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Ayesha Rascoe on 'HBCU Made' — and some good old college memories
We're taking it way back — all the way to college. This episode is a mini-reunion: host Brittany Luse and Ayesha Rascoe, host of NPR's Weekend Edition, are both alumnae of Howard University — they ev…
Published on 1 year, 11 months ago
South Africa's case for preventing genocide in Palestine; plus, why people love cults
This morning, the International Court of Justice shared a decision on South Africa's genocide case against Israel. The courts found sufficient evidence that it's "plausible" that Israel has committed…
Published on 1 year, 11 months ago
Benny Safdie on 'The Curse' — and performing goodness
Director and actor Benny Safdie is probably best known for co-directing the film Uncut Gems, but he's also acted in Oppenheimer, Licorice Pizza, and one of host Brittany Luse's personal favorites: Ar…
Published on 1 year, 11 months ago
The political power of white Evangelicals; plus, Biden and the Black church
For decades, Evangelicals have propped up Republican presidents. And while church attendance has fallen across the board, Evangelicals are still making waves politically; they just helped deliver Tru…
Published on 1 year, 11 months ago
Anna Deavere Smith plays real Americans on stage - and she shares her lessons
Anna Deavere Smith is an acclaimed actress, journalist, and playwright. She's a pioneer of what's known as 'verbatim theater,' which is performance based on conversations and interviews with real peo…
Published on 1 year, 11 months ago
The life lessons Fantasia brought to 'The Color Purple'; plus, Personal Style 101
Fantasia Barrino-Taylor is picking up awards buzz for her portrayal of Celie in The Color Purple, and Brittany is sitting down with the former American Idol winner to look at the path she took from h…
Published on 1 year, 11 months ago
American Fiction is a rich story — but is it a successful satire?
American Fiction is a movie you can spend hours discussing. Based on Percival Everett's novel Erasure, the movie is a satire of what the publishing industry wants from Black authors. The film also be…
Published on 1 year, 11 months ago
Looking ahead to the 2024 election; plus, getting "sober curious" for Dry January
This week, host Brittany Luse is starting with the biggest story of the year - the upcoming presidential election. The economy, foreign policy, reproduction rights have all been top of mind lately - …
Published on 1 year, 11 months ago
Ross Gay on inciting joy while dining with sorrow
Looking for joy? Then it might be worth exploring your sorrow. In his collection of essays, Inciting Joy, poet Ross Gay considers the breadth of joy, arguing that it can be found – and even strengthe…
Published on 2 years ago
'Oh Me Oh My': Finding grace after something hellified (a New Year's story)
To close out the year, Brittany is sitting down with Lonnie Holley. He's a painter, sculptor, and musician who released his latest album, Oh Me Oh My, in early 2023. In it he sings of his difficult c…
Published on 2 years ago