Accessibility links
Diba Mohtasham
Stories By

Diba Mohtasham

Story Archive

Wednesday

What makes a good race joke?

Comedians Brian Bahe, Maz Jobrani and Aparna Nancherla. Brian Bahe, Storm Santos and Aparna Nancherla hide caption

toggle caption
Brian Bahe, Storm Santos and Aparna Nancherla

Code Switch

What makes a good race joke?

When a comedian of color makes a joke, is it always about race, even if it's not about race? Code Switch talks to comedians Aparna Nancherla, Brian Bahe and Maz Jobrani about how and why race makes an appearance in their jokes. Plus, one of our own reveals her early-career dabbling in comedy.

What makes a good race joke?

Listen · 27:09
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1195064424/1199264475" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Wednesday

Real self-care takes real systemic change

Psychiatrist Pooja Lakshmin next to the cover of her new book, Real Self Care (Crystals, Cleanses and Bubble Baths Not Included.) Courtesy of the publisher hide caption

toggle caption
Courtesy of the publisher

Code Switch

Real self-care takes real systemic change

"You can't meditate yourself out of a 40-hour work week with no childcare and no paid sick days," says Dr. Pooja Lakshmin. But when you're overworked and overwhelmed, what actually can you do? On this episode, host B.A. Parker asks: What are your options when a bubble bath won't cut it?

Real self-care takes real systemic change

Listen · 35:29
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1170063872/1199264577" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Wednesday

The Women Behind the Montgomery Bus Boycott
NPR

Perspective

Code Switch

The Women Behind the Montgomery Bus Boycott

We've heard about Rosa Parks and her crucial role in the Montgomery bus boycott. But Parks was just one of many women who organized for years. In this episode, those women tell their own story.

The Women Behind the Montgomery Bus Boycott

  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1161664788/1165085215" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
The Women Behind the Montgomery Bus Boycott
NPR

Code Switch

The Women Behind the Montgomery Bus Boycott

We've all heard about Rosa Parks and her crucial role in the Montgomery bus boycott. But Parks was just one of the many women who organized for years to make that boycott a reality. In this episode, the women behind the boycott tell their own story.

The Women Behind the Montgomery Bus Boycott

Listen · 35:02
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1165092346/1199264593" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Monday

If you want to up your yogurt game, this Iranian cookbook will show you the whey

Homa Dashtaki is the founder of The White Moustache yogurt company. (Her father's moustache inspired the name.) Her new book is called Yogurt & Whey: Recipes of an Iranian Immigrant Life. Mobolaji Adeolu/The White Moustache hide caption

toggle caption
Mobolaji Adeolu/The White Moustache

Food

If you want to up your yogurt game, this Iranian cookbook will show you the whey

Just in time for the Persian New Year, Homa Dashtaki has published the Yogurt and Whey cookbook -- nearly 100 recipes, old and new, including some surprising ones, like whey cocktails and popsicles.

If you want to up your yogurt game, this Iranian cookbook will show you the whey

Listen · 3:33
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1163377520/1164641759" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Wednesday

This Racism Is Killing Me Inside

Wanda Irving holds her granddaughter, Soleil, in front of a portrait of Soleil's mother, Shalon, at her home in Sandy Springs, Ga. Wanda is raising Soleil since Shalon died of complications due to hypertension a few weeks after giving birth. Becky Harlan/NPR hide caption

toggle caption
Becky Harlan/NPR

Code Switch

This Racism Is Killing Me Inside

This week, we revisit an episode from 2018 that looks into how discrimination not only degrades your health, but can cost you your life. We hear the story of Shalon Irving, who died after giving birth to her daughter. Black women like her are 243 percent more likely than white women to die of pregnancy- or childbirth-related causes in the United States. And the latest evidence further supports that this gap is caused by the "weathering" effects of racism.

This Racism Is Killing Me Inside

Listen · 29:18
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1160107689/1199264605" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Wednesday

How three unlikely groups worked together to achieve interracial solidarity

The original Rainbow Coalition NPR/DailyHerald hide caption

toggle caption
NPR/DailyHerald

Code Switch

How three unlikely groups worked together to achieve interracial solidarity

In this episode we turn to late 1960s Chicago, when three unlikely groups came together to form a coalition based on interracial solidarity. It's hard to imagine this kind of collaboration today, but we dove into how a group of Black radicals, Confederate flag-waving white Southerners, and street-gang-turned-activist Puerto Ricans found common ground.

