In October 2024, Apple Podcasts launched a new initiative to highlight narrative series, including designating a new show every month as a Series Essential, celebrating the finest storytelling and the medium’s greatest achievements. My Mother Made Me is the March 2025 selection.

For this special occasion, we asked Jason to sit down with his mother to reflect on their experience of documenting and sharing their very special relationship with the world.

Today, we're sharing the first episode of a new limited-run series from NPR's Embedded, "Alternate Realities".

Zach Mack and his dad are living in separate realities, and it's tearing their family apart. Like so many Americans, Zach's dad has gotten swept up in conspiracy theories. After years of circular arguments, the father challenged his son to a bet: $10,000 on ten politically apocalyptic predictions that would all happen in 2024. In this three-part series, we follow Zach on an intimate journey to bring his father back from the rabbit hole. 

"This is more than just a story about whose reality is 'correct'," said Zach Mack. "As I documented my father's beliefs throughout the past year, I was also trying to understand how the conspiracy theories he found took hold. The bet offered a way to settle our endless debates, which I know so many other families are having, and arrive at a place of truth and understanding."

"Alternate Realities" intimately explores how the intermingling of misinformation and Zach's father's religious beliefs tests the bonds of his family, and offers a first-person perspective into an issue plaguing close relationships across the nation. How do you reach a loved one who is lost inside his own conspiracy mentality? And what do you do if your best efforts to bring them back end up failing?

Embedded is available wherever you get your podcasts.

As tensions escalate and hearts are both shattered and healed, our season one love story reaches its climax in the City of Love. Jazmine’s family surprises her with a graduation trip to Paris, but little do they know, she has a surprise of her own in store.

Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee.

The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. For additional resources and to sign up for our newsletter visit redforrevolution.com.

This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract. 

Episode Six Cast:
Jordan Hull a s Jazmine James
S. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day)
Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day)
Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)
Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)
Alimi Ballard as LeRoy
Jennifer Beals as Suzanne Sands  
Mal'akiy Rhoden as Miles James
Ashley J. Hobbs as Airline Announcer
Mathew Quitney as Stage Manager
Christine Angelique as Paris Music Festival Announcer 
Caro Guzmán as Adrienne

Music Featured:
“I Don’t Want To Know”
Written by Jana Naomi Smith
Original Composition by Tammy L. Hall 
Performed by Jordan Hull 

“I Love Paris”
Written by Cole Porter
Performed by Loretta Devine and the Red for Revolution Band
Courtesy of WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC INC.

“Dare To Love”
Written by Jana Naomi Smith
Original Composition by Tammy L. Hall 
Performed by Loretta Devine and the Red For Revolution Band

For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. 

As tensions between Jazmine and her mother boil over, Grandma Ella steps in, guiding the three women to confront the painful reality of intergenerational homophobia. Meanwhile, back in the 1970s, the stakes soar for Ella and Lorraine’s relationship as young Ella is falsely accused of a crime. 

Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee.

The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. For additional resources and to sign up for our newsletter visit redforrevolution.com.

This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract. 

Episode 5 Cast:
Jordan Hull a s Jazmine James
S. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day)
Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day)
Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)
Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)
Don Daniels as Sean 
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Delores Ali
Danny Glover as Howard Ali
Jennifer Beals as Suzanne Sands  
Vanessa E. Williams as Barbra Graves
JoNell Kennedy as News Reporter
Mark Thompson as William Davis
Caro Guzmán as Kathy
Miles Agee as Vincent and Preacher
Xavier Miles Temple as Nightclub Runner

Music Featured:
“His Eye is on the Sparrow”
Written by Civilla Durfee Martin and Charles Hutchinson Gabriel
Performed by Renée Wilson

“Send In The Clowns”
Written by Stephen Sondheim
Performed by Renée Wilson and Jordan Hull and the Red for Revolution Band
Courtesy of WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC INC.

For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. 

Jazmine holds space for Ms. Lorraine as she shares her story of substance abuse, inspiring a conversation about grace and self-acceptance. Meanwhile, back in the 70s, a younger Lorraine confesses her substance abuse to Ella, generating a difficult impasse between the two. 

Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee.

The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. For additional resources and to sign up for our newsletter visit redforrevolution.com.

This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract. 

Episode Four Cast:
Jordan Hull a s Jazmine James
S. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day)
Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day)
Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)
Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Delores Ali
Danny Glover as Howard Ali
Caro Guzman as Kathy
David Alan Graf as Dean McKenna
Xavier Miles Temple as Robber
adrienne maree brown as series sonic guide 

Music Featured:
“He Looked Beyond My Fault”
Written by Dottie Rambo
Performed by Loretta Devine
Courtesy of Tomorrowland Music, Designer Music, Brandee-Vah Publishing, Capitol CMG Publishing

For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. 

