Crosswinds

Crosswinds is a 5-episode documentary podcast that puts residents in the center of the story of coal dust in Hampton Roads, and what’s unfolding now in efforts to build healthier neighborhoods and lives. It is a nonlinear series across a unified theme of two neighborhoods in Hampton Roads and the coal dust that plagues residents’ lives and well-being.

Episode 1 follows the friendship of advocates Lathaniel Kirts and Malcolm Jones as they team up to deal with harmful coal dust that clouds the air in their hometown, Norfolk.

Episode 2 deals with gentrification of neighborhoods contaminated by coaldust.

Episode 3 follows the railroad tracks back to the source of the coal to discover the health and well-being costs the coal industry puts on the backs of residents.

Episode 4 explores a new study that could offer more information on the coal dust – will it be enough?

Episode 5 asks what is the role of faith in struggle – what does it mean to believe that change is possible and effort is worthwhile?

Crosswinds was written, reported and produced by Adrian Wood in 2023-2024. The full series was released on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and independent streaming in June 2024. Oluwakemi Aladesuyi did story editing for the series. The series was conceived, written and produced in partnership with Repair Lab 2023-24 Practitioners-in-Residence, Lathaniel Kirts and Malcolm Jones, who are featured in Episode 1 and reappear as recurring characters in each episode.