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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
Affordable Housing
NYCHA
Housing Rights
Megan Stoner
True Crime
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
Host and executive producer who explores the origins and complexities of policing in America. Kumanyika weaves historical context with personal narratives, delving into themes of race and justice.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 833 ratings
  • Outstanding work

    I found this show after hearing Conscious Lee interview Chenjerai Kumanyika on Black History for Real. I just finished binging all 8 episodes. I’m going to include Empire City as “recommended listening” for a graduate course on Social Justice and Health Care Ethics I teach at a university school of nursing.

    Thank you especially for honoring the names of the fallen, including Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lisel P.
    United Statesa month ago
  • Only true crime in which I'm interested are the crimes of the pigs and us government

    Podcast Addict
    1
    JosendheLP
    2 months 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 States6 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 States8 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Well-researched content that illuminates the complexities of the NYPD.
Engaging storytelling combining history and personal anecdotes.
Critically addresses systemic injustice and police culture.
Provides a thought-provoking examination relevant to current policing debates.
Appealing for those interested in social justice and historical analysis.

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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

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

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

This podcast explores the hidden history of policing, particularly focusing on the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and its origins in societal controversies surrounding crime and authority. Through a series of engaging narratives, the show delves into various themes including the evolution of police practices, the impact of systemic inequalities, and the complex relationship between law enforcement and communities. Notably narrated by a Peabody Award-winning host, the podcast intertwines historical facts with modern perspectives, providing listeners with a thought-provoking examination of crime and its implications on society today. The compelling storytelling, supported by expert insights, promises a captivating blend of history, ac... more

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1. Throughline
2. Slow Burn
3. Lovett or Leave It
4. Pod Save America
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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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2. James Rodriguez
3. Sanji Lopez
4. Brenda Temple
5. John Teufel

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