CNN Anchor Don Lemon Launches New Podcast, 'Silence Is Not An Option': Where To Listen

On Thursday, CNN host Don Lemon launched his new podcast, "Silence is Not an Option." In response to the protests around the country following George Floyd's death, and ongoing discussions about police brutality, racism, and discrimination, Lemon is adding his voice to those conversations by way of episodes of the new CNN podcast. Here's how you can listen and what you can expect to hear.

According to Variety, the CNN anchor will examine America's racial divide as he speaks with a range of "activists, artists and thinkers." The premiere episode, called "Why Not Being Racist is Not Enough," features a discussion with historian and scholar Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, along with Dr. Christopher Petrella, who serves as the Director of Engagement at American University’s Antiracist Research and Policy Center and has lent his talents to developing the curriculum for Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp.

Leading up to the release of "Silence is Not an Option," Lemon stated that he had considered doing a podcast before, but the timing had not been right. Then, in the wake of the upheaval around the country, he said he felt as though this unique time afforded him an unexpected opportunity.

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In an essay that Lemon penned to accompany the launch of his podcast, he asked what we can do during this time "while so many people are open to listening and maybe, more importantly, receptive to change." He then added that "we all have a lot to learn about why things are the way they are, and even more to unlearn if we're really going to make things better."

Continuing, he asked, "So how do we take steps toward becoming anti-racist in our own lives? How do we step up when we hear a colleague or a family member make a racist joke? How do we make sure our workplaces are equitable and inclusive? How do we make sure all kids feel safe when they're at the playground? And how do you make sure the police in our communities are working for us?"

As stated by Variety, the podcast's debut follows other news personalities and organizations tackling important issues in the format. For their part, CNN previously released "Coronavirus: Fact vs. Fiction With Dr. Sanjay Gupta," which has received over 4 million downloads to date. Additionally, MSNBC host Rachel Maddow contributed "Bag Man," Chris Hayes lends his talents to "Why Is This Happening?", and ABC News' Chief White House Correspondent Jonathan Karl and Political Director Rick Klein tackled politics in "Powerhouse Politics" leading up to the 2020 presidential election.

As for what the "CNN Tonight" host hopes the new podcast will bring, he stated that he aims for it to inspire listeners to "find some concrete steps forward, together."

"America is having a moment. ... Will you be part of it?" he concluded.

The first episode of "Silence is Not an Option" is out now and is available for streaming on CNN's website. New episodes will drop on Thursdays.