Back in America

In this episode, Stan speaks with Prof. Maurice Wallace of Rutgers University about the enduring impact of James Baldwin, the evolution of Black American vernacular, and the complex relationship America has with its history of slavery and race. Prof. Wallace explores Baldwin’s profound influence on his own academic journey, how language and sound shape Black cultural identity, and why America continues to struggle with the legacy of emancipation, mass incarceration, and systemic inequality.

Through insights into literature, photography, and the “Black modernist soundscape,” this conversation reveals deeper truths about America’s culture, values, and identity.

Recommended reading from Prof. Wallace:

The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander

Listen and subscribe to explore what makes America, America

For over a century, a small group of dedicated cowboys has upheld a fading American tradition: the Highwood Mountains cattle roundup. In this episode of Back in America, we explore Only Roundup Remains, a documentary capturing the grit, camaraderie, and deep generational ties that keep this way of life alive. Filmmakers Brian Liu and Andrew Labens, alongside the cowboys themselves, share their journey of documenting this historic event, the challenges they faced, and the profound reflections on a changing America.

From saddle sores to late-night campfire discussions, this is a rare glimpse into a vanishing world where pride, skill, and endurance define the men who refuse to let their heritage slip away. Tune in to hear their stories, their struggles, and why, for these cowboys, the roundup is more than just a job—it’s a way of life.

Watch the documentary trailer on YouTube. Follow Only Roundup Remains on Facebook & Instagram for updates. And don’t forget to subscribe to Back in America for more thought-provoking stories.

Only Roundup Remains

Watch on Amazon Prime 

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A green card interview is supposed to be the last step before legal residency—but what if it’s actually a setup?

This episode of Back in America features filmmakers Sam and David Cutler Kreutz discussing their short film, "A Lien," a story about a couple navigating the complexities of the US immigration system. The conversation delves into the film's themes of family, the "banal cruelty" of the immigration process, and the broader political context surrounding immigration in America.

Key Topics

Discuss The Inspiration Behind "A Lien" The New York Times article that sparked the idea for the film and their desire to tell a story that highlights the human side of immigration. They emphasize the film's focus on families and the emotional toll of the legal process.
They share their efforts to accurately portray the immigration process, including working with lawyers and individuals who have experienced similar situations. They discuss the specific forms and procedures mentioned in the film 
The podcast explores the film's unique cinematography, including its use of kinetic visuals and the focus on the wife's perspective through her iPhone.
They discuss how the film resonates with the current political climate, particularly concerning immigration.
The conversation explores what viewers can do after watching "A Lien" to support immigration reform or get involved in advocacy. They emphasize the importance of dialogue and understanding the human stories behind immigration.

In just 15 minutes, A Lien delivers an emotional gut-punch, following an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador and his American wife as they step into what should be a routine interview—only to find themselves entrapped. With haunting cinematography and nail-biting suspense, the film exposes the brutal side of a system designed to keep immigrants on edge.

Watch A Lien (link here https://vimeo.com/997805490), then tune in as we break down the film, the real-life cases that inspired it, and what this means for America today.