Black women have something to say, and they're bringing their voices straight to the mic to share our stories. The podcast world, which has been extremely male-dominated in the past few years, is seeing an uptick in Black women who are bringing our experiences and nuanced conversations to the forefront for all to hear. Whether it's relationship talk, our mental health, our interests, or how we're seen in the world, we love to see Black women in a position to take an entire industry by storm where they're putting us first.
For your daily listening rotation, check out these five must-hear podcasts that are centering Black women's joy and our narratives:
Okay, Now Listen
Okay, Now Listen is a bi-weekly show hosted by friends-turned-podcasters Scottie Beam and Sylvia Obell, where they discuss current events, what's on their minds, and even interview some of our favorite celebrities – including Issa Rae, Nia Long, Zendaya, and more. Underneath Netflix's Strong Black Lead umbrella, the millennial media personalities bring cultural topics to the forefront and center them around conversations that highlight Black people, especially Black women, and our experiences.
THERAPY FOR BLACK GIRLS
Hosted by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford – a licensed psychologist in Atlanta, Georgia – Therapy for Black Girls is a weekly podcast that discusses all things mental health and personal development as it pertains to Black women. Each episode, Bradford, explores ways that help Black women prioritize their well-being, offer invaluable advice, and break down the many stigmas around mental health to encourage listeners to be the best possible version of themselves.
Ratchet & Respectable
Former ESSENCE editor, cultural critic, and author Demetria L. Lucas is the host of Ratchet & Respectable. This podcast fuses everything in current events, politics, dating, relationships, and more. On her show, Lucas dissects the craziness that is pop culture through her informative and witty lens that blends comedy with reality. Her honest thoughts lend to listeners the things Black women and Black people as a whole feel as we move through the world.
BROWN AMBITION
Brown Ambition is a weekly podcast hosted by Mandi Woodruff – Chief Consumer Advocate for Ally and long-term personal finance journalist – and Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche – an award-winning financial educator and best-selling author. Each week, the two co-hosts hold honest and in-depth conversations about how Black women can navigate career choices, build wealth, and make smart money moves.
GETTIN' GROWN
The Gettin' Grown podcast is hosted by Keia and Jade – two 30-something year-olds who are helping figure out how to navigate the twists and turns of everyday life as they live it themselves. Each week, Keia and Jade share their personal anecdotes and life lessons to help Black women prioritize self-care and create daily routines that make this thing called adulting that much easier.