PODCAST · society
Disrupted
by Connecticut Public Radio
Disrupted is about the changes we all encounter and the forces driving those changes. Some disruptions spark joy and possibility. Others move us to take action and re-evaluate our world. But the show isn't just about those disruptions; it’s about embracing them, exploring new perspectives, and feeling more connected to ourselves and our communities. Host and political scientist Khalilah Brown-Dean creates a place where changemakers come together to help us see the world differently and challenge us to grow together.Visit ctpublic.org/disrupted for more!
Episodes
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Childbirth and postpartum health, from a firsthand account to a look at disparities
Giving birth can have a serious impact on a person’s physical and mental health. Postpartum psychosis has been in the news recently due to the Lindsay Clancy case, but that is just one of many challenges that people can face during and after childbirth. 1 in 8 people who give birth experience...
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Beth Simone Noveck says AI can change democracy for the better— if we choose to use it that way
A lot of conversation around AI focuses on it as an existential threat. But if AI has destructive potential, does it also have the capacity to do good? This hour, we're talking about AI and the choice we can make about how we use it. Our guest is Beth Simone Noveck, Director of the Burnes Center...
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Weight stigma and the connection between anti-Blackness and anti-fatness
In the United States, we talk a lot about discrimination. But one form of discrimination that we don’t talk about enough is discrimination based on body weight. It affects everything from our employment prospects to our medical care. But it actually remains legal in almost every state in the U.S....
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In divided times, how do we build an inclusive future?
The U.S. feels divided. That division is backed up by data. According to the American Psychological Association’s 2025 Stress in America Survey, 62 percent of adults said societal division was a significant source of stress in their lives. So how can we move forward with inclusion rather than...
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Senator Chris Murphy on the ‘Crisis of the Common Good’
In 2012, Connecticut voters chose Chris Murphy as a replacement for retiring senator Joe Lieberman. He was the youngest U.S. senator serving at the time. And in the years since, his national profile has grown. He's been a vocal advocate for gun reform and become a high-profile critic of the Trump...
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Princess Joy L. Perry’s award-winning novel ‘This Here is Love’ continues Harriet Beecher Stowe’s legacy of literary activism
Princess Joy L. Perry’s novel This Here is Love tells the interlocking stories of an array of characters in Tidewater Virginia. It’s a complex narrative that takes place in the 1690s as the hierarchies of slavery are still developing. Those hierarchies are complicated by further hierarchies—...
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Reflecting on what new generations can carry forward as we remember 25 years since 9/11
Many Americans can tell you exactly what they were doing 25 years ago when they learned the United States had been attacked. But for a younger generation, the attacks are something they’ve only learned about in history class. With that in mind, it’s time to think about what we want future...
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Edwidge Danticat’s new novel ‘Dèy’ explores motherhood, grief and the concept of home
Edwidge Danticat’s new book Dèy opens at a mall. A Haitian American real estate agent named Magnolia is there to buy a phone for her daughter. But before she has the chance, a mass shooting breaks out. Magnolia survives, but she doesn’t tell anyone what she’s experienced. Dèy is a book about…
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Curated failures, plus young people define success for themselves
Some inventions change the way we see the world. Others fail to meet the lofty expectations set for them. Those are the ones that make it into a traveling museum called the Museum of Failure. It recognizes products like Nintendo's early attempt at 3-D gaming and a clear soda called Crystal Pepsi....
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Water safety can save lives, especially in underrepresented communities
According to the CDC, there are over 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths in the United States every year and around 850 of those are for people younger than 18. And the numbers look different across various demographics. For instance, Black children ages 10-14 are nearly 4 times more likely to…
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Eddie Glaude Jr. on the contradictions inherent in celebrating the United States
There was a lot of discussion surrounding the United States’ recent July 4th celebrations. There were festivities, like New York's parade of tall ships, and controversies, such as when musicians like Martina McBride and The Commodores canceled concert appearances due to an organizing group's...
