The impact of increased media focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and representation cannot be overstated. No matter your personal background, there are few experiences more eye-opening than hearing of other people's lived experiences and gaining a different or new perspective on the world. And there are few formats more apt for storytelling and conversation than podcasting.
At its core, the medium is all about mixing the best elements of storytelling with an extensive and engaging knowledge of the topic at hand. Whether focused on literature, family, mental health, history, or the arts, these listens represent just a few of the best podcasts created and hosted by Black writers, thinkers, journalists, comedians, and trailblazers. Led by some of the most powerful voices in media, these can’t-miss listens demonstrate just how outstanding Black voices capture the particular challenges and extraordinary accomplishments of African Americans while speaking to all listeners on issues of common interest and shared importance.
As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. On September 29, 1998, XXL magazine gathered 177 artists, producers, and influential figures within New York City’s hip-hop culture for one legendary photo. This picture, taken at 17 East 126th St. in Harlem, was in reference to a photo taken by Art Kane with 57 jazz artists at the exact same spot in 1958. Narrated by former XXL Editor-in-Chief Sheena Lester, The Greatest Day: The Epic Story Behind Hip-Hop's Most Iconic Photograph tells the gripping story of XXL's attempt to re-create Kane's iconic photograph for a new era.
In this podcast, beloved actor LeVar Burton engages book lovers with his famous soothing yet powerful voice as he reads some stories from well-known authors, all with his unique spin. LeVar Burton Reads takes on a life of its own, with each narration accompanied by sweeping soundscapes that transport us to each tale's world. For instance, in the first episode, listeners are treated to a remixed and reimagined version of Ken Liu's The Paper Menagerie, a lauded fantasy-filled tale with sweeping realistic elements. The beauty of Burton's podcast is his connection to the work—he has been an advocate for literacy for quite a long time, and his distinctive voice and narrative style really capture listeners' attention while captivating their imaginations.
Exploring the life, art, and legacy of Black woman and legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday, this Audible Original podcast promises to inspire all who listen in. Released in partnership with The United States vs. Billie Holiday, the 2021 Lee Daniels's film starring actress and singer Andra Day, this four-part series from WNYC’s Rebecca Carroll is a must-listen for any music or history fan. Each episode tackles Holiday’s complicated humanity and lasting impact while touching on the often-agonizing realities that Black artists and Black women face to this day. Marked by its engaging storytelling, Billie Was a Black Woman took home two 2022 Ambie Awards—one for Best Society and Culture Podcast and the other for Best Politics or Opinion Podcast.
This weekly podcast explores the lives and hijinks of hip-hop and pop culture's biggest names, while keeping it light and fun. The hosts, bloggers Kid Fury (originally from Miami) and Crissle (an Oklahoma City native), are both New York City transplants, so along with spilling tea on these stars, they chat about the daily challenges of adjusting to the Big Apple. Not only does the duo provide their own humorous takes on celebs and big city life, but they also dig into the latest and hottest gossip. The Read has featured some serious talent, including the likes of Kelly Rowland, Trina, and Estelle.
More than a means of recreation and entertainment, sports have a unique power to forge communities while generating inspiring stories with the ability to seize our collective cultural consciousness. NBA all-star Stephen Curry is keenly aware of the magic of sports storytelling, and with The Greatest Sports Stories Never Told, he sets out to share gems that can’t be found in world record books or amidst trading card fun facts. In this Audible Original, veteran ESPN commentator Joe Tessitore narrates tales of unsung, epic sports legends, from ping-pong great Wally Green to a golf fanatic exonerated from a wrongful conviction. A must-listen for any sports fan, this podcast shines a light on the athletes and heroes who broke boundaries and built legacies.
Far too often, Black communities are left out of the conversation when it comes to mental health and wellness. Therapy for Black Girls is ready to change that. Host Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed psychologist based in Atlanta, Georgia, dives deep into issues that directly affect Black women, from the realities and dangers of online dating to improving your mindset and achieving personal goals to the potential toxicity of social media. With honest and candid episodes devoted to the topics of self-worth, self-love, and self-care, this podcast is recommended listening for anyone looking for ideas to grow and evolve while caring for their mental well-being.
