In celebration of International Podcast Day 2024, we spotlight 10 Black-centred podcasts challenging narratives and creating spaces that celebrate Black culture.
International Podcast Day™ is September 30th and is an international celebration of the power of podcasts! The celebration is a great opportunity to connect with fellow podcasters, podcast listeners, podcast enthusiasts, and leaders in the podcasting industry.
International Podcast Day
Over the past five years, podcasts have exploded in popularity, giving us new ways to connect, learn, and be entertained. For Black creators, this rise has become an opportunity to amplify their stories, challenge narratives, and create spaces that celebrate Black culture in all its forms. Whether it’s dissecting pop culture, addressing mental health, or shining a light on tech innovations, Black-owned and Black-centred podcasts are breaking boundaries and shaping conversations globally.
In this piece, we’re diving into ten black-centred podcasts that have made a significant mark on Black culture. From the unapologetically hilarious takes of The Read to the faith-driven wisdom in Jesus and Jollof, these shows are pushing boundaries, amplifying our voices, and reminding us just how powerful the Black experience is. It’s a celebration of comedy, insight, and truth—giving us the stories we need and the laughs we deserve.
- The Read
The Read is where sharp wit meets thoughtful social commentary. Hosts Kid Fury and Crissle West hold nothing back as they explore everything from celebrity gossip to mental health, and it’s that raw honesty that keeps their audience coming back for more.
- Jesus and Jollof
On the flip side, Jesus and Jollof blends humour with spirituality. Yvonne Orji and Luvvie Ajayi use their Nigerian roots and Christian faith to explore the immigrant experience, entrepreneurship, and the joys (and struggles) of staying connected to home. It’s soulful, hilarious, and deeply relatable for anyone navigating dual identities.
- The Nod
Then there’s The Nod, a podcast that’s become a beacon for the Black experience, diving into everything from forgotten Black heroes to modern-day moments in Black culture. Brittany Luse and Eric Eddings know how to tell a story, leaving their listeners informed, inspired, and eager for more.
- The Stoop
Meanwhile, The Stoop offers a deep and intimate look into Black identity and diaspora stories. Hana Baba and Leila Day bring voices from across the globe into a conversation about race, culture, and belonging, showing just how connected we all really are.
- Therapy for Black Girls
For Black women, Therapy for Black Girls is a true gift. Dr. Joy Harden Bradford creates a space where mental health isn’t just discussed, it’s celebrated. The podcast reminds us that seeking therapy isn’t a weakness, it’s an act of self-love and resistance in a world that often overlooks us.
- ShxtsNGigs
ShxtsNGigs, hosted by James and Fuhad, brings British comedy with a Black edge, blending pop culture banter and viral content with the kind of humour only these two can deliver. Their massive following on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts shows just how well they’ve tapped into the cultural pulse.
- African Tech Round-Up
Across the African continent, the African Tech Round-Up with Andile Masuku is shining a much-needed light on the innovation happening in African tech. From Lagos to Cape Town, this podcast breaks down the latest in tech, proving Africa is a leader in the digital revolution.
- Not Your African Cliché
And for those wanting to redefine what it means to be African, Not Your African Cliché is required listening. These four Nigerian women bring humour, depth, and authenticity as they challenge stereotypes about the continent, giving us a fresh take on African pride.
- The Black Guy Who Tips and Small Doses with Amanda Seales
Wrapping up the list, The Black Guy Who Tips and Small Doses with Amanda Seales blend comedy and culture in ways that leave you thinking, laughing, and nodding along. Rod and Karen give us the real on social issues, while Amanda’s candid take on everything from race to mental health keeps us enlightened and entertained.
These ten black-centred podcasts are just a slice of the rich, dynamic world of Black voices making waves. Whether you’re looking for laughter, insight, or inspiration, they offer it all. Tune in on whatever streaming platform you prefer, turn up, and celebrate the power of our stories.