How three unlikely groups worked together to achieve interracial solidarity

Listen · 24:07
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1150867899/1199264625" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Wednesday

Wednesday

Unlocking family history in 'Before Me'

Lan Phu and young Lisa Phu at Six Flags Great Adventure in 1982 Lisa Phu hide caption

toggle caption
Lisa Phu

Code Switch

Unlocking family history in 'Before Me'

It wasn't until Lisa Phu had her own child that she started unlocking her mother's history. In her new 5-part series called Before Me, Lisa asks her mother, Lan, the questions she should have asked years ago. Lisa tells us what she learned in getting to know Lan in this way.

Unlocking family history in 'Before Me'

Listen · 45:37
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1144492628/1199264675" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Wednesday

Notes from America: 'Blackness (Un)interrupted'

"Racial imposter syndrome" is definitely "a thing," for many people. Shereen and Gene hear from biracial and multi-ethnic listeners who connect with feeling "fake" or inauthentic in some part of their racial or ethnic heritage. Social scientists weigh in the need basic need for belonging. Kristen Uroda for NPR hide caption

toggle caption
Kristen Uroda for NPR

Perspective

Code Switch

Notes from America: 'Blackness (Un)interrupted'

So many of our perceptions of race have to do with color. How does that change if you've lived in both Black and white skin? Our Executive Producer Veralyn Williams, explores this question in conversation with her sister, Lovis. Lovis has vitiligo, a skin disease that causes loss of skin color in patches.

Notes from America: 'Blackness (Un)interrupted'

Listen · 29:45
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1139662074/1199264747" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Wednesday

Live from Chicago: What makes a city home?
Atlan Arceo-Witzl for NPR

Code Switch

Live from Chicago: What makes a city home?

This episode is excerpted from the Code Switch Live show at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago, featuring special guests José Olivarez, Sultan Salahuddin, Diallo Riddle and Adriana Cardona-Maguidad to talk all about Chicago. Musical guest KAINA provides music!

Live from Chicago: What makes a city home?

Listen · 50:08
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1136621985/1199264755" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Thursday

Wednesday

What does it mean to "inherit whiteness?"

Author Baynard Woods writes about his family's history in South Carolina in his book Inheritance: An Autobiography of Whiteness. J. M. Giordano/XYZ Book Publisher Company hide caption

toggle caption
J. M. Giordano/XYZ Book Publisher Company

Code Switch

What does it mean to "inherit whiteness?"

In Baynard Woods' new memoir, Inheritance: An Autobiography of Whiteness, Woods reflects on how growing up white in South Carolina impacted his life. He argues that it is crucial for white people in the U.S. to reckon with their personal histories.

What does it mean to "inherit whiteness?"

Listen · 26:44
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1120063333/1199264802" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Wednesday

What makes a good race joke?

Comedians Brian Bahe, Maz Jobrani and Aparna Nancherla. Brian Bahe, Storm Santos and Aparna Nancherla hide caption

toggle caption
Brian Bahe, Storm Santos and Aparna Nancherla

Code Switch

What makes a good race joke?

When a comedian of color makes a joke, is it always about race, even if it's not about race? In part two of our comedians episodes, Code Switch talks to comedians Aparna Nancherla, Brian Bahe and Maz Jobrani about how and why race makes an appearance in their jokes.

What makes a good race joke?

Listen · 27:48
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1118915672/1199264806" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Wednesday

Three comedians share their thoughts on what makes a great joke about race

Comedians Ziwe, Joel Kim Booster and Anjelah Johnson-Reyes. Myles Loftin/SHOWTIME, Taylor Miller and East 2 West Collective hide caption

toggle caption
Myles Loftin/SHOWTIME, Taylor Miller and East 2 West Collective

Code Switch

Three comedians share their thoughts on what makes a great joke about race

What makes a great joke about race? In the first of two episodes, Code Switch talks to comedians Ziwe, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes and Joel Kim Booster about their favorite race joke they tell: What's its origin story? Why is it so funny? And what does it say about race in America?

