When people listen: An interview with Aliya Trapp

On The Ampersand, we highlight stories of people who dive into their interests. Equally important is the way we tell our stories. Today’s guest is Aliya Trapp, an undergraduate student at the University of Colorado Boulder majoring in ethnic studies and international affairs. Aliya loves to cook, garden and plays bass in a Grateful Dead cover band while diving deep into her studies. Besides chasing her interests with abandon, though, she reminds us just how important ANDing conversations can be.

Mentioned in today's episode:

Serial Podcast.

In the Dark podcast. 

Unreformed: the Story of the Alabama Industrial School for Negro Children

Equity and inclusion in the wine industry.

The vineyard where Aliya will work after college.

The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone by Heather McGhee.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo are the South African men’s choir who perform Isicathamiya and Mbube on Paul Simon’s Graceland.

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For those concerned about Erika’s vocal drop to baritone, she was recovering from a head cold during the recording. Please feel free to email well-wishes.

Music by Nelson Walker.

Written and produced by Erika Randall and Tim Grassley.

Episodes recorded at Interplay Recording in Boulder, CO.