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8 years after a major Supreme Court decision, where we are with gambling today
In 2018, the Supreme Court Case Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association reshaped gambling in the U.S. The ruling ended a ban on sports gambling— it had previously been illegal in every state except Nevada. Today, 39 states and Washington, D.C. have at least some form of legalized…
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From book bans to immigration, documentary filmmakers reveal the humanity behind complex issues
Great documentary films can teach people about the world. But the strength of the medium is that it doesn’t just explain facts, it can also reveal emotional truths. One recent documentary film that does so is called The Librarians. It takes a look at book bans in U.S. public schools and shows how...
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Legal scholar Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw reflects on being a 'Backtalker' and its consequences
Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw's work as a legal scholar has been massively influential. She coined the term “intersectionality,” which refers to the way multiple interlocking systems of power overlap to shape people's lived experiences. Her work has also faced its share of pushback. She came up with...
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Our annual summer movie panel on big epics like The Odyssey and smaller films like Camp
So far, 2026 has been a big year for movies. There’s been the success of horror films like Backrooms and Obsession. There are movies that have been targeted by the culture wars, like The Odyssey. And there are the smaller films that have gotten critical acclaim like Camp and Is God Is. All those...
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Senator Chris Murphy on the ‘Crisis of the Common Good’
In 2012, Connecticut voters chose Chris Murphy as a replacement for retiring senator Joe Lieberman. He was the youngest U.S. senator serving at the time. And in the years since, his national profile has grown. He's been a vocal advocate for gun reform and become a high-profile critic of the Trump...
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Karen Walrond on the joys of dabbling
When was the last time you dabbled in something? In this episode of Disrupted, author Karen Walrond talks about the joys of dabbling and the space where dabbling and activism meet. She shares how trying activities like sports, pottery or baking—even if you're not good at them—can expand our...
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From woodworking to summer camp, there are endless ways to spread Black Joy
For Black Americans, following the news can be a psychological challenge. 4 in 5 Black adults say they see or hear racist or racially insensitive coverage about Black people at least sometimes. That’s according to a 2023 Pew Research survey. And coverage can be hard to watch even if it isn’t...
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Celebrating Juneteenth in the past and present
Confederate forces surrendered to Union forces in Appomattox Court House, Virginia in April of 1865. But many people in Texas were still living under slavery. The Emancipation Proclamation had gone into effect in January of 1863 in places under Union control. But Union forces did not arrive to...
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The complexities of belonging and not belonging in U.S. culture
Connecticut has a higher percentage of Puerto Rican residents than any other state. That’s according to 2020 U.S. Census data. But Puerto Rican residents still make up less than 10% of the state’s population. So how do Puerto Rican people in Connecticut find community? This hour, we’re talking...
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Pulitzer Prize-winning historians Jill Lepore and Jon Meacham on Lessons from History (Part II)
“History repeats itself,” the saying goes. Or, as another saying goes, “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” There’s also “History doesn’t repeat itself but it often rhymes.” Together these sayings suggest the value of history in our culture and our belief that it can...
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Pulitzer Prize-winning historians Jill Lepore and Jon Meacham on Lessons from History (Part I)
At the start of May, Khalilah sat down for a conversation with historians Jill Lepore and Jon Meacham. The conversation was titled “Lessons from History,” and it came at a time when a lot was going on in U.S. politics. In just the past week there had been gunshots fired outside the ballroom where...
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After #MeToo, what has changed?
Many people remember #MeToo from when it went viral in 2017. And before the hashtag, there was the Me Too movement, started by activist Tarana Burke 20 years ago as a way to support survivors of sexual violence, especially Black women and girls. This hour, we’re reflecting on what has changed…
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Curated failures, plus young people define success for themselves
Some inventions change the way we see the world. Others fail to meet the lofty expectations set for them. Those are the ones that make it into a traveling museum called the Museum of Failure. It recognizes products like Nintendo's early attempt at 3-D gaming and a clear soda called Crystal Pepsi....
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Tayari Jones’ book ‘Kin’ challenges readers’ assumptions about novels centering women
Tayari Jones has had quite the literary career. Her 2018 novel An American Marriage was a New York Times bestseller and an Oprah’s Book Club Pick. Her latest novel, Kin came out earlier this year, and once again it was a bestseller and an Oprah’s Book Club Pick. Kin tells the story of two Black...
