The United States of Anxiety
A show about the unfinished business of our history and its grip on our future. Now called Notes from America with Kai Wright.
Organization:
New York Public Radio & WNYC Studios
Syndication:
2018 - 2024
My Role:
Associate Producer & Reporter (2020-2021)
Favorite Episodes Produced
Collective Loss, Collective Care
Aired March 2021
Not a single eye was dry when we finished interviewing Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Gregory Porter for this episode on the first anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic. He spoke about grieving the brother he lost to the virus, the power of community, and how he has found encouragement through (a revival) song.
Link: wnycstudios.org/podcasts/anxiety/episodes/collective-loss-collective-care
An Invitation to Dream
Aired November 2020
I absolutely loved this conversation that we had with Ashley C. Ford, writer and co-host of the HBO's Lovecraft Country Radio podcast, about American horror, power, race, and more.
Link: wnycstudios.org/podcasts/anxiety/episodes/invitation-dream
Can America Be Redeemed?
Aired July 2021
Psychologist, minister and artist Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis was such a gem to book and talk to. She offered our listeners insight into the phenomenon of post-traumatic growth, which was valuable as we started moving into the next phase of life post-pandemic. Plus, a poignant reflection on the work of James Baldwin and Richard Wright by Dr. Eddie Glaude and Dr. Imani Perry at Princeton University, as produced by the brilliant Carl Boisrond!
Link: wnycstudios.org/podcasts/anxiety/episodes/american-redemption
How Martin Luther King, Jr., Changed American Christianity
Aired January 2021
Talk about a Super Soul Sunday! I left these conversations with Rev. Dr. Yolanda Pierce, author and former dean of the Howard University School of Divinity, and Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, author, activist and senior minister at Middle Collegiate Church, feeling inspired. They joined our MLK Day show to talk about his ideologies and the roots of the Black church. Plus, audio engineer Jared Paul truly created a sense of place with the music!
Link: wnycstudios.org/podcasts/anxiety/episodes/how-martin-luther-king-jr-changed-american-christianity