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What's CODE SWITCH? It's the fearless conversations about race that you've been waiting for! Hosted by journalists of color, our podcast tackles the subject of race head-on. We explore how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, sports and everything in between. This podcast makes ALL OF US part of the conversation — because we're all part of the story. "We're talking to people who have been marginalized and underrepresented for so long, who are so hungry to see themselves represented fully and with nuance and complexity," says Shereen Marisol Meraji, co-host of Code Switch, Apple Podcasts' first-ever Show of the Year for 2020. "People recognize that, because we had been having these conversations for so many years in advance, we're a trusted place where they could go to better understand all the stories about race filling up their newsfeeds and social channels." Their weekly podcast launched in 2016 but truly came into its own during this historic, transformative year, as Meraji and co-host Gene Demby examine issues of racial, ethnic, and cultural identity through frank one-on-one discussions and incisive non-fiction. In a year dominated by discourse about race, this indispensable show furthered them by providing powerful and timely insight, offering diverse and empathetic personal perspectives to a broad audience. "There are certain lenses that we are bringing into, both as journalists and the people that we're bringing to these stories," Demby says. "But also, we are specific people with specific fascinations and broad curiosity. If we're telling these stories, you should assume that they're going to look and sound like us."

Apple Podcasts: Customer Reviews

Thoughtful and engaging

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Lola Luffnaigle
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2021-03-18
This podcast has had such an strong impact on my life, especially as it concerns understanding how race works in America :)

Saving a Language You’re Learning

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AnitaKSS
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2021-03-15
This episode really hit home and moved me to tears. My parents were immigrants to the US from India and didn’t emphasize me learning their native language. Now as a mom I struggle to pass it down to my kids. After this past year with white supremacy on the rise, I know no matter how American I sound, I will never be accepted as fully American. So I started to teach my kids and now have developed learning aids to help other parents who struggle to immerse their kids. @BhashaKids is going to teach that next generation.

America’s debt to African Americans.

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"Enrique"
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2021-03-15
Reparation is a debt owed descendants of slaves by America. No doubt about that.

Ridiculous.

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physmind
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2021-03-15
Black people are THE most racist people I have ever seen or heard.

Reparation is a B

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SlowfizzZip
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2021-03-03
Makes me smarter.

I honestly wish I could put 5 stars

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QH242
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2021-03-03
Guys I love your show!! For a time I came to you guys to hear about important current racial issues, and now that things have heated up I just feel like you are avoiding the real uncomfortable hot topic to avoid possible hostility. I understand self preservation and all it’s just that I really felt you guys were brave enough not to back down or try to avoid bullet. Now I’m noticing you just trying to fly under the radar 😔. Love the show though hopefully you will have juicy stories (Reperation, BLM, Racial bias training, common core math, Asian American struggle, religion, how all people are feeling about all the external changes occurring) again one the dust settles.

So recommended

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gwen5280
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2021-02-27
This is an incredibly well done, thoughtfully created podcast. It covers necessary and important topics and I would recommend this podcast to anyone. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from it.

Reparations

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All podcasts
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2021-02-26
Such an important conversation and topic.

Stay curious

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hazelbnr
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2021-02-24
I am white female early 60’s and always learn from this podcast. The recent episode on reparations is an excellent breakdown of this complex situation. Even if a person thinks they know “things” there is always more to learn no matter how we identify ourselves.
Thanks you for the humor intertwined with excellent reporting, production, etc!

New eyes

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savourynoondaydrama
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2021-02-24
I am a 50 year old mom who listens to your show all the time and wonders where has this info been all my life? The episode on black romance literally has me in awe. I realized how much I’ve been looking at us through their lense. Thank you for adjusting my prescription!

