Pod Save the People - podcast cover

Pod Save the People

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{"_":"On Pod Save The People, host DeRay Mckesson explores social justice, culture, politics – and the various ways they all collide – with cohosts Myles E. Johnson and Sharhonda Bossier. \n\nEach Tuesday, the crew digs into the current events driving the political discourse – bringing cultural context, actionable insights, and a hot take or two – to help empower listeners to engage as thoughtful members of their communities…and their group chats. \n\nAlongside special guests, the show uplifts overlooked news stories that impact people of color and amplifies underrepresented voices who are working to create meaningful change.","$":{"audioboom:html":"1"}}
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Episodes

425: Selective Accountability w/ Chenjerai Kumanyika

A federal appeals court revives a lawsuit against DeRay McKesson, prompting warnings that the decision could threaten First Amendment protections. In Los Angeles, a former police commander wins a $5.7 million judgment after alleging she was held to a different standard than her male colleagues. And in culture, Telfar announces it will donate 100% of net profits to global liberation efforts. DeRay interviews researcher and journalist Chenjerai Kumanyika about his podcast Empire City : The Untold ...

Mar 24, 20261 hr 37 minEp. 425

424: Mastering the Algorithm w/ Jesse Johnson

Kash Patel announces that UFC fighters will help train FBI agents, the Washington Post experiments with subscription prices set by algorithms using readers’ personal data, and after years helping run one of morning TV’s biggest shows, a CBS News producer Shawna Thomas steps away with a simple message: “I’m tired”. DeRay interviews former Washington State Representative for the 30th Legislative District Jesse Johnson . News 'I’m tired y’all': CBS producer Shawna Thomas leaves network to prioritiz...

Mar 17, 20261 hr 18 minEp. 424

423: They’re All in Cahoots

A growing “pardon industry” helps wealthy offenders hire lobbyists to secure clemency from the White House, Chinese billionaires use surrogacy to produce dozens of U.S.-born heirs to inherit their empires, and Jill Scott tops the R&B charts with “Pressha,” a reminder that while the powerful build dynasties, the culture does too. News Pardon Industry Offers Rich Offenders a Path to Trump Chinese billionaire who has fathered more than 100 children hopes to have dozens of U.S.-born boys to one ...

Mar 10, 20261 hr 6 minEp. 423

422: Bought, Sold, and Silenced

A tech billionaire makes a $108 billion push to continue the conservative takeover of traditional media, Kansas orders trans residents to surrender their driver’s licenses on one day’s notice, and at the BAFTAs, a racial slur interrupts a celebration of Black artistry. News A Father, a Son and Their $108 Billion Push for Media Moguldom Kansas Orders Trans Drivers to Surrender Licenses With One Day’s Notice Anti-blackness is the Grammar of the World: The BAFTAs and the AfterMath Follow @PodSaveTh...

Mar 03, 20261 hr 14 minEp. 422

421: Survival of the Richest

Middle-class Americans are increasingly selling their own plasma to keep pace with an economy that keeps taking more than it gives, election officials in Georgia find fraudulent ballot applications tied to a PAC backed by Elon Musk, and international travelers are skipping the United States as ICE and aggressive border enforcement make visiting America feel less like a vacation and more like a risk. News Why the United States Is Seeing an Ongoing Tourism Slump Turns Out There Was Voter Fraud in ...

Feb 24, 202659 minEp. 421

420: Dignity In Demand

Advocates outline a concrete roadmap to dismantling ICE, new data shows Black defendants in San Diego are increasingly steered toward life-without-parole charges, and a reminder that being bougie and Black isn’t a trend but a legacy. News A clear roadmap to ending ICE starts with what we can demand today. In San Diego, the racial divide in charges that can lead to life without parole has grown Being Bougie & Black: Then, Now & Always Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram....

Feb 10, 20261 hr 31 minEp. 420

419: Black History in Real Time

Republicans unveil the most extreme federal voting restrictions proposed in modern history, Tennessee officials are accused of quietly propping up a payday lender’s failed sports betting operation, and scholars warn the U.S. may be entering the early stages of genocide against trans Americans. News New GOP anti-voting bill may be the most dangerous attack on voting rights ever How a Tennessee Official Kept Advance Financial’s Sports Betting Company Alive Experts Warn U.S. in Early Stages of Geno...

