New Podcasts to Launch October 4 as Part of the PRX Big Questions Project
New original podcast series at the intersection of scientific, philosophical, and spiritual life range across topics including uplifting historically-minimized people of faith, Christian rock music, human well-being and technology, and motherhood. The PRX Big Questions Project is supported by the John Templeton Foundation
Public media organization PRX — one of the world’s top podcast publishers and public radio distributors— today announced four new podcasts launching after developing in the PRX Big Questions Project, an accelerator for individuals, thinkers, and storytellers making new podcasts at the intersection of scientific, philosophical, and spiritual life.
Four new podcasts launching on Wednesday, October 4 will range across topics including uplifting historically-minimized people of faith and navigating feelings of feeling invisible during opportunities of worship, the experience and subculture of Christian pop music, well-being in relation to technology, and motherhood. Each show will be available free on-demand across all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, Overcast, and Pocket Casts.
PRX will commemorate the debut of the podcasts with the “Voices of Tomorrow” live showcase in New York City on Thursday, October 5. This showcase taking place at The Greene Space at WNYC will feature exclusive previews, dynamic live performances, and engaging conversations. Complimentary tickets are available for either the virtual or in-person experience.
The new podcasts include the following:
- Moral Repair: A Black Exploration of Tech — Hosts and creators Annanda Barclay and Keisha McKenzie of Oakland and Clarksville, Maryland will help navigate today’s world of new and evolving technology with the help of Black technologists, philosophers, care practitioners, and theologians. Barclay and McKenzie explore technological innovations and hazards while showcasing practical wisdom from the African continent and diaspora to nurture well-being for all, expand mainstream tech narratives, and celebrate insight from Black philosophy and culture. Reverend Annanda Barclay is a death doula who explores life well-lived, a non-sectarian chaplain, and a Stanford researcher of moral injury and repair as it relates to tech. Dr. Keisha E. McKenzie is a technical communicator, strategist, and advocate.
- Mother is a Question — Best friends Julia Metzger-Traber and Tasha Haverty of Purcellville, Virginia and Dummerston, Vermont invite listeners on a journey to listen for the unspeakable and crack open the definitions of motherhood alongside mothers from all walks of life. Through warm, playful, and surprising interviews, this is an invitation into the depths of mothers’ hearts, minds, and stories. Not your average mom advice show — this is a space for the whispers, screams, and questions.
- Rock That Doesn’t Roll: The Story of Christian Music — Christian rock has long been the target of jokes, but the effect it had on evangelical kids in the 80s, 90s and early 2000s is serious. Author Leah Payne and veteran radio producer Andrew Gill of Portland, Oregon and Chicago will explore personal stories from people who grew up listening to Christian rock, promoting comic moments and heartfelt yearning in equal measure. The show will also provide for a deeper understanding of a subculture shaping the world around us today. Professor Leah Payne is the author of God Gave Rock & Roll to You: a History of Contemporary Christian Music from Oxford University Press and her analysis of religion and pop culture has appeared in The Washington Post, NBC News, and Religion News Service. Andrew Gill has 18 years of experience working in public radio, currently serving as the senior producer of the iconic music show, Sound Opinions.
- Second Sunday — A narrative exploration of Black queer people and their complex relationships with the Black Christian Church, Second Sunday shifts from profound to light-hearted as hosts Darren Calhoun and Esther Ikoro ground their listeners with anecdotes and laughter. Darren and Esther converse with guests who’ve navigated complicated moments of hiding in plain sight as they seek to worship. Made in partnership with The Qube, co-founder Anna DeShawn says, “Black Queer folks have always been an integral part of the Black church and it’s past time for our stories to be heard.”
The aim of podcasts developed in the PRX Big Questions Project is to help listeners gain a deeper understanding of how issues such as spirituality, character, ethics, and humility connect to their daily lives. PRX Productions, the award-winning team specializing in high-quality audio production and storytelling, worked closely with creators to develop a production plan that included funding to make their podcast. The program also provided mentorship sessions as well as technology and distribution resources, including free access to the Dovetail from PRX publishing platform.
“PRX has had the joy and honor of working with such a dynamic group of creatives who are totally committed to sharing stories that teach and uplift others,” said Courtney Fleurantin, project manager of the PRX Big Questions Project. “These new podcasts provide a breath of fresh air for listeners who have been eager for creative conversations on each topic. Our heartfelt thanks to John Templeton Foundation for their support with this initiative.”
For more about PRX, visit PRX.org.
About PRX
Celebrating its 20th year as a nonprofit public media company, PRX works in partnership with leading independent creators, organizations, and stations to bring meaningful audio storytelling into millions of listeners’ lives. PRX is one of the world’s top podcast publishers, public radio distributors, and audio producers, serving as an engine of innovation for public media and podcasting to help shape a vibrant future for creative and journalistic audio. Shows across PRX’s portfolio of broadcast productions, podcast partners, and its Radiotopia podcast network have received recognition from the Peabody Awards, the Tribeca Festival, the International Documentary Association, and more, including in 2022 when Futuro Media and PRX won a Pulitzer Prize. Visit PRX.org for more.
