Best WDETs Podcasts (2024)

1
MLK Jr. biographies reveal an intimate look into life of the Civil Rights icon 50:30

4h ago50:30

50:30

As more research and public records become available on Martin Luther King Jr., the Civil Rights activist is more completely rendered as a person separate from his icon status. David Garrow and Jonathan Eig join the show to discuss their Pulitzer Prize winning biographies on MLK Jr.By WDET

1
How the Michigan Supreme Court's ruling on minimum wage, sick leave will affect workers and businesses 50:30

19h ago50:30

50:30

The Michigan Supreme Court issued a ruling that would result in the state's minimum wage increasing to $12 an hour by February 2025 — as well as allowing most workers to accrue earned sick leave. On this episode of "Created Equal," host Stephen Henderson talks to Danielle Atkinson, an advocate whose work focuses on promoting economic fairness in Mi…

1
Weekly recap: The ripple effect of Milliken v. Bradley, Harris’ presidential run and more 50:30

3d ago50:30

50:30

Today on "Created Equal," we share highlights from this week's episodes, including a discussion about equity in Detroit schools — 50 years after the Milliken v. Bradley decision — and what Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential run means for women in politics.By WDET

1
How will rescheduling marijuana affect the Michigan market? 27:00

4d ago27:00

27:00

The federal government is considering rescheduling cannabis as a less dangerous drug, which will impact consumers and businesses alike across the state. "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasban sat down with Brian Hanna, executive director of the Cannabis Regulatory Agency in Michigan. They discuss how there may be a ne…

1
Could Harris' presidential bid be a watershed moment for women in politics? 50:25

5d ago50:25

50:25

The Democratic Party has officially selected Vice President Kamala Harris as the party's presidential nominee on Monday afternoon — marking the first time a woman of color has won a major party’s nomination, and only the second time a woman has been selected.Today on "Created Equal," NBC News Correspondent Ali Vitali; political science professor Dr…

1
The Milliken v. Bradley decision's effect on Detroit schools, 50 years later 50:27

6d ago50:27

50:27

Today on "Created Equal," Stephen Henderson is joined by Chalkbeat Detroit reporter Robyn Vincent, Detroit historian Ken Coleman, and Education Trust-Midwest Executive Director Amber Arellano, to talk about the Milliken v. Bradley U.S. Supreme Court ruling and its ripple effect on the Detroit public school system today.…

1
What is the future of Detroit's I-375? 50:28

11d ago50:28

50:28

The I-375 Reconnecting Communities project is an attempt to repair the wrongs that were done when construction of the freeway began in 1954. Voices across metro Detroit continue to weigh in on the current plans, and how much they come up short. On this episode of "Created Equal," Wayne County Executive Warren Evans joined the show to discuss where …

1
Previewing the 2024 Michigan Primary 28:57

11d ago28:57

28:57

This week on "MichMash," we dive into the Michigan primary that's happening on Tuesday, Aug. 6, and the races that will have the most impact on the general election come November. Host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service’s Zach Gorchow sit down with Gongwer reporters Lily Guiney, Nick Smith, and Elena Durnbaugh to discuss the major races to look o…

1
How will this week's Supreme Court decision on foreclosure profits affect Detroit homeowners? 50:26

13d ago50:26

50:26

The Michigan Supreme Court ruled this week that its 2020 decision — which held that former property owners were entitled to the profits of tax foreclosure sales — can apply retroactively. On today's episode of "Created Equal," Stephen is joined by three guests to dig into the ruling and discuss what it could mean for Detroit homeowners.…

1
What is the history behind the Belle Isle Boathouse? 6:08

13d ago6:08

6:08

On the north side of Belle Isle, better known as the "Detroit side," sits a historic landmark that has been the home of Detroit's only rowing club for more than 100 years. In its heyday, the boathouse was a bustling venue, featuring a grand ballroom, dining rooms and a bar frequented by Detroit's elite. But the future of the boathouse remains uncer…

1
Shortage of local clerk candidates in Michigan raising concerns about election integrity 50:27

14d ago50:27

50:27

Local clerks play a critical roll in ensuring free and fair elections. According to Canton Township Clerk Michael Siegrist, of the 1,240 Michigan township clerks up for election in November, 118 have no clerk candidates on the ballot — raising concerns among many about election integrity in those communities. To discuss this, Secretary of State Joc…

