Pod Save the People

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. NewsTrump faces a revolt from his MAGA base over the Epstein filesUnitedHealth's Campaign to Quiet Critics Jewel Thais-Williams, founder of Jewel's Catch One, dies at 86 The Ugly Politics of Jackson, Mississippi's Ongoing Water Crisis  Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

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. News10 Egregious Things You May Not Know About the One Big Beautiful Bill ActTrump administration withholds billions in school grants for critical programsIs Black American Heritage being pushed out of Essence Fest?Rick Perry: I'm dedicating my life to fighting for a psychedelic drug Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.  

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. NewsTrump Claims Success After Bombing Key Iran Nuclear SitesWhy Young Men Voters May Be More Likely To Swing BackICE officer impersonations spike in wake of immigration crackdownWhat to Know About Tyler Perry's $260 Million Lawsuit Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

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. NewsWorsening SNAP's Harsh Work Requirement Would Take Food Assistance Away From Millions of Low-Income PeopleI'm the CTO of Palantir. Today I Join the Army. Erika Alexander and Kim Coles on ReLiving Single: Why Black Women's Stories Still Matter Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram. 

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. NewsFormer DOGE engineer says federal waste and fraud were 'relatively nonexistent'AOC backs Zohran Mamdani for NYC mayorHe's a Master of Outrage on X. The Pay Isn't Great. Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram. 

CBS considers airing PSAs to settle Trump lawsuit, RFK Jr. offers to rescue bird flu-infected ostriches, HHS cuts Moderna's vaccine funding, and AI threatens half of all entry-level white-collar jobs. NewsTrump legal team, Paramount mull proposal for CBS to run PSAs for causes favored by prez to break quagmire over $20B lawsuit: sourcesBehind the Curtain: A white-collar bloodbathHHS cancels funding for Moderna to develop vaccines to combat bird fluRFK Jr offers to save Canadian ostriches with suspected bird flu and move them to US Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

Trump admin uses ICE to target 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. NewsDHS official Tricia McLaughlin insists that members of Congress and the Newark mayor "bodyslammed" ICE officersA Reality Show Where Immigrants Compete for U.S. Citizenship? D.H.S. Is Considering It.Why Are So Many Retirees Filing for Social Security Earlier?Officials plead for the public's help in capturing 7 escaped New Orleans inmates still on the run Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

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.  NewsTrump admin eyes arrests for House Dems over ICE incidentU.S. to accept white South African refugees while other programs remain pausedShedeur Sanders fan sues NFL for $100 million over draft drop: ‘severe emotional distress'Multiple ICE impersonation arrests made during nationwide immigration crackdownNEW: Ohio Dad's Son RUNNING For His Life Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

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.  NewsNew polls of Latino voters have warnings for Trump — and DemocratsMet Gala makes history with exclusive focus on Black men's fashionUniversal Anti-venom May Grow Out of Man Who Let Snakes Bite Him 200 Times Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

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 the first Black-owned social media platform SPILL.  NewsWisconsin judge arrested by FBI, charged with obstructing immigrant arrestMexico's president wants to ban U.S. ads warning against migrationKehlani Responds After Having Cornell University Performance Canceled Due to Stance on IsraelNFL is “reviewing” Jeff Ulbrich's role in the Shedeur Sanders prank callFact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Reinstates Commonsense School Discipline Policies Follow @PodSaveThePeople  on Instagram. 

DOGE places AmeriCorps staff on administrative leave, Google in the hot seat for its search engine monopoly, 'Sinners' dominates the box-office with $45M on opening weekend, and lab-grown chicken nuggets make its way in rotation. NewsDOGE comes for AmeriCorps staff in Washington and across the countryThis week in science: Drumming crabs, lab-made nuggets and LSD without the trip'Sinners' is a box-office winner, making $45 million on its opening weekendThe Justice Department is about to make its case for a Google breakup. Here's what to know Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.  

