Embark on American Railroad, a five-episode podcast hosted by Rhiannon Giddens that seeks to right historical wrongs by highlighting the untold stories and unheard voices from the diverse communities that built America’s railway systems.

Next stop: Hell’s Kitchen, a New York City neighborhood historian Miriam Nyhan describes as transformed by immigration and expansion of the state’s railroad boom. Despite tensions between Black and Irish railroad workers, living and laboring side-by side created a distinctly American sound. Musicians Lenwood “Leni” Sloan, and Silkroad Ensemble member Maeve Gilchrist use music to capture the energy and urgency of the time in their workshop with New York’s Irish Arts Center.

Founded by Yo-Yo Ma, Silkroad is both a touring ensemble comprised of world-class musicians from all over the globe, and a social impact organization working to make a positive impact across borders through the arts. To find out more about Silkroad's American Railroad - the album, the tour, the TV series and the podcast, go to silkroad.org/american-railroad.

Listen to all episodes of American Railroad from Silkroad and PRX on your favorite podcast platform.

Embark on American Railroad, a five-episode podcast that seeks to right historical wrongs by highlighting the untold stories and unheard voices from the diverse communities that built America’s railway systems. Hosted by Grammy Award-winner Rhiannon Giddens, American Railroad is produced in partnership with PRX.

The first stop on the American Railroad podcast is Swannanoa, North Carolina. Silkroad Artistic Director Rhiannon Giddens reveals the origins of the popular Appalachian folk song “Swannanoa Tunnel” and how professors Jeffrey A. Keith and Kevin Kehrberg’s research sparked important conversations about erasure and ownership in Appalachian music. We’ll also hear from banjo player Tray Wellington about his experience as a Black band leader making a way in a genre not well known for performers who look like him.

Founded by Yo-Yo Ma, Silkroad is both a touring ensemble comprised of world-class musicians from all over the globe, and a social impact organization working to make a positive impact across borders through the arts. To find out more about Silkroad's American Railroad - the album, the tour, the TV series and the podcast, go to silkroad.org/american-railroad.

Join host Heather Freeman as she explores the secrets of America's rich magical tapestry. Each episode uncovers the fascinating magical practices, beliefs, and personal stories of America’s diverse cultural communities, both past and present. Discover the hidden realms of the United States, from religious remixing to enchanted beliefs and sorcerous workings. Part veiled history and part spiritual awakening, Magic in the United States illuminates both magic and religion in whole new ways. Go to MagicintheUnitedStates.com to find out more.