Code Switch

Gene Demby, B.A. Parker, and Lori Lizarraga host this NPR show that tackles race in America with a directness that most mainstream outlets won't touch. The genius of Code Switch is that it connects seemingly unrelated topics through the lens of race and identity, and the connections always land. One week they're tracing the 100-year evolution of Black History Month, the next they're examining why politicians weaponize crime statistics even when crime rates are historically low. With 593 episodes and a 4.6-star rating from over 14,500 listeners, this is one of NPR's most popular shows for good reason. The hosts are all working journalists who bring their reporting chops to every conversation, backing up observations with actual data and historical context rather than just opinions. Episodes release twice a week and typically run 30 to 45 minutes. Recent topics have included Bad Bunny's political activism, dating while Black across different eras, and immigration enforcement in sanctuary cities. What keeps Code Switch from feeling preachy is the genuine curiosity the hosts bring. They're not lecturing; they're figuring things out in real time and bringing listeners along for the ride. The production is polished without being slick, and the writing is consistently sharp.