1
The risks and benefits of aging in place 50:30

16d ago50:30

50:30

Many older adults want to stay in their homes as they age. But aging in place requires careful planning by the individual and/or their family. Today on "Created Equal," we speak with Wayne State University gerontology professor Amanda Leggett about the many challenges that come with an older loved one aging in place, and how to know if it is the ri…

1
Weekly recap: The Black-white wealth gap in America; Kamala Harris’ political record and more 50:24

19d ago50:24

50:24

Today on "Created Equal," we share highlights from this week's episodes, including a new book examining the Black-white wealth gap in America; a look at Vice President Kamala Harris’ political record and more.By WDET

1
Who will Kamala Harris choose to be her VP candidate? 33:26

18d ago33:26

33:26

It's been another week of major historic political events. President Biden walked away from his race for reelection, and Vice President Kamala Harris came sprinting in to pick up the baton. On the latest episode of "MichMash," host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sat down with former state Rep. Adam Zemke from Ann Arbor to tal…

1
Who is VP Kamala Harris as a politician? 50:23

20d ago50:23

50:23

Since Vice President Kamala Harris’ endorsement from President Joe Biden last Sunday, an overwhelming majority of congressional Democrats, governors and delegates have pledged their support for her as the presumptive Democratic Party nominee. But her vice presidency has not been without criticism. Today on "Created Equal," Atlantic staff writer Ela…

1
How does the GOP adjust their strategy now that Biden is out? 50:26

21d ago50:26

50:26

To discuss the policies covered during this year's Republican National Convention — and Former President Donald Trump and his running mate JD Vance’s possible campaign strategies in light of President Joe Biden exiting the presidential race — Andrea Bitely, Sarah Hubbard, Nancy Kaffer and WDET's Russ McNamara joined "Created Equal."…

1
Examining the Black-white wealth gap in America 50:30

22d ago50:30

50:30

Typical Black families in the United States have 15 cents on the dollar compared to typical white families, according to a new book co-written by investigative journalists Louise Story and Ebony Reed. Reed joins "Created Equal" to discuss her new book and the origins and future of America’s wealth gap.…

1
What does the Democratic Party do now that Joe Biden dropped out? 50:17

23d ago50:17

50:17

Multiple political experts joined "Created Equal" host Stephen Henderson to discuss how the Democratic party is managing the sudden change in the 2024 presidential race after President Biden ceded his nomination Sunday afternoon.By WDET

1
Weekly recap: Political polarization in America; corporate price gouging and more 50:30

26d ago50:30

50:30

Today on "Created Equal," we share highlights from this week's episodes, including how political polarization fueled misinformation in the wake of Trump’s assassination attempt; the state of inflation and corporate price gouging and more.By WDET

1
How do we navigate the modern political climate peacefully? 21:11

25d ago21:11

21:11

Since the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, many are taking a look at our political system to consider whether we are capable of having disagreements while remaining civil. On the latest episode of "MichMash," Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow and Alethia Kasben examine whether that is possible with State Rep. Mike Harris.…

1
Detroit to adopt new rules for use of facial recognition technology by police 50:30

27d ago50:30

50:30

Last month, the city of Detroit adopted new rules for police use of AI facial recognition technology, after the American Civil Liberties Union sued on behalf of three residents who were wrongfully arrested as a result of the technology. Kashmir Hill, a New York Times features writer covering technology and privacy, joins "Created Equal" to discuss …

1
Why are prices still so high in America? 50:30

28d ago50:30

50:30

Bilal Baydoun recently appeared before the Senate Banking Committee to talk about corporate price gouging. Today he joined Created Equal to discuss the corporate greed that’s infringing on Americans’ pocketbooks.By WDET

1
What role would Michigan Delegates play in a contested Democratic Convention? 50:26

29d ago50:26

50:26

Today on "Created Equal," host Stephen Henderson is joined by a political historian and an "uncommitted" delegate from Michigan to discuss something that hasn’t happened in a really long time during a presidential campaign – an open political convention.By WDET

1
How political polarization fueled misinformation in wake of Trump assassination attempt 50:20

30d ago50:20

50:20

Almost immediately after the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Bethel Park, Pa., on Saturday, speculations quickly spread online about the circumstances behind it. To discuss misinformation and why it thrives after significant events like this, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, …

1
Michigan Senate is working on changes to the state's liquor laws 27:28

1M ago27:28

27:28

A law that just passed the Michigan Senate would set penalties and potentially revoke liquor licenses for retailers defaulting in electronic payments to wholesalers. "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow are joined by president of the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association Spencer Nevins. They discuss the state…