As fans of Curb Your Enthusiasm know, JB Smoove is one of the funniest men on TV—which makes him the perfect host for this Audible Original series celebrating Black comedy icons who paved the way for today’s comedy superstars. Funny My Way tells the stories of six fearless Black comedians and activists: Paul Mooney, Flip Wilson, Moms Mabley, Dick Gregory, Rudy Ray Moore, and Redd Foxx. Interweaving archival clips with insights from contemporary comedians such as Cedric the Entertainer, D. L. Hughley, and Margaret Cho, episodes capture how these six trailblazers broke color barriers and battled racism while making people laugh.
Entertainment journalist and content creator Gia Peppers dedicates her award-winning voice to amplifying authentic, vital conversations on the stories that directly affect the lives of Black Americans. In More Than That, Peppers interviews expert guests on topics ranging from wellness and personal finance to family and social justice, always centering the Black experience. Though each episode clocks in at a digestible 20 minutes, this candid listen still manages to be at once in-depth, emotionally attuned, and thought-provoking, inspiring necessary change through thoughtful dialogue.
In this podcast, hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings relay valuable business lessons and perspective into helping listeners break into the entertainment and sports industries and prosper. Along with learning the backstories of successful entrepreneurs and the creativity that drives them, you'll get tips on boosting your revenue, securing capital, establishing business credit, and more. Earn Your Leisure also covers hot-button issues and the latest trends in finance with fascinating detours into pop culture. Offering an honest look at the wide world of business, from common mistakes first-time investors make to the history of vending machines, this podcast is as multifaceted and comprehensive as it is totally engaging.
How does it feel to compete and make a living in the world of professional sports? Thanks to Brandon Marshall, former NFL wide receiver and podcast creator, curious listeners can find out. On I Am Athlete, Marshall and assorted athletes explore the everyday realities and challenges for pro players, going behind their popularity and success, as well as delve into issues that affect athletes directly, from sports world controversies to large-scale culture shifts. From sensitive, serious topics such as financial pitfalls, domestic violence, traumatic brain injuries, and the death of former Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears running back Marion Barber to chats about fashion trends and post-retirement career options, this podcast covers everything you might want to know about life on, off, and beyond the playing field.
Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly, and Chico Bean host The 85 South Show live throughout the United States as well through their podcast of the same name. Featuring creative riffs and fun banter, this hilarious listen will liven up any otherwise dull day. With episodes on everything from fitness to DJs to interviews with hip-hop and rap superstars such as Sada Baby and Boosie Badazz, this show is a great listen for anyone seeking to kick back, lighten up, and enjoy a thoroughly entertaining mix of humor, music, and cultural insight.
Each week, join comedians Sydnee Washington and Marie Faustin as they share their thoughts on a variety of topics alongside a myriad of unofficial experts,
who weigh in on their unique area of authority—from thirst traps to Mariah Carey, from being bougie to the state of New Jersey. Unflinching and unfiltered, hosts S&M bring a fresh and always funny perspective to the podcast scene, crafting a listen that feels like hanging out with a couple of hilarious friends. With previous episodes covering online dating, cookouts, stalking, sex toys, road rage, and the only child syndrome,
there’s no telling what topic The Unofficial Expert will tackle next.
Come on in and explore what it means to be a Black mom today, through all the challenges and victories. Each week in The Mama's Den, singer Melanie Fiona, entrepreneur and influencer Felicia La Tour, writer Ashley Chea, and CEO of Black Love, Inc. Codie Elaine Oliver get together for an honest, authentic conversation about motherhood, sexuality, health, race, religion, dating, and friendships. The four hosts have a wealth of practical wisdom to share—plus great rapport and the ability to laugh at themselves—making this show an uplifting and empowering gem for Black moms. With episodes running about 30 minutes in length, it's also the ideal listen for when you need a self-care break on those tough parenting days.
