The Kojo Nnamdi Show

On this last episode, we look back on 23 years of joyous, difficult and always informative conversation.

Kojo talks with author Briana Thomas about her book “Black Broadway In Washington D.C.,” and the District's rich Black history.

Poet, essayist and editor Kevin Young is the second director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. He joins Kojo to talk about his vision for the museum and how it can help us make sense of this moment in history.

Ms. Woodruff joins us to talk about her successful career in broadcasting, how the field of journalism has changed over the decades and why she chose to make D.C. home.

After almost 90 years of searching, archeologists have uncovered St. Mary's fort, the founding site of the Maryland colony.

She led the Mystics to 2019 WNBA championship. Hear why she says, "life is more than a game."

In times of uncertainty, we look to medical professionals for guidance. Emergency physician and public health expert Dr. Leana Wen joins us — one last time — to share her expertise and answer your essential questions.

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) recaps this week's H.R. 51 hearing and tells us what's next for statehood. And Maryland State Sen. Clarence Lam (D-District 12) talks about the state's vaccine rollout and previews the last two weeks of the legislative session.

The pandemic has changed how the federal government operates, but should those changes remain?

The leader of the largest museum complex in the world shares his thoughts on the institution's past, present and future.

Many students have been out of the classroom for more than a year. Kojo talks with local high school students and WAMU education reporter Debbie Truong about what a year of COVID-19 has meant for them.

A kid from Takoma Park decided she wanted to shine on the big stage when she grew up. Here's how she made it.

How is the local Asian American community coping in the wake of the tragedy in Georgia? And what can be done to counter racist attacks in Washington and across the country?

Indivisible's Director of Democracy Policy Meagan Hatcher-Mays tells us why the national organization is making D.C. statehood a priority. And Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) talks about the county's vaccine rollout, loosening COVID-19 restrictions and more.

Special guest José Andrés joins Kojo for a conversation about what this pandemic year has meant to D.C.'s food scene, and what recovery could look like in our region.

We look back at the tumultuous, trying and unprecedented times of the past year.

It's been 17 years since Brood X cicadas emerged en masse in the D.C. region. University of Maryland's Michael Raupp, aka The Bug Guy, tells us what to expect.

With the Cherry Blossoms beginning to bloom, we're discussing how the flower took root in the District, and its significance in Japanese culture.

WHOMP! BONK! VRROOOM! Let's talk about comics.

Amazon HQ2 development is underway. What can locals expect as progress continues?

Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (D-VA, 10th District) talks about the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package. And Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Navarro (D-District 4) talks about vaccine equity.

Museums in the District are transferring many of their exhibits and programs online, and it seems to be more accessible for everyone.

Award-winning writer Ta-Nehisi Coates joins us to discuss this moment in history, his Washington roots and what's next for Superman.

Kojo sits down with three Washingtonians to talk about making a side-business out of their passions, and the joys and challenges of working for yourself.

Kojo talks with the Bowie native about growing up in the region, her rise at CNN and everything in between.

What makes a great song great?

Poet Safia Elhillo joins us to discuss her first young adult novel, "Home is Not a Country."

Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman (D) talks about the county's vaccine rollout and making the tax code more progressive. And D.C. Councilmember Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7) talks about disparities in the District's vaccinations and how the pandemic has affected plans to bring a hospital east of the Anacostia River.

For almost a year, many local theaters and music venues have been entirely shutdown. How are they coping, and could the $15 billion federal aid set aside for the arts be enough to "Save Our Stages?"

The D.C. crime writer talks about his latest projects and other local authors you may want to discover.

Gun homicides reached a 15-year peak in 2020. How are D.C.'s communities responding to the violence?

Jesse Washington, who co-authored "I Came as a Shadow" with John Thompson, joins us to discuss the life and legacy of the Hall of Fame Georgetown University basketball coach.

Discover books about Muslim American kids that will resonate with every kid.

The Virginia legislature passed a marijuana legalization bill Saturday, joining 15 other states and the District of Columbia.

At-Large D.C. Councilmember Robert White talks about bias in the way D.C. police respond to protests. And Virginia State Sen. Scott Surovell (D-District 36) talks about abolishing the death penalty and his other priorities this legislative session.

Black and brown communities in our region and nationwide have been hardest hit by the coronavirus. Now, these same communities are facing low vaccination rates for COVID-19.

Even the clergy who blessed it were not supposed to talk about it.

About 1 in 5 American households missed needed medical care during the pandemic. We discuss the health crisis unfolding in the shadow of COVID-19.

Kojo sits down with Washington Post executive editor Marty Baron to talk about his retirement, how the paper changed under his tenure and the future of journalism.

After more than a century, Baltimore is on the verge of controlling its police department again.

What are your questions for one of the game's most dominant players?

A study suggests that D.C. is no longer the "most intensely gentrified city" in the U.S., but some are skeptical about the new ranking.

Fairfax County Board Chair Jeff McKay talks about the coronavirus vaccine rollout. And Congressman Jamie Raskin (D-MD) discusses the Senate impeachment trial.

What can local lawmakers and community leaders do to address structural racism in our communities and in the region?

Hear how people who are experiencing homelessness are faring during these unprecedented times, and learn about ways you can help the shelters that are their lifeline.

Eight-year-old Relisha Rudd disappeared from a D.C. homeless shelter in 2014. In WAMU's podcast "Through the Cracks," host Jonquilyn Hill explores what happened to Relisha, and whether her disappearance was, as the city later claimed, "unpreventable."

Researchers and residents have been unearthing human remains on a block in Georgetown for the last century. DCist's Elliot Williams joins us to talk about his latest reporting on the issue.

At six, she became the young face of the Civil Rights Era.

How can the political divisiveness our Founding Fathers faced help us understand today's challenges?

Meet us at the intersection of politics and comedy. We talk with Eric Saul, the creator of local satire site The Takoma Torch, and Josh Gibson, the man behind the D.C. Council's wry Twitter account.

We're checking in on Amazon's HQ2 project and discussing the company's plan for a "Helix" tower.