Radiotopia Presents: We're Doing the Wiz - podcast cover

Radiotopia Presents: We're Doing the Wiz

In 2004, a racial controversy erupted at a small, mostly white performing arts high school in rural Massachusetts. There were protests. TV news crews. A tense all-school assembly. And then, an announcement: the school would stage an iconic American musical that no one saw coming. This is the story of that production. Coming June 2025.

Radiotopia Presents premiers short multi-episode series in one podcast feed, unified by bold, inclusive storytelling pushing the boundaries of audio. Learn more at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm.

Episodes

Rooty the Pig from Snap Judgment

Today, we share an episode from our friends at Snap Judgment — Rooty the Pig. Rooty, a piglet, leaves her Victorian dollhouse on the farm and heads to the city of New Orleans to find a family. But when Hurricane Katrina hits, everything that is near and dear to her is threatened. BIG thanks to Jim & Connie for sharing their story with us! Thanks as well to Jeffery Tam & Dr. Alison Barca. Produced by Annie Nguyen, original score by Cheflee Artwork by Teo Ducot Learn about your ad choices:...

Aug 10, 202241 min

Jackpot

To wrap the series, my mother and I chat about humility, while hanging at one of our favorite places — the casino. We gamble, feast on a lunch of crab cakes, and dive into how she’s always wanted me to keep my feet on the ground, even after hitting the jackpot. My Mother Made Me is a production of Radiotopia Presents , and is written and narrated by Jason Reynolds with his mother, Isabell Reynolds. The series is produced by Mark Pagán and edited by Julie Shapiro, with production support from Yoo...

Aug 03, 202227 minSeason 11Ep. 4

Calligraphy & Sign Language

Mom and I talk candidly about how she taught me to believe in a Higher Power, even though I didn’t like church so much. We get into her many spiritual practices, stroll around Costco (where all miracles happen) and I visit my older brother Allen, for a long overdue catch-up. My Mother Made Me is a production of Radiotopia Presents , and is written and narrated by Jason Reynolds, with his mother, Isabell Reynolds. The series is produced by Mark Pagán and edited by Julie Shapiro, with production s...

Jul 27, 202232 minSeason 11Ep. 3

Lots of Flowers

Happy 76th Birthday, Ma! In this episode, we celebrate her birthday with lunch at her favorite restaurant, where we talk about life, death, and how gratitude for each day doesn’t always mean we should skip the special ones, like birthdays — no matter how badly I want to skip my own. Every time. My Mother Made Me is a production of Radiotopia Presents , and is written and narrated by Jason Reynolds, with his mother, Isabell Reynolds. The series is produced by Mark Pagán and edited by Julie Shapir...

Jul 20, 202231 minSeason 11Ep. 2

I Can Do Anything

Hey, I’m Jason. But more importantly, meet my mother, Isabell. I’m not in the best mood for this introduction, because she raised me to be ambitious and selfless, which means she’s also raised me to be… overwhelmed. With life. But not to worry, my mother also knows exactly what to say to pull me out of a rut, which she does every Sunday, when I roll up to her house for our weekly visit. My Mother Made Me is a production of Radiotopia Presents , and is written and narrated by Jason Reynolds with ...

Jul 13, 202230 minSeason 11Ep. 1

Radiotopia Presents: My Mother Made Me

Coming up next on Radiotopia Presents: My Mother Made Me. My Mother Made Me is a series from Radiotopia Presents , where writer Jason Reynolds and his mother, Isabell, explore their shared history, how she raised him, and what they’re teaching each other. It’s a love letter to their connection, an homage to parent-child friendship, and a testament to how growth can be perpetual, despite age or circumstance. Across four episodes, Jason and Isabell go deep – into birth, death and spirituality… but...

Jul 06, 20223 min

Introducing We Imagine...Us

Today, we’re sharing the first episode of a new series from Futuro Media and PRX. We Imagine…Us is a powerfully crafted dual set of podcasts designed to inspire and elevate innovative ideas and solutions for some of the most pressing problems facing our communities as they confront decades of racial inequality. For the first time ever, Futuro Media is producing an original fiction podcast along with PRX, “We Imagine…Us: The Long Way Around ,” starring Emmy-winner Karrueche Tran in her debut podc...

Jun 15, 202227 min

Behind the Series: a hit dog will holler

Behind the Series is a short-run series about the shows previously featured on this very podcast: Radiotopia Presents . This week, we’re talking with the creative team behind our latest series, a hit dog will holler . Today's episode is full of spoilers — so if you haven't heard the series yet, we suggest finishing all the episodes before listening to this conversation. a hit dog will holler tells the story of two Black women activists who find their lives connected in surprising ways. Today, we...

