The Repair Lab

The first episode of the podcast series, “Wading Between Two Titans” was incredibly insightful. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience learning from this podcast. I think that the commentary was thoughtful, engaging, and a very vulnerable depiction of racial justice in Norfolk, Virginia. Interviews with these residents have offered a diverse perspective from various leaders, innovators, and experts that understand the relationship between the community and various elements of environmental justice. As it relates to the production of the podcast, I found myself being transported into this very serene and peaceful space while being able to listen to an engaging and insightful conversation. The host had an incredible group of people contributing to this conversation, which allowed for an array of perspectives and solutions to be brought to the table. Overall, “Wading Between Two Titans” is such an important podcast that everyone should listen to in order to broaden their perspectives and educate themselves and those around them.

I thoroughly enjoyed this podcast and found it very informative on the climate and housing issues in Norfolk, Virginia. I enjoyed the use of personal testimonies and antic-dotes from those affected by water level and housing redlining issues. This podcast tells the story of Norfolk, from start to finish, in the environmental and political events that have shaped the area to what it is today. It highlights the disheartening reality that the injustices in Norfolk have not been resolved and thousands of victims still remain.

This podcast does a wonderful job of overviewing both the history and the problems within Norfolk, specifically with the two titans of sea level rise and the housing crisis. Norfolk is clearly at an important part of the history with such a high flood risk and is a historically important Black city. It is truly horrifying to see the gentrification of an area that was always somewhere where Black people were not really given a choice but to live. The history within the first episode specifically sets up a strong base for how we got to where we are and why it is important. The area has always been important and provided opportunities, mainly through the sea, for slaves to be free and work. The former “utopia for Black folks” is now seen as a target for wealthy, white homeowners. The water that has played such a large role in the history is now one of the greatest dangers facing the city. The voices and music of the podcast are calm and smoothing, making it easier to listen to the difficult topics discussed. The music adds to the mood and severity of the podcast. Although the voices and music are calming, there is an air of severity constantly surrounding such an important issue. The general aesthetic of the podcast is very effective at communicating the message. Overall, this podcast is interesting, engaging, and important within the message.

I love how the narrator presented the ideas in subtle yet powerful ways, and I love that the podcast gave a voice to those who are directly affected by these environmental injustices because way too often, these voices are silenced. My favorite episode was the one about Norfolk, and I found it very disheartening, how the issues of Norfolk are not resolved for the sake of existing residents, but for that of potential ones.