I Lied to Me O
Your body is your smoke detector. This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. STORIES “It’s in His Kiss”: 18-year-old Lupita falls for Juan, a handsome family friend. Just when she thinks he couldn’t be more perfect, they share their first k…
School Daze
No one rules forever on the throne of time. This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. STORIES “The Black Ties”: In high school, Lupita pushes back against an archaic rule with a secret weapon. Original score by Cheflee. “The Holy Holies”…
Safe Passage
Wherever you go, there you are. This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. STORIES “A Christmas Misadventure”: ¡Feliz Navidad! Lupita is in Mexico for Christmas when a friend invites her to join him and his relatives for the holiday. Origi…
Potential Energy
You can’t spot a red flag while wearing rose-colored glasses. This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. STORIES “The Mission”: Garrett is infamous on campus for having problematic views on race. Lupita wants to school him into making bette…
Chain of Possession
The kola nut stays longer in the mouth of those who value it. STORIES “The Pearl Dress”: Lupita tells the story of an Oscars controversy that places her at the center of a media circus. Original score by Lauryn Newson, with additional music from Niecy Blues. “The Lost Tome”: Ayanawo, an Ethio…
Freedom Fathers
When elephants fight, the grass suffers. This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. STORIES “Disappeared”: Being the child of a changemaker can be an isolating experience. For Lupita and her family, it feels like everything is at stake all …
For You, Anything
Love is sweeter than reason. STORIES “Sister Trouble”: Lupita, her sister Fiona, and cousins Kitt, Tawi, and Mich get together to recount a legendary nursing mishap. Produced by David Exumé, with assistance from Fiona Nyong’o. Original score by Clay Xavier. “Oha Soup”: Joan, a Nigerian barriste…
Guilt Trips
The longest journey is from daughter to mother. STORIES “Up in the Air”: Lupita and her mom enter a tense standoff on top of a seaside wall in Puerto Rico. Original score by Lauryn Newson. “Who's Bad?”: In Toronto, young Evelyn is proving to be quite the handful for her disapproving mom — skipp…
The Shadow Side
The dead man does not know the value of his coffin. This episode contains strong language and graphic imagery. Sensitive listeners, please be advised. STORIES “Comeuppance”: 12-year-old Lupita’s split-second playground decision haunts her for years. Original score by Clay Xavier. “Graveyard Sh…
The Sound of Home
Sound travels in all directions, but your feet can only follow in one. STORIES “Losing My Accent”: Lupita takes on an American accent when she becomes an actor-in-training at Yale. Original score by Ian Hughes Pelton AKA Tofu Jack. “Obaa Sima”: How long can a song stay in your heart? A musical …