Reconstruction

I was very reluctant to subscribe to Slate+ but did it for the History of Slavery podcast - which was excellent. The Reconstruction podcast is just as impressive so far. Rebecca and Jamelle choose a particularly lively representative anecdote or two and dig in from there, interviewing scholars (real ones) and reporting on scholarly books. The result is entertaining without being dumbed down. I appreciate these hosts - thank you so much for your work. Jamelle has also been writing about DuBois’ Black Reconstruction and you can find that writing online - I agree with him that it’s one of the most important books written about America - that book (alongside CLR James’ Black Jacobins) has helped me understand the contemporary world more than any other. Keep up the good work, Rebecca and Jamelle!

This series is from a few years ago, but the topic is so relevant and fascinating; I was excited to learn about the podcast when I joined Slate Plus recently. I was looking forward to hearing each in-depth episode. Jamelle Bouie is excellent, but Rebecca Onion makes most of her declarative sentences into questions. I couldn’t even finish the first episode; her style of speaking was grating, and distracting to the point that I couldn’t listen to it, which is so disappointing. I listened to a few bits of later episodes to see if maybe someone had coached her, but no. I’m sorry to contribute negatively but I hope maybe producers will consider the impact voice has on listeners, and the importance of a modicum of professionalism in conveying information on such a profoundly important subject. Thank you.

I love this podcast! It is so interesting and informative. I can’t wait for the next episode.

I’m learning so much about a subject that was barely taught in school.