Pod Save the People

Crooked Media

Organizer and activist DeRay Mckesson explores news, culture, social justice, and politics with analysis from Kaya Henderson, De’Ara Balenger, and Myles Johnson. Then he sits down for deep conversations with experts, influencers, and diverse local and national leaders. New episodes every Tuesday. read less

Our Editor's Take

Pod Save the People is a podcast about truth-telling and activism. Its goal is to make positive changes in the world. Activist DeRay Mckesson is the podcast host. He started the series in 2017. Since it began, his hosting team has evolved to include fellow activists De'Ara Balenger, Kaya Henderson, and Myles E. Johnson. The podcast comes from Crooked Media, the company behind the podcast Pod Save America.

On the podcast, DeRay explains that as a Black man living in America, he has lived a different life from most. He grew up in Baltimore to drug-addicted parents. He later became a teacher to help kids strive within systems that were failing them. He has attended protests and spoken to everyone from artists to politicians. DeRay has appeared on The Daily Show, on the front of Attitude Magazine, and in the New York Times. He called the podcast Pod Save the People as he believes it is the responsibility of the people to save the world.

Each episode of Pod Save the People starts with a review of the latest news, particularly any with an impact on people of color. Some stories may be familiar. Others may offer insights into the world of incarceration and politics. Episodes include discussions about affirmative action. Listeners also learn about the first Black woman to compose for the NYC ballet.

DeRay invites guests to join the podcast, from Valerie Biden to Elizabeth Pfiester. In one episode, DeRay interviews author and podcast host Damon Young. DeRay saw his messaging on social media during the Black Lives Matter protests. They discuss the writing process, activism, and combining serious topics with humor.

DeRay also chats with Dwayne Betts about creating the organization Freedom Reads. Dwayne has inspiring literary ambitions to help empower people in prison. He shares about redemption and how they select the right books for prisoners. In his opinion, freedom begins with a book.

Pod Save the People is an inspiring podcast about social justice. DeRay shares his passion for positive change along with his insightful guests. New episodes premiere on a periodic basis.

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Heroes v. Villains

Heroes v. Villains

U.S. Supreme Court threatens the right to protest, Nestlé adds sugar to infant milk in poorer countries, Participant Media shuts down operations after two decades, and the ongoing history of Tybee Island. News The Supreme Court Has Ruled to Let Louisiana Keep Hunting DeRay McKessonCaitlin Clark signs 8-figure signature sneaker deal; yet, no Black WNBA players have signature shoesNestlé adds sugar to infant milk sold in poorer countries, report findsParticipant Shutting Down Operations After 20 Years: Film Studio Was Behind Oscar Winners ‘Spotlight’, ‘Green Book‘Georgia beach town, Tybee Island, trying to curb Orange Crush, large annual gathering of Black college studentsTybee Island, Georgia's Black History Trail

Episodes

Heroes v. Villains

Heroes v. Villains

U.S. Supreme Court threatens the right to protest, Nestlé adds sugar to infant milk in poorer countries, Participant Media shuts down operations after two decades, and the ongoing history of Tybee Island. News The Supreme Court Has Ruled to Let Louisiana Keep Hunting DeRay McKessonCaitlin Clark signs 8-figure signature sneaker deal; yet, no Black WNBA players have signature shoesNestlé adds sugar to infant milk sold in poorer countries, report findsParticipant Shutting Down Operations After 20 Years: Film Studio Was Behind Oscar Winners ‘Spotlight’, ‘Green Book‘Georgia beach town, Tybee Island, trying to curb Orange Crush, large annual gathering of Black college studentsTybee Island, Georgia's Black History Trail

There's a Killer in Here

There's a Killer in Here

Iran launches attack on Israel, Louisiana Supreme Court vindicates pedophilic priests, Tennessee K-12 teachers allowed to carry handguns, and a reflection on the lives of the late OJ Simpson, Mister Cee, and Faith Ringgold.NewsIran launches retaliatory attack on Israel with hundreds of drones, missilesLouisiana High Court: Priests Have a “Property Right” Not to Be Sued For Sexual AbuseTennessee teachers would be allowed to carry concealed handguns at K-12 schools under a bill just passed by the state SenateFaith Ringgold, quilt and visual artist, dies at 93Mister Cee, Pioneering Brooklyn D.J., Dies at 57OJ Simpson, former football star acquitted of murder, dies at 76

Y'all Focused on the Wrong Things

Y'all Focused on the Wrong Things

Trump faced with law and order, Trans Visibility Day lands on Easter, an attempt to bar incarcerated people from the sky, a biased test stands between Black people and kidney transplants and fem creatives' ongoing battle for rest. NewsTrump loses bids to dismiss classified docs, Georgia election cases on the same day"Unforgivable": José Andrés' NGO says 7 aid workers killed in Gaza strikeJoe Biden calls for ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza and says Israel must protect civilians to keep US supportA biased test kept thousands of Black people from getting a kidney transplant. It’s finally changingRepublicans slam Biden for proclaiming Transgender Day of Visibility on Easter, though it’s yearly observed on March 31For Female Creatives, A Call to (Non) ActionN.Y Prison Will Let Inmates Go Outdoors to View Eclipse After Lawsuit Follow Pod Save the People on Instagram.