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.  NewsDOJ ends environmental justice agreement in Alabama county citing TrumpPalisades and Eaton firefighters had elevated blood levels of mercury and lead, according to an early studyQuick, No One Tell Trump About Bernie Sanders and AOC's Crowd SizesEducation Secretary Linda McMahon confuses AI with A1, sauce brand capitalizes on blunder Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

NC Supreme Court blocks order to throw out 60,000 ballots, Barack Obama doubles down on criminalization of Assata Shakur, and a debate on the ethics of genetically screened embryos. NewsNC Supreme Court temporarily blocks court order to throw out 2024 ballots in Riggs-Griffin raceWhy Assata Shakur was suddenly promoted to terroristShould human life be optimized?The Rise and Fall of 'the Resistance' Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

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. NewsLouisiana voters reject all four constitutional amendments, despite Gov. Jeff Landry's supportCountries boost recruitment of American scientists amid cuts to scientific fundingBlack expats share why they're happier living outside the U.S.: I get to ‘exist in peace' Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

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. NewsA majority-Black town starts armed protection group after neo-Nazi rallyFDA crackdown on poppers prompts rush on popular gay party drugAOC and Bernie Sanders draw thousands of people at 'Fighting Oligarchy' rally in DenverHeavyweight boxing legend George Foreman dies aged 76 Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

White House ignores federal orders, Fulbright scholars left stranded internationally, and California cannabis contaminated with pesticides. Myles interviews world renowned artist and model Ebonee Davis about her journey toward authorship of her book titled Daughter. NewsExclusive: How the White House ignored a judge's order to turn back deportation flightsMany Fulbright scholars say they feel stranded after the Trump administration suspended their fundingContamination fears drive push to remake state cannabis agencyVulgar Rangers hat selling big on secondary market as other team hats removed from MLB online shop Follow @PodSavethePeople on Instagram.  

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. NewsRetinol: The Skin-Care Ingredient With a Horrifying HistoryA Third of Women Get This Infection. The Fix: Treat Their Male Partners.South African cellist Abel Selaocoe fosters dialogue across time and cultures in a new albumHouse votes to censure Rep. Al Green with Democrats' helpLouisiana college student's death investigated as possible hazing incident Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram. 

Dems veer right, Trump-Zelensky heated exchange, and Curry J. Hackett use of AI in art, design, and urban planning. DeRay interviews former Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin. NewsPlaybook: Democrats in despair'It never should have happened': Americans frustrated by Trump-Zelensky spatCurry J. Hackett has a vision for Black futurity that drives his work in art, design, and urban planning Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

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. NewsAlabama police force put on leave after grand jury says it operated like a "criminal enterprise"Luigi Mangione's Lawyer: NYC Mayor Shared Key Evidence on HBO 'Before Defense Had Even Seen It'Voletta Wallace, the Notorious B.I.G.'s Mother, Dead at 78Joy Reid's MSNBC Show Canceled in Major Shake-UpMSNBC's Joy Reid addresses homophobic blog post controversyKennedy Center reeling from 'stunning' ticket sales collapse after Trump takeover: report Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

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 his new book titled  Carceral Apartheid: How Lies and White Supremacists Run Our Prisons. NewsMan jailed over police AI program, then freed 17 months after victim raised doubtsTrump says he'd deport US citizens convicted of crimes 'in a heartbeat' if legalMembers of Congress denied access to Department of EducationMusk to rehire DOGE staffer with history of racist tweetsKatt Williams Imperialist RantAkilah Hughes on non-voters Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram

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.  NewsThe Rewriting of a Pioneering Female Astronomer's Legacy Shows How Far Trump's DEI Purge Will GoStudy on Harvard finds 43 percent of white students are legacy, athletes, related to donors or staffHillmanTok: The rise of Black educators on TikTokTrump pauses 25% tariffs on Canadian goods after deal will Trudeau Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.  

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.  NewsAutomation in Retail Is Even Worse Than You ThoughtMeet Florence Price, the first Black woman to have her work premiered by a US orchestraTarget rolls back DEI initiatives, the latest big company to retreatTrump officials issue quotas to ICE officers to ramp up arrests Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram. 

