On this week’s episode: Jamilah and Elizabeth are joined by Natalie Hopkinson.

Natalie is an assistant professor in the doctoral program in Howard University’s Department of Communication, Culture and Media Studies. She is also an award-winning essayist, critical-cultural scholar and the author of three books: A Mouth Is Always Muzzled: Six Dissidents, Five Continents, and the Art of Resistance, Go-Go Live: The Musical Life and Death of a Chocolate City, and Deconstructing Tyrone. 

They discuss college students making consequential decisions about whether or not they can, or should, return to campus. Many institutions are still changing policies, which may have significant consequences to students safety, financial welfare, travel plans, and quality of education. Especially if the student is in a field that requires hands-on experience. 

The hosts also debate if a little one is sharing too much with his K9 bestie. 

In Slate Plus: Elizabeth, Jamilah and Natalie reminisce about their college days. Slate Plus members get a bonus segment on MADAF each week, and no ads. Sign up now to listen and support our work.

Recommendations:

Jamilah recommends making an easy Key Lime Pie. Just follow the instructions on the back of the Nellie & Joes: Famous Key West Lime Juice bottle. 

Natalie recommends Grace for President by Kelly DiPucchio and Islandborn by Junot Díaz. 

Elizabeth recommends the card game Ecosystem. 

Additional Recommendations:

The Kids Are Asleep, the hilarious Slate Live show. Catch it via Slate’s Facebook or YouTube on Thursdays at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT. 

Join us on Facebook and email us at [email protected] to ask us new questions, tell us what you thought of today’s show, and give us ideas about what we should talk about in future episodes. 

Podcast produced by Rosemary Belson. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices