Red for Revolution

About Red for Revolution

Radiotopia Presents: Red for Revolution is an audio drama centering intergenerational stories of Black women, queer love, and liberation. We meet Jazmine, an 18-year-old grappling with her queer identity, first crush, and the delicate task of mending her relationship with her homophobic mother. As Jazmine seeks solace and guidance from her grandmother, we are transported back to 1971, to follow the passionate love affair between jazz singer Lorraine Giovanni and activist Ella Ali. Two remarkable women from vastly different backgrounds, with opposing political views and living oceans apart, embark on a romance that defies all conventions.

Publisher

Radiotopia

Category

fiction

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

31 Jul 2017

Latest episode

13 Apr 2026

Latest episodes

120 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Apr 2026

   Red for Revolution - Webby Nominations + Debbie Allen HerStory Panel

   Red for Revolution is nominated for two WEBBY AWARDS — and we’re still riding high from our Ambie win. To celebrate, we’re sharing unreleased audio from our conversation with the incomparable Debbie Allen, in conversation with cast members Jordan Hull, Renée Wilson, Caro Guzmán, and creator, writer, director Jana Naomi Smith. Vote Red for Revolution for Best Scripted Fiction Podcast (https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2026/podcasts/shows/scripted-fiction) Vote for Red for Revolution Best Original Music Score and Sound Design  (https://vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/2026/podcasts/features/original-music-score-sound-design) In May 2025, Red for Revolution joined Play Hard by Winter Dunn (https://risingvoicesfilms.com/film/play-hard/) and Sext by Kierstyn Stevens (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32393126/) for “Writing HERstory,” a powerful gathering centered on reclaiming narrative, honoring lived experience, and reflecting on the challenges and triumphs that shape our work. The event was hosted by The Debbie Allen Dance Academy, (https://www.debbieallendanceacademy.com/) The Rhimes Performing Arts Center, and The Brett Fonfa Foundation (https://www.thisisthebff.com/). We’re thrilled to bring this conversation back into the world. Enjoy! Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee. For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com (http://redforrevolution.com/) for the complete credit and gratitude list, additional resources, and to sign up for our newsletter. This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract. This episode featured performances by Jordan Hull as Jazmine S. Epatha Merkerson as Ella Ali (present day) Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s) Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s) Caro Guzmán as Adrienne and Kathy adrienne maree brown as Series Sonic Guide

2. 

   5 Feb 2026

   Red for Revolution - Happy Anniversary!

   To celebrate the anniversary of Red for Revolution’s Radiotopia debut, we’re dropping a special bonus episode.  Join members of the cast and creative team as they revisit the story's earliest seeds, its unexpected turns, and the beautiful collaboration. You’ll also hear exclusive, unreleased audio scenes from the cutting‑room floor. Part reflection, part celebration, and part revelation, this episode invites listeners into the room where the revolution truly began. Red for Revolution is created, written, and directed by Jana Naomi Smith with Musical Direction by Tammy L. Hall and Sound Design by Collin Gerald Thomas. Original Music by Tammy L.  Hall and Jana Naomi Smith and performed by Renée Wilson, Loretta Devine, and Jordan Hull featuring the Red for Revolution band, Tammy L. Hall on piano, Kofy Brown on electric Bass, Ruth Davies on acoustic Bass, Ruthie Price on drums, Kristen Strom on saxophone and flute, and Vicki Randle on percussion. Cover art by Shefon N. Taylor. The series is executive produced by Renée Wilson, Jana Naomi Smith, and Meta Mana Media with associate producers Jordan Hull, Adrian Snegg, and Vanessa E. Williams. All episodes produced by Liz McBee. The Red for Revolution team would like to thank each person who helped bring this project to life. Please visit redforrevolution.com for the complete credit and gratitude list. For additional resources and to sign up for our newsletter, visit redforrevolution.com. This audio drama was recorded under the SAG-AFTRA 2020 New Media Principal Performer Contract. This episode includes interviews with Jana Naomi Smith Jordan Hull Tammy L. Hall Liz McBee Renée Wilson Alimi Ballard And features performances by: adrienne maree brown as series sonic guide Ashley J. Hobbs as additional narrations Renée Wilson as Lorraine Giovanni (1970s) Rutina Wesley as Ella Ali (1970s) Alimi Ballard as LeRoy (1970s) Will Kachi (Volunteer 1970s) Music Featured: “Revolution” Written by Jana Naomi Smith Original Composition by Tammy L. Hall Performed by Renée Wilson and the Red For Revolution Band Tammy Hall, pianist & music director Kofy Brown, electric Bassist Ruth Davies, acoustic Bassist Ruthie Price, drummer Vicki Randle, percussionist Kristen Strom, saxophonist/flautist For Radiotopia Presents, Yooree Losordo is the Managing Producer. Audrey Mardavich is the Executive Producer. Red for Revolution is part of Radiotopia Presents, a podcast feed that debuts limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices.

3. 

   3 Jun 2025

   Red for Revolution x The Frogs

   Writer/Director Jana Naomi Smith discusses the origins of Red for Revolution, her career, and inspirations with hosts Alex Ubokudom and Tobie Windham in a live interview.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.6 / 5

8 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 49 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

68

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

77

Contact Red for Revolution

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.