

Pod Save the People
Pod Save the People
On Pod Save The People, host DeRay Mckesson explores social justice, culture, politics – and the various ways they all collide – with cohosts Myles E. Johnson and Sharhonda Bossier.
Each Tuesday, the crew digs into the current events driving the political discourse – bringing cultural context, actionable insights, and a hot take or two – to help empower listeners to engage as thoughtful members of their communities…and their group chats.
Alongside special guests, the show uplifts overlooked news stories that impact people of color and amplifies underrepresented voices who are working to create meaningful change.
Each Tuesday, the crew digs into the current events driving the political discourse – bringing cultural context, actionable insights, and a hot take or two – to help empower listeners to engage as thoughtful members of their communities…and their group chats.
Alongside special guests, the show uplifts overlooked news stories that impact people of color and amplifies underrepresented voices who are working to create meaningful change.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 14, 2017 • 52min
BONUS Pod: Charlottesville
DeRay talks with Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe about the deadly white supremacy violence in Charlottesville, VA’s police and state response, and the leadership needed to move forward locally and nationally. Wes Gobar and Devin Willis from UVA’s Black Student Alliance join DeRay, as does Danyelle, the NAACP’s UVA chapter leader to talk about their experiences on the ground and what’s next.

Aug 8, 2017 • 1h 39min
Win the Available Victory
DeRay interviews NYC Mayor Bill DeBlasio at Gracie Mansion about policing, universal pre-K, and turnstyle jumping. Sam, Clint and Brittany join to talk about the myths of meritocracy and rehabilitation and a myriad of other issues facing America. DeRay and Chris Hayes talk about the debt ceiling, the opioid crisis, and cross-racial solidarity together.

Aug 1, 2017 • 1h 43min
Don’t Forget Your Purpose
Sam, Brittany and Clint are on for the news, and Andy Slavitt joins for another health care update. Former US Secretary of the Navy under Obama, Ray Mabus, joins DeRay to talk about the joint chiefs’ reaction to Trump’s transgender ban by tweet, climate change as a national security issue, and our international reputation. DeRay sits down with rap artist Vic Mensa to talk about misogyny, hypermasculinity, therapy, Malcolm X and police violence, all related to Vic’s new album, The Autobiography.

Jul 25, 2017 • 1h 42min
Stay in Your Lane Sounds a Lot Like Stay in Your Place
DeRay, Brittany, Sam and Clint talk about prisons, inequitable foster care practices, Trump’s refusal to enforce public law and the new Confederate show. Andy Slavitt joins for a healthcare update. DeRay sits down with Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges to talk about the police killings of Justine Damond and Jamar Clark. Golden Globe winning actress Tracee Ellis Ross joins DeRay to talk about activism, hand washing her clothes, and what’s next in her career.

Jul 18, 2017 • 1h 26min
This is No Time to Grow Weary
DeRay, Brittany, Clint and Sam discuss the week’s news and Andy Slavitt joins for a timely health care bill update. Valerie Jarrett, former senior advisor and head of public and intergovernmental affairs for President Obama, joins DeRay to talk about criminal justice, reparations, and reflections on eight years in the White House. Former Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak meets with DeRay to reflect on local leadership and talk about the future of the DNC.

Jul 11, 2017 • 1h 40min
A Box Won't Fix Racism
DeRay sits down in person on his birthday to discuss the news with Brittany, Sam and Clint. Andy Slavitt joins again this week for brief health care updates. DeRay talks at length with Governor McAuliffe about restoration of voting rights, the Governor’s biggest regrets, and a fiery conversation around voter apathy. Nikkita Oliver, Seattle mayoral candidate, joins to share more about why she’s one of 21 candidates in Seattle.

Jul 4, 2017 • 1h 36min
Intentional Inequity
DeRay speaks with Senator Schatz from Hawaii about the current political context and also brings back Andy Slavitt, the former head of Obamacare for 3 years, who provides a brief update on the status of the healthcare legislation. Clint Smith III is back and joins DeRay and Brittany to discuss the news, with a particular focus on intentional inequity.

Jun 27, 2017 • 1h 34min
Education Nation
DeRay speaks with Andy Slavitt, the former head of Obamacare for 3 years, who provides a brief update on the status of the healthcare legislation. Clint Smith I back and joins DeRay, Sam and Brittany to discuss the news, including recent studies about discrimination and news about adoption and other issues. Former Secretary of Education John King joins to discuss the state of public education , reflections on the current administration and what's to come. Also, Kelly Ward who is leading the nation's redistricting work tells us what's at stake and what we can do.

Jun 20, 2017 • 1h 18min
FCC and Me
DeRay speaks with Andy Slavitt, the former head of Obamacare for 3 years, who provides a brief update on the status of the healthcare legislation. Clint Smith joins DeRay and Sam to discuss the news, including updates from the Dept. of Education and Hawaii's recent legislation. FCC Commissioner Mignon joins to discuss the work of the FCC and Lee Petro, a lead lawyer working on prisoner rights, joins to illuminate the work of ensuring that the incarcerated can connect with loved ones.

Jun 13, 2017 • 1h 25min
When You Have to Face Yourself
DeRay sits down for a candid conversation with Katy Perry in person about race, cultural appropriation, allyship, political tension in her family and what Katy’s doing to grown and learn. DeRay chats with Clarence Wardell of Results for America about using data on policing, schools and the environment to foster American cities that work. Brittany, Sam and DeRay dive into this past week’s news including environmental conditions at prisons and the DOJ’s latest emoluments defense. This episode is dedicated to people taken from us in the Pulse nightclub shooting one year ago.


