Pod Save the People

Kash Patel announces that UFC fighters will help train FBI agents, the Washington Post experiments with subscription prices set by algorithms using readers’ personal data, and after years helping run one of morning TV’s biggest shows, a CBS News producer Shawna Thomas steps away with a simple message: “I’m tired”.

A growing “pardon industry” helps wealthy offenders hire lobbyists to secure clemency from the White House, Chinese billionaires use surrogacy to produce dozens of U.S.-born heirs to inherit their empires, and Jill Scott tops the R&B charts with “Pressha,” a reminder that while the powerful build dynasties, the culture does too.

Middle-class Americans are increasingly selling their own plasma to keep pace with an economy that keeps taking more than it gives, election officials in Georgia find fraudulent ballot applications tied to a PAC backed by Elon Musk, and international travelers are skipping the United States as ICE and aggressive border enforcement make visiting America feel less like a vacation and more like a risk.

Advocates outline a concrete roadmap to dismantling ICE, new data shows Black defendants in San Diego are increasingly steered toward life-without-parole charges, and a reminder that being bougie and Black isn’t a trend but a legacy.

Republicans unveil the most extreme federal voting restrictions proposed in modern history, Tennessee officials are accused of quietly propping up a payday lender’s failed sports betting operation, and scholars warn the U.S. may be entering the early stages of genocide against trans Americans.

Utah lets artificial intelligence start prescribing medication, Elon Musk’s Grok AI violates privacy by “undressing” non-consenting users, and a death inside a Mississippi jail raises familiar questions about brutality, cover-ups, and accountability. DeRay interviews Brooke Butler, Political Director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, about Our Power, Our Country—the party’s earliest-ever investment to mobilize voters of color and rural communities ahead of the 2026 midterms.

The U.S. threatens new sanctions on the International Criminal Court—so long as it agrees not to prosecute Donald Trump—while American service members quietly worry they’ll be left holding the legal bag for overseas military strikes. Plus, a reminder of what accountability and care can look like, as the Redd Family Collection of Black Art anchors community, history, and cultural power at the Tubman African American Museum. DeRay interviews author and historian Bench Ansfield about their book Born in Flames: The Business of Arson and the Remaking of the American City.

Trump grows increasingly agitated as Epstein files inch toward public release, Marjorie Taylor Greene becomes the latest Republican to wobble on loyalty, and new visa data shows some foreigners being denied entry to the U.S. for… being obese?? Meanwhile, a new AI study finds large language models occasionally breaking bad, Democrats gear up for insurgent primaries over the shutdown betrayal, and New York restaurants are outsourcing cashiers to the Philippines to dodge fair-wage standards. DeRay interviews author and Harvard professor Brandon Terry about his book Shattered Dreams, Infinite Hope: A Tragic Vision of the Civil Rights Movement.

Government shutdown chaos deepens as hosts debate the fate of the 'Blue Wave', the DOJ targets judges with immigrant defense backgrounds, LAPD ignores City budget hiring more officers than it can afford, and Outkast finally gets their flowers at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. DeRay interviews journalist Brian Goldstone about his new book There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America.

A wave of layoffs hit Corporate America as the federal shutdown drags on, a drug bribery sting in Mississippi exposes 14 police officers among the 20 arrested, Trump’s White House denounces a Drexciya-inspired Smithsonian exhibit, and new research shows foodborne UTIs disproportionately impact low-income communities. DeRay interviews the team behind the new HBO Max documentary The Alabama Solution: directors Charlotte Kaufman & Andrew Jarecki, and producer Beth Shelburne.

It’s chaos, capitalism, and counterprogramming this week: Katie Porter’s office implodes, Turning Point USA takes its culture wars to the Super Bowl, a billion-dollar political betting platform blurs the line between democracy and data, and a Philly creative turns her home into resistance art. DeRay interviews LaShawn Harris, author of Tell Her Story: Eleanor Bumpurs & the Police Killing That Galvanized New York City.

