Tracked and Traced

Detroit Police are likely to increase the amount of surveillance technology they use this year. In the final episode of Tracked and Traced, producer David Leins talks with reporters Bryce Huffman (Bridge Detroit), Eli Newman (WDET) and Russ McNamara (WDET) to talk about Evolv weapons detection technology, ShotSpotter, FOIA requests, and bodycam footage. Plus, Antajuan Scott talks with organizer and poet Tawana Petty about data rights in Detroit.

There are over 600 parking meters equipped with cameras on the streets of Hamtramck, MI. Tom Perkins investigates how the new meters will be used for surveillance, and what safeguards are in place for residents. Then, an interview with Kelsey Finch, Senior Counsel for the Future of Privacy Forum, about the growing presence of surveillance infrastructure in U.S. cities.

In this episode, we talk about the risks and benefits of drones. Avishay Artsy reports on how a ban on Chinese-made drones could set back efforts to fight wildfires in the U.S. Then, an interview with Arthur Holland Michel, drone researcher and author of “Eyes In The Sky: The Secret Rise of Gorgon Stare and How It Will Watch Us All.”

Paper-based record-keeping is largely a thing of the past, but not for the foster and adoptive systems in the U.S. In this episode, Patrick Vaughan talks with Karlos Dillard, Sixto Cancel and Dr. Sarah Lageson, who make a case for a centralized, digital record-keeping system to better serve foster and adoptive youth.

Sousveillance is the recording of an activity by a participant in the activity. In this episode, Antajuan and Natasha explore the idea of sousveillance with Hasan Elahi, who began surveilling himself for the FBI after being erroneously labeled a terrorist. Plus, Shanmin Sultana talks with an artist and a social media influencer about what happens when they put their lives online.

"The seemingly endless cycle of mass shootings has scarred America’s schools. In response, Dearborn Public Schools and many districts across the nation are ramping up school security efforts in order to prepare for threats and protect students and staff. But researchers and advocates warn these methods could have harmful consequences in the meantime. In this episode, Eleanore Catolico investigates a new agreement between the schools and the police in Dearborn, Michigan. Plus, Chris Gilliard joins Antajuan Scott to talk about the effects of digital surveillance on students.

How much is your data worth to a company like Facebook? Who profits off of your daily life? WDET’s Russ McNamara tries to find out who owns our data, and if it’s safe — which takes him down a surveillance capitalism rabbit hole. Plus, Antajuan and Natasha are joined by two guests: Tech entrepreneur Tim O’Reilly, founder of O’Reilly Media and author of “WTF: What’s the Future and Why It’s Up to Us”; and Rob Johnson, president of the Institute for New Economic Thinking and host of the podcast “Economics and Beyond with Rob Johnson.” After publishing this episode, Securus Technologies contacted WDET, their comments are reflected in this version of the story.

The seemingly endless cycle of mass shootings has scarred America’s schools. In response, Dearborn Public Schools and many districts across the nation are ramping up school security efforts in order to prepare for threats and protect students and staff. But researchers and advocates warn these methods could have harmful consequences in the meantime. In this episode, Eleanore Catolico investigates a new agreement between the schools and the police in Dearborn, Michigan. Plus, Chris Gilliard joins Antajuan Scott to talk about the effects of digital surveillance on students.

The Detroit Police Department says that Project Green Light improves public safety by providing live feeds of surveillance footage from over 700 participating businesses in the city. But, watchdogs and activists aren’t convinced. WDET’s Laura Herberg investigates the pros and cons of the city’s controversial surveillance program. Then, Eric Williams of the Detroit Justice Center talks with Antajuan Scott and Natasha T Miller about how increased police surveillance affects Detroiters.

After the 9/11 attacks, surveillance in the United States expanded, changing our society forever. For American Muslims, that meant being the subject of surveillance by the U.S. government. Nargis Rahman tells the story of two families who were targeted in the years after the attacks. Then, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Spencer Ackerman talks with hosts Antajuan Scott and Natasha T Miller about the Patriot Act and its wide-ranging impacts...