Whistleblower exposes Russian political interference operation, Louisiana governor evicts homeless people ahead of Super Bowl, Mississippi infrastructure neglect leads to parasites in impoverished residents, and Doechii stuns in Black sitcom inspired music video. DeRay interviews Andrew Bakaj and Naomi Seligman of Whistleblower Aid. NewsThe Westminster whistleblower: how my friend Sergei tried to expose the Kremlin plot against BritainGovernor forces removal of homeless people by New Orleans Superdome before Super BowlInfrastructure neglect and poverty lead to parasites in the Mississippi DeltaWatch Doechii's life literally blow up on ‘Denial is a River Show” Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

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. Support California wildfire relief efforts with a donation to Vote Save America & Crooked Ideas Action FundDisplaced Black Families GoFundMe DirectoryNewsBehind the Curtain: Meta's make-up-with-MAGA mapGone in 15 Days: How the Connecticut DMV Allows Tow Companies to Sell People's CarsWorld of dance mourns death of ‘brilliant light' Dada Masilo at age of 39DC Public Schools hit with federal civil rights complaint over 'student affinity group'‘Essential': nearly 800 incarcerated firefighters deployed as LA battles wildfiresI talked to Meta's Black AI character. Here's what she told me.

An inside look into a white supremacist militia, GOP Congress member goes missing, housing costs force employed people into homelessness, and a new documentary on the late Luther Vandross. NewsThe Militia and the MoleCritically acclaimed Luther Vandross documentary now streaming: How to watchHigh Housing Costs Force Many Employed People Into HomelessnessDriver who exploded Tesla Cybertruck at Trump hotel in Las Vegas was an active-duty Army Green Beret, source saysTexas Rep. Kay Granger, 81, who missed six months of key House votes — found living at retirement community that specializes in memory careRepublican congresswoman, 81, falls down marble stairs at the Capitol Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram. 

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.  NewsLorraine O'Grady, Conceptual Artist Who Advocated for Black Women's Perspectives, Dies at 90Why aren't Black women in the conversation to lead the Democratic Party?Trump now says bringing down grocery prices, as he promised, will be 'very hard'Comcast Plans Massive Cable Spin-Off, Separating USA, MSNBC and More From NBC, Theme ParksLuigi Mangione Isn't The Brilliant Thirst Trap Y'all Made Him Out to BeFollow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram. 

Conspiracies unfold as Florida prosecutors vacate convictions for people who bought crack made by the Sheriff's Office, Biden urged to empty federal death row before Trump presidency, and the most-known cause for depression debunked. NewsFlorida prosecutor seeks to clear records of people charged with buying police-made crack in 1980sBiden urged to empty federal death row before Trump takes officeDepression Is Not Caused by Chemical Imbalance in the Brain Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

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. NewsPrisoners Intentionally Burned Themselves at Troubled Virginia SupermaxThe Black Church is CookedJoe Biden Pardons His Son HunterInside the Effort to Market Russia and Putin To AfricansCynthia Erivo on Bringing Her Black Queer Identity to ‘Wicked': ‘It's a Love Letter to Everyone Who Feels Different' Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

Schools eerily quiet about election results, Bernice King 2017 election advice resurfaces, an ode to Ella Jenkins legacy in children's music and Malcolm Peacock uses art to push boundaries. NewsSchools Are Eerily Quiet About the Election Results, Educators SayElla Jenkins, Chicago's first lady of children's music, dies at 100Malcolm Peacock Asks, “When Is the Last Time You Trusted Yourself?” | Studio Museum in HarlemBernice King: Post-Election Advice Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.   

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

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.  News2024 Pre-Election Cold Open - SNLQuincy Jones, musical titan and entertainment icon, dead at 91Off With Their Instagram! The Death of Celebrity WorshipJury convicts former Kentucky officer of using excessive force on Breonna Taylor during deadly raid Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

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.  NewsDJ Clark Kent, influential hip-hop producer, reportedly dies after battle with colon cancerIt's Possible to Track Someone's Personal Phone to an Abortion Clinic. And It's Legal Too.Dance Party with Beyoncé (Remix) Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

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. NewsRobert Roberson set to testify before Texas lawmakers days after they saved him from executionCentral Park 5 Sue Trump For Defamation After He Again Blamed Them For Crime During Presidential Debate‘The ocean doesn't care what color I am': Black US surfers reclaim the watersThelma Mothershed Wair, of the School-Integrating Little Rock Nine, Dies at 83 Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.   