Apr 27, 202223 minSeason 10Ep. 5

An exciting announcement about S***hole Country

Join us in celebrating a wonderful achievement and exciting update for S***hole Country . Want audio recommendations and updates about your favorite Radiotopia shows? Sign up for the Citizen newsletter at radiotopia.fm/citizen . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Apr 13, 20229 min

a hit dog will holler 4 - every black person

Dru is livid at Gina for posting an interview without her knowledge and breaking the internet. Their phones start ringing. They couldn’t leave, but now they can’t stay. a hit dog will holler is written by Inda Craig-Galván. It is produced and directed by Gisele Regatão. Mixing and sound design by Sandra Lopez-Monsalve, with help from Isabel Hibbard. Music by Christina Gaillard. Performed by Cynthia K. McWilliams, J. Nicole Brooks, and Jacqueline Guillen. Show art by Yee Eun Nam. For Radiotopia P...

Apr 06, 202240 minSeason 10Ep. 4

a hit dog will holler 3 - she hears it too

Dru starts hearing the awful roar as well. It’s been days and she can’t leave Gina’s house. Damn. So, Gina steps in... and creates a whole (new) mess. a hit dog will holler is written by Inda Craig-Galván. It is produced and directed by Gisele Regatão. Mixing and sound design by Sandra Lopez-Monsalve, with help from Isabel Hibbard. Music by Christina Gaillard. Performed by Cynthia K. McWilliams, J. Nicole Brooks, and Jacqueline Guillen. Show art by Yee Eun Nam. For Radiotopia Presents , Mark Pag...

Mar 30, 202238 minSeason 10Ep. 3

a hit dog will holler 2 - black banksy

Dru, a part-time soundproofing installer, fails to fix Gina’s “roar” problem. And Gina nearly loses it, until she learns Dru’s secret identity. a hit dog will holler is written by Inda Craig-Galván. It is produced and directed by Gisele Regatão. Mixing and sound design by Sandra Lopez-Monsalve, with help from Isabel Hibbard. Music by Christina Gaillard. Performed by Cynthia K. McWilliams, J. Nicole Brooks, and Jacqueline Guillen. Show art by Yee Eun Nam. For Radiotopia Presents , Mark Pagán is t...

Mar 23, 202239 minSeason 10Ep. 2

a hit dog will holler 1 - the roar

Gina is a podcast producer who gives snark like she’s paid for it—because she is. She’s popular with fans, followers, and frenemies. Until her life gets interrupted by a painfully loud roar. a hit dog will holler is written by Inda Craig-Galván. It is produced and directed by Gisele Regatão. Mixing and sound design by Sandra Lopez-Monsalve, with help from Isabel Hibbard. Music by Christina Gaillard. Performed by Cynthia K. McWilliams, J. Nicole Brooks, and Jacqueline Guillen. Show art by Yee Eun...

Mar 16, 202236 minSeason 10Ep. 1

Radiotopia Presents: a hit dog will holler

Coming up next on Radiotopia Presents: a hit dog will holler. Gina’s pro-Black, political-yet-entertaining podcast is a welcome balm to her community. If she could only drown out the roar coming from outside. Dru comes to help, but she gets trapped too. Gina and Dru are two African-American women who can't leave, can't stay. It's about America. It's about time. a hit dog will holler is written by Inda Craig-Galván. It is produced and directed by Gisele Regatão. Mixing and sound design by Sandra ...

Mar 09, 20222 min

Making Trouble with Radiotopia Presents

Behind the Series is a short-run series about the shows previously featured on this very podcast: Radiotopia Presents from Radiotopia. This week, we look back at the story quandaries, personal stakes, and tech blunders that made trouble for some of your favorite series from Radiotopia Presents. This bonus episode is part of a special Radiotopia-wide project. This week, shows across the network are releasing episodes on the theme “Making Trouble.” You can learn more and donate to support our work...

Feb 23, 202225 min

S***hole Country BONUS: AfroQueer's Ghana 21

Radiotopia Presents and S***hole Country is proud to present a bonus episode from AfroQueer. 2021 has been a really rough year for Ghana’s LGBTQI people. Police raided and shut down a queer community center in Accra; 21 people attending a paralegal workshop in the city of Ho were arrested and locked up for 21 days before the case was dropped; and eight MPs have come up with draft legislation that, if adopted, makes it a crime just to be queer or a queer ally. But the LGBT community are fighting ...

Dec 22, 202127 minSeason 9Ep. 9

S***hole Country 8: Developing

Afia makes up her mind. S***hole Country is a production of Radiotopia from PRX and part of Radiotopia Presents , a podcast feed debuting limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. Learn more about S***hole Country and access transcripts at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices...

Dec 01, 202142 minSeason 9Ep. 8

S***hole Country 7: 1 Corinthians 10:23

Afia tells the truth. S***hole Country is a production of Radiotopia from PRX and part of Radiotopia Presents , a podcast feed debuting limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. Learn more about S***hole Country and access transcripts at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices...

Nov 24, 202134 minSeason 9Ep. 7

S***hole Country 6: The Devil Is A Liar

Afia is due to return to San Francisco in a few days. She wants to pay a visit to an old friend before she leaves. S***hole Country is a production of Radiotopia from PRX and part of Radiotopia Presents , a podcast feed debuting limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. Learn more about S***hole Country and access transcripts at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad...