The Great Class Collapse

The Great Class Collapse

Biden's historical fundraising effort, Trump aka the Bible salesman, white supremacists' government overthrow, the history of Renaissance era rent parties, Sean Combs ongoing abuse allegations, and a painter's proclamation of rest as a revolutionary act.NewsGod Bless the USA BibleWhen White supremacists overthrew a governmentBiden’s Fundraiser With Obama and Clinton Nets a Record High $25 Million, Campaign SaysThe Rent Was Too High So They Threw a PartyDanielle Mckinney, the Painter Depicting Black Women Revelling in RestHe was a hip-hop legend. Now, abuse allegations engulf Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Follow Pod Save the People on Instagram.

Political Illusion

Political Illusion

Trump forced to pay the piper, Rio police chief arrested for murder, bittersweet news out of Wales, and Freaknik's hidden truth.NewsDonald Trump hits $454 million bond deadline. Will Letitia James move in on his cash, buildings?Boeing CEO to step down in broad management shake-up as 737 Max crisis weighs on aerospace giantA message from Catherine, The Princess of WalesTammy Murphy drops out of NJ Senate Democratic primary to replace indicted Sen. Bob MenendezMeet Europe's first Black head of government — in WalesRio Police Chief Arrested for Killing Marielle Franco‘Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told,’ Hulu’s Documentary on the Notorious HBCU Spring Break Tradition Follow Pod Save the People on Instagram.

The Left Will Win

The Left Will Win

Trump calls for a bloodbath, appeals court blocks Floridian 'Stop Woke Act', U.S. government scrambles for control of TikTok, and Regina King opens up about her son's death by suicide. NewsIn Ohio campaign rally, Trump says there will be a "bloodbath" if he loses November electionRegina King Opens Up About Son’s Death: “He Didn’t Want to Be Here”Appeals court blocks Fla. ‘Stop Woke Act,’ says it’s a ‘First Amendment sin’Former Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin says he’s putting together investor group to buy TikTok Follow Pod Save the People on Instagram.

Jim Crow Makes a Return

Jim Crow Makes a Return

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'. NewsListen to the difference between Alabama Senator Katie Britt’s natural voice and her speech voice.How a New Hulu Doc Chronicles the Birth, Rise and Backlash of Black TwitterFederal judge orders minority-business agency opened to all racesPrison disciplinary fines only further impoverish incarcerated people and families‘Reading Rainbow’ Doc ‘Butterfly in the Sky’ Scores U.S. Theatrical Release From AMC Theaters Download the Blackest Book Club reading list!Follow Pod Save the People on Instagram.

The Epidemic of Trumpism

The Epidemic of Trumpism

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.NewsTrump says he’s long worked ‘hand in hand’ with Black people. Let’s review.Ghana passes bill making identifying as LGBTQ+ illegalUnanimous? Top takeaways from Supreme Court's ruling to keep Trump on the ballotGhanaian finance ministry warns against fallout from anti-LGBTQ lawIn Pursuit of Harsher Punishments, San Francisco Courtwatchers Target JudgesTrump alludes to replacement conspiracy theory at Richmond rally

Raquel Willis on Risk and Reward

Raquel Willis on Risk and Reward

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. NewsTrump Fraud Trial Penalty Will Exceed $450 MillionHow Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Became One of Joe Biden’s Most Valuable BoostersFox News Star: Black People Will Vote for Trump Because ‘They Love Sneakers’Nazis mingle openly at CPAC, spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories and finding alliesUnruly high school asks Massachusetts National Guard to restore orderU.S. Serviceman Dies After Setting Self on Fire Outside Israeli Embassy to Protest War in GazaHydeia Broadbent, young activist for HIV/AIDS awareness, dies at 39 Follow Pod Save the People on Instagram.

Equity is Medicine with Uché Blackstock

Equity is Medicine with Uché Blackstock

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. NewsMeasles making a comeback in US due to vaccine skepticism, says CDCBlack Pastors Pressure Biden to Call for a Cease-Fire in GazaHaley's loss to "none of these candidates" in Nevada primary was coordinated effort

Poison On The Poll & The Blackest Book Club

Poison On The Poll & The Blackest Book Club

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. NewsAffirmative Tactics (with Donovan Ramsey)Fani Willis admits relationship with prosecutor on Trump Georgia caseBlack male voters tell MSNBC why Trump appeals to them: 'We're broke with Biden... with Trump, we had money'‘The weirdest campaign’: South Carolina delivers a win, but Biden still faces an uphill path

