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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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Code Switch

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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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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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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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B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
Jackie Lay

B.A. Parker is learning the banjo

Parker has been trying to find her place in the banjo world. So this week, she talks to Black banjo players like Grammy nominee Rhiannon Giddens about creating community and reclaiming an instrument that's historically already theirs.

B.A. Parker is learning the banjo

Listen · 30:53
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The co-opting of MLK Jr. by...everybody

Author Hajar Yazdiha (left) wrote about Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy in her book, The Struggle for the People's King (right). PR Agency hide caption

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PR Agency

The co-opting of MLK Jr. by...everybody

Martin Luther King Jr. was relatively unpopular when he was assassinated. But the way Americans of all political stripes invoke his memory today, you'd think he was held up as a hero. In this episode, we hear how King's legacy got co-opted.

The co-opting of MLK Jr. by...everybody

Listen · 30:43
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Why laughing while crying is so Korean

Youngmi Mayer poses next to her new book, I'm Laughing Because I'm Crying Photo credit: Fujio Emura hide caption

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Photo credit: Fujio Emura

Why laughing while crying is so Korean

Comedian Youngmi Mayer talks about how her Korean family uses humor as a tool for survival. She gets into the Korean comedic tradition and why the saddest stuff is what makes them laugh the hardest.

Why laughing while crying is so Korean

Listen · 39:16
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"The police are our friends"?
Jackie Lay

"The police are our friends"?

How should Black parents talk to their kids about the police? Gene gets into it with his friend Chenjerai Kumanyika, host of Empire City, a podcast about the history of the NYPD. Chenjerai's show sprang out of his own attempts to talk with his young daughter about the police and what they do.

"The police are our friends"?

Listen · 36:51
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