Best The American Library In Paris Podcasts (2025)

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Introducing: Forever is a Long Time 32:57

Play Pause

2h ago32:57

32:57

When Ian Coss decided to get married, every living member of his family who had ever been married had also gotten divorced: parents, grandparents, and all his aunts and uncles on both sides — some of them twice. Today, he has questions: What is the value of a lifetime commitment? Are we doomed to recycle the patterns of behavior we get from our anc…

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We're Doing The Wiz 4 - Pass the Squeeze 40:12

21d ago40:12

40:12

It's opening night. Will PVPA pull it off? And almost 20 years later, the cast reflects on the impact doing The Wiz had on their lives. The series is made possible in part by a grant from Mass Humanities, which provided funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Learn more about We're Doing The Wiz at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover mor…

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We're Doing The Wiz 3 - You Don’t Hit White Girls 34:30

28d ago34:30

34:30

Rehearsals are in full swing. But while most students are focused on their songs and dance steps, a tense backstage drama threatens the entire production. The series is made possible in part by a grant from Mass Humanities, which provided funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Learn more about We're Doing The Wiz at radiotopiapresents.…

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We're Doing The Wiz 2 - The Black Wizard of Oz 40:34

1M ago40:34

40:34

It’s audition time at PVPA. Will students get the parts they want? Will it come down to race, talent or both? And is anyone giving Dorothy? The series is made possible in part by a grant from Mass Humanities, which provided funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Learn more about We're Doing The Wiz at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover…

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We're Doing The Wiz 1 - The Tofu Curtain 38:56

1M ago38:56

38:56

When a bussing program brings a group of Black students to a predominately white performing arts high school in rural Massachusetts, a racial reckoning rocks the campus. And an unlikely selection for the school’s annual musical reshapes the student body forever. The series is made possible in part by a grant from Mass Humanities, which provided fun…

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Radiotopia Presents: We're Doing the Wiz 2:48

2M ago2:48

2:48

Coming up next on Radiotopia Presents: We’re Doing The Wiz. Two former classmates reconnect to unpack the high school musical that changed their lives. The series is made possible in part by a grant from Mass Humanities, which provided funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Learn more about We're Doing The Wiz at radiotopiapresents.fm …

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Red for Revolution x The Frogs 23:02

2M ago23:02

23:02

On May 24, 2025 in LA, Red for Revolution's creator/writer/director Jana Naomi Smith joined The Frogs for a rollicking live taping of their podcast, to talk career, inspiration, the origins of R4R, and for a live performance featuring Caro Guzmán. To listen to the full episode, head over to the The Frogs — where theater, culture, and vibe collide. …

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Introducing Selects from Radiotopia and Room Tone 32:40

3M ago32:40

32:40

Today we’re introducing our Radiotopia Presents listeners to a brand new show out now from Radiotopia. It’s called Selects. Selects is a monthly show that brings you unearthed audio works we’ve found buried in web archives, radio streams, and old podcasts. They’ve come to us through the recommendations and inspirations of some of the most talented …

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After 15 months of displacement...from Up First 30:08

3M ago30:08

30:08

Recently, the White House announced its plans to ask Congress to rescind funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. If the plan passes, there could be serious consequences for the public media ecosystem. Rather than tell you why we think public media is important, we are sharing this piece from NPR's Up First. This story is one of the best…

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Introducing: Harlem Queen 13:37

4M ago13:37

13:37

Today we're sharing the first episode of Harlem Queen, a historical audio drama detailing the powerful story of “Policy Queen” and “gangster” Madame Stephanie St. Clair. Madame St. Clair had a powerful impact on building the Harlem community underground and aboveground and defining the Harlem Renaissance. Our goal is for you to be entertained, educ…

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Jason and Isabelle Revisit My Mother Made Me 6:09

4M ago6:09

6:09

In October 2024, Apple Podcasts launched a new initiative to highlight narrative series, including designating a new show every month as a Series Essential, celebrating the finest storytelling and the medium’s greatest achievements. My Mother Made Me is the March 2025 selection. For this special occasion, we asked Jason to sit down with his mother …

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Alternate Realities from Embedded 27:55

4M ago27:55

27:55

Today, we're sharing the first episode of a new limited-run series from NPR's Embedded, "Alternate Realities". Zach Mack and his dad are living in separate realities, and it's tearing their family apart. Like so many Americans, Zach's dad has gotten swept up in conspiracy theories. After years of circular arguments, the father challenged his son to…

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Red for Revolution 6 - I Love Paris 41:30

5M ago41:30

41:30

As tensions escalate and hearts are both shattered and healed, our season one love story reaches its climax in the City of Love. Jazmine’s family surprises her with a graduation trip to Paris, but little do they know, she has a surprise of her own in store. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direct…

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Red for Revolution 5 - Send in the Clowns 43:11

5M ago43:11

43:11

As tensions between Jazmine and her mother boil over, Grandma Ella steps in, guiding the three women to confront the painful reality of intergenerational homophobia. Meanwhile, back in the 1970s, the stakes soar for Ella and Lorraine’s relationship as young Ella is falsely accused of a crime. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by …