The Federal Crackdown

The Federal Crackdown

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? NewsTrump ordered to pay E. Jean Carroll $83.3M in defamation damages trialHow right-wing influencers turned airplanes and airports into culture war battlegrounds‘Seeking Mavis Beacon’: The Wild Search for a Tech Icon Who Isn’t RealLeading Museums Remove Native Displays Amid New Federal RulesToday In Hip Hop History: D'Angelo Dropped His Sophormore Album 'Voodoo' 24 Years Ago

Cultured Election Coverage & Don Graves on Biden's Economic Impact

Cultured Election Coverage & Don Graves on Biden's Economic Impact

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.NewsTrump mocks Nikki Haley’s first name. It’s his latest example of attacking rivals based on raceThe Great NormalizationCondé Nast Is Folding Pitchfork Into GQ, With LayoffsA Trailblazing Campaign to Celebrate and Conserve Black ModernismAtlanta's Spelman College receives historic $100 million donation

What Would MLK Say?

What Would MLK Say?

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 vice president of a Missouri HBCU dies by suicide after colleague intimidation.NewsBernice King Says Her “Mother Wasn’t a Prop” After Jonathan Majors Compares Girlfriend to Civil Rights IconPromising new Alzheimer’s drugs may be less effective for Black patientsRegina King Wants Us to See Shirley Chisholm As the Superhero She WasAn HBCU administrator died by suicide. The school's president is now on leave.

In the first episode of 2024: DeRay, Kaya, De'Ara and Myles cover the underreported news of the week — sickle cell treatments advance with limited accessibility, Taraji. P. Henson criticizes 'The Color Purple' production, GOP active in Iowa but absent for the state's only minority-focused forum, Democrats begin election-time appeal to Black voters.NewsThe Right Is Dancing on Claudine Gay’s Grave. But It Was the Center-Left That Did Her In.Thousands of Black children with sickle cell disease struggle to access disability paymentsFDA approves two gene therapies for sickle cell, bringing hope to thousands with the diseaseGOP candidates skip Iowa’s only minority-focused forumIn South Carolina, Democrats See a Test of Biden’s Appeal to Black VotersTaraji P. Henson Criticizes 'The Color Purple' Production for Making Cast Drive Themselves to Set in Rental Cars

In the final episode of 2023: DeRay, Kaya, and De'Ara cover the underreported news of the week — pharmacies share medical data with police without a warrant, widening disparity in mortgage approval rates between White and Black borrowers, and a debate the American vote.NewsMother of 6-year-old who shot his teacher sentenced to 2 years in prison for child neglectPharmacies share medical data with police without a warrant, inquiry findsAmerica’s Thirst for AuthoritarianismThe nation’s largest credit union rejected more than half its Black conventional mortgage applicants

Story Behind The Story (with Matthew Desmond)

Story Behind The Story (with Matthew Desmond)

DeRay, Kaya, and De'Ara cover the underreported news of the week — noise surveillance in the nation's largest city, the decline of youth voters, and unprecedented diversity in president-appointed judges. DeRay interviews Pulitzer prize winning author Matthew Desmond about his new book Poverty, by America. NewsQuiet, Please: New York’s ‘Noise Cameras’ Are ListeningMost of Biden’s appointed judges to date are women, racial or ethnic minorities – a first for any presidentFewer young Americans plan to vote in 2024, Harvard youth poll finds

Miscarriage of Justice

Miscarriage of Justice

DeRay, Kaya, De'Ara and Myles cover the underreported news of the week — the ongoing criminalization of miscarriage, vulnerable groups targeted by power hungry GOP, ski masks banned for the wintertime, and a debate on choreography copyright.NewsWoman’s abuse of corpse case heads to grand juryChoreography Copyright Case Against ‘Fortnite’ Maker Epic Games Rebooted With First-of-Its-Kind RulingBacklash to affirmative action hits pioneering maternal health program for Black womenPhiladelphia lawmakers vote to ban ski masks in some public places, a move praised by police but panned by rights advocates

Ready for Reckoning

Ready for Reckoning

DeRay, Kaya, De'Ara and Myles cover the underreported news of the week — the GOP scramble to increase donations, Asian American families struggle post-affirmative action, hairdressers provide therapy services in West Africa, and the pertinence of modern minstrelsy. NewsHow the History of Blackface Is Rooted in RacismWhen Will Black TikTokers Stop Performing For The White Gaze?Post-affirmative action, Asian American families are more stressed than ever about college admissionsNeed Therapy? In West Africa, Hairdressers Can Help.Donations to GOP drop as worries mount about the party’s finances

Evolution Has Pros and Cons

Evolution Has Pros and Cons

DeRay, Kaya and Myles cover the underreported news of the week — Trump's latest power hungry reelection strategy, Darius Jackson's dark secret exposed, and the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence.NewsWhy Aren’t Millennials Having Kids?Psaki: If elected to a second term, Trump would…Behind the Curtain: Trump allies pre-screen loyalists for unprecedented power grabKeke Palmer and a Basic Understanding of Domestic AbuseThis was a massive week for AI