Feb 03, 20261 hr 15 minEp. 419

Hold Your Applause

This episode dissects the escalating ICE activity in Minneapolis, expressing disappointment with Democratic responses and analyzing varied community reactions, including the use of AI for propaganda. The hosts discuss the political implications of Trump's "Board of Peace," connecting it to historical imperialism and the Republican party's ideological shifts. Additionally, the episode explores the ethical challenges of AI in healthcare, the role of social media censorship, and critically examines black artists' participation in the entertainment industry, advocating for community-centric economic systems over individual accolades.

Jan 27, 20261 hr 22 min

The Code of Consequence

The Justice Department moves to block the release of Epstein files, SpaceX rockets explode over active flight paths with little consequence, and a prominent gospel singer faces sexual abuse allegations—another reminder of how power shields itself across institutions and industries. News Justice Department urges a judge to reject a request from US Reps on the release of Epstein files “We’re Too Close to the Debris” Grammy-winning gospel singer and pastor accused of sexually abusing a young man Fo...

Jan 20, 20261 hr 20 min

Brooke Butler on Who Gets Protected

Utah lets artificial intelligence start prescribing medication, Elon Musk’s Grok AI violates privacy by “undressing” non-consenting users, and a death inside a Mississippi jail raises familiar questions about brutality, cover-ups, and accountability. DeRay interviews Brooke Butler , Political Director of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, about Our Power, Our Country —the party’s earliest-ever investment to mobilize voters of color and rural communities ahead of the 2026 midterms. ...

Jan 13, 20261 hr 25 min

May the Odds Be in Your Favor

Prediction markets turn global politics into profit as traders cash in on Nicolás Maduro’s capture, the federal government faces constitutional backlash for labeling ICE observers “domestic terrorists,” and Black women survivalists prepare for another Trump era by building systems of self-reliance where the state has failed. News The Government Unconstitutionally Labels ICE Observers as Domestic Terrorists Maduro's capture gives Polymarket, prediction market traders huge profits Black Women Surv...

Jan 06, 20261 hr 20 min

Through the Fire w/ Bench Ansfield

The U.S. threatens new sanctions on the International Criminal Court—so long as it agrees not to prosecute Donald Trump—while American service members quietly worry they’ll be left holding the legal bag for overseas military strikes. Plus, a reminder of what accountability and care can look like, as the Redd Family Collection of Black Art anchors community, history, and cultural power at the Tubman African American Museum. DeRay interviews author and historian Bench Ansfield about their book Bor...

Dec 16, 20251 hr 21 min

Gotta Read the Fine Print...

Dollar stores are caught quietly overcharging the very communities they claim to serve, a failed psychology essay at the University of Oklahoma ignites a national debate over religious discrimination, and CNN’s new partnership with a prediction market raises fresh questions about where journalism ends and gambling begins. News How the dollar-store industry overcharges cash-strapped customers while promising low prices OU essay sparks religious discrimination debate: What we know Kalshi to become...

Dec 09, 20251 hr

The New Rules of Influence

Death row prisoners granted clemency under Biden now brace as the Trump administration rolls out retaliatory prison policies. Podcast influencers who made millions glamorizing “wild births” are now tied to infant deaths across the globe, as investigations reveal a deadly pipeline of anti-medical radicalization. And Gen Z’s viral “quarter-zip movement” signals a generation rewriting the rules of professionalism. News Death Row Prisoners Granted Clemency by Biden Brace for “Living Hell” Under Trum...

Dec 02, 20251 hr 10 min

The American Tragedy w/ Brandon Terry

Trump grows increasingly agitated as Epstein files inch toward public release, Marjorie Taylor Greene becomes the latest Republican to wobble on loyalty, and new visa data shows some foreigners being denied entry to the U.S. for… being obese?? Meanwhile, a new AI study finds large language models occasionally breaking bad, Democrats gear up for insurgent primaries over the shutdown betrayal, and New York restaurants are outsourcing cashiers to the Philippines to dodge fair-wage standards. DeRay ...