Nov 17, 202122 minSeason 9Ep. 6

S***hole Country 5: The Quiet Part

Afia celebrates Christmas with the aid of a curious present: meditation. S***hole Country is a production of Radiotopia from PRX and part of Radiotopia Presents , a podcast feed debuting limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. Learn more about S***hole Country and access transcripts at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices...

Nov 10, 202133 minSeason 9Ep. 5

S***hole Country 4: LVMH

With their “Are You The One?” marathon complete, Afia and her parents must now turn to Accra for entertainment. What will they find? S***hole Country is a production of Radiotopia from PRX and part of Radiotopia Presents , a podcast feed debuting limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. Learn more about S***hole Country and access transcripts at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm . Learn about your ad choices: d...

Nov 03, 202124 minSeason 9Ep. 4

S***hole Country 3: A Typical Ghanaian Woman

Afia’s always had a complicated relationship with her mom Agnes. But if she’s going to get some much-needed clarity, she’ll have to ask Agnes some uncomfortable questions. S***hole Country is a production of Radiotopia from PRX and part of Radiotopia Presents , a podcast feed debuting limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. Learn more about S***hole Country and access transcripts at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radioto...

Oct 27, 202127 minSeason 9Ep. 3

S***hole Country 2: Akwaaba

December 2017. Afia lands in Accra, her first trip to the continent in years. A big surprise awaits her. S***hole Country is a production of Radiotopia from PRX and part of Radiotopia Presents , a podcast feed debuting limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. Learn more about S***hole Country and access transcripts at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm . Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices...

Oct 20, 202113 minSeason 9Ep. 2

S***hole Country 1: Quote Unquote

January 2018. “Afia,” a 30-year-old Ghanaian-American who eats the food but doesn’t speak the language, just spent the holidays in Accra. She flies home to San Francisco, straight into a media s***storm. S***hole Country is a production of Radiotopia from PRX and part of Radiotopia Presents , a podcast feed debuting limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. Learn more about S***hole Country and access transcripts at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across t...

Oct 13, 20218 minSeason 9Ep. 1

Radiotopia Presents: S***hole Country

Coming up next on Radiotopia Presents: S***hole Country. Afia Kaakyire has a decision to make. And by God, her family is going to help her figure this s*** out. Join her in this eight-part podcast series as she forages for her family’s guidance in their shared histories during a long-awaited trip to Ghana — true tales dipped in green card anxieties, complicated love, an “Are You the One?” marathon, and liberal portions of the world’s best jollof. S***hole Country is written, narrated, sound desi...

Oct 06, 20218 min

Behind the Series: A Frontman Emerges

Behind the Series is a short-run series about the shows previously featured on this very podcast: Radiotopia Presents from Radiotopia. This week, we talk with someone who's had a lot to do with the sound of Radiotopia Presents , Ian Coss. Ian has played a key role in creating some of our favorite series, starting with the very first show featured on Radiotopia Presents (then called Showcase): Ways of Hearing (2017), and including our most recent series, Blind Guy Travels , which he produced and ...

Sep 01, 202150 min

Blind Guy Travels BONUS - Matthew Shifrin on Say My Meme

Blind Guy Travel’s Matthew Shifrin hasn't engaged much with the visual culture of memes. Cue the hosts of Say My Meme , Will Butler from Be My Eyes and Caroline Desrosiers from Scribely. Say My Meme is a podcast that literally describes the world's most #relevant memes, bringing the blind and sighted people together through laughter and the power of visual description. In their neverending crusade to bring memes to to the people who have the least access, Will and Caroline attempted to turn Matt...

Aug 18, 202142 minSeason 8Ep. 8

Blind Guy Travels 7: Crossing the Street

Independence. It’s a word that’s used in the blind community often, but that means different things to different people. What does independence mean for Matthew? On the heels of his Senior Recital and college graduation, Matthew ruminates on what might be next for him. Blind Guy Travels is a production of Radiotopia from PRX and part of Radiotopia Presents , a podcast feed debuting limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. Learn more about Blind Guy Travels and access transc...

Aug 11, 202126 minSeason 8Ep. 7

Blind Guy Travels 6: The Sound of Sound

Some teachers hang you upside-down to help you sing better. Others sit on you. In the lead-up to his senior recital, Matthew reflects on becoming an accomplished blind musician, through conversations with four of his music mentors who have helped along the way. Blind Guy Travels is a production of Radiotopia from PRX and part of Radiotopia Presents , a podcast feed debuting limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. Learn more about Blind Guy Travels and access transcripts at...

Jul 28, 202129 minSeason 8Ep. 6

Blind Guy Travels 5: The Blind Date

Most dating apps rely heavily on user photos and other visual cues, so Matthew gathers a team of friends to help him craft the perfect dating profile and vet potential romantic interests. Blind Guy Travels is a production of Radiotopia from PRX and part of Radiotopia Presents , a podcast feed debuting limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. Learn more about Blind Guy Travels and access transcripts at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia ...

Jul 14, 202123 minSeason 8Ep. 5
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