You Should Be Listening To These Podcasts by Black Creators

Graphic by Elisa Castillo

If you’re not already subscribed to more podcasts than you can realistically keep up with, first of all, why not? Second of all, no worries! While there are millions of podcasts and episodes to choose from, this month, we’re highlighting podcasts by Black creators who deserve more appreciation.

1. “Why Won't You Date Me?” with Nicole Byer

Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Official Website

You might recognize Nicole Byer as the host of Netflix’s "Nailed It!" or from Freeform’s "Young & Hungry." Now, you can hear her on “Why Won’t You Date Me?” a podcast where Byer tries to find out why she is perpetually single. Every week, she invites a friend on to talk about their dating life and — hopefully — figure out her own.

Need an episode to start with? Try this one:

2. “Black Women Working”

Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Official Website

“Black Women Working” hopes to center the stories and experiences of Black women, particularly around diversity and equality in the UK. Hosts Chantelle, Natalie, Rachel and Tolu aim to encourage Black women to share their success stories and how they have overcome obstacles in the working world.

This is a great episode to begin with:

3. “Anthems”

Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Official Website

“Anthems,” produced by Broccoli Content, features manifestos, speeches, stories, poems and rallying cries written and voiced by exceptional people. Each season highlights a different group of people. The fourth season, #AnthemsBlack, launched in Sep. 2020, highlights Black voices that celebrate and contemplate what it means to be human.

Check this episode out by Tiwalola Ogunlesi:

4. “Resistance”

Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Official Website

“Resistance,” produced by Gimlet Media and hosted by Saidu Tejan-Thomas Jr. is a show about refusing to accept things as they are. Through the stories on this podcast, Tejan-Thomas Jr. resists the stereotypical representations of Black people as victims. Instead, this podcast highlights individuals fighting oppression and effecting change.

Trust me, you’ll want to start with episode 1:

5. “Tiny Leaps, Big Changes”

Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Official Website

“Tiny Leaps, Big Changes” is the bite-sized personal development podcast everyone needs to listen to. TLBC explores everyday behaviors that we, as regular people, engage in that determine how our life turns out. Hosted by creator, author and entrepreneur Gregg Clunis, this show provides simple tips you can implement in your day-to-day life to see big changes.

Start with one of Clunis’ recommended episodes:

6. “It's Been a Minute” with Sam Sanders

Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Official Website

Every week, host Sam Sanders interviews people who deserve your attention. Tune in as Sanders and his guests try to make sense of the world through conversations about culture, politics and more.

Need a recommendation? Try Sanders’ interview with Jonathan Van Ness of "Queer Eye":

7. “The Receipts Podcast”

Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify

“The Receipts Podcast” is hosted by Tolani (Tolly) Shoneye, Audrey Indome and Milena Sanchez, three girls who “are willing to talk about anything and everything” from colorism in Black and Latinx communities to misconceptions about sex workers to friendship.

Every other week, the hosts take on listener questions ranging from what you should do if your mom hates your partner to the best way to tell a friend you’re talking to their ex. Basically, if you’re into unfiltered conversation, this is the podcast for you.

Not sure where to start? Try this episode featuring Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock:

8. “Strange Fruit”

Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Official Website

In “Strange Fruit,” co-hosts Dr. Kaila Story and Jaison Gardner sit down to talk about LGBTQ+ issues, race and gender. This show is set apart by its broad range of topics and the academic rigor that underscores each and every discussion. Though the hosts are based in Kentucky, discussions touch on broader issues that are applicable to anyone.

We recommend you start with this episode on the inclusivity of body positivity:

9. “Black History for White People”

Where to Listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Official Website

“Black History for White People” is a podcast with a pretty straightforward goal: educate white people on Black history — but it isn’t just for white people. Hosted by a “multiethnic collective dedicated to loving Black and brown people by educating, resourcing and challenging white people to participate in racial justice,” the podcast aims to educate people and fill gaps in the knowledge about Black history. This podcast isn’t coddling people, it’s educating from a place of love that hopefully spurs active change.

Start at episode one:

10. “We Said What We Said with Rickey and Denzel”

Where to Listen: Spotify

If you’re not familiar with Rickey Thompson and Denzel Dion, I don’t know what side of the internet you’ve been on. “We Said What We Said” is a podcast born out of desire from Thompson and Dion’s fans, but also a desire from both to expand into a new medium. The podcast covers everything from pop culture to sex, love and friendship while providing advice along the way.

Start here:

Whether you’re just getting into podcasts or you’re an avid listener, these are just a few of the many, many incredible podcasts by Black creators you can find out there.

Let us know on Instagram if you host a podcast or know of other podcasts we should check out. We’d love to hear them!