Logo for Memory Wars

Memory Wars

RADIO IQ

Memory Wars is a six-part series about how Germany has confronted its horrific past and whether America could ever do the same. Public radio reporter Mallory Noe-Payne spent years covering policy and politics in Richmond, Virginia — the former capital of the Confederacy. Then she went to Germany.

Through a year of in-depth reporting featuring a wide range of characters, Noe-Payne reveals the struggles it takes for a society to change its narrative, face up to an uncomfortable past, and pave the way for atonement. Featuring conversations with Pulitzer Prize winning columnist Michael Paul Williams, Memory Wars explores the lessons in German history for American society today as we reckon with our own horrific past.

A production of RADIO IQ, distributed by PRX. You can show your appreciation for innovative projects like this by donating to this Virginia-based public radio station. Donating through this link helps support the podcast.

Credits:

Hosts Mallory Noe-Payne, Michael Paul Williams

Story Editing by Oluwakemi Aladesuyi, Additional Editing from Caitlin Pierce

Music by Sun Rain, sound design and mixing by Chad Skinner and Dani Ramez of Half Moon Audio.

Logo design by Ruth Tam

RADIOIQ, 2022

Memory Wars is a six-part series about how Germany has confronted its horrific past and whether America could ever do the same. Public radio reporter Mallory Noe-Payne spent years covering policy and politics in Richmond, Virginia — the former capital of the Confederacy. Then she went to Germany.

Through a year of in-depth reporting featuring a wide range of characters, Noe-Payne reveals the struggles it takes for a society to change its narrative, face up to an uncomfortable past, and pave the way for atonement. Featuring conversations with Pulitzer Prize winning columnist Michael Paul Williams, Memory Wars explores the lessons in German history for American society today as we reckon with our own horrific past.

A production of RADIO IQ, distributed by PRX. You can show your appreciation for innovative projects like this by donating to this Virginia-based public radio station. Donating through this link helps support the podcast.

Credits:

Hosts Mallory Noe-Payne, Michael Paul Williams

Story Editing by Oluwakemi Aladesuyi, Additional Editing from Caitlin Pierce

Music by Sun Rain, sound design and mixing by Chad Skinner and Dani Ramez of Half Moon Audio.

Logo design by Ruth Tam

RADIOIQ, 2022
7hr 19min
Thumbnail for "Introducing: Memory Wars ".
Introducing our new podcast, exploring how society confronts sin.
Thumbnail for "Special Episode: Branded ".
A one hour special from RadioIQ about the decades-long fight to restore voting rights to people with felony convictions.
Thumbnail for "Part 6: Volker's Story".
How does a society create meaningful places of encounter? Spaces where you just can't look away from the past?
Thumbnail for "Feed Drop: A Critical Moment".
When it comes to teaching about race and history, American classrooms are at a crossroads. What can we learn from Germany's post-war path?
Thumbnail for "Live Event: Myths from Two Sides of the Atlantic".
A special live recording of the Memory Wars podcast
Thumbnail for "Part 1: A Prologue".
Before we get started, let's take a look at what to expect.
Thumbnail for "Part 2: The Two Reconstructions".
How did two reconstructions, in two different countries, turn out so differently?
Thumbnail for "Part 3: Haley's Story".
Why would someone return to a place of unspeakable trauma and what does it take for them to feel welcomed?
Thumbnail for "Part 4: Charlotte's Story".
How does an entire country shift a collective perspective, and how do we rewrite the story of our history?
Thumbnail for "Part 5: Mallory's Story".
Once we accept culpability for a sinful past, what does accountability look like? Even generations after?

Part 6: Volker's Story

Thumbnail for "Part 6: Volker's Story".
August 4, 202251min 37sec

How does a society create meaningful places of encounter? Spaces where you just can't look away from the past? On the final episode of Memory Wars, we go back to Germany one last time to explore the conflict and contestation over space. All with the story of a single cobblestone.

Thumbnail for "Part 6: Volker's Story".
Part 6: Volker's Story
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51:37