MY TOP 15 FAVORITE PODCASTS

MAN ! Im so happy to be writing about my beloved podcasts. This year podcasts have really been my thing and I can’t believe I didn’t discover them sooner. I am fortunate to have a job right now where I can have my headphones in for a full eight hour shift. This is beautiful because I am so against working for someone else ALL DAY and not contributing to self at all. Podcasts have been such a healthy way for me to grow as a person while having a much more enjoyable experience at work. Podcasts have put a whole new twist on how I look at my work day and has consistently kept me IN MY BAG.

Here are all my favorite podcasts in no particular order with a quick description of my opinion on them. This is a guide I WISH someone had created for me ! I listen to anywhere from 8 to 10 podcasts a day. Sometimes I do feel that this is unhealthy because there is a such thing as being OVER INSPIRED. Sometimes I take in so much information that I have more inspiration than I need and don’t know what to do with it or how to sort it all mentally. So please don’t be like me, podcast safely ! Because I am also a music lover, I rarely listen to podcasts in the car but lots of other people do. Other good times to listen to podcasts are at home while you’re cleaning up or taking a shower. Maybe on a long road trip when you run out of music, or even as you cook or work out.

This podcast lifestyle is perfect for my soul. I used to think I was an introvert and really prided myself in that for some silly reason. As I get older, I’m realizing how much of an extrovert I actually am. I love people ! I am a huge conversationalist, I love to talk. I love to hear different peoples perspectives and life stories. Podcasts allow me to be a little bit of both. I can be an introvert and ingest without speaking, while also feeding my extroverted half ! I hope this list does you well and my goal is for you to at least discover ONE podcast you like. Happy listening !

1. 2HII2GOHELL : THE MIDNIGHT PODCAST - This podcast is basically my church. The host Mikel Ameen is such a spiritually in tune young black man. I listen to him when I need spiritual direction. His podcasts answer questions that I have about my life, my culture, love and energy in general. He is wise and trustworthy. He’s a big advocate for returning black people to Africa in a matter of factly and informative way. He provides advice and information on soul searching and being the best version of yourself. He is perfect to listen to if you are in tune with your blackness and want to grow in that. When you first start the podcast, the intro song is a little weird but you’ll grow to love it and feel relaxed instantly when you hear it. Don’t get it twisted, even though Mikel is wise - he is a FOOL. His personality is refreshing and infectious. Listen to him when you want to recognize the GOD within yourself.

2. THE READ
WOW. Where do I even start ? The Read is a really popular OG Podcast. Most black twenty and thirty somethings who listen to podcasts enjoy The Read. This podcast is hosted by Kid Fury and Crissle. These two are the funniest pair. This show is informative and HONEST. The read is like my news. I can get the latest political, pop culture and self care information that I need wrapped up in one. I laugh out loud a lot listening to The Read ! They have grown so much and have a show now on fuse. These two hold it down for the gay community which I love and appreciate. They make it very clear that this is a black space. My favorite part is the listener letters at the end. If you don’t listen to The Read, what are you even doing with your life ?

3. HEY, GIRL.
ThIS podcast is hosted by Alex Elle. Alex Elle is a writer who I’ve followed since my college days. I have watched her grow from a single mother to a married woman with THREE KIDS. Her podcast is magical because she has guests on - and is really skilled at picking the right people to interview and asking the right questions. Hey, Girl is for you if you are a woman, mother, or entrepreneur and most importantly into self-care as that is Alex’s trademark and focus in my opinion. This podcast has pushed me forward as a writer, mother, WOMAN and just as a human being who is processing life. Alex is special because she collaborates with people all across the creative scale. Listen to her if you need organized love and inspiration, that’s the best way to put it.

4. THE MOST UNKNOWN PODCAST
So - I don’t even know who these guys are. I haven’t found them on social media yet. But from my understanding this podcast is hosted by 3-4 black men based in Maryland or somewhere near D.C. I am making this assumption based off their accents and all the episodes I’ve heard so far. I love them because they are funny as hell and I get a look at how men my age and race think. The way these men bounce their opinions off of each other about women, marriage, music, travel, sports - is just something else ! This keeps me in tune with the latest in a mans world - and helps me to understand my boyfriend more -as well. If I can listen to three cis men without being annoyed, then you know they have something. They also have women on as guests, which I like. Listening to them is like a ping pong game between black men and women.

5. MARK GROVES - MAKING YOUR HEART MAKE SENSE
Dont even listen to this podcast if you’re not ready to do the work. Mark Groves is such an intelligent man. He explores all of the topics related to self growth, relationships, nutrition, finances, health - you name it. I must admit - listening to his podcasts are like going to a therapy session or getting slapped in the face. His episodes are a massive awakening and open door to do some serious adulting. I can only tolerate one episode a day because he is just so real and intelligent that its offensive. I love this podcast so much and I know ill be a much better person after hearing them all. Right now I am listening to all the old ones as well as new.

6. COCKTALES - DIRTY DISCUSSIONS
This podcast is hosted by “Kiki” and “Medina” - based in Atlanta. This podcast is a sex based podcast but also just very fun and free flowing. Listening to these two makes me feel like I am on the phone with my best friend. This podcast is informative about sex education but also touches a lot on relationships as a single woman as well as monogamous relationship. They chat about their weekend plans and experiences with men. I listen to this podcast when I want to unwind and have a mental cocktail. This podcast is relatable and sexy !