As Jazmine grapples with self-acceptance, Grandma Ella and Ms. Lorraine feel compelled to share their respective insecurities. This leads to a poignant recollection of the day a power outage compelled a young Ella and Lorraine to reveal their deepest secrets and vulnerabilities.

Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee.

The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. For additional resources and to sign up for our newsletter visit redforrevolution.com.

This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract. 

Episode Three Cast:
Jordan Hull a s Jazmine James
S. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day)
Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day)
Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)
Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)
Jennifer Beals as Suzanne Sands  
David Alan Graf as Pilot
Ashley J. Hobbs as Ruby
adrienne maree brown as series sonic guide 

Music Featured:
“Stormy Weather”
Written by Harold Arlen
Performed by Loretta Devine and Renée Wilson
Courtesy of BMG, Round Hill Music, Sony Music Publishing and S.A. Music

For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. 

Jazmine uncovers her grandmother's journals, shedding light on previously unknown aspects of her inner life and igniting the tale of how Ella and Lorraine reconnected in 1971, New York City for a taping of the TV show Black Dreams after their passionate first encounter in Gary.

Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee.

The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. For additional resources and to sign up for our newsletter visit redforrevolution.com.

This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract. 

Episode Two Cast:
Jordan Hull a s Jazmine James
S. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day)
Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day)
Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)
Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)
Don Daniels as Sean 
Alimi Ballard as LeRoy
Caro Guzmán as Kathy
Mal'akiy Rhoden as Joe
Mark Thompson as Black Dreams Host
Miles Agee as Black Dreams Producer
Krystel Roche as Roseline
Mathew Quitney as Party-Guest
adrienne maree brown as series sonic guide 

Music Featured:
“I Don’t Want To Know”
Written by Jana Naomi Smith
Original Composition by Tammy L. Hall 
Performed by René Wilson and the Red For Revolution Band

“My Love Ain’t No Play Thang”
Written by Jana Naomi Smith
Original Composition by Tammy L. Hall 
Performed by René Wilson and the Red For Revolution Band

“Never Will I Marry”
Written by Frank Loesser
Performed by Renée Wilson and the Red For Revolution Band
Courtesy of MPL Music Publishing

For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. 

After the assassination of a Black female revolutionary, an unexpected romance blossoms between the two women left in her wake—an apolitical jazz singer and a radical activist. While in the present day, college-bound Jazmine embarks on a journey to find her grandmother's first love and document their love story.

Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee.

The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. For additional resources and to sign up for our newsletter visit redforrevolution.com.

This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract. 

Episode One Cast:
Jordan Hull as Jazmine James
S. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day)
Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day)
Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)
Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)
Caro Guzmán as Adrienne
Mathew Quitney as Reporter
Will Kachi as the Rally Volunteer
Miles Agee as the Announcer 
Mark Thompson as William Davis
adrienne maree brown as series sonic guide 

Music Featured:
“Revolution”
Written by Jana Naomi Smith
Original Composition by Tammy L. Hall 
Performed by Renée Wilson and the Red For Revolution Band

“I’ve Got a Crush On You”
Written by George and Ira Gershwin
Performed by Loretta Devine and the Red For Revolution Band
Courtesy of WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC INC.

“Prove It On Me”
Written by Ma’Rainey
Performed by Rutina Wesley and Renée Wilson
Courtesy of Spike Driver Music

For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. 

Red for Revolution is an enthralling audio drama that tells the passionate love story between jazz singer Lorraine Giovanni and activist Ella Ali. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of 18-year-old Jazmine, who is coming of age and seeking wisdom from her grandmother, Ella. As Jazmine conducts heartfelt interviews with her grandmother, listeners are transported between the vibrant present and the tumultuous year of 1971, encountering a captivating array of characters and experiencing an epic romance that transcends time.

Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith, with musical direction by Tammy L. Hall and sound design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith, and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band: Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion.  The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee.

The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. 

Performances featured in order of appearance:

• adrienne maree brown as Series Sonic Guide
• Jordan Hull as Jazmine
• S. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (Present Day)
• Caro Guzmán as Adrienne
• Loretta Devine as Lorraine Giovanni (Present Day)
• Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s)
• Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s)
• Alimi Ballard as LeRoy
• Don Daniels as Sean
• Vanessa E. Williams as Barbra Graves
• Jennifer Beals as Suzanne Sands
• Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Delores Ali
• Danny Glover as Howard Ali

Song Featured:

• "Revolution" — Written by Jana Naomi Smith. Original composition by Tammy L. Hall. Performed by Renée Wilson and the Red For Revolution Band

Learn more about Red for Revolution at radiotopiapresents.fm and discover more shows from across the Radiotopia network at radiotopia.fm.

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