Jimmy Kimmel’s show gets the axe then reinstated, AOC eyes her next big political move, Trump’s Education Department pushes white-washed civics lessons, the U.S. strikes an alleged Venezuelan drug vessel, and Kansas City community fights to rescue a Black book archive.

Trump ally Charlie Kirk shot dead on Utah campus, Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro gets 27 years for his coup dreams, and Utah makes headlines again with the launch of a new Black-owned bank. Kaya Henderson interviews Dr. John B. King, Jr., Chancellor of the State University of New York and former U.S. Secretary of Education (Obama Administration), about his new book Teacher by Teacher: The People Who Change Our Lives.

National Guard troops flood D.C., DOJ worker fired for sandwich assault on CBP officer, Burkina Faso’s military junta moves to criminalize homosexuality., and L.A. endures a traumatic summer of wildfire recovery, ICE raids, and protests. Myles and Sharhonda sit down with Tre Johnson, author of Black Genius: Essays on an American Legacy.

Trump faces backlash from MAGA base, UnitedHealth works to silence critics, Mississippi water crisis continues, and the life and legacy of Jewel Thais-Williams. Myles interviews Saul Williams and co-director Anisia Uzeyman about their film Neptune Frost, now streaming on AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange.

A deceptive “beautiful” bill conceals dangerous policy, Trump administration withholds billions in school funding, Essence Fest faces accusations of cultural erasure, and former politician Rick Perry finds purpose in psychedelics. DeRay interviews Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell on justice, leadership, and protecting communities under threat.

Trump orders US bombing of Iran nuclear sites, ICE impersonations surge amid immigration crackdowns, young men emerge as a swing vote to watch, and Tyler Perry hit with a $260 million sexual-assault and harassment lawsuit. DeRay interviews Deborah N. Archer about her new book Dividing Lines: How Transportation Infrastructure Reinforces Racial Inequality.

Democratic lawmakers attacked in Minnesota, tensions rise between Iran and Israel, SNAP work requirements threaten food access, tech bros’ bizarre transition to the military, and a reflection on the legacy of Living Single. DeRay interviews NYC Comptroller Brad Lander about his mayoral candidacy.

AOC backs Zohran Mamdani for NYC mayor, DOGE engineer calls federal fraud ‘relatively nonexistent,’ and one far-right influencer finds outrage doesn’t always pay. DeRay interviews Amanda Litman about her new book When We're in Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership.

Trump admin targets political enemies, considers producing a reality show where immigrants compete for U.S. citizenship, and calls the future of social security into question. DeRay interviews author and activist Sandy Hudson to chat about her new book DEFUND: Black Lives, Policing, and Safety for All.

House Dems face disciplinary action over opposition to ICE, white South African refugees welcomed into U.S. while others refused, a debate on mainstream use of Black revolutionary rhetoric.

Trump approval rate tanks among Latino voters, Met Gala 2025 theme met with mixed emotions, and universal anti-venom develops from man with 200 snake bites.

Wisconsin judge arrested by the FBI, Kehlani performance cancelled by Cornell University due to anti-war stance, and Mexico's president bans U.S. ads targeting migrants. Myles interviews Alphonzo Terrell, CEO of Black-owned social media platform SPILL.

DOJ ends agreement to address wastewater problems in rural Alabama, elevated blood levels of mercury and lead found in Palisades firefighters, and mixed feelings on the Dems recent public appearances. Myles interviews actor, performer, and New York Times Best Selling Author Bob The Drag Queen about their new book Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert.

Louisiana voters reject far-right constitutional amendments, sudden influx in foreign recruitment of American scientists, Black expats share why they're happier living outside the U.S. DeRay interviews author and law professor Derek W. Black about his new book Dangerous Learning: The South’s Long War on Black Literacy.

