Notes from America with Kai Wright

WNYC Studios

4.3 (1.5K)
NEWS COMMENTARY
UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Notes from America with Kai Wright is a show about the unfinished business of our history, and its grip on our future.

12/30/2024

Not Just Forgotten, but Erased From History: A Final Note from Notes from America

Our final episode is dedicated to the people who are too often left out when we celebrate the past.

53 min
12/23/2024

The Real Heartbeat of D.C. Isn’t Politics. It’s Go-Go Music.

Washington, D.C.’s newest museum is an homage to go-go, a music genre born and bred in the District, exploring how the music became a rich culture reflecting the city's heritage.

52 min
12/16/2024

Dear Listener: A Celebration of Our Best Moments with You

From holiday sing-alongs to your personal stories, the best part of this show is hearing from our listeners. Before we wrap up, we revisit some special moments — led by you.

50 min
12/09/2024

A Year After Being Shot in Vermont, Palestinian Student Hisham Awartani Sets His Sights on Home

Shot and severely injured while visiting family in Vermont in 2023, college student Hisham Awartani grapples with his recovery in the U.S., and an unfolding war at home in Palestine.

51 min
12/02/2024

We Could End AIDS. So Why Are People Still Dying?

Decades later, AIDS is still with us and its status as an epidemic remains accurate. In this episode, we learn why that is from two women and a young man born with HIV.

50 min
11/30/2024

Writer Ekow Eshun on James Baldwin’s History

British writer Ekow Eshun is also a broadcaster and curator whose work, like James Baldwin's, tackles identity, race and Black masculinity.

30 min
11/25/2024

An America Without Police is Safer Than You Think

If we actually abolish the police, would we be safe? Safer? We ask three experts to break down what a world beyond policing looks like.

51 min
11/23/2024

Writer Hisham Matar on James Baldwin’s Patience

Hisham Matar is an award-winning writer of fiction and non-fiction. Born in New York to Libyan parents, he trained to be an architect before trading buildings for books.

36 min

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Kai Wright

Host

4.3

out of 5

1,538 Ratings

I LOVE Kai Wright & team’s work!

12/17/2024

ASBehn

This show has fantastic educational, interesting content that I do not hear elsewhere. I have been listening since 2016 and have enjoyed each show. Thank you Thank you for your work! I want this show to continue! With Love, +a+
Baldwin

11/19/2024

The Honesty Critic

I wouldn’t be able to write in words how James Baldwin changed my life. And as we go through this time in America, I have been yearning to hear his words now more than ever. So I stumbled upon this podcast. And it is a great one. Also, there is a bookstore dedicated to Baldwin in New Orleans. Definitely check it out!!
Great Podcast For Discussion & Debate

12/09/2024

AutymnCynn

As someone who is majoring in Psychology and Political Science, but who is required to take heavy Sociology classes, I would like to ask and Cottom a question. She states the White Male Political Patriarchy is afraid of beautiful Latino politicians because they are attracted to them. That’s a blanket statement and untrue. Also, VP Kamala Harris marrying a white man, and choosing a white man as her running mate (which I realize may NOT have been her choice COMPLETELY). Trump admits that AOC is attractive, and even calls her “Evita” “beautiful, always around the people, but a liar.” Yes, she does weaponize her beauty. Unfortunately, beauty fades, as society puts an expiration date of 22 on you. I love how we are seeing politicians NOT afraid to be beautiful. They made Jackie O wear hats even though she DESPISED them. And what do we know her for? The Pill Box Hat. Beauty is definitely a desired weapon of many, and achieved by few.
Loving the James Baldwin episodes

11/02/2024

nick from islip

Six episodes talking to people who met Baldwin, know his work, are writers and critics themselves…offers a depth and level of reflection I didn’t know I needed. He was such a man of his time, and a tormented soul of his century, and he grappled with so much, long before the shortcuts of our recent generations of slogans. He returned to be such a worthy, striving public figure at such a critical time - these shows have been a good tribute, and both balm and inspiration in these crazy, noisy, divided, sometimes nonsensical times of our own.