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Artwork for Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD

Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD

Wondery | Crooked Media
Fraud
Blood Vines
Public Housing
Murder
New York City
NYPD
Crime Scene
Corruption
NYCHA
Housing Rights
Affordable Housing
True Crime
Megan Stoner
Federal Investigators
Licciardi Family
California Wine Industry
Wine Scams
White Zinfandel
Earthquake
Eric Adams

The police tell us they are here to protect us. But what if their original purpose was something else altogether? Peabody Award-winning host Chenjerai Kumanyika takes listeners on a journey to uncover the hidden history of the largest police force in the world – from its roots in slavery, to rival police gangs battling across the city, to everyday people who resisted every step of the way. As our ... more

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes14Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategory
History

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Artwork for Empire City: The Untold Origin Story of the NYPD

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Recent Guests

Fanta Kaba
A resident reporter investigating LGBTQ housing issues
Episode: Listen Now - Code Switch: What happens when public housing goes private?
James Rodriguez
Professor at City University of New York specializing in public housing and gentrification
City University of New York
Episode: Listen Now - Code Switch: What happens when public housing goes private?
Sanji Lopez
Resident of Batanzas Houses in the Bronx affected by public housing privatization
Episode: Listen Now - Code Switch: What happens when public housing goes private?
Brenda Temple
Resident observing changes in her housing development post-privatization
Episode: Listen Now - Code Switch: What happens when public housing goes private?
John Teufel
Attorney and former police misconduct investigator in New York
Episode: Bonus Episode: The Fall of Eric Adams

Host

Chenjerai Kumanyika
Award-winning journalist and host, known for his engaging storytelling and ability to connect personal narratives with broader historical contexts. His work often explores themes of race, justice, and the intersections of history and contemporary society.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 824 ratings
  • Only true crime in which I'm interested are the crimes of the pigs and us government

    Podcast Addict
    1
    JosendheLP
    a month ago
  • Mr

    An amazingly revelatory story told by a truly impressive voice. Some things you already understand in general but the presentation of details and contexts can illuminate in ways that make the familiar feel foreign. Kudos to Chenjerai for bringing this history home!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bunny Lacour
    United States5 months ago
  • So informative

    I really loved the dried on the history of the NYPD. It was a great look at a perspective that isn’t talked about enough.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Masterson031
    United States7 months ago
  • Look Back to Understand Now

    There’s synchronicity involved with this podcast and it’s information. It is so timely. It’s uncanny how much the moment of now matches up with the times of Tammany Hall infamy. Boss Tweed has been reincarnated as Trump and there are so many other ways in which our time is replaying ghosts of our past.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Hagstoz
    United States7 months ago
  • Masterful

    Astonishing story telling and A1 sound design! Binge worthy brilliance

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Anon12321232
    Australia7 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The engaging presentation and sound design enhance the listener experience, making the content both compelling and informative.
Many appreciate the personal anecdotes intertwined with broader societal issues, which resonate deeply with contemporary conversations about policing.
Listeners praise the podcast for its enlightening storytelling and in-depth historical analysis.
Critics note the strong viewpoints expressed, emphasizing the need for critical examination of policing and its historical roots.

Chart Rankings

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Apple Podcasts
#232
Italy/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Listen Now - Code Switch: What happens when public housing goes private?
Q: What does NYCHA mean to you?
It's stability and community, providing a sense of security for residents.
Listen Now - Code Switch: What happens when public housing goes private?
Q: What happens when public housing goes private?
A whole lot of the poorest residents of America's biggest city, who are almost all people of color, are about to find out.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Exploring the complex history of the New York Police Department, this series investigates the origins, actions, and evolving role of the largest police force in the world. With a focus on historical narratives that intersect with themes of racial injustice, community resistance, and systemic oppression, the episodes feature powerful stories and expert interviews that reveal the contradictions between the police's stated mission of protection and their historical functions. Unique in its approach, the series integrates personal anecdotes, critical analysis, and contemporary relevance, aiming to illuminate the pressing discussions surrounding policing today.

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Slow Burn
2. Throughline
3. Strict Scrutiny
4. Reveal
5. Shadow Kingdom

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched a year ago and published 14 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Fanta Kaba
2. James Rodriguez
3. Sanji Lopez
4. Brenda Temple
5. John Teufel

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