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Red for Revolution 4 - He Looked Beyond My Faults 29:22

5M ago29:22

29:22

Jazmine holds space for Ms. Lorraine as she shares her story of substance abuse, inspiring a conversation about grace and self-acceptance. Meanwhile, back in the 70s, a younger Lorraine confesses her substance abuse to Ella, generating a difficult impasse between the two. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with…

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Red for Revolution 3 - Stormy Weather 32:06

5M ago32:06

32:06

As Jazmine grapples with self-acceptance, Grandma Ella and Ms. Lorraine feel compelled to share their respective insecurities. This leads to a poignant recollection of the day a power outage compelled a young Ella and Lorraine to reveal their deepest secrets and vulnerabilities. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smi…

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Red for Revolution 2 - Never Will I Marry 47:37

6M ago47:37

47:37

Jazmine uncovers her grandmother's journals, shedding light on previously unknown aspects of her inner life and igniting the tale of how Ella and Lorraine reconnected in 1971, New York City for a taping of the TV show Black Dreams after their passionate first encounter in Gary. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smit…

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Red for Revolution 1 - I’ve Got a Crush On You 34:47

6M ago34:47

34:47

After the assassination of a Black female revolutionary, an unexpected romance blossoms between the two women left in her wake—an apolitical jazz singer and a radical activist. While in the present day, college-bound Jazmine embarks on a journey to find her grandmother's first love and document their love story. Red for Revolution is created, writt…

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Radiotopia Presents: Red for Revolution 2:21

6M ago2:21

2:21

Red for Revolution is an enthralling audio drama that tells the passionate love story between jazz singer Lorraine Giovanni and activist Ella Ali. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of 18-year-old Jazmine, who is coming of age and seeking wisdom from her grandmother, Ella. As Jazmine conducts heartfelt interviews with her grandmother, li…

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Best of Radiotopia - Weight For It 40:43

7M ago40:43

40:43

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Weight For It - “Into Thin Air." It's not too late - Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is still on! Donate to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

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Best of Radiotopia - This Day in Esoteric Political History 20:27

7M ago20:27

20:27

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - This Day in Esoteric Political History - “Dick Cheney Shoots Friend In The Face”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

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Best of Radiotopia - The West Wing Weekly 1:01:42

7M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The West Wing Weekly - “The American President”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

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Best of Radiotopia - The Stoop 34:59

7M ago34:59

34:59

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Stoop - “This Ain't Texas, It's Africa." It's not too late - Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is still on! Donate to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

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Best of Radiotopia - Song Exploder 27:28

7M ago27:28

27:28

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Song Exploder - “Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - Our House." It's not too late - Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is still on! Donate to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

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Best of Radiotopia - The Recipe with Kenji and Deb 38:12

7M ago38:12

38:12

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Recipe with Kenji and Deb - “Popcorn”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

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Best of Radiotopia - Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative 40:15

7M ago40:15

40:15

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative - “Just a Girl with a Microphone." Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

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Best of Radiotopia - Radio Diaries 14:03

7M ago14:03

14:03

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Radio Diaries - “The John Birch Society”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

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Best of Radiotopia - Normal Gossip 1:01:37

7M ago1:01:37

1:01:37

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Normal Gossip - “The Suite Life of Rachelle and Kelsey”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

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Best of Radiotopia - The Mortified Podcast 30:37

7M ago30:37

30:37

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Mortified Podcast - “The Origin Story”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

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Best of Radiotopia - The Memory Palace 9:54

7M ago9:54

9:54

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Memory Palace - “Lost Jobs”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! And you can buy The Memory Palace book here. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

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Best of Radiotopia - The Kitchen Sisters Present 12:43

7M ago12:43

12:43

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Kitchen Sisters Present - “Tupperware”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

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Best of Radiotopia - Hyperfixed 33:55

7M ago33:55

33:55

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Hyperfixed - “Casey Wants to Believe”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

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Best of Radiotopia - The Heart 10:43

7M ago10:43

10:43

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - The Heart - “EPILOGUE | Letter to Gaza”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

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Best of Radiotopia - Hang Up 49:55

8M ago49:55

49:55

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Hang Up - “Speed Dial”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

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Best of Radiotopia - Ear Hustle 53:21

8M ago53:21

53:21

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Ear Hustle - “What's Up, Michael Freeman?”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

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Best of Radiotopia - Benjamen Walker's Theory of Everything 1:12:44

8M ago1:12:44

1:12:44

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Benjamen Walker's Theory of Everything - "Not All Propaganda is Art" episode 1. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

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Best of Radiotopia - Articles of Interest 50:16

8M ago50:16

50:16

Best of Radiotopia 2024 - Articles of Interest - “Nudity”. Radiotopia’s fall fundraiser is here! Donate today to support audio with vision. Thank you! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Radiotopia

