents were infected with HIV (The Washington Post). After recognizing the acute need for youth sexual health education, Tyler Spencer stepped up in his community to re-imagine school-based health education and physical activity for youth. In this episode of After School Podcast, we discuss the origin story of Grassroots Health with its founder, and examine its impact on the D.C. community with training fellow, Celeste Noraian.
Rachel Garton
Book Business
According to a Lee and Low Books Study, 76% of the publishing industry is white. In response to this study, there was a concerted effort on social media and across the United States to promote diverse book that deviated from the white, heteronormative "norm." In this episode of Book Business, we examine just how much the publishing industry has changed in recent years, as well as what independent bookstores in the District of Columbia have done to upload diverse voices. I sat down with Nathan (Busboys and Poets) and Lilly (Relume) to talk about this topic.
Ayah Mahana
Rhythmic Revolutions
Rhythmic Revolutions is a podcast discussing the many ways that music and activism intersect. This episode invites Jennifer Chandler and Steve Milliken, the managing director and CEO of JusticeAid. JusticeAid is a passthrough non-profit organization that hosts benefit concerts with musicians and artists from around the country to help raise funds for civil rights organizations. Last year, JusticeAid donated around $500 mill to SMYAL, a non-profit dedicated to youth empowerment in the queer community. We’ll hear from Malachi Braithwaite, a young black trans woman who, with JusticeAid’s help, received a scholarship from SMYAL for her work advocating for transgender rights in the classical music space.