Best WDETs Podcasts (2024)

1
This week: WDET Special Coverage from the Mackinac Policy Conference 0:25

30d ago0:25

0:25

Stephen Henderson is broadcasting live this week from the Mackinac Policy Conference with WDET colleagues Cheyna Roth (MichMash), Russ McNamara (All Things Considered) and Nick Austin (The Metro). Listen to his conversations with some of the state's top decision makers here, or go to wdet.org/mpc. We'll be back with more Created Equal on Friday.…

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

1h 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

2h 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

2h 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

19h 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

2d 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

5d 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

5d 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

6d 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

7d 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

8d 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

9d 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

12d 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

13d 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

15d 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…

1
Are the correct people held accountable under America’s felony murder statute? 50:30

16d ago50:30

50:30

Imagine being convicted of a crime you did not commit and wasn’t present when it occurred. This sentencing is possible under a legal doctrine called felony murder. It has the power to sentence a person to a maximum of life in prison for their non-participation in heinous crimes. Sarah Stillman, the winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize in Explanatory W…

1
How did the Civil War change the workplace for Black Americans? 50:30

17d ago50:30

50:30

Black Americans searching for employment during the Civil War is not something we often think about. Massachusetts was known as a free state during this time, which made African Americans living in Boston not part of the enslaved population in the United States. But when it comes down to knowing what the word "free" really means, many Americans may…

1
Michigan false electors case drags on; state of small business in Michigan 26:40

19d ago26:40

26:40

The preliminary examinations ended this week for the six Michigan individuals charged with submitting fake electoral votes for the 2020 presidential election. Ingham County District Court Judge Kristen Simmons must now determine whether there is enough evidence to send them to trial. MichMash host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow…

1
MichMash Extra: Interview with Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist at the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference 12:04

26d ago12:04

12:04

Lieutenant Governor of Michigan, Garlin Gilchrist, spoke about the presidential election and how Michigan factors in. As part of the MichMash Extra, MichMash host Cheyna Roth asks Gilchrist if there is enthusiasm among Michiganders about the the presidential candidates.

1
MichMash Extra: Interview with House Speaker Joe Tate at the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference 14:54

26d ago14:54

14:54

Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate says the one of the priorities is to create economic stability in Michigan and lower costs for Michiganders. As part of the MichMash extra, MichMash host Cheyna Roth asks Speaker Tate about the rest of the Democrat's priorities heading into the Summer.

1
MichMash Extra: Interview with Attorney General Dana Nessel at the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference 13:44

26d ago13:44

13:44

Attorney General Dana Nessel has championed protecting people from online scams and protecting personal data. As part of the MichMash extra, MichMash host, Cheyna Roth, asks Nessel about the pushback she receives on the bills that would hold people accountable for scams.

1
Mackinac Policy Conference 2024: Whitmer's housing and energy initiatives 23:14

26d ago23:14

23:14

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that there will be housing and energy savings coming to Michigan during the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference. Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben asks MichMash host Cheyna Roth about what is going to happen about her coverage of the Governor's announcement. Cheyna also interviews Michigan House Speaker Joe Tate,…

1
Whitmer focused on finalizing budget, tackling mental health crisis 50:28

28d ago50:28

50:28

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer joins "Created Equal," to share more about what she'd like to accomplish at this year's Mackinac Policy Conference, and what her immediate goals for the state are. Also, U.S. Representatives Elissa Slotkin and Dan Kildee join the show to discuss their goals for this year's conference, as well as Rip Rapson, president and CEO o…

1
CuriosiD: Why do the Detroit Lions wear 'Honolulu' blue? 13:45

27d ago13:45

13:45

The Detroit Lions updated their uniforms for the upcoming NFL season, adding black to the Honolulu blue and silver they’ve worn for 90 years. But what is Honolulu blue, anyway? And how did it get its name? In this episode of "CuriosiD," WDET's Pat Batcheller gets to the bottom of the Lion's colorful history.…

1
Duggan, Stabenow and Peters talk Mackinac Policy Conference goals; plans for the future 50:33

29d ago50:33

50:33

Everyone who attends the Mackinac Policy Conference has their own specific agenda they'd like to accomplish. On Wednesday's special MPC episode of "Created Equal," host Stephen Henderson was joined by Democratic U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters, as well as Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, to hear their goals for this week and plans for the f…

