Scene on Radio
Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University
Scene on Radio is a two-time Peabody-nominated podcast that dares to ask big, hard questions about who we are—really—and how we got this way. Our latest is Season 7, Scene on Radio: Capitalism. Previous series include Seeing White (Season 2), looking at the roots and meaning of white supremacy; MEN (Season 3), on patriarchy and its history; The Land That Never Has Been Yet (Season 4), exploring democracy in the U.S. and why we don’t have more of it; The Repair (Season 5), on the cultural roots of the climate crisis; and Season 6, Echoes of a Coup, the story of the only successful coup d'etat in U.S. history, in Wilmington, North Carolina, in 1898. Produced and hosted by John Biewen, with collaborators, Scene on Radio comes from the Kenan Institute for Ethics at Duke University. The show is distributed by PRX.
Episodes
Mentioned books
6 snips
May 13, 2026 • 29min
Guest Episode: Drilled: Carbon Cowboys
Felipe Sabrina, reporter with The Intercept Brazil who co-reports this season and hosts the Portuguese version, guides listeners through Bruce Rastetter's carbon and ethanol ventures. The conversation covers Summit's carbon-capture pitch and Midwest pipeline plans. It also explores Brazil's agribusiness boomtowns, local philanthropy ties, and how U.S. ethanol interests expanded into Mato Grosso.
8 snips
May 6, 2026 • 38min
Guest Episode: Master Plan: The Kingmakers
A deep dive into how legal theory and historical moves reshaped presidential power. The conversation traces Nixon-era tactics from impoundment to secret war expansion. It explores the legal strategies that turned constitutional clauses into tools for centralizing authority. The segment also follows congressional pushback and the long backlash that birthed modern advocates for an all-powerful presidency.
Apr 30, 2026 • 44min
Guest Episode: More Muslim
Aunty Shireen, longtime Bo-Kaap resident and community leader; Mohamed Groenewald, oral historian of Cape Malay heritage; and Aina J. Khan, British-Pakistani reporter who moved to Cape Town. They trace Bo-Kaap’s Indonesian roots, Sheikh Yusuf and early madrasas. They describe secret worship under colonial rule, apartheid survival, and the present threat of gentrification, protests, and displacement.
Oct 22, 2025 • 15min
Historical Maturity and Cowardice: Keeping ScOR #15
Host John Biewen reads an essay from his newsletter, Keeping ScOR. After a visit to his hometown, Mankato, Minnesota -- the subject of the Scene on Radio episode, "Little War on the Prairie" -- John reflects on the changes there and America's latest assault on history. Music by goodnight, Lucas. To read see the Keeping ScOR newsletter archive or subscribe to receive it, go here: https://buttondown.com/KeepingScOR#subscribe-form
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16 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 34min
Voices of Hiroshima
Explore the contrasting tales of Hiroshima, a city reborn from its devastating past. Listen to powerful narratives from atomic bomb survivors as they reflect on their experiences. Delve into the challenges faced by hibakusha and their families, revealing the long-lasting scars of history. The podcast emphasizes the importance of remembrance and resilience in shaping a brighter future. Through personal stories, it encourages listeners to consider the significance of Hiroshima in the global conversation about peace and nuclear policy.
4 snips
May 14, 2025 • 16min
Making Ignorance Sacred Again: Keeping ScOR #7
The host reflects on the Trump Administration's attempts to control the national narrative and the battle for historical accuracy. There's a critical examination of political efforts to reshape educational content and historical perspectives in the U.S. Discussions reveal the complexities of figures like Columbus and the legacy of whiteness in America. The exploration of divergent views on history between political factions highlights the struggle for a truthful collective memory amidst a culturally divided landscape.
11 snips
Mar 18, 2025 • 18min
The New Old Racism: Keeping ScOR#4
The host shares exciting updates about a new newsletter focused on societal issues. There's a deep dive into the resurgence of white identity politics during the Trump era and its impacts on policy-making. The discussion critiques how racism intertwines with political strategy, especially regarding global aid and military diversity. Additionally, they explore the MAGA movement's rhetoric and the pervasive normalization of racist attitudes in political discourse. It's a compelling examination of power, inequality, and the ongoing struggle against systemic injustice.
Jan 22, 2025 • 34min
Bonus: Michael Kliën and the Body Politic
Michael Kliën, an Austrian-born dance professor and leading social choreographer at Duke University, explores profound societal change through movement. He discusses innovative projects like 'Parliament,' which emphasizes non-verbal communication to foster connection. Kliën highlights the transformative power of movement for personal identity and communal expression, advocating for inclusivity, especially among diverse groups. He also reflects on the role of art in activism and challenges listeners to embrace the absurd as a means to inspire societal transformation.
47 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 1h 12min
S7 E13: CAPITALISM Bonus, Live at Motorco
Chenjerai Kumanyika, an assistant professor at NYU and podcast maker, joins community leaders Cameron Smith and Courtney Smith. They dive into rethinking capitalism and its true impact on freedom for the average citizen. The trio emphasizes local economic empowerment, discussing food accessibility and systemic inequalities. They advocate for affordable housing and transformative justice, highlighting the importance of community-rooted organizations. With a focus on collective action, they inspire hope while reflecting on meaningful change and grassroots initiatives.
37 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 1h 20min
Post-election '24 All-Star Special
Celeste Headlee, an NPR veteran and author, joins Chenjerai Kumanyika, a journalism professor and podcast creator, alongside business journalist Ellen McGirt and climate journalist Amy Westervelt. They dive into the complexities of the 2024 election, tackling topics like race, political communication, and Trump's potential second term. They confront challenges like sexism and inequality in politics and stress the importance of empathetic dialogue and grassroots activism in driving change. The conversation urges a deeper understanding of interconnected social issues.