This down-to-earth, humorous podcast features the tales of comedian and actress Jessica “Jess Hilarious” Moore, as she tackles topics that many people don't want to touch. Carefully Reckless dives into everything from politics to what it means to have a good father figure to why striving for stardom is a smarter investment than looking for love. One of the show’s highlights is the endearing and entertaining "Jess, Fix My Mess" segment, in which listeners write in to get Moore’s advice and solutions for a host of dilemmas. This podcast covers even the messiest issues with a smile, demonstrating the beauty of communication and the power of comic relief.
Too often, people of color struggling with mental health issues view therapy as a taboo topic or a luxury for rich white people. On Black Mental Health Podcast, host Reginald A. Howard aims to shatter the stigma and open conversations surrounding the reality of mental illness in the Black community. Along with honestly sharing his own ongoing battle with mental illness, Howard shares and explores the real-life stories of others who are painfully familiar with stress, anxiety, depression, or self-destructive thoughts and behaviors. While definitely not intended as a replacement for therapy, this podcast affirms that listening to people talk about their mental health struggles can be therapeutic and provide the motivation to seek professional help.
Created by Randy McKinnon, writer of Disney+’s Safety and Apple TV+’s Invasion as well as the buzzy forthcoming adaptations of Static Shock and Notes From a Young Black Chef, and starring Emmy Award winners Kerry Washington and Laurence Fishburne, Prophecy is a brilliantly crafted twisty tale that weaves the mythos of religion and the supernatural with the heart-pounding pace of a thriller. As an inexplicable series of natural disasters grip the global landscape, Dr. Virginia Edwards implores Agent Scott Thomas to heed her warning: these events are far from natural—they’re signs, indicative of a greater looming threat. The situation only grows more dire when Edwards divulges that she believes herself to be the Virgin Mary, a revelation that grows all the more complex when two others, Jonah and Daniel, arrive with fresh clues about the growing conspiracy.
Zeroing in on the too often overlooked topics of wellness and self-love for Black men, Man to Man showcases open, heartfelt, and honest conversations between men, defying toxic notions of masculinity for a gentler approach. Hosted by David Wasicki of Black Love, Inc., this podcast gleans valuable, real-life insights from well-known and successful men who have made it through different personal struggles when it comes to both self-acceptance and their relationships with others. Embracing vulnerability, the discussions are sure to resonate with listeners, all while promoting the importance of self-awareness, self-respect, and peace of mind for Black men.
When Chad Sanders, the author of Black Magic, finds himself on a dizzying ride to the top, he sets out to answer two central questions: What will having money and success do for him? And what will it do to him? On Direct Deposit, Sanders seeks out other perspectives on the disorientation of fame and affluence. This podcast features a series of illuminating, moving, and funny conversations with Black power players, including Issa Rae, Soledad O’Brien, Quincy Avery, and Pinky Cole. Together, Sanders and his guests get to the bottom of the fraught and fascinating relationship Black people often have with money, delving into the intersection of race and wealth.
Featuring Atlanta legends Big Bank and DJ Scream, Big Facts covers a lot—human nature, traditions and values, entrepreneurship and investing, and the major cultural and sociopolitical factors impacting Black communities. From a look at today's Black cinema and interviews with up-and-coming African American directors to conversations with hip-hop legends and rap artists to roundtable discussions on what it truly means to "mind your own business," this podcast seamlessly mixes pop culture and commentary with topical issues.
Penda N'diaye, a Senegalese-American pleasure enthusiast and sex toy entrepreneur, leads this intimate installment of The goop Pursuit, a podcast series from Gwyneth Paltrow’s lifestyle brand. N’diaye draws on her expertise as the founder of Pro Hoe, which focuses on sexual liberation in Black and Brown communities, in honest conversations with women of different ages (think Three Women with a BIPOC perspective). Don’t miss Finding Beauty and Coming Home to Yourself, two other Black-led podcasts in The goop Pursuit's collection of focused, healing journeys.
Hosted by Glory Edim, the writer and bibliophile who created the beloved Well-Read Black Girl book club in 2015, Well-Read Black Girl is the perfect podcast for lovers of literature by diverse authors of color as well as Black writers. Edim celebrates everything books, centering interviews with authors, artists, and activists writing in all genres, including such as Tarana Burke, Min Jin Lee, Anita Hill, Gabrielle Union, and Elizabeth Acevedo. If you’re looking to build up your TBLT queue, look no further—this listen is full of literary recommendations.
