By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
Season
1
:
Episode
9

There's No Place like House

There's No Place like House
Race and Power
May 13, 2022

The early 1980s saw the sound of a new generation emerge from the loft parties and underground clubs of Chicago: House music. In spaces like the Warehouse and the Music Box, DJ's began to innovate around disco's four-on-the-floor beat, adding drum machines, deeper bass lines, and synths. At the time, Chicago had its first Black mayor, Harold Washington Jr., and there was optimism and energy in the air, a feeling of progress. After the racist and homophobic cultural attack symbolized by Disco Demolition night at Comiskey Park, for people of color and the queer community, house music was a safe haven. In this episode, Brian talks to Micah Salkind, author of Do You Remember House?: Chicago's Queer of Color Undergrounds; and pioneering House DJs and producers Jesse Saunders, Wayne Williams, and Marshall Jefferson.

Brian Lowery

A Photo of Brian Lowery

Brian Lowery is a Professor of Organizational Behavior and a social psychologist by training. He received his doctorate from UCLA in 2001 with a minor in statistical methods.

Micah Salkind

Micah Salkind

DJ, Sound Designer, Art Curator
Micah Salkind

Dr. Micah Salkind is the Special Projects Manager for The City of Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism.

Jesse Saunders

Jesse Saunders

Producer, DJ

Jesse Saunders is an american house music artist, DJ, record producer , film producer and entrepreneur.

Wayne Williams

Wayne Williams

DJ, Producer
Wayne Williams

Wayne Williams is a DJ, Producer and founder of the Chosen Few Disco Corp (later renamed The Chosen Few DJs).

Marshall Jefferson

Marshall Jefferson

DJ, Producer

Heading

Marshall Julius Jefferson is an American Musician, working in the house music subgenres of Chicago house and deep house.

Featured

Guests

Recent

Episodes

Loud and Proud in Business and BDSM with Kim Pham
Podcast
October 6, 2026

Loud and Proud in Business and BDSM with Kim Pham

Omsom co-founder Kim Pham on shame, self-discovery, and the risks and rewards of living openly on your own terms.

Changing the Game with Benjamin Patch
Podcast
September 22, 2026

Changing the Game with Benjamin Patch

Former pro volleyball player Benjamin Patch reflects on leaving the sport and entering the creative world.

The Things the Scale Can’t Measure
Podcast
September 8, 2026

The Things the Scale Can’t Measure

Writer Brianne Cail joins Brian to discuss how GLP-1 medications changed the way the world treated her.

The Art of Kintsugi Ceramics: Naoko Fukumaru on Making What’s Broken Beautiful
Podcast
April 1, 2025

The Art of Kintsugi Ceramics: Naoko Fukumaru on Making What’s Broken Beautiful

In this episode, artist Naoko Fukumaru shares her deeply personal story of transformation through kintsugi.

From Medieval Love Songs to Modern Hip-Hop: Marisa Galvez on the Power of Poetry
Podcast
March 18, 2025

From Medieval Love Songs to Modern Hip-Hop: Marisa Galvez on the Power of Poetry

Stanford professor of French and Italian, Marisa Galvez joins Brian Lowery to explore poetry.