I wanted insight

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Summmmmmmmmmmmmmmeerr
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2021-02-21
I’m a white 23 year old, and I’ve lived in a city of all white people for my entire life. Until I went to college, I realized how amazing it is to have such a diverse group of people and to learn about different cultures. I’m not ashamed of who I am as a person, but I feel a person can be more interesting the more they know about the world and other people including, cultural views! So I decided to make myself more interesting out of pure love for all people.
Recently, I’ve been struggling with the right thing to say when my acquaintances say “BLM is a joke”, “black people aren’t oppressed”, “they’re making the division worse”, “to end racism let’s not talk about it”. Now, it boils my blood, but I never know exactly what to say because whatever I do say, I want it to spark something in that person. Like immediate change! I’ve realized it’s not so easy. Listening to these podcasts have been amazing because it provides me with situations similar to ones I have been in. It provides me with the ability to just listen and develop an understanding. There are a few ideas that I have not yet come to full understanding with, but that’s ok! Even if I disagree (not saying a disagree with any points made on here) with any point on any podcast, it’s not worth taking back a star unless those hosts do not back their statements up.
Five stars here because it’s educational, well said, factual, and a trusted piece of art that I can truly listen to. I wish I could make a change by snapping my fingers!!!!! Thank you for such an amazing podcast that gets me up and moving every morning :)

Code switch

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Mack Carnes
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2021-02-11
Love their voices, and the way they explore topics based on facts. The subject matter is almost always engaging, and many times historical events I hadn’t previously dug into. They always present a fresh perspective, and enjoy when they add a little bit of their own personal experiences.

my fave new podcast

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enpleinclaire
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2021-02-10
i only started listening to this late last year and now it has become one of my favorite podcasts. i just love how it’s hosted by folks who have personal understanding of the disparities in race relations in america. also, the way stories are presented are always super interesting and fun to listen to, with relevant language and subject matters. it’s not just some dry conversation.

LOVE CODE SWITCH

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Denkinkc
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2021-02-05
This podcast is on it in terms of current and historical events that people in this country need to be aware of. I appreciate the content and the work that goes into each episode. This is a super interesting and engaging podcast and I highly recommend.

The last of the Leroys

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Roscoe Toefeak
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2021-02-03
Great great grand Pappy Leroy? Seriously Gene? I’m in my 40’s. Lol! Love the podcast! Always stimulates great convo in my circle.

Reparations and Re-parting

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Managing Partner/Attorney
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2021-02-03
The episode was provocative and I think the judicial logic of the Professor’s theory for providing reparations to some compelling but at what cost? Not cost in the trillions but in its risk of dividing from within. And, does the logic with respect who should receive reparations not raise the question as to who should pay?

Wrap

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Jaiiiiiid
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2021-01-31
Still trying to wrap my head around why We had a government mandated curfew due to BLM riots that the government refused to protect our communities from? Atrocious acts took place. Murders. Millions in damage. Businesses closed forever. Flip the script and the government gets a taste of no protection. Immediately the entire national guard is called in to protect the government who ignored and refused to protect our communities. Where was the national guard when David Dorn was murdered protecting his hard work and livelihood?

Gene Demby is a jerk

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SeaTurtle2.45
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2021-01-28
I wrote Gene a long email that I put a lot of thought into... the last paragraph was “Condemning meanness is a good thing because we should all be more accepting of each other. I am incredibly grateful to avoid so many disadvantages by being white. But I certainly don’t avoid meanness. Everyone is mean. I don’t think anyone sees that as much as white girls. People being mean has nothing to do with racism.”
Gene wrote back one sentence: “Why are you emailing me?”
😂 So ironically he’s a jerk. But the podcast has a lot of great ideas on it so I will keep listening even though he doesn’t value other people’s feelings or ideas.

Grateful

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BishopJess
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2021-01-26
Thank you for your reporting and all that you do to inform and assist the people of the world. I am so grateful for everything I’ve learned from this podcast! So much love to you, Gene and Shareen. And to every wonderful guest.

Love this show!

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LilBIGH
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2021-01-25
I always learn something but I especially appreciated hearing Aisha Roscoe. I love her and I love Code Switch for giving her the platform to talk about all she’s gone through covering the White House the past four years. Plus, the singing of “Aisha” was classic!