When it comes to comedy, who made others laugh first? This chicken-or-the-egg inquiry inspired the podcast The History of Sketch Comedy, where Emmy and Peabody-winning actor, writer, and producer Keegan-Michael Key explores the background of sketch comedy as an art and entertainment vessel throughout the ages. Key takes listeners through quite the journey, from cheeky flatulence jokes in Ancient Greece to the styles and tricks of acting troupes that performed in Europe in the 1500s and inspired many afterwards. He explains the history of The Second City, and also takes listeners on his own personal odyssey from ball fields not far from Detroit’s Eight Mile district, where many comedic legends were made.
Award-winning playwright Nykieria Chaney hosts Black Art is Lit, a podcast celebrating Black authors and artists and their unique contribution to the creative community. From a chat with New York Times bestselling author Priscilla Shirer about how Black women can best renew their passion and deal with past choices and regret to a discussion with the late Cicely Tyson about her open and honest memoir, Just as I Am, listeners will find themselves immersed and engaged, enjoying the stories shared by unforgettable creative voices.
It's technically a podcast, but music producer and performer Brandon Green's groundbreaking Audible Original is more of an uncategorizable sound experience that takes a globe-hopping tour of healing sounds around the world. From Machu Picchu, Japan, and Jamaica to California, Detroit, and Atlanta, each episode of this ambitious podcast offers a profound journey through specific frequencies to discover and connect to a higher sense of well-being. Whether you want inspiration for your next trip or just want to turn your customary dog walk or morning commute into a trip for all the senses, Maejor Frequency is a fascinating deep dive into the surprising benefits of intentional frequency.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama brings listeners deeper into the world of her bestselling memoir, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times. Where the audiobook initiated a dialogue with listeners on some of life’s biggest challenges—from building lasting relationships and meaningful success to overcoming obstacles and navigating identity—the podcast explores these themes with an esteemed selection of friends and luminaries. In intimate recordings from her star-studded book tour, Mrs. Obama draws on her trademark humor, warmth, and compassion to elicit moments of startling insight and vulnerability from guests including Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, Tyler Perry, and Conan O’Brien. The result is a series of searching conversations that will leave you feeling smarter, inspired, and, yes, lighter.
Feeling unfulfilled with his job as a pharmacist in Florida, George (Sam Richardson) quits and moves to California with a dream: Start a legal cannabis company. With friends Brandy (Punkie Johnson) and Marcus (Langston Kerman), he's ready to aim high and stay high. But starting a business isn’t as easy as it looks—especially when you’re trying to run it with your dysfunctional friends. Yes We Cannabis follows the highs and lows of a cannabis start-up through the eyes of George and his two best friends. Throughout their journey, they encounter shady businessmen and the petty drama that comes with working with your friends, while juggling family issues, dating, and being Black in America.
If you're looking for a winning combination of comedy and real talk, look no further than this hilarious and insightful podcast, hosted by comedians and BFFs Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams. They discuss everything from romance to race, always centering their experiences as Black women in America, and bringing their delightful wit to every topic under the sun.
“Tell me about your mama's kitchen.” That’s the simple request which begins each episode of this Audible Original podcast from acclaimed journalist Michele Norris and Higher Ground, Barack and Michelle Obama's media company. Every week, hear guests like Michelle Obama, Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach, Gayle King, José Andrés, and more explore the complexities of family and how their earliest culinary experiences helped shape their lives—and of course, each guest brings a recipe for a favorite dish from their youth so you can taste a bit of their story.
This scripted horror podcast follows Brandon and Justine, who have just moved into their dream house in a picture-perfect East Los Angeles enclave. Brandon has a new job in gaming, Justine is pregnant with their first child, and those cold Philly winters are behind them. Everything is perfect… except what lies beneath the house could destroy it all. Taking audiences on a harrowing journey into the dark realities of middle-class life, prejudice, and a rigged system, Possession is co-created by Brianna Holt, author of In Our Shoes, an essay collection that dissects stereotypes surrounding Black millennial women, and stars talented Black actors Lamorne Morris and Kylie Bunbury in a full-cast performance.
