John Asante is an Associate Producer for The Takeaway.
While he grew up idolizing ESPN sportscasters, John found his true calling while working at WRAS, his college’s radio station in Atlanta. During late nights and in between classes, John honed his craft by DJing a blues show, running a news department, and hosting a public affairs program.
John’s infatuation with radio led him to NPR, where he focused on producing stories about tech, health, race, culture, music, and sports for Talk of the Nation, Ask Me Another, and the 2010 Midterm Election. He’s also reported pieces for Morning Edition and Tell Me More.
In his “spare” time, John hosts Play It Back, a podcast about music discovery; recounts deeply personal stories at open mic storytelling shows like The Moth and The Soundtrack Series; and co-runs a mixtape trading collective.
John earned bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and Communication from Georgia State University. Forever he loves Atlanta, yet he’s thrilled to live in Brooklyn.
John Asante appears in the following:
Understanding Race and Racism, One Conversation at a Time
Tuesday, July 04, 2017
The United States is not a perfect nation. In order to be truly free and proud, America must confront the sins of its past.
Jamming With the Moms Who Raised Rock Star Kids
Monday, June 26, 2017
Virginia Grohl, mother of Foo Fighters frontman and Nirvana drummer David Grohl, tells the stories of rock and roll moms in a new book.
Senators Reach Agreement on New Russia Sanctions
Thursday, June 15, 2017
The Senate voted to slap new sanctions on Russia in response to interference in the election and Russia’s involvement in Syria. Here's what you need to know.
The Family Who Brought Indian Music to the West
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
In "Nari," Gingger Shankar pays tribute to her mother and grandmother — two extraordinary artists who helped bring Indian music to the West in the 1970s.
A Family Comes Out of the (Racial) Closet
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
As part our "Uncomfortable Truths" series, a listener named Alison Fornes sits down with her mother, Julia, who kept her Puerto Rican identity hidden for years.
Advocates: Trump Blocking Twitter Users Violates First Amendment
Thursday, June 08, 2017
Lawyers representing Twitter users who have been blocked by President Trump are challenging the move, arguing that the president’s Twitter feed is a forum for public policy.
100 Years of Gwendolyn Brooks: A Tribute to The Trailblazing Poet
Wednesday, June 07, 2017
In honor of what would be her 100th birthday, "The Golden Shovel Anthology" is a new collection of poems celebrating the work of poet and civil rights icon Gwendolyn Brooks.
Black Detroit: How African Americans Shape the Motor City
Tuesday, June 06, 2017
Historian Herb Boyd looks at the evolving culture, politics and economics of Detroit in a new book, "Black Detroit: A People’s History of Self Determination."
For LeBron James, Social Justice Transcends Sports Stardom
Friday, June 02, 2017
“No matter how much money you have, no matter how famous you are ... being black in America is tough," James said when asked about an incident of vandalization at his L.A. home.
China and India Emerge as Leaders on Climate Change
Thursday, June 01, 2017
If the U.S. does decide to pull out of the historic Paris climate change agreement, it appears that China and India will be the world leaders to fill the void.
Maine Legislators Divided On Ranked-Choice Voting
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Voters in Maine approved a ranked choice voting system in November. But earlier this week, the Maine Supreme Court ruled that the system violates the state Constitution.
When Shooting Feels ‘Like A Drug’
Thursday, May 25, 2017
WBEZ’s series about gun violence, "Every Other Hour," presents a story of a middle aged man who is no longer a gang member, but still carries a gun and sometimes uses it.
To Avoid Public Scorn, GOP Wants Healthcare Talks Behind Closed Doors
Wednesday, May 24, 2017
The Congressional Budget Office says the GOP healthcare bill would reduce federal deficits by $150 billion by 2026. It also found that 24 million more people would be left uninsured.
Terror Strikes Teen-Filled Arena in Britain
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
On Monday night, an explosion tore through an arena in the U.K. where pop star Ariana Grande was performing. At least 22 people were killed, and more than 50 people were injured.
Defendants Struggle to Find Justice in Tennessee
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
A look inside Tennessee's criminal justice system reveals the difficulty some defendants face when trying to secure due process and a fair trial.
Suits Accuse Insurance Companies of Making Millions by Profit-Gaming Medicare
Monday, May 22, 2017
A whistle-blower at UnitedHealth Group is claiming that big insurance companies have been using Medicare Advantage to profit-game the system in order to be paid more.
FCC Votes To Undo Net Neutrality Rules
Friday, May 19, 2017
On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to roll back the net neutrality rules put in place under the Obama Administration in 2015.
The Women-Led Web Series You Should Watch Right Now
Friday, May 19, 2017
Need a break from Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon? Check out "Brown Girls," "Eighty-Sixed," and "Kate of the Damned."
Love Letters to Africa
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
In a new memoir, New York Times East Africa Bureau Chief Jeffrey Gettleman talks about the highs and lows in his relationship to covering the African continent.
Ashley Graham Is a New Kind of Model
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
In her new memoir, supermodel Ashley Graham reflects on her experiences in the fashion industry, and how she became a role model for women of all sizes.