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Despite barriers to self-care, Black women can still find ways to bloom
When Tara Pringle Jefferson was 26, she was a freelance consultant and writer. She says she often worked 18 hour days. After some time, she started feeling pain in her neck and shoulder. When she went to the doctor, the doctor prescribed a treatment that she didn’t expect— rest. Tara writes, “I…
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Poet Tracy K. Smith on how poems get us through ‘Perilous Times’
When Tracy K. Smith served as Poet Laureate of the United States, she used her platform to bring people together. In 2018, she traveled the country for a series called American Conversations: Celebrating Poems in Rural Communities. At these events, she encouraged people to share their thoughts,...
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8 years after a major Supreme Court decision, where we are with gambling today
In 2018, the Supreme Court Case Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association reshaped gambling in the U.S. The ruling ended a ban on sports gambling— it had previously been illegal in every state except Nevada. Today, 39 states and Washington, D.C. have at least some form of legalized…
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A look at housing, from current legislation to a wave of arson in the 1970s
Housing policy impacts everyone, so this hour, we are taking some time to break down what is happening with housing policy in Connecticut's current legislative session. CT Public's own Abigail Brone joins us to talk about some of her recent reporting. Plus, in the 1970s, a wave of arson swept…
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What does it mean to decolonize wellness?
Wellness is a multi-trillion dollar industry, but it's not “one size fits all.” For some people of color, Eurocentric beauty standards can be harmful, and trying to achieve an arbitrary wellness goal can actually cause stress. We talk with registered dietician, Dalia Kinsey about the book,...
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The power of craft, from activism to connecting with ancestors
When people think of craft, certain images might come to mind, like knitting in a rocking chair by a warm fireplace. People often think of it as a quiet, solitary activity— one that doesn’t make much of a public statement. But crafts like knitting can be radical. The rocking chair by the…
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From strikes to boycotts: A look at consumer and worker power
A number of student groups and grassroots organizations recently called for a day of “No work, no school, no shopping,” to protest immigration enforcement in Minnesota. This comes at a time when consumers are used to seeing reasons not to support certain brands or companies, and worker strikes…
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Jay Williams on evolving the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation
The Greater Hartford Gives Foundation invests in a wide range of projects from arts to education. And they recently celebrated their 100th year in existence. With that milestone, they decided to make some changes. Their projects include building a new headquarters and increased funding for...
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Krystal Marquis’ book series ‘The Davenports’ offers a portrait of Black wealth in 1910
Krystal Marquis’ debut novel, The Davenports, came out in 2023. The novel centers on four Black women navigating their careers and romances in 1910 Chicago. The book deals with class, race and gender, and it quickly joined New York Times’ bestsellers list for Young Adult Hardcover fiction. A…
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What Black History Month means in today’s political climate
Every February, the United States celebrates Black History Month. But in recent years, the celebration might have felt a bit different. On January 31, 2025, the Department of Defense announced it would no longer use official resources to celebrate cultural awareness months, including Black…
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Karen Walrond on the joys of dabbling
When was the last time you dabbled in something? In this episode of Disrupted, author Karen Walrond talks about the joys of dabbling and the space where dabbling and activism meet. She shares how trying activities like sports, pottery or baking—even if you're not good at them—can expand our...
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Finding joy and purpose in turbulent times
Disrupted recently reached a milestone— five years on the air. We celebrated with a live event that included a panel discussion on “Finding Joy and Purpose in Turbulent Times.” Panelists Erik Clemons and Ryan Parker opened up about the duality between joy and turbulence in their lives, and Ryan...
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Connecticut’s Clean Slate law and a look at predatory criminal justice practices
Connecticut’s Clean Slate law passed in 2021. The law aims to erase certain convictions from people’s records after a period of time. It was initially scheduled to go into effect in January of 2023, but the program faced delays. This hour, we'll take a look at where things stand with Clean Slate...
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Pushing for peace: A look at the past and future of the United Nations
The United Nations General Assembly is currently in its 80th session. This hour we look at the status of the organization today, and the challenges it faces. Plus, historian Thant Myint-U has a new book out about his grandfather, U Thant, who was the UN’s first non-European secretary-general, and…
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Elizabeth Bruenig on witnessing executions and opposing capital punishment
According to Amnesty International, 15 countries used the death penalty in 2024. The United States was one of those countries. Capital punishment is illegal in 23 states and isn’t used in some of the states where it is legal. But the United States still executed 25 people in 2024 and nearly twice...
