Podcasting

Teens collaborate with other teens to create a season of the NYH teen podcast. They hone skills in history, art, and technology as they research a topic; interview an expert; and write, record, and edit their own podcast episode!

Summer 2025, Through Fresh Eyes: Blacklisted

This summer, students explored the exhibition Blacklisted: An American story. Each episode delves into a art piece or artist featured in the exhibit.

Too Salty for the Screen. Salt of the Earth: A reflection on McCarthyism, Censorship, and Enduring Resiliance

Hosts: Jaya, Pallavi, Gabriel, Suhayle, Hana

This episode is brought to you by the New York Historical series Through Fresh Eyes, featuring teen historians researching and presenting works of art displayed in the museum’s new exhibit, “Blacklisted: An American Story”. In this episode, hosted by Jaya Smith, Hana Cheng, Suhayle Iriarte, Gabriel Barrios, and Pallavi Khanna; we are going to reflect on the 1954 film Salt of the Earth and the era in which it was created, the Red Scare. In a heroic and outstanding effort to go against the blacklist and push for progress, Biberman and the rest of the crew - who were also already blacklisted - created one of the first independently financed and produced films outside of the Hollywood Studio system about the 15 month long Empire Zinc Company strike in Grant County, New Mexico organized by Mexican-American labor workers. Criticized for its communist ideals surrounding organized labor and communal leadership, it was banned in the United States and blocked from American screens before even being released. Its production was overshadowed by anti communist protests and government interference, but due to its success in Europe, was rediscovered after the end of the blacklist era and the termination of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) in 1975. The film contains realistic depictions of race, gender, and economic inequality, and is an exemplary display of the unrepresented fight for justice, equality, against government corruption and censorship in the 1950s.

McCarthy Press

Hosts: Lucia, Jiya, Sam, Anya

This podcast examines Ralph Fasanella’s painting McCarthy Press as a visual response to the political climate of the McCarthy era. The episode analyzes how specific elements of the painting reflect Fasanella’s background as a labor organizer and his perspective on government surveillance, media influence, and public reaction during the Red Scare. It discusses key historical events, including the execution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg and the role of the press in shaping public opinion. The podcast focuses on the individual and social impacts of blacklisting, using the artwork as a primary source to explore themes of censorship, identity, and political pressure in 1950s America.

Hazel Scott & Her Legacy

Hosts: Kayla, Jasmin, Sherry, Sarah, Isabella

In this episode, we will be discussing the life of Hazel Scott (1920-1981), a Trinidadian classical and jazz pianist, and how she, like other creatives, were affected by the Second Red Scare and McCarthyism. Segments include historical context on the time period, information on her early life that defined who she was as a person, her music and career in Hollywood, and finally how she was blacklisted and the aftermath of it. Throughout our podcast we use piano music composed by Hazel Scott such as herself and dissect the meaning behind her musical decisions. Hazel Scott herself grew up during a time period of racial segregation which informed how she stood up for her rights as a Black woman. She used the piano to her advantage as a way of expressing her beliefs. For example, “Black & White are Beautiful” highlights the differences between races which led to a stunning performance that combined both jazz and classical genres. Even throughout her Hollywood career, she continuously fought Black oppression despite the threat of the House of Un-American Committee. She was targeted for her potential ties for communism during a period where America was fearful of the Soviet Union. Join us as we aim to share her story to ensure that her memory will live on with new, fresh eyes.

From Iron Curtain to Stage Curtain: The World of Sholom Aleichem

Hosts: Callum, Emma, Iris, Jacobs, Francesca

From Iron Curtain to Stage Curtain image

Join Callum Hicks, Emma Li, Iris Auyeung, Amily Jacobs, and Francesca Howard as they embark on a fascinating journey into The World of Sholom Aleichem. The World of Sholom Aleichem is a tale of hardship, courage, community, and hope, revealing many lessons still relevant in today’s world. As Jews continue to be written out of the dominant narrative, it is more important than ever to pay homage to their resilience in the face of centuries of oppression, adversity, and hate. By shedding light on the plights of the Jewish people during the McCarthy era blacklists, and the inspiring ways Jews have used art activism as an agent for change, these young podcasters call attention to the forgotten histories of the Jewish people. The World of Sholom Aleichem will make you laugh, cry, and hopefully think a bit more critically about the narratives you’re hearing.

High Noon

Hosts: Brina, Emma, Khloe, Viv

Our podcast episode deals with the 1952 American western classic High Noon and its connection to the Red Scare. We explore what the film has to do with Hollywood’s response towards the Age of McCarthyism and their actions during the blacklisting. The story of the main character, Will Kane, serves as an allegory to the blacklisting in Hollywood and the people who experienced it. Throughout the episode, we discuss how High Noon was used to critique how society reacted to Hollywood during the blacklisting, its connection to the present day, and our own experience on watching the film. In addition, we get to hear from someone who watched the film the year it came out and their interpretation of it in relation to the events of the Red Scare. Listen as we uncover the deeper meanings behind the classic western film, High Noon.

Summer 2024, Through Fresh Eyes

This season, students explored the exhibition The Collection: New Conversations. Each episode delves into a piece that embodies the phrase “Art as Activism.”