The Last Four Years

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emma hopewell
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2021-01-21
I have followed Ms. Rascoe since her first day reporting with NPR. And I knew she was assigned to cover The White House and that she followed the tweets and briefings coming from there. Good for her for calling out the lead-up language to the attacks of 1-6-2021. Thank you, Ms. Rascoe, for your analysis of the bullying tweets and for enduring the ugliness of the former regime. Thank you, Code Switch, for sharing this analysis with us. I am not certain we would have connected the lead-up language with the insurrectionist actions as quickly. Yes, that connection has been a slow one for the media. Great observation.

‘We don’t say that’

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c-lion in Paris
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2021-01-20
I just wanted to thank you for the episode about how race is discussed, or rather, how it is not, in France. As an Asian-American who has lived here for over 10 years, I felt relieved that FINALLY someone was talking about the inherent racism hiding in the French language. The guests on your show gave me hope that some of the good discussions and movements that are going on now via BLM will find impetus here, to affect true change in French society.

The Podcast We Need Right Now

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grycanis13
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2021-01-18
So much good, important information presented by two engaging hosts.

Real information

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eArL Hamilton
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2021-01-15
Thanks for being honestly real and talking about what really matters here (and everywhere?}. There's nothing more important than Facts, Justice & Love!!!

Code Switch...Thank You!

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Kappadon2
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2021-01-14
Code Switch has become an essential source of news and clarity for me as an African American in the US. I find just the initial sound of Shereen and Gene’s voices at the outset brings a sense of calm and centering. The fact that they both are so real, while also being so THOROUGH is awesome. It is the perfect combo of realness and intellect. I look forward to every issue, and I cannot express my appreciation to the hosts and production team sufficiently - this is must listen, mental nourishment and survival in trying times!

Helpful discussion

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Ellens8
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2021-01-14
Excellent and timely discussions of currsocial issues.

The Fire Still Burning

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gwr71
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2021-01-09
Thank you, for such a haunting, stirring, witnessed account and testimony addressing the importance and affirmation towards human life.
Where can one find the recordings within this specific podcast? Code Switch is always peeling back the proverbial layers of the onion with regards to race, culture, and the moral outcry of how much more work must be done.
In gratitude for the gift of this episode; thank you.

Such a great way to learn!

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JacquiSweenz
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2021-01-08
This podcast discusses important topics in such a great way. They don’t claim to have to all the answers and lead the listeners to the answers.

Always Informative, Always Interesting

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Zelda Goddess
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2021-01-06
Amazing, quality programming form NPR. They humanize large, important topics with poignant interviews and in-depth research. Something new every week, but I’m guaranteed to learn and be interested. Love it!

Wanted to love it, ended up hating it....

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JassyNolan
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2021-01-04
I wanted to love it, I thought so many stories were really awesome and how they explain stuff. Until I heard the latest about black gun owners and I was totally disappointed and disgusted about their professionalism. Totally seems like they tricked that man into thinking they thought what he was doing was interesting just to speak on the episode and basically not only say he’s wrong but stupid. If they tried for one second to be a little unbiased, you wouldn’t even know... I don’t know why anyone would let them interview them after that.

Truth is important

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MKArvin
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2021-01-03
Thank you for digging deep for the truth. I am a white American woman who wants to know how we arrived at this place, and I demand a new future for Americans of color.

Sophistry for Those Avoiding a Solution

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Phindidle Phillistine
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2021-01-02
Imagine a world where the group you identify with endlessly accuses others of bigotry, never offering solutions or ideas that aren’t being tried already (namely welfare programs and critical race theory, etc.). Imagine America becoming more of a melting pot than ever, and people of color being elevated in every way possible, yet, economically and communally the country is dying. Imagine being so oppressed that your podcast is deemed podcast of the year by a company like Apple, and your media praised and pushed by every major Corporation. Welcome to Code Switch, the last cry for cake from the clinical diabetic that is our country, desperately in need of treatment, but mindlessly self-indulgent to the end.