7. GOOD MOMS, BAD CHOICES
This podcast is EASILY in my top 3. If you are a young “cool” mom - this is for you. The hosts are LA based and both beautiful and free.The rawness, the topics are crazy relatable. I found these two about a month ago and its really the only podcast that is successful of channeling the EXACT energy of a young mom just trying to make it. They are vocal about the struggle and the experiences in a very unapologetic way. These two are both single moms and share so much information on relationships and why their relationships didnt work and all things BABY DADDIES. This podcast is not for you if you are a judgmental, cookie cutter, perfect mom. This podcast is for women who embrace the bumps in the road. Hands down, the most empowering mom podcast I’ve come across so far.

8. INSUBORDINATION
This podcast is one that seems small right now but will grow to be really big. This is the ratchet goodness that I just need in my life sometimes. These two are comparable to “The Read” in regards to the male host vs female host back and forth banter. I think these two are based somewhere in the DMV. I love their accents, I love their topics. Theres a session at the end where they flow and its hilarious. Its honestly just a podcast thats BLACK AS HELL and makes me happy. These two have popping topics and healthy bickering. My week is not complete without them. This is a healthy dialogue between a man and woman and welcomes understanding more than just your own perspective on controversial topics. Its obvious that this is just two friends who got together and started a podcast based off of a similar vision and it works. Its not super fancy or heavily structured like bigger podcasts - but thats why I like it.

9. ENTROPY AND DAE
Oh, Dae ! I enjoy this podcast when the sun is down. Dae speaks to my inner pisces. He addresses feelings and he rambles about his thoughts and his journey in a really refreshing and relatable way. This is usually a thirty minute or less mash up of random feelings that we all feel but don’t know how to put in words. The vulnerability is bone chilling and makes you feel naked in a good way. Listening to this podcast is my equivalent to the sensation right after a good workout, sex or a good cry. If you’re into emotions - you’ll be into this.

10. THE LAVENDAIRE PODCAST
Listen to this podcast if you are a creative and need instant motivation/inspiration. Listen to this podcast if you have an idea and don’t know what to do with it. Listen to this podcast if you are about to give up on life. Aileen Xu is such a light. She is organized, professional and just gives you the shove you need to live the life you dream of. Lavendaire is the reason why a lot of the things I used to wish for, I have now. Simple as that. She has a relaxing voice and helps you come up with a plan. If you are lost, youll know which direction to go after listening to her. This podcast was my therapy when I couldn’t afford it. If you are a visual person, she is also on Youtube. Do yourself a favor. So much free game.

11. THE DAVID BANNER PODCAST
This is a podcast every black person should listen to. This podcast keeps you in the know about resources, politics, history all while being fun and colorful. David Banner is a black advocate and he is serious and loving to his people. His team is funny and they all have the perfect balance amongst each other. If you want to understand how we got here as a culture and how to evolve - LISTEN NOW. I had the pleasure of seeing David Banner speak a couple years ago and this man is out here doing the work.

12. DEADASS
Deadass is a podcast hosted by New York based married couple Khadeen and Devale. I do think this podcast is a little mature for me, as these two are older, married and have three kids. It gives me access to advice I could use in the years to come. This podcast sheds light on marriage, parenting, financial literacy, racial matters and business ventures. These two are also Youtubers and have lots of other involvement in television and entertainment. While I don’t agree with everything they say, I think they are a beautiful representation of black families. They hit all the topics most couples are scared to address.

13. FAMILY SECRETS
A dark, twisted and addictive podcast about secrets revealed within families. Family studies is an interest of mine and Dani Shapiro is an amazing writer. I listen to this podcast when I want to feel something. Plain and Simple.

14. SO, WHAT DO YOU DO AGAIN ?
This podcast is hosted by New York based Naomi Elizee. I love this podcast because it keeps me in the loop with all the New York hot girls. This podcast is about fashion, how to navigate as a young black woman in the creative world. This podcast is community based, and a platform for women to support each other. I think every city needs this kind of energy on the creative scene. This is a beautiful way to take up space and share resources. This podcast appeals to my fashion side and highlights all my favorite fashionistas from Instagram. I am excited to see where this podcast goes as it is a compilation of entrepreneurship, black girl magic and overall killing the game. Its proof that we can collaborate without being competitive and that there’s enough seats at the table for all of us.

15. THE BREAKFAST CLUB
So this is a radio show also, but I love the podcast. People have a lot of negative things to say about the Breakfast Club and I understand why. BUT - the celebrity interviews are just so good. Breakfast Club is the reason why I gave so many artists a chance. After hearing interviews of artists I’ve always passed up on, I go listen and fall in love with them. The Breakfast Club can sometimes seem like a lions den but I have a deep appreciation for the artists who go in swinging and represent themselves so freaking gracefully in an environment that is set up for you to be uncomfortable. Watching artists shine and set boundaries on the Breakfast Club is beyond enjoyable.
Also, When Troy and I first started dating we would both be driving to work in separate cars, but listening to the breakfast club together to see who got “Donkey of The Day”. If you’re into music and ALL THE MESS - listen to the breakfast club.