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Will wants to go back to his favourite shawarma place from Personal Best 39:28

11M ago39:28

39:28

From our friends at Personal Best (CBC) — Personal Best from CBC celebrates small ambitions, half-wins and the quiet satisfaction of getting less bad at things. Each week they help ordinary people work through the little things they’d never bring to a life coach — like having the courage to dine alone at a fancy restaurant or getting less awkward a…

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Imperfect Paradise: Strippers Union from LAist 42:12

1y ago42:12

42:12

From our friends at the LAist — In 2023, North Hollywood’s Star Garden reopened as the only unionized strip club in the U.S. LAist Producer Emma Alabaster tells us the behind-the-scenes story of the workplace conditions that pushed the dancers into action. CONTENT WARNING: This episode includes sensitive content about sexual assault. For sexual ass…

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Points of Egress from Love + Radio 47:58

1+ y ago47:58

47:58

Back in 2017, Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative host/producer Jess Shane made “Perfect Woman”, an episode of Love Me, the CBC podcast. In 2018, Nick van der Kolk made “Points of Egress” for his show, Love + Radio, inspired by “Perfect Woman”. Today, we come full circle to share “Points of Egress” with you. Listen to the end for Jess’s version…

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Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative 5 - Release 30:24

1+ y ago30:24

30:24

After Jess receives feedback that throws a major wrench into her production schedule, she has to make some tough decisions. Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative is written, hosted and produced by Jess Shane. Sara Nics is the story editor. Sound design, mix/mastering by Michelle Macklem. Production support from Mona Hassan. Cover art is by Justin…

1
Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative 4 - Feedback 42:50

1+ y ago42:50

42:50

With only a few months till launch, Jess plays a draft of the series for her subjects and gives them an opportunity to request major changes. Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative is written, hosted and produced by Jess Shane. Sara Nics is the story editor. Sound design, mix/mastering by Michelle Macklem. Production support from Mona Hassan. Cove…

1
Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative 3 - Win-Win 46:35

1+ y ago46:35

46:35

Jess makes a deal with Judy, an unhoused senior. Judy will let Jess document her, and Jess will help Judy resolve some of her ongoing life problems. As Jess gets sucked into Judy's crises, the rest of the series starts to slip and Jess’ relationships with her other subjects get messy. Jess starts to doubt the premise of this entire undertaking. Sho…

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Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative 2 - The Grimy Stuff 37:09

1+ y ago37:09

37:09

Jess begins by documenting Ernesto, a 20-year-old, newly sober fashion model. The plan is to pay Ernesto and let him be in charge of the story he wants to tell in the documentary. Things go sideways when Jess and Ernesto grapple with what will need to be cut out of Ernesto's life to turn it into a viable media product. More about Pooja Rangan’s boo…

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Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative 1 - Just a Girl with a Microphone 37:42

1+ y ago37:42

37:42

Jess used to think making documentaries was good for her subjects and good for the world. But she’s not so sure anymore. With this series, she's throwing out the old rules of documentary production and trying out some new ones. Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative is written, hosted and produced by Jess Shane. Sara Nics is the story editor. Soun…

1
Radiotopia Presents: Shocking, Heartbreaking, Transformative 2:03

1+ y ago2:03

2:03

Artist and documentarian Jess Shane posts a Craigslist ad: “Does your story need to be told? Tell it in a documentary! Seeking shocking, heartbreaking, and transformative stories for a new series about the documentary industry. Compensation provided.” After days of auditions, Shane casts four participants, each with varied relationships to why they…

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Movement with Meklit Hadero 24:40

1+ y ago24:40

24:40

Today, longtime Presents producer Ian Coss shares a new project with a simple premise. If you want to talk about music today, you need to talk about migration – the movement of people around this earth. “Movement with Meklit Hadero” is a podcast that lives at that intersection: stories of music and migration, remixed. Learn about your ad choices: d…

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What's Ray Saying? from The Moth & PRX 32:10

1+ y ago32:10

32:10

Today, we’re introducing our Radiotopia Presents listeners to a brand new show out now from PRX. It’s called What’s Ray Saying?. In this first episode from the newest season, Ray Christian looks at the history of Black medicine and to better understand the treatment of the ills, injuries and minds of Black Americans, he reflects on his first experi…

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Monumental—a new podcast from PRX 41:43

1+ y ago41:43

41:43

Today, we are sharing an episode of Monumental, by our old friend Gisele Regatão, the producer/director of a hit dog will holler. For generations, Christopher Columbus has been glorified in monument after monument across the United States. And while Columbus statues have recently started coming down, including in cities like Columbus, Ohio, the lar…

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Borrowed & Banned from Brooklyn Public Library 26:50

2y ago26:50

26:50

Borrowed & Banned is a podcast from Brooklyn Public Library about tells the story of America’s ideological war with its bookshelves. Over seven episodes, hosts Virginia Marshall and Adwoa Adusei talk to students on the frontlines, librarians and teachers whose livelihoods are endangered when they speak up, and writers whose books have become politi…