Three comedians share their thoughts on what makes a great joke about race

Listen · 31:48
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1117714492/1199264810" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Wednesday

Code Switch's playlist for a summer road trip
Aurélia Durand

Code Switch

Code Switch's playlist for a summer road trip

This week, we're talking about the podcasts that podcasters listen to. These are the shows that members of the Code Switch team cannot tear our ears away from. We think they'd be great for a long car ride, plane ride, or just regular day of vegging out. They get into everything from old people to food to the human body to Oprah. And — surprise, surprise — they all have a whole lot to do with race and identity.

Code Switch's playlist for a summer road trip

Listen · 38:47
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1110422387/1199264834" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Wednesday

Waiting In No Man's Land
Dion MBD for NPR

Code Switch

Waiting In No Man's Land

Tens of thousands of children were adopted from other countries by parents in the U.S., only to discover as adults a quirk in federal law that meant they had never been guaranteed American citizenship. Much like the Dreamers, these adoptees are now fighting for legal status to ensure they can stay with the only homes and families they've ever known.

Waiting In No Man's Land

Listen · 34:45
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1107966562/1199264880" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Wednesday

How We Decide Who Is 'Worthy of Welcome'

Author Heba Gowayed next to the cover of her book, Refuge: How the State Shapes Human Potential. Courtesy of Heba Gowayed hide caption

toggle caption
Courtesy of Heba Gowayed

Analysis

Code Switch

How We Decide Who Is 'Worthy of Welcome'

Millions of Syrians have been displaced by ongoing civil war. In her new book, Refuge, Heba Gowayed follows Syrians who have resettled in the U.S., Canada and Germany. She argues that finding their footing in their new homes is less about individual choice and more about governmental systems.

How We Decide Who Is 'Worthy of Welcome'

Listen · 41:58
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1101055230/1199264916" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Sunday

Friday

Shabana Basij-Rasikh: The ongoing fight to educate Afghan girls
Gilberto Tadday/Gilberto Tadday / TED

TED Radio Hour

Shabana Basij-Rasikh: The ongoing fight to educate Afghan girls

In 2016, Shabana Basij-Rasikh created Afghanistan's School of Leadership for girls. When the Taliban took control in 2021, she helped her students flee and continued their education abroad.

Shabana Basij-Rasikh: The ongoing fight to educate Afghan girls

Listen · 17:49
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1094943529/1095383601" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Friday

Steven Johnson: The Past, Present, and Future of the Human Life Span
Bret Hartman / TED

TED Radio Hour

Steven Johnson: The Past, Present, and Future of the Human Life Span

In the last century, human life expectancy has doubled. This hour, we talk with writer Steven Johnson on the many breakthroughs that made this possible — and where we go from here.

Steven Johnson: The Past, Present, and Future of the Human Life Span

Listen · 52:29
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1088546183/1088735683" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">

Friday

Celeste Headlee: How can we fight burnout with purposeful rest?
TED

TED Radio Hour

Celeste Headlee: How can we fight burnout with purposeful rest?

Hard work has been baked into our culture for so long, but at what cost? Journalist Celeste Headlee explains why we must give our bodies the rest they need, so that we can live fuller lives.

Celeste Headlee: How can we fight burnout with purposeful rest?

Listen · 10:13
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1081510581/1081700803" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Friday

Kevin Roose: How can we stay relevant in an increasingly automated workforce?

Kevin Roose speaks at TED@BCG. Courtesy of TED hide caption

toggle caption
Courtesy of TED

TED Radio Hour

Kevin Roose: How can we stay relevant in an increasingly automated workforce?

Tech reporter Kevin Roose doesn't want you to be scared of your job becoming automated. He says that rather than competing with machines, we should work to develop our fundamentally human skills.

Kevin Roose: How can we stay relevant in an increasingly automated workforce?

Listen · 17:49
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1078056285/1078189761" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript

Friday

Amy Webb: A Glimpse Into The Future
Ryan Lash/TED

TED Radio Hour

Amy Webb: A Glimpse Into The Future

This hour, futurist Amy Webb guides us through innovations that give a glimpse into the future of transportation, wellness, tech, commerce, and travel ... and the impacts they'll have on our lives.

Amy Webb: A Glimpse Into The Future

Listen · 52:29
  • Download
  • <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/1065119990/1065126151" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
  • Transcript
Browse archive or search npr.org