Phenomenal show

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Andrew D9
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2021-01-01
No punches pulled, down-to-earth discussions on critical topics and fantastic reporting. Love these hosts and really appreciate hearing every single voice on this show.

Excellent

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Sky Listner
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2020-12-31
I just finished listening to “The Fire Still Burning”. Will listen to it again. What a wonderful way to end 2020. Thank you for introducing such important topics every week.

Same tired, old tropes on race

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MerchantFarang
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2020-12-30
“There is another class of coloured people who make a business of keeping the troubles, the wrongs, and the hardships of the Negro race before the public. Having learned that they are able to make a living out of their troubles, they have grown into the settled habit of advertising their wrongs — partly because they want sympathy and partly because it pays. Some of these people do not want the Negro to lose his grievances, because they do not want to lose their jobs.”
Booker T. Washington

Love this show!

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FinHarBand
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2020-12-30
The content is reliably relevant, interesting, and impactful. The hosts are knowledgeable, funny, relatable, and effortlessly hold the listener’s attention.

Absolutely amazing

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Jason Weller
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2020-12-30
I only listen to a handful of podcasts on a regular basis and this one has quickly risen to the top of the list. I love the frank conversations about race in America, as well as the diverse range of topics that the show tackles. It has helped me understand how intertwined race is in everything. Highly recommend.

Code Switch

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LRTree
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2020-12-29
It’s past time we all learned from these stories and these folks’ delivery is masterful while being conversational. Well done.

Smart, thought provoking & Informative

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LBS301
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2020-12-24
Educational for white people (me) who want to work on getting woke.
I am so glad that Code Switch has finally been recognized for its excellence. The hosts and other story reporters and staff are terrific in presenting incredibly interesting and important subjects. This is one outstanding and important podcast (and this is from a podcast junkie who has heard the best and the worst of all that is out there.) Keep up the stellar work, folks. It’s greatly appreciated.

Fascinating insights

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Skiffymom
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2020-12-23
Shereen and Gene are charming and knowledgeable hosts who open up great conversations about race, culture, history, and their impact on contemporary issues.

Fascinating!

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ChrisWT123
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2020-12-23
I love your podcast and listen to it every week.This week’s episode fascinated me because I dabble in genealogy. I applaud your efforts in your research and your acceptance of the outcome.

Not beneficial dialogue.

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MattJ67893
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2020-12-22
There are never guests or interviews with people who hold views not based in some of the axioms on race held by the hosts. I think they would benefit in being challenged on some of their positions, such as the definition of racism, the reasons for disparity or inequities, and their sense of a solution.

Race baiting

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hamsters review
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2020-12-18
Trash

Up In Arms

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Giggles1989
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2020-12-16
They’re promoting a negative view of Black gun ownership. Stats regarding suicide and accidental deaths are about poor safety practices and mental health, not the act of owning a firearm itself. These increasingly out of touch positions are why Democrats are losing more and more Black and Latino support every election.

Listening for YEARS and it just keeps better

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colorwheel99
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2020-12-15
Y’all are the BEST - the way you all talk about race is so real and nuanced. I feel affirmed and also learn so much!

Love it

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Ann1490
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2020-12-11
Great hosts covering such important topics

Highly Informative + A Must-Listen

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Lexi O'Neill
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2020-12-09
This podcast presents current and historic analysis of race so so well, leaving listeners things to conttinue learning, history to carry with us, and new perspectives to open eyes. I highly highly recommend listening, catching up on the *full* backlog of episodes and becoming a regular listener <3

Show is trash

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DavidAKW
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2020-12-08
Title says it all. If you’re looking for a racist, socialist, liberal crybaby show then this is the show for you.

Great, Insightful Show

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Alden8394
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2020-12-08
I enjoy listening to this show. I often learn a lot and find my perspective shifted. I also find the discussions non-heated, non-accusatory and calm - which is missing from discussions of topics today that stir a lot of emotion in people - which ALLOWS for the points made and the discussion to be really absorbed.