1
Advocates on addressing neighborhood gun violence in Detroit 50:23

1M ago50:23

50:23

A mass shooting at a block party in Detroit this past weekend has community activists, police and politicians all focused on minimizing neighborhood violence. To discuss the mass shooting incident and the role police play in both responding to and preventing gun violence, BridgeDetroit reporter Malachi Barrett, community organizer Yusef Shakur, and…

1
How 'ghost streams' contribute to Detroit flooding 50:32

1M ago50:32

50:32

Climate change has led to more flooding events in cities like Detroit that have aging stormwater infrastructure. But there’s another hidden contributor to severe flooding in the city: so-called "ghost streams," or waterways and/or wetlands that were either buried underground or filled in to support urban development. Today on "Created Equal," UM-De…

1
How police misconduct is protected through 'qualified immunity' 50:30

1M ago50:30

50:30

For decades, the doctrine of qualified immunity has protected law enforcement and other government officials from being held accountable when they violate individuals’ constitutional rights. Joanna Schwartz, one of the country’s leading experts on police misconduct litigation, joins "Created Equal" to discuss the problems with qualified immunity an…

1
The end of race-based kidney testing 50:30

1M ago50:30

50:30

Since the late '90s, doctors have included race in equations used to estimate kidney function. The once widely-used test often overestimated how well Black people's kidneys were functioning — making them appear healthier than they actually were and resulting in delayed diagnoses of organ failure and proper evaluation for transplants. Dr. Neil Powe,…

1
Weekly recap: Missing persons neglected in Chicago; Canada’s Reconciliation Commission and more 50:30

1M ago50:30

50:30

Today on "Created Equal," we share highlights from this week's episodes, including a recent report highlighted the pattern of neglect by Chicago police when Black families report a loved one missing; a look at Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and more.By WDET

1
Michigan Supreme Court facing major decisions before end of term 24:51

1M ago24:51

24:51

The Michigan Supreme Court’s term ends on July 31, but what are the cases that will have the greatest impacts? On the latest episode of "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow are joined by Gongwer News Service’s Ben Solis to discuss how the court’s rulings may impact the Legislature.…

1
How Michigan's $82B budget will affect the state's most vulnerable populations 50:24

1M ago50:24

50:24

Michigan lawmakers approved the state's $82.5 billion budget for the next fiscal year last week. Gongwer News Service reporter Alethia Kasben and Michigan Public Radio Network reporter Colin Jackson join the show to discuss the budget's strengths and downfalls.By WDET

1
What the US can learn from Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission 50:30

1M ago50:30

50:30

Since 2015, Canada has been addressing 94 recommendations intended to right the wrongs done to the Indigenous people of the country. In recognition of Canada Day, University of British Columbia assistant professor Dr. Tricia Logan joins the show to discuss those items and how the U.S. can begin to confront its own history.…

1
Investigative report sheds light on Chicago missing person cases 50:29

1M ago50:29

50:29

A joint report from Invisible Institute and City Bureau highlighted the pattern of neglect by Chicago police when Black families report a loved one missing. The report's authors, Trina Reynolds-Tyler and Sarah Conway, join the show to discuss their findings.By WDET

1
Reacting to the Biden-Trump presidential debate 50:28

2M ago50:28

50:28

On this episode of "Created Equal," host Stephen Henderson is joined by PR and communications consultant Karen Dumas and Arab American News publisher Osama Siblani to discuss the first 2024 debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump — strong and weak points, the presidential race and how the debate affects African American…

1
Michigan lawmakers pull an all-nighter to pass budget bill 19:17

2M ago19:17

19:17

After a 19-hour session, Michigan lawmakers approved an $83 billion budget that provides a new approach to funding K-12 public education. "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben are joined by Monique Stanton from the Michigan League for Public Policy to discuss what elements were included in the budget — and what was l…

1
A look at Republican efforts to court Black and Latinx voters 50:25

2M ago50:25

50:25

The first debate between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden is coming up tonight. Earlier this month, Trump made a campaign stop at 180 Church in Detroit in an attempt to appeal to both Black and Latinx voters. Today on "Created Equal" we're joined by five guests — including Lorenzo Sewell, lead pastor at 180 Church — to discuss …

1
What happened to Detroit jazz venue Strata Concert Gallery? 8:58

2M ago8:58

8:58

In this episode of “CuriosiD,” Rob Reinhart answers a question about the short-lived, but well-loved jazz venue located just around the corner from WDET’s studios.By WDET