FDA targets popular gay party drug, majority-Black town starts armed protection group, and Dems draw thousands at 'Fighting Oligarchy' rally. Myles interviews filmmakers Charlyn Griffith-Oro and Jeannine Kayembe-Oro to explore their short film The Aunties which shares the story of Black land stewards & culture bearers Donna Dear and Paulette Greene.

The dark history of retinol, the causal myth of bacterial vaginosis, and Abel Selaocoe crosses time and cultures in new album. DeRay interviews Nic Stone about her new book, Dear Manny.

Jury finds Alabama police force operated as a 'criminal enterprise', Joy Reid's MSNBC show canceled, Luigi Mangione's lawyer receives key evidence from HBO doc, and Voletta Wallace, mother of Notorious B.I.G., passes at 78. In the final week of Blackest Book Club, Kaya interviews author Michael Harriot about his book titled Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America.

AI program jails innocent man for 17 months, Katt Williams imperialist rant, Congress members denied access to Department of Education. Pod Save The People is back with the Blackest Book Club reading list in collaboration with Reconstruction and Campaign Zero. DeRay interviews author Dr. Brittany Friedman about her new book titled Carceral Apartheid: How Lies and White Supremacists Run Our Prisons.

Trump rewrites history on White House website, study on Harvard finds 43 percent of white students are legacy, athletes, or related to donors/staff, and the rise of Black educators on TikTok. Pod Save The People is back with the Blackest Book Club reading list in collaboration with Reconstruction and Campaign Zero. DeRay interviews author Aaron Robertson about his new book titled The Black Utopians: Searching for Paradise and the Promised Land in America.

Automated grocery prices increase depending on the shopper, Target follows suit in abandoning DEI initiatives, ICE officers issued an arrest quota, and the legacy of Florence Price - the first Black women to premiere works by a US orchestra.

Meta makes up with MAGA, Black students barred from empowerment clubs, tow companies allowed to sell people's cars, and the legacy of Dada Masilo.

Trump rolls back on campaign promises, Black feminist artist Lorraine O'Grady becomes an ancestor, and a debate on the future of the Democratic Party.

A deep dive into the self harm occurring within a Virginia Supermax prison, Putin's efforts to market Russia to Africans, and the declining reputation of the Black church.

Hosts gather for a post-election reflection episode. Myles interviews author Brit Barron about her new book Do You Still Talk to Grandma?.

Election day is here: Kamala Harris makes SNL appearance, jury convicts former officer Brett Hankison of using excessive force on Breonna Taylor, a debate on celebrity in politics, and an ode to late music icon Quincy Jones. Kaya interviews Cassandra Welchlin, executive director of Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable.

Tensions high as the presidential election draws near, personal phones lawfully tracked to abortion clinics, and influential hip-hop producer Clark Kent passes from colon cancer. Myles interviews award winning author and producer George Johnson about their newest book titled Flamboyants: The Queer Harlem Renaissance I Wish I’d Known.

Death row inmate receives life-saving subpoena, member of the school-integrating Little Rock Nine passes at 83, and Black US surfers reclaim the waters. DeRay interviews Ohio Congresswoman Emilia Sykes about her ongoing advocacy around issues related to Black maternal health, domestic violence, abortion, and more.

Alaska exposed as state with the highest rate of women killed by men in the nation, Harris releases campaign agenda for Black men, pushback against racism's classification as health threat, and the resurfaced story of the soul group Superiors. DeRay interviews New York State Senator Zellnor Myrie about his ongoing Congressional efforts and NYC mayoral campaign.

Elite college students struggle with literacy, U.S. Supreme Court kicks off a new term, Mississippi voter suppression, and Israel marks one year since Oct. 7 Hamas attack. Myles interviews Herb Murrell of the Stylistics about their October 11th return to Carnegie Hall.

