About The Cause Podcast

The Cause: Conversations on Music, History, and Democracy

We are a bi-weekly podcast dedicated to exploring the powerful intersections of music, history, and social justice. Through thought-provoking discussions and compelling storytelling, we aim to amplify diverse voices and inspire meaningful change. Each episode dives into the causes that shape our world, offering insights and reflections on the ongoing fight for equality and democracy.

Find us on all popular podcatchers such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts and YouTube. All episodes will also be available through our Episodes page. 

We are also now on 1190 Radio (92.9 FM) every other Tuesday at 7 a.m.  Listen on your radio or online.

Host: Dr. Reiland Rabaka

Reiland Rabaka is Professor of African, African American, and Caribbean Studies in the Department of Ethnic Studies and the Founder and Director of the Center for African & African American Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. He has published 21 books and more than one hundred scholarly articles, book chapters, and essays. His books include Civil Rights Music: The Soundtracks of the Civil Rights Movement; Black Power Music!: Protest Songs, Message Music, and the Black Power Movement; Black Women’s Liberation Movement Music: Soul Sisters, Black Feminist Funksters, and Afro-Disco Divas; The Funk Movement: Music, Culture, and Politics; Black Feminist Funk: Funk Women and Black Musical Feminism; Hip Hop’s Inheritance; Hip Hop’s Amnesia; and The Hip Hop Movement. Rabaka’s cultural criticism, social commentary, and political analysis has been featured in print, radio, television, and online media venues such as NPR, PBS, BBC, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, MTV, BET, VH1, The New York Times, The Associated Press, and The Guardian, among others. He is also a poet and musician.

Producer: Jon Arnold

As the producer of The Cause, Jon Arnold plays a pivotal role in crafting each episode, from episode prep, recording and editing, ensuring they are both engaging and enlightening. His extensive experience in web management and podcast production enables him to create a seamless listening experience, fostering impactful dialogue and meaningful connections. Jon was with the University of Colorado for over 31 years. Email: thecaaas@gmail.com. 

Join us every other week as we explore the causes that matter, driven by the rhythm of history and the beat of change.