1
ReThink I-375 coalition releases list of 'action items' for MDOT 50:26

2M ago50:26

50:26

ReThink I-375, a coalition of community voices challenging the “I-375 Reconnecting Communities Project,” released a list of 11 action items directed to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and other government officials on Tuesday. Coalition members Melanie Markowicz and Kimle Nailer join "Created Equal" to discuss the group's action it…

1
Uncovering the truth behind the phrase '40 acres and a mule' 50:30

2M ago50:30

50:30

In the years following the Civil War, formerly enslaved Black Americans in the South were promised "40 acres and a mule" to provide them with land and resources for economic self-sufficiency. For many that promise was never fulfilled, and a recent investigation by the Center for Public Integrity found that more than 1,200 people received – and then…

1
First over-the-counter birth control pill expanding contraception access across US 50:24

2M ago50:24

50:24

the first over the counter birth control pill is now available in pharmacies across the U.S. Dr. Meredith Field, an assistant professor in the Division of Social Sciences at Alfred University in New York, joined Created Equal on Monday to discuss how over-the-counter birth control access provides opportunities for greater gender equality and bodily…

1
Weekly recap: Urban heat islands; the ‘lockdown generation’ and more 50:27

2M ago50:27

50:27

Today on "Created Equal," we share highlights from this week's episodes, including “heat islands” and why urban areas like Detroit are more at risk during heat waves; how Gen Z became known as the “lockdown generation,” and more.By WDET

1
How will lawmakers respond to recent mass shootings in Michigan? 21:45

2M ago21:45

21:45

Despite the gun laws passed after the MSU shooting, three mass shootings in Southeast Michigan put in the question the effectiveness of the legislation. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow sit down with Bridge Michigan Captiol Reporter, Jordyn Hermani to discuss the possible response from Michigan lawmakers.…

1
Why urban areas like Detroit are more at risk during heat waves 50:18

2M ago50:18

50:18

In 2023, the nonprofit Climate Central found that the urban heat island effect is elevating local temperatures by at least eight degrees Fahrenheit in 44 U.S. cities — including Detroit — exposing residents to higher risks of heat-related illness and higher cooling costs. Sustainability expert Hessam AzariJafari and local forester Lawrence Sobson j…

1
The legacy of Juneteenth, nearly 160 years later 50:30

2M ago50:30

50:30

Juneteenth marks our nation's second independence day — when the last of America's slaves were freed by executive decree. The day has long been celebrated by the African American community, but how do Americans commemorate the holiday today? On today's episode of "Created Equal," we take a look back at some previous conversations on the show that e…

1
How Gen Z became the 'lockdown generation' 50:24

2M ago50:24

50:24

The increasing prevalence of mass shootings in schools and public places has forged an alternate name for Generation Z. Growing up in the midst of America’s gun violence crisis, some are calling them the “lockdown generation.” On today's episode of "Created Equal," Stephen Henderson speaks with a student, a former educator and a gun-violence expert…

1
Michigan author digs into the Midwest's Indigenous history 50:30

2M ago50:30

50:30

In his latest book, "Raw Deal: The Indians of the Midwest and the Theft of Native Lands," Michigan author Robert Downes aims to highlight the often unknown history of the Indigenous populations in the region. Downes joins "Created Equal" to talk about his book and his life-long interest in Native American history.…

1
Education funding and a proposal to tax short term rentals 28:20

2M ago28:20

28:20

Teachers and educators are opposed to lawmakers' recent state funding plan. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben discuss the impacts this could have on the Democrats in November. They are also joined by Rep John Fitzgerald and they discuss a proposal to tax short term rentals.…

1
How incarceration impacts fatherhood 50:30

2M ago50:30

50:30

How can you still maintain a relationship with your child after being behind bars? On this episode of "Created Equal," host Stephen Henderson discusses the many challenges incarcerated parents face with advocate and public speaker Tore Price — an incarcerated father himself who was sentenced to 10 years in prison and left behind his 2-year-old son.…

1
Award-winning podcast retells the Lenard Clark case 50:30

2M ago50:30

50:30

In 1997, a 13-year-old Black boy named Lenard Clark was attacked by a group of older white teenagers in Bridgeport, Chicago. The attack was so severe that Clark fell into a coma. Chicago’s response revealed how underlying racial dynamics in its neighborhoods worked against black Americans’ pursuit of justice for racial beatings. This case motivated…

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