Bodies of the poor leased for cash without family consent, independent grocery stores suffer under inflation, and a 1833 meteor shower falls on America's Deep South. DeRay interviews Jessica Pishko about her new book THE HIGHEST LAW IN THE LAND: How the Unchecked Power of Sheriffs Threatens Democracy.

A study exposes superfluous hiring of D.C. patrol officers, a grant program for Black women disbanded after right-wing pushback, and an overdue conversation about the depreciation of journalism.

Harris campaign releases initiatives ahead of presidential debate, American adults struggle with illiteracy, childcare funding under attack, a nonprofit newsroom receives past due support, and Sade teases new music as part of Transgender Awareness Compilation.

Soaring death rates at Maricopa County Jail, Trump attends the National Association of Black Journalists Conference, Bloomberg donates record funding to HBCU medical schools, NYC restores budget to public libraries.

Biden is out of the presidential race, Harris is in the running toward Democratic nomination, Amber Rose is off the rocker at the Republican National Convention, and more on this episode of Unprecedented Times.

Democrats under pressure following presidential debate, kidneys from Black donors thrown away, and Philadelphia radio host resigns after Joe Biden interview.

Damning messages from a far-right group chat, Trump becomes first U.S. president convicted of crimes, a discussion on discriminatory housing practices, and the grand return of a lost holiday predating Juneteenth. DeRay interviews Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY 16th District) about life as a Congressman, efforts with the Hip Hop Task Force, and more.

U.S. states double down on resistance to racial equity, the Met Gala sparks intense protest amidst Gaza-Israel conflict, and skepticism around Biden's upcoming Morehouse commencement speech.

Student organizers unite in support of Palestine, Alameda County discriminates against Black and Jewish jurors, DeSantis strips healthcare coverage from thousands of children, and President Biden signs law to ban TikTok.

Iran launches attack on Israel, Louisiana Supreme Court vindicates pedophilic priests, Tennessee K-12 teachers allowed to carry handguns, and a host-humous reflection on OJ Simpson, Mister Cee, and Faith Ringgold.

DeRay, De'Ara and Myles chat Alabama Senator Katie Britt's sinister code switch, prison disciplinary fines, minority-business agencies forced to accommodate all races, and a new PBS doc on 'Reading Rainbow'.

Trump advances on the ballot, Ghana criminalizes LGBTQ community at its own expense, and SF judges under scrutiny for ethical rulings. Pod Save The People is back with the Blackest Book Club reading list in collaboration with Reconstruction and Campaign Zero.

Far right nazism, the conservative sneaker, national guard on high school grounds, and more election frenzy. Myles interviews Raquel Willis about her new book The Risk It Takes to Bloom: On Life and Liberation.

Measles make a comeback, Black pastors pressure Biden for cease-fire, and none of these candidates please! Pod Save The People is back with the Blackest Book Club reading list in collaboration with Reconstruction and Campaign Zero. DeRay interviews Dr. Uché Blackstock about her new book Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine.

Court scandals, unlikely political allies - here's your weekly download leading up to the November Primary. Pod Save The People is back with the Blackest Book Club reading list in collaboration with Reconstruction and Campaign Zero.

Pay up! Trump ordered to pay 83M in defamation damages, diversity blamed for defective airplanes, new federal regulations on Native museum displays, D'Angelo's creative journey, and did a Black woman teach you how to type?

Ron Desantis, Nikki Haley, Donald Trump, oh my! Republicans scramble for their chosen candidate, crime and inflation on a quiet decline, an uncanny publication merger, a timely inquiry into Watts Happening Cultural Center, and a historic donation to Atlanta's Spelman College. DeRay interviews U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves on the advancing economic initiatives within the Biden administration.

DeRay, Kaya, and Myles celebrate MLK Day and cover the underreported news of the week — Black people screened out of clinical trials for new Alzheimer's treatment,  Regina King set to play Shirley Chisholm in upcoming Netflix film, and a vice president of a Missouri HBCU dies by suicide after colleague intimidation.