Code Switch

Publicly listed emails

podcasts@npr.org

codeswitch@npr.org

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How "defund the police" became radioactive

October 20, 2026

In 2020, “defund the police” was everywhere. Now, even politicians like AOC and Zohran Mamdani have turned around on it. But some proposals that fell under the defund umbrella, like unarmed crisis responders and violence prevention programs, actually took hold. Gene talks with Chenjerai Kumanyika, journalism professor and creator of the Empire City podcast about the history of the NYPD. They dig into why politicians will say “abolish ICE” but not “defund the police,” and whether the public is...

Why fascists love “fitness”

October 16, 2026

Right-wing ideology has crept into gyms across the country. Is this a new phenomenon, or is the very idea of "fitness" ripe for politicization? Is our idea of fitness inherently fascist? We find out with political commentator Hasan Piker, historian Natalia Mehlman Petrzela and professor Ava Purkiss, author of Fit Citizens.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org.See pcm.adswi...

How much reality do we want in our reality TV?

October 13, 2026

Why do Black contestants on reality TV keep getting voted out first? Like a lot of people, B.A. Parker watches reality TV to escape. But seeing contestants of color on the receiving end of microaggressions keeps pulling her back to reality. Parker talks with Xavier Prather, Big Brother’s first Black winner, and sociologist Danielle Lindemann, author of True Story: What Reality TV Says About Us, about whether reality TV has an implicit bias problem.Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perk...

Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay · High booking difficulty · 100,000 - 1M listeners

How do I get in touch with Code Switch?

Code Switch is hosted by Gene Demby. Its publicly listed emails are podcasts@npr.org and codeswitch@npr.org. For guest bookings, the host or producer is usually the best person to reach. Podseeker helps you find direct host and producer contacts and pitch from your own inbox.

What is the email for Code Switch?

The publicly listed emails for Code Switch: podcasts@npr.org and codeswitch@npr.org.

How many listeners does Code Switch have?

Podseeker estimates Code Switch reaches 100,000 to 1 million listeners per episode. Only the publisher has exact numbers.

Who is an ideal guest for Code Switch?

Code Switch typically books well-known public figures. Typical guest background: Published journalists, historians, sociologists, academics, authors, and specialized researchers with demonstrated expertise on race, politics, history, culture, or social policy. Common among recent guests: Nationally published journalism; Academic research or university-level expertise; Published books or substantial public scholarship. Recent guests include Jamelle Bouie, Alexander Hall, and Michael Bustamante.

How hard is it to get booked on Code Switch?

High. It mostly books established leaders in its field.

What topics does Code Switch cover?

Recent episodes cover Society, Race Relations, Racial Justice, American History, and Politics. Pitch an idea tied to one of these topics and mention a recent episode.