1
How current U.S. political dynamics impact the Mackinac Policy Conference 50:27

1M ago50:27

50:27

For the first time in Mackinac Policy Conference history, Senate hopefuls have declined the Detroit Regional Chamber's invitation to debate on the island. Sandy Baruah, president and CEO of DRC, joined "Created Equal" host Stephen Henderson to discuss how changing U.S. political dynamics have altered candidates' campaign strategies.…

1
Weekly recap: Wage increases for migrant workers; rise of kids consuming cannabis edibles; more 50:30

1M ago50:30

50:30

Today on "Created Equal," we share highlights from this week's episodes, including a new wage increase for migrant workers and how it's putting pressure on Michigan farmers; the concerning rise of children unintentionally consuming cannabis edibles and more.By WDET

1
Is the Michigan Democratic Party doing enough to attract Black voters? 25:52

1M ago25:52

25:52

As a major battleground state, presidential candidates President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have been making visits to the Mitten State to drum up support. "MichMash" host, Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Alethia Kasben sit down with Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley to see if the Michigan Democratic Party is doing all that they ca…

1
How Detroit's techno culture created space for the Black LGBTQ community 50:30

1M ago50:30

50:30

Memorial Day weekend in Detroit means Movement — the popular, funky dance festival that celebrates electronic music. On today's episode, we talk with two of the city's cultural icons, Adriel Thornton and Stacey Hotwaxx Hale, about the origins of electronic and House music in Detroit, and how the growth of the music dovetails with the creation of a …

1
America's 'racial ghosts' and how they influence society 50:30

1M ago50:30

50:30

Dr. Dionne Powell, a psychoanalyst from New York City, joins the show to discuss the concept of racial ghosts and how it applies to the psychological wellness and treatments for Black Americans.By WDET

1
The concerning rise of kids unintentionally consuming cannabis edibles 50:26

1M ago50:26

50:26

Cases of unintentional cannabis use by children ages 4 to 13 grew by 60% in Michigan from 2020 to 2023, the Michigan Poison Center at Wayne State University reports. Robyn Vincent, a reporter for Chalkbeat Detroit who recently wrote about the rise in cannabis poisonings in Detroit schools; and Dr. Varun Vohra, director of the Michigan Poison Center…

1
Wage increases for migrant workers putting pressure on Michigan farmers 50:28

1M ago50:28

50:28

Michigan's robust agriculture industry has come to rely quite a bit on migrant workers and the visas that bring them to our country. But a recent hike in the minimum pay for these workers has sparked a debate about the cost to farms — and potentially consumers — as well as about the pathway to opportunity for migrants. Detroit News reporter Grant S…

1
Weekly recap: The legacy of Brown v. Board of Education; what’s next for the RenCen building; more 50:30

1M ago50:30

50:30

Today on "Created Equal," we share highlights from this week's episodes, including why schools in the U.S. are still segregated 70 years after the Brown v. Board of Education decision; the potential future of Detroit’s iconic Renaissance Center and more.By WDET

1
The 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference preview 31:34

1M ago31:34

31:34

The 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference is only a few weeks away, and we here at "MichMash" will be increasing our coverage by making a trip to the island for the event. "MichMash" host Cheyna Roth and Gongwer News Service's Zach Gorchow sit down with Brad Williams, vice president of government relations for the Detroit Regional Chamber, to hear what w…

1
Wherefore art thou, Detroit? 50:27

1M ago50:27

50:27

Sam White, founder of the nonprofit Shakespeare in Detroit, will return to the renowned Stratford Festival in Ontario, Canada to direct a production of "Romeo and Juliet." She joins the show along with Stratford's Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino to discuss equity in the arts and share what attendees can expect.…

1
What's next for Detroit's iconic RenCen building? 50:25

1M ago50:25

50:25

After 28 years in the iconic Renaissance Center building, General Motors announced the company is moving its global headquarters to the new Hudson’s Detroit development in 2025. Detroit News reporter Kalea Hall and urban consultant Harriet Saperstein join the show to discuss the changes and the potential future of the RenCen.…

1
The man who lived according to the constitution — literally 50:30

1M ago50:30

50:30

Author and journalist A.J. Jacobs joins the show to talk about the joys and hardships of his experiment living by the Constitution for his new book, "The Year of Living Constitutionally."By WDET

