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Code Switch What's CODE SWITCH? It's the fearless conversations about race that you've been waiting for. Hosted by journalists of color, our podcast tackles the subject of race with empathy and humor. We explore how race affects every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, food and everything in between. This podcast makes all of us part of the conversation — because we're all part of the story. Code Switch was named Apple Podcasts' first-ever Show of the Year in 2020.

Want to level up your Code Switch game? Try Code Switch Plus. Your subscription supports the show and unlocks a sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/codeswitch
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What's CODE SWITCH? It's the fearless conversations about race that you've been waiting for. Hosted by journalists of color, our podcast tackles the subject of race with empathy and humor. We explore how race affects every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, food and everything in between. This podcast makes all of us part of the conversation — because we're all part of the story. Code Switch was named Apple Podcasts' first-ever Show of the Year in 2020.

Want to level up your Code Switch game? Try Code Switch Plus. Your subscription supports the show and unlocks a sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/codeswitch

Most Recent Episodes

Ask Code Switch: Is picky eating about taste or race?
Luke Medina

Ask Code Switch: Is picky eating about taste or race?

Today on Ask Code Switch, we're talking about taste. How we eat, why we prefer certain foods, and where those preferences come from. We're getting into all the things that shape and change our taste buds, from the genes you inherit to falling in love.

Ask Code Switch: Is picky eating about taste or race?

Listen · 13:25
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From pee-wees to the pros, what football tells us about race in the U.S.
Jackie Lay

From pee-wees to the pros, what football tells us about race in the U.S.

The way football is played and who plays it — from the pee-wees to the pros — tells us so much about race, labor and power in the United States. In a conversation with cultural anthropologist Tracie Canada we explore how starting from young ages, Black players are nudged towards more physically taxing positions that require more strength, athleticism, speed. That affects who gets injured, how they're cared for and how they get paid.

From pee-wees to the pros, what football tells us about race in the U.S.

Listen · 16:04
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An NFL star on what the game costs those who play it

Collage of football players falling, helmets and footballs. Jackie Lay hide caption

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Jackie Lay

An NFL star on what the game costs those who play it

Dominique Foxworth played in the NFL from 2005 to 2011. After he retired, he went on to become the head of the NFL Players' Association, the union that represents players in the league. In this conversation, he describes what it was like sitting across from the league's lawyers, advocating for things like players' health care at a time when the risks of playing football were becoming clearer.

An NFL star on what the game costs those who play it

Listen · 18:08
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Ask Code Switch: The racial politics of washing dishes?
Luke Medina

Ask Code Switch: The racial politics of washing dishes?

This week on Ask Code Switch, we're getting into the politics and power dynamics of race and dishes in the workplace (which is more fraught than you might think). When no one is "technically" the "dishwasher" at work...who's washing the dishes and should you feel some type of way about it?

Ask Code Switch: The racial politics of washing dishes?

Listen · 13:16
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Luigi Mangione and America's pent up pain
Jeff Swensen/Getty Images News

Luigi Mangione and America's pent up pain

Even before Luigi Mangione was arrested for killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, the reaction to the shooter was far different than other instances of gun violence.

Luigi Mangione and America's pent up pain

Listen · 17:49
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Ask Code Switch: Do bike lanes cause gentrification?
Luke Medina

Ask Code Switch: Do bike lanes cause gentrification?

Today on Ask Code Switch, we tackle a question about race, bike lanes and gentrification. Who are bike lanes serving? Are these safety measures protecting everyone equally, or are bike advocates on the wrong side of progress?

Ask Code Switch: Do bike lanes cause gentrification?

Listen · 12:25
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Ask Code Switch: Is this a racist question?
Luke Medina

Ask Code Switch: Is this a racist question?

Ask Code Switch is back! Lori Lizarraga and the Code Switch team tackle all new listener questions this fall. From the tacky and tricky to the cringe and candid – we're bringing our race advice to the questions you're scared to ask.

Ask Code Switch: Is this a racist question?

Listen · 12:59
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The Black enclave that could be lost to the Los Angeles wildfires

(Left) Margaret Larkin wears protective gear before visiting her former home. (Right) Larkin's grandson, Dejohn Jones Jr. inspects the damage at his childhood home. Jireh Deng hide caption

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Jireh Deng

The Black enclave that could be lost to the Los Angeles wildfires

Altadena was the site of the Eaton fire, one of two major wildfires in Los Angeles County in January. The wind and flames destroyed more than 9,000 structures — and with them, the long-tenured Black community in the town. As efforts to recover and rebuild the town are underway, many residents are left wondering, what of their community will remain?

The Black enclave that could be lost to the Los Angeles wildfires

Listen · 30:35
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Untangling the history of Black rights on Native land

(from R to L) Michael Hill, Dietta Parker (Michael's mom), and Ron Jones II (Michael's attorney) outside of the Okmulgee County Courthouse after Michael's final day in court Allison Herrera hide caption

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Allison Herrera

Untangling the history of Black rights on Native land

How the criminal legal system considers who is and isn't Native, and what that means for the Black people who are members of tribal nations. This reporting is part of an audio documentary from Audible called Tribal Justice: The Struggle for Black Rights on Native Land.

Untangling the history of Black rights on Native land

Listen · 33:14
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Hip-hop is 'fight the power' but also advertises for the power
Islen Milien

Hip-hop is 'fight the power' but also advertises for the power

Critics point out the apparent hypocrisy of a pro-Black rapper like Kendrick Lamar headlining the Super Bowl halftime show, since the NFL isn't exactly an institution that's known for its support of Black lives. So on this episode, we're digging into the history of hip hop and how it's been co-opted.

Hip-hop is 'fight the power' but also advertises for the power

Listen · 34:45
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