Nov 18, 20251 hr 27 min

The Cost of Survival w/ Brian Goldstone

Government shutdown chaos deepens as hosts debate the fate of the 'Blue Wave', the DOJ targets judges with immigrant defense backgrounds, LAPD ignores City budget hiring more officers than it can afford, and Outkast finally gets their flowers at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. DeRay interviews journalist Brian Goldstone about his new book There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America. News The LAPD is hiring more officers than it can pay for Fired judges more likely to have a ...

Nov 11, 20251 hr 17 min

The Alabama Solution & The Fiction of Fair Consequence

A wave of layoffs hit Corporate America as the federal shutdown drags on, a drug bribery sting in Mississippi exposes 14 police officers among the 20 arrested, Trump’s White House denounces a Drexciya-inspired Smithsonian exhibit, and new research shows foodborne UTIs disproportionately impact low-income communities. DeRay interviews the team behind the new HBO Max documentary The Alabama Solution : directors Andrew Jarecki & Charlotte Kaufman , and producer Beth Shelburne . News Fourteen po...

Nov 04, 20251 hr 34 min

Between Hope and Rage

Millions brace for food stamp losses as the federal shutdown drags on, Steve Bannon pushes Trump’s fantasy of a 2028 presidency, Eric Adams calls Andrew Cuomo 'snake and a liar' then endorses him for NYC Mayor, George Santos pens jailhouse blog ahead of pardon, the NBA faces a Mafia-backed betting scandal, and Angela Rye/Joe Budden conflict sparks debate over “elitism” in Black media. News Santos From Behind Bars: Solitary Confinement Millions may lose SNAP food stamp benefits if shutdown contin...

Oct 28, 202556 min

When Power Pulls the Plug

Candace Owens barred from entry into several countries, Gavin Newsom caught slipping by Van Lathan and reparations leaders, while videos of Charlie Kirk’s murder remain online by design. PSTP hosts debate on mass movements in America and honor the life and legacy of Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a Stonewall veteran and legendary trans activist. News Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, Stonewall Veteran and Legendary Trans Activist, Has Died at 78 Candace Owens denied visa to Australia by country’s highest cou...

Oct 21, 20251 hr 11 min

Democracy for Sale w/ LaShawn Harris

It’s chaos, capitalism, and counterprogramming this week: Katie Porter’s office implodes, Turning Point USA takes its culture wars to the Super Bowl, a billion-dollar political betting platform blurs the line between democracy and data, and a Philly creative turns her home into resistance art. DeRay interviews LaShawn Harris, author of Tell Her Story : Eleanor Bumpurs & the Police Killing That Galvanized New York City. News Turning Point USA, group founded by Charlie Kirk, announces Super Bo...

Oct 14, 20251 hr 31 min

With Liberty & Justice for Some

From ICE terrorizing Chicago to Apple deleting ICE-tracking apps under Trump pressure, the saga continues. The Root boasts new Black ownership, Ezra Klein and Ta-Nehisi Coates debate Charlie Kirk’s legacy, Georgia’s Supreme Court sides with Black landowners, and Bari Weiss brings “free speech” to CBS News. News Bari Weiss named editor-in-chief of CBS News as Paramount acquires The Free Press Africa Launches Its Own Internet System, Breaking Free from Western Control Georgia Supreme Court backs B...

Oct 07, 20251 hr 7 min

Nothing to Lose (But Our Chains)

U.S. officials cover up a “secret cemetery” of 230 Black boys, Trump to attend a gathering of top generals, Solange Knowles launches a free radical library, and the legacy of Assata Shakur takes center stage while Kamala Harris hits the book-tour circuit to mixed reviews. News 230 dead Black boys. A 'secret cemetery. Officials knew, and didn't act. Assata Shakur, a fugitive Black militant sought by the U.S. since 1979, dies in Cuba Trump to attend gathering of top generals, upending last-minute ...