You are being surveilled. In the street, at home, on your phone. Police, governments, and corporations are collecting more data than ever before in the name of safety and security. Tracked and Traced asks: Is it worth it? Is it working? Hosted by Natasha T Miller and Antajuan Scott and featuring original reporting from WDET, this 10-episode series takes an in-depth look at how surveillance technology affects you. Join us, as we watch the watchers. New episodes released every other week. Tracked and Traced is a production of WDET, Detroit’s NPR Station, and Science Gallery at MSU. Supported by the Pulitzer Center, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, and MSUFCU.

Nolan Colter shares how losing his mother at age 11 caused him to get into trouble and shield himself emotionally through middle and high school. He then recalls the profound changes that came for him after supporting a friend in grief. Then, mental health counselor Damika Houston offers tips for those who are grieving.

Savanah Rayyan shares the deep bond she developed while caring for her grandmother, and how being with her while she had dementia made her the person she is today. Then, mental health counselor Bonnie Wheeler talks with host Natasha T Miller about the effects dementia can have on families, and how family members can support loved ones who suffer from the disease.

Alex Nitsche tells the story of experiencing gender dysphoria, and later transitioning in high school. Then, Bonnie Wheeler joins host Natasha T Miller to talk about acceptance, forgiveness, and grief that family members often feel with gender transitions. At the end of the episode, an original poem from Natasha, and an original song from Alex.

Both ghosting and being ghosted can impact mental health and be a source of grief. Camille Rogers shares their story of moving on from a lifelong friendship in college. Producer Aaron Applebey adds their own experience of being ghosted. Host Natasha T Miller speaks with friend and social worker Tiera Couch about the emotional toll of being ghosted, and healthy ways to process the loss of friendships.

Felicia Frabis lost her brother David and cousin Evan to suicide. She shares her story, discussing the things her family learned from the experience and what she did to honor her lost loved ones' memories. Later, Abigail Waller talks about the language we use to talk about suicide, signs of suicidal ideation and grieving traumatic loss.

Jackie Garrett reflects on her grandmother’s life, getting caught up in grind culture, and finding meaning and joy through cooking. Then, mental health counselor Damika Houston talks about how to check in on someone who is grieving, setting aside time and space to grieve, and writing goodbye letters to loved ones.

Sierra Maybury was born with half a heart. Her chronic heart condition and sunsequent strokes caused partial blindness and added considerable risk to her pregnancy. Sierra talks about the anxiety and depression that her condition has brought, and how she has learned to live a full life in spite of it. Then, mental health counselor Bonnie Wheeler provides strategies for people living with anxiety.

Joshua Watkis lost several loved ones in a short amount of time, attending virtual funerals and resulting in a pile-up of grief. In this episode, he shares how he acknowledged his grief and embraced therapy. Then, mental health counselor Damika Houston offers tips on how young adults can support loved ones who are grieving, and how to find resources for therapy.

Maria LoCicero shares the story of losing her mother to a sudden heart attack and the lessons she learned about setting healthy boundaries in the process. Then, retired grief counselor and social worker Bonnie Wheeler talks with host Natasha T Miller about what we can learn from Maria’s experience.

Aaron Burch joins Science Gallery Detroit mediator Caylinn Higgins to discuss the sudden loss of his mother from COVID-19 and how it impacted him. Abigail Waller, aClinical Social Worker with Michigan State University CAPS, specializes in grief and joins host Natasha T Miller to discuss how people can address their grief in the wake of an unexpected loss.

A podcast by and for young adults who are exploring their grief and mental health to share stories, science and solutions. Hosted by acclaimed poet Natasha T Miller, and featuring a production team that includes six mediators between the ages of 15 and 25 as producers, “Science of Grief” will put the voices and stories of young adults front and center. “Science of Grief” aims to create community and provide resources for young adults experiencing grief, trauma, anxiety, and depression, helping listeners to better understand their mental health and provide strategies to work through it. Science of Grief is produced by WDET, Detroit's NPR Station and Science Gallery Detroit, and is supported by MSUFCU, Science Sandbox, and the Children’s Foundation of Michigan.