A Conversation with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi

A Conversation with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi

From Now What? With Carole Zimmer by Carole Zimmer

May 12, 2026 · 44 min

About this episode

Dr. Ibram X. Kendi discusses his work on race, conspiracy theories, and his latest book.

Ibram X. Kendi became a star when his book How to Be an Antiracist landed on the bestseller list. Kendi, who's now a Professor of History at Howard University, gained a reputation as a racial-reconciliation guru. He's also the recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship which is known as the genius award. Now, Kendi has written a book called Chain of Ideas: The Origins of Our Authoritarian Age . It focuses on a scary idea called the Great Replacement theory which insists that white people are being deliberately replaced by non-white immigrants. We talk about conspiracy theories, race and what that X stands for in the middle of his name. "Now What?' is produced with the help of Steve Zimmer, Lucy Little and Jackie Schwartz. Audio production is by Nick Ciavatta.

People in this episode

Host: Carole Zimmer

Guest: Ibram X. Kendi

Topics covered

  • race
  • conspiracy theories
  • authoritarianism
  • racial reconciliation
  • immigration

Keywords

  • Ibram X. Kendi
  • How to Be an Antiracist
  • Chain of Ideas
  • Great Replacement theory
  • racial reconciliation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Howard University

Books & works: How to Be an Antiracist, Chain of Ideas: The Origins of Our Authoritarian Age

Places: Great Replacement theory

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