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After #MeToo, what has changed?
Many people remember #MeToo from when it went viral in 2017. And before the hashtag, there was the Me Too movement, started by activist Tarana Burke 20 years ago as a way to support survivors of sexual violence, especially Black women and girls. This hour, we’re reflecting on what has changed…
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Our 2025 favorites: Often undervalued, student journalists play a vital role in our communities
The Disrupted team is welcoming the new year by choosing a couple of the episodes we loved from 2025. We have so many favorites that we couldn't reair all of them, but these are some of the ones that we wanted to listen back to. This week, producer Kevin Chang Barnum chose our episode on student...
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Our 2025 favorites: Megan Greenwell on the ways private equity upends the lives of everyday people
The Disrupted team is welcoming the new year by choosing a couple of the episodes we loved from 2025. We have so many favorites that we couldn't reair all of them, but these are some of the ones that we wanted to listen back to. This week, host Khalilah-Brown Dean chose our interview with...
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Authors like Angeline Boulley and Ainissa Ramirez help young readers see a wider range of representation
The way people approach children’s books in the U.S. has changed a lot over time. Philosopher John Locke helped popularize the idea that learning to read should be fun with his 1693 treatise Some Thoughts Concerning Education. Fast forward 300 years and television series continued Locke’s legacy....
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Lizards, scallops and funding cuts: Connecticut biologists talk about our ever-changing world
Studying oysters can help us understand how Connecticut’s shoreline is changing. Studying lizards can help us understand the history of life on our planet. Biologists research living organisms. And in doing so, they help us understand not only ourselves, but also the way our lives are intertwined...
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John Maduko on CT’s state college system and Jamal Watson on the student debt crisis
For students and families, navigating the world of higher education isn’t easy. Some of the challenges, like student loan debt, have been going on for years. Other challenges come from more recent changes in how the federal government approaches universities. To explore these challenges, we're...
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Connecticut leaders breaking barriers with historic firsts
Being the first person to do something isn’t easy. There’s no blueprint for what you are doing, no conventional wisdom to fall back on when all else fails. There is also the pressure of expectations and all the people who are counting on your success. But it’s a way to show people what is…
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Poet Tracy K. Smith on how poems get us through ‘Perilous Times’
When Tracy K. Smith served as Poet Laureate of the United States, she used her platform to bring people together. In 2018, she traveled the country for a series called American Conversations: Celebrating Poems in Rural Communities. At these events, she encouraged people to share their thoughts,...
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Vanessa Priya Daniel on the three superpowers women of color bring to their leadership
In Unrig the Game: What Women of Color Can Teach Everyone About Winning, author Vanessa Priya Daniel writes about the challenges that women of color face. She includes a satirical section formatted like a job description, where she details the duties of women of color leaders. They include “Be...
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Pushing for peace: A look at the past and future of the United Nations as it marks 80 years
The United Nations General Assembly is celebrating the 80th anniversary of its founding this month. This hour we look at the status of the organization today, and the challenges it faces. Plus, historian Thant Myint-U has a new book out about his grandfather, U Thant, who was the UN’s first...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Disrupted is about the changes we all encounter and the forces driving those changes. Some disruptions spark joy and possibility. Others move us to take action and re-evaluate our world. But the show isn't just about those disruptions; it’s about embracing them, exploring new perspectives, and feeling more connected to ourselves and our communities. Host and political scientist Khalilah Brown-Dean creates a place where changemakers come together to help us see the world differently and challenge us to grow together.Visit ctpublic.org/disrupted for more!
HOSTED BY
Connecticut Public Radio
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Disrupted have?
Disrupted currently has 311 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Disrupted about?
Disrupted is about the changes we all encounter and the forces driving those changes. Some disruptions spark joy and possibility. Others move us to take action and re-evaluate our world. But the show isn't just about those disruptions; it’s about embracing them, exploring new perspectives, and...
How often does Disrupted release new episodes?
Disrupted publishes regularly with 311 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Disrupted?
You can listen to Disrupted on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Disrupted?
Disrupted is created and hosted by Connecticut Public Radio.
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