Sep 30, 20251 hr 5 min

Resisting Erasure

Jimmy Kimmel’s show gets the axe then reinstated, AOC eyes her next big political move, Trump’s Education Department pushes white-washed civics lessons, the U.S. strikes an alleged Venezuelan drug vessel, and Kansas City community fights to rescue a Black book archive. News Trump Ed Dept. Partners With Right-Groups to Spread White-Washed Civics Lessons in ‘Schools Across the Nation’ Trump says US struck another alleged Venezuelan drug vessel, killing three Community wants to save 20,000 books af...

Sep 23, 20251 hr 1 min

Survival of the Schooling w/ Dr. John B. King, Jr.

Trump ally Charlie Kirk shot dead on a Utah campus, Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro gets 27 years for his coup dreams, and Utah makes headlines again with the launch of a new Black-owned bank. Kaya Henderson interviews Dr. John B. King, Jr. , Chancellor of the State University of New York and former U.S. Secretary of Education (Obama Administration), about his new book Teacher by Teacher : The People Who Change Our Lives. News Charlie Kirk in his own words: ‘prowling Blacks’ and ‘the great replacement s...

Sep 16, 20251 hr 32 min

The Performance of Power

Miami elections move forward as the state moves to end all vaccine mandates, Europe bans the use of gel nail polish, a Texas court-appointed lawyer faces white nationalist allegations, and a legendary Southern cookbook celebrates 50 years with a new cover. News Florida plans to end all state vaccine mandates, including for schools Is This Court Appointed Lawyer in Texas a White Nationalist? This Legendary Southern Cookbook Is Celebrating 50 Years With A New Cover Follow @PodSavethePeople on Inst...

Sep 09, 20251 hr 10 min

Spirit Beyond Survival

Trump admin’s sweeping review of 55 million visas, the alarming rise in millennial deaths, Lil Nas X and the psychosis of celebrity, Sister Gertrude Morgan’s transition from artist to spiritual leader. News Trump administration reviewing all 55 million people with U.S. visas for potential deportable violations Millennials are dying at an alarming rate. We have a few ideas as to why. Sister Gertrude Morgan showed art at early NOLA Jazz Fest Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram....

Aug 26, 20251 hr 14 min

Black Genius in a World on Fire w/ Tre Johnson

National Guard troops flood D.C., DOJ worker fired for sandwich assault on CBP officer, Burkina Faso’s military junta moves to criminalize homosexuality., and L.A. endures a traumatic summer of wildfire recovery, ICE raids, and protests. Myles and Sharhonda sit down with Tre Johnson , author of Black Genius : Essays on an American Legacy. News The @washingtonpost tracked where Trump's forces are patrolling in Washington. Spoiler alert: They're not where the crime is. Wildfire Fighters, Unmasked ...

Aug 19, 20251 hr 47 min

America's Golden Ticket To Nowhere

Apple’s Tim Cook delivers a golden box of nothing to the White House, Ice Cube defends his role advising Trump on a plan for Black Americans, WNBA games see a bizarre crypto-linked sex toy stunt, and grandmas run a summer camp serving up cooking skills and life lessons. News Ice Cube defends advising Trump on plan for Black Americans WNBA sex toy incidents may be linked to cryptocurrency group’s money scheme At this summer camp run by grandmas, kids learn cooking skills and life advice Follow @P...

Aug 12, 20251 hr 1 min

The Math Ain't Mathing

Trump fires head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics over poor jobs report, a new tactic weaponizes state systems to crush opponents' credit, and a new spotlight shines on self-taught artist Bill Traylor. News WATCH: ‘I think their numbers were wrong,’ Trump says after firing BLS head over jobs report How people are weaponing state systems: ‘We file liens that crush their credit’ The Utterly Original Bill Traylor Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram....

Aug 05, 202554 min

Epstein Files, ICE Control, Truth Revealed

Trump named in Epstein files, ICE expands GPS ankle monitoring for immigrants, L.A. prosecutor struggles to land protest-related indictments, and a long-overlooked Black tech pioneer finally gets his due. News ICE moves to shackle some 180,000 immigrants with GPS ankle monitors Trump’s top federal prosecutor in L.A. struggles to secure indictments in protest cases Another Hidden Figure: The Black Man Behind the Computer Follow @PodSaveThePeople on Instagram....

Jul 29, 202554 min
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