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.  NewsDomestic Violence, Child Abuse and DUI Cases Are Being Dismissed en Masse in AnchorageHarris releases agenda for Black men as she ramps up effort to court themRacism was called a health threat. Then came the DEI backlash.A Truth of Self: The Story of the Dynamic Superiors Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.  

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.NewsThe Elite College Students Who Can't Read BooksCall her Daddy Podcast with VP Kamala Harris‘Voting feels like a battle': In Mississippi, a group of Black women is reimagining voter turnoutSix Former Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Sentenced for Torturing and Abusing Two Black MenTa-Nehisi Coates Defends Palestinian Voices After CBS Correspondent Labels Him An ‘Extremist'The Supreme Court's new term starts this week. Here's what to know and the cases to watch. Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram. 

New York City Council decriminalizes jaywalking, Black New Orleanians reclaim historical beach, and Questlove to direct documentary on Earth, Wind, and Fire.NewsNYC Mayor Eric Adams indicted on 5 federal public corruption charges, including bribery and wire fraudModified ‘Jaywalking' Repeal Passes CouncilIn New Orleans, a ‘Black Beach' Is Being Rescued From the RuinsQuestlove To Direct Earth, Wind & Fire Documentary Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

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. NewsCut up and leased out, the bodies of the poor suffer a final indignity in TexasSmall grocers feel squeezed by suppliers, and shoppers bear the pain‘They thought it was judgment day': The night the stars fell on the US south‘I shouldn't have listened to those around me': Janet Jackson on Michael, motherhood and how she's taking back controlJanet Jackson's ‘Apology' for Ill-Informed Comments About Kamala Harris Was Not Authorized Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

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.  NewsStudy Finds D.C. Doesn't Need More Police Officers Walking the Beat. Will Anyone Listen?Fearless Fund settles with DEI foes, ends grant program for Black womenKaty Perry Defends Collaboration With Dr. Luke On New Album: “I Understand It Started A Lot Of Conversations”James Earl Jones' Comments Dissing Black Women Resurfaced and Black Twitter is Outraged and Confused Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram. 

Harris campaign releases initiatives ahead of presidential debate, American adults struggle with illiteracy, childcare funding under attack, and a nonprofit newsroom receives past due support.  NewsHarris/Walz: A New Way ForwardA Fifth of American Adults Struggle to Read. Why Are We Failing to Teach Them?Project 2025 plan calls for shifting funding for childcare to in-home careThe 19th wanted to ‘normalize' women in power. In 2024, it's dreaming bigger. Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram.

The police tell us they are here to protect us. But what if their original purpose was something else altogether? Peabody Award-winning host Chenjerai Kumanyika takes listeners on a journey to uncover the hidden history of the largest police force in the world – from its roots in slavery, to rival police gangs battling across the city, to everyday people who resisted every step of the way. As our society debates where policing is going, Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD explores where the police came from.From Wondery, Crooked Media and PushBlack.Follow Empire City wherever you get your podcasts and listen to the second episode, available now. You can listen ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts.

Myths uncovered: The 1994 Crime Bill, Democratic National Convention, and Black horror films. The Biggest Myth About the 1994 Crime Bill Still Haunts Joe Biden. It Shouldn't.Minyon Moore Helped Harris Rise. Now She's Leading Her Convention.Ganja & Hess: The 50-year-old vampire movie masterpiece critics got all wrong Follow @PodSavethePeople on Instagram.   

Hosts debate the prominence of celebrity culture in politics, a historic payout to Black farmers, and wealthy Arizonians blow threw the state budget. NewsTrump says presidential civilian award is 'better' than top military honor whose recipients are 'dead' or 'hit' by bulletsKerry Washington, Mindy Kaling and more will serve as DNC hostsSchool Vouchers Were Supposed to Save Taxpayer Money. Instead They Blew a Massive Hole in Arizona's Budget.Republicans scrambled to get Cornel West on the Arizona ballot. The left-wing academic is OK with itNational Black Farmers Association Calls Today A Win, Historic $2B Payout for Discrimination in Farm Lending Follow @PodSavethePeople on Instagram.