Sasha-Ann Simons

Host, Reset

Sasha-Ann is the host of Reset.

She began her career as a journalist in television news 16 years ago and made the leap to public radio in 2015 at WXXI News, the NPR member station in Rochester, N.Y. While there, Sasha-Ann earned numerous awards. She was also a contributing reporter for PBS NewsHour.

Sasha-Ann joins us from Washington’s WAMU where she was a program host, regularly behind the mic on 1A, WAMU’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered, and the station’s local midday talk show, The Kojo Nnamdi Show. She was also a national reporter, focused on issues of race, identity and economic mobility. Sasha-Ann often brought that lens to the conversation when she served as an emcee or moderator at various events and panel discussions in the nation’s capital. In 2019, she earned a regional Edward R. Murrow award for her work, and in 2020, she won both a Dateline award from the Society of Professional Journalists and a Radio Feature award from the National Association of Black Journalists.

Sasha-Ann is a native of Kingston, Jamaica. She grew up in Toronto, where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson). She has also studied television and film production at American University. When Sasha-Ann’s not on the air, she enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the many amazing restaurants across the city.

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Book revisits how the pandemic changed everything – from culture to habits

Author Michele Weldon creates intersections of her experiences with pop culture, media, consumerism, family traditions, and healthcare.

By Sasha-Ann Simons

A conversation with Anthony Fauci, AKA ‘America’s doctor’

‘In January of 2020, my worst nightmare occurred,’ Dr. Fauci said. ‘What is my worst nightmare now? A repeat of that.’

By Sasha-Ann Simons and Meha Ahmad

Gregory Michie, former public school educator and author

Before retirement, this CPS teacher documented his final school year in a newly published diary

In the summer 2022, Gregory Michie was unexpectedly reassigned for the fall term from teaching middle school children to instructing K-8 students.

By Sasha-Ann Simons

Acclaimed DEI expert and author, Alida Miranda-Wolff, debunks myths about DEI and argues that it should be part of every workplace.

How companies get DEI wrong – and why it’s time to get it right

With her latest book, a Chicago author provides a go-to guide for new managers to foster a safe, inclusive and productive workplace.

By Sasha-Ann Simons

Laufey, the Icelandic-Chinese singer, on reviving jazz for the TikTok generation

By Sasha-Ann Simons , Micah Yason , and 2 more

Child of ‘Good Times’ creator talks TV show’s legacy, backlash against animated reboot

As we mark 50 years since the 1974 debut of the iconic sitcom, fans respond negatively to the launch of a ‘Good Times’ animated reboot.

By Sasha-Ann Simons

Actor Harry Lennix with host Sasha-Ann Simons

Actor Harry Lennix on playing August Wilson: ‘This is a story that must be told’

Legendary playwright August Wilson – considered one of the most important Black voices in theater – wrote the story of his life in the play How I Learned What I Learned.

By Meha Ahmad and Sasha-Ann Simons

Arts & Culture

A new book argues that Black Chicago has set the pace for pop culture for decades

By Sasha-Ann Simons and Sofie Hernandez-Simeonidis

Six cast members, director and playwright stand side by side

Phylicia Rashad directs and talented actors deliver in turbulent family drama at Steppenwolf

By Sasha-Ann Simons

Portrait of Sarah McCammon in front of trees

The growing movement of ‘Ex-vangelicals’

Sarah McCammon writes about the deeply personal and political impact of going from evangelical to ex-vangelical.

By Sasha-Ann Simons and Ethan Schwabe

Radio Diaries : #70: The Working Tapes of Studs Terkel (Hour Special) Image

Chicago writer Mark Larson updates Studs Terkel’s ‘Working’ for the 21st century

By Dan Tucker , Lynnea Domienik , and 1 more

From Chicago to Toronto: New memoir documents decades of family conflicts, racism, and resilience

In My Fighting Family, author Morgan Campbell explores what it means to be a Black American in Canada and knowing which battles to fight.

By Sasha-Ann Simons

Cast of Black By Popular Demand from The Second City.

Laughter and good vibes in The Second City’s ‘Black By Popular Demand’

Rising comics showcase their hilarity in the comeback show with new songs, sketches, and the style of improv that has become synonymous with Second City.