1
Schools still segregated 70 years after Brown v. Board decision, report finds 50:30

2M ago50:30

50:30

A new report from The Civil Rights Project at UCLA found that schools are still deeply segregated in the U.S. — despite the U.S. Supreme Court deeming segregation unconstitutional in 1954. The report's co-author, UCLA Professor Gary Orfield, joins the show to discuss his findings.By WDET

1
Weekly recap: Benefits of local banking; quantifying white privilege; more 50:30

2M ago50:30

50:30

Today on "Created Equal," we share highlights from this week's episodes, including a dive into the benefits of state and locally-operated banks compared to national ones; tangible ways to confront white privilege; and how social media and COVID-19 has shaped motherhood in 2024.By WDET

1
Setting the budget for the 2025 fiscal year 20:59

2M ago20:59

20:59

The Michigan House and Senate are creating their versions of the budget for the 2025 fiscal year. MichMash host, Cheyna Roth, and Gongwer News Service's, Alethia Kasben, sit down with Rep. Mike McFall to discuss what items he would like to see on the agenda.By WDET FM

1
How social media monitoring and work-life balance shape motherhood in 2024 50:33

2M ago50:33

50:33

In anticipation of Mother’s Day this Sunday, Dr. Katheryn Maguire, a professor of communications at Wayne State University, joins "Created Equal" to discuss how challenging events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have affected how mothers balance work and life.By WDET

1
Reckoning 375: Community members speak out against I-375 plan 50:28

2M ago50:28

50:28

The “I-375 Reconnecting Communities” project proposed by the Michigan Department of Transportation is currently in its design phase. Will the project reconnect communities, or leave residents frustrated? Malachi Barrett of BridgeDetroit and members of the “ReThink I-375 Coalition” join Stephen Henderson to discuss.…

1
Can white privilege be quantified? 51:15

2M ago51:15

51:15

Today on "Created Equal," author and journalist Tracie McMillan joins to discuss a tangible way for white America to confront the advantage that keeps our nation unequal.By WDET

1
Is local banking the key to economic prosperity? 50:30

2M ago50:30

50:30

On today's episode of "Created Equal," Oscar Perry Abello, senior economic justice correspondent for Next City, joins to discuss why state and locally operated banks are more accessible than national ones.By WDET

1
Weekly recap: Foster care in America; Detroit's air pollution problem and more 50:30

2M ago50:30

50:30

Today on "Created Equal," we share highlights from this week's episodes, including the problem with foster care in America; the state of free speech on U.S. college campuses; Detroit’s air pollution problem and more.By WDET

1
Will Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spoil President Biden's or former President Trump's votes? 23:40

2M ago23:40

23:40

Third party candidates notoriously draw votes away from either Republicans or Democrats, but which voters will Robert F. Kennedy Jr. be drawing from? MichMash host, Cheyna Roth, and Gongwer News Service's, Zach Gorchow, sit down with the Detroit Free Press's state politics and government editor, Emily Lawlor to unpack the impact the third party can…

1
Air pollution is plaguing Detroiters’ lungs 50:30

2M ago50:30

50:30

Detroit’s air is dirty, and according to a new report from the American Lung Association, dirtier than most cities in the U.S. On today's episode of "Created Equal," Nick Schroeck, associate dean of experiential education at the University of Detroit Mercy Law School, and Brian Allnut, senior reporter at Planet Detroit, join to discuss why the regi…

1
What Columbia's crackdown on protesters tells us about free speech on college campuses 50:29

2M ago50:29

50:29

Tensions between student-led protesters and university officials at Columbia University on Tuesday led to NYPD officers clad in riot-gear forcibly removing protesters from the Hamilton Hall building, which they had occupied for less than 24 hours. Shikha Dalmia, president of the Institute for the Study of Modern Authoritarianism, and Dr. Sophia Ros…

1
Foster care in America from a children’s advocate raised in the system 50:30

2M ago50:30

50:30

Andrew Bridge spent 11 years of his childhood in foster care and says the system did more harm than good. The child's rights attorney and advocate joined "Created Equal," to discuss the system's shortcomings.By WDET

1
How the impacts of inflation divide the Democratic Party 50:30

2M ago50:30

50:30

In a recent article by Atlantic staff writer Michael Powell, he points out the schism that exists in the Democratic messaging around inflation among upper-middle class circles. Powell joins "Created Equal" to discuss whether the party can reconcile the good and bad of Bidenomics ahead of the November election.…

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