At one time they were called “audioblogs” now they are simply just podcasts. Think of the radio with a ton of channels. These digital episodic programs can take you into many spaces, whether you need a laugh, some motivation, to catch up on the news, learn about different cultures, or try to solve a true-crime mystery. Podcasts have definitely become a part of my regular routine. I find myself listening to podcasts in a variety of situations whether it is on a road trip, passing time on the treadmill, sitting out on the beach, or lounging in my apartment. They entertain, inform, and bring joy! When you factor in Blackness, podcasts have become a unique media space for Black folks to feel represented.
With popular media outlets struggling to diversify their content, Black creators are using podcasts to tell and share their own stories. Many of these creators are adding to the Black experience, while redefining what representation means for the listeners who tune in. As noted by Nancy Marshall in a January 2023 Forbes article, the key to success with podcasting is to “figure out your “superpower”—whatever it may be—and share your expertise with your listeners.” Black creators are definitely tapping into their superpower to manifest and distribute some amazing content.
Thus, today’s #BlackJoy Moment is about spotlighting a few Black podcasts that are hitting the mark in a major way!!
Check them out below:
- The Stoop: The Stoop podcast digs into stories that are not always shared out in the open. Hosts Leila Day and Hana Baba start conversations and provide professionally-reported stories about what it means to be Black and how we talk about blackness.
- Truth’s Table: “Midwives of culture for grace and truth.” Welcome to Truth’s Table with Christina Edmondson, and Ekemini Uwan. We are Black Christian women who love truth and seek it out wherever it leads us. We will share our perspectives on race, politics, gender, current events, and pop culture that are filtered through our Christian faith. So pull up a chair and have a seat at the table with us.
- The Read: Join bloggers Kid Fury and Crissle for their weekly podcast covering hip-hop and pop culture’s most trying stars. Throwing shade and spilling tea with a flippant and humorous attitude, no star is safe from Fury and Crissle unless their name is Beyoncé. (Or Blue Ivy.) As transplants to New York City (Kid Fury from Miami and Crissle from Oklahoma City), The Read also serves as an on-air therapy session for two friends trying to adjust to life (and rats) in the big city.
- The Right Time with Bomani Jones: Bomani Jones weighs in on sports, pop culture, social topics and more, with your comments on Mondays, friends of the show on Wednesdays and Domonique Foxworth on Fridays.
- Decoding 40: Decoding 40 is a hilarious podcast series by three unapologetic Black men who delve into and decipher the intricate thoughts and issues of today’s mature men. Join Vincent, Alaric, and Leon for an inside look into the unfiltered minds of men, with a drink in hand, of course! This podcast is not for the easily offended but is sure to have you laughing until it hurts. Consider this your TRIGGER warning. If you’re looking for a Black men’s podcast that fearlessly explores complex topics, Decoding 40 is the one for you.
- Truth Be Told: We’re the friend you call after a long day. The one who gets it. Through soul-nourishing conversations, host Tonya Mosley explores Black liberation with some of the greatest thinkers of our time.
- Wine & Hip Hop: CRU LUV Wine’s founder Jermaine Stone talks to hip-hop personalities and wine professionals to find the perfect match between music and wine in an informative, entertaining, and organic way. On each episode guests choose a song or bottle of wine, Jermaine selects a pairing, and they discuss their choices on the show.
- We Talk Back: Hosted by two unapologetically black women with an opinion who talk back, TamBam and AJ are helping women maneuver through the Sea of Men! “We Talk Back” podcast is here to guide femininity to its ultimate greatness. We Talk Back podcast is giving their listeners the raw and unfiltered comedic gift of repartee. With thought-provoking conversations about sex, relationships, and money with a dash of danger and glitter. TamBam & AJ will also help listeners seeking non-professional guidance, as these ladies deliver advice and their personal thoughts on topics.
- Jemele Hill is Unbothered: Emmy Award-winning journalist and Webby Award winner Jemele Hill shares her unbothered, nuanced opinions on news, pop culture, politics, and sports. She also conducts intimate interviews with some of the biggest names and most thought-provoking contributors to culture, music, and entertainment.
- Still Processing: Wesley Morris and J Wortham are working it out in this weekly show about culture in the broadest sense. That means television, film, books, music — but also the culture of work, dating, the internet and how those all fit together.
You can find any of these podcasts on Spotify, YouTube, Soundcloud, Apple podcast, or wherever you tune in!
See you all tomorrow!!
Black Future Feminist 