If you often find yourself on a long commute home from work or on road trips frequently, the perfect podcast can turn your boring ride into a comedy show in your own car. Podcasts — a digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or portable media player, typically available as a series — have increased in popularity over the past few years, and the average citizen can now let their voices grace the airwaves as often as they’d like.
African-Americans have also discovered this communication tool and lend their voices to thousands of listeners each week. Whether you are new to the podcast community or a veteran, the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper has scooped up our top five podcasts by African-Americans you should be listening to.
Another Round
What it’s about: “Another Round” is hosted by Buzzfeed writers Heben Nigatu and Tracy Clayton, who cover everything from race, gender and pop culture to squirrels, mangoes and bad jokes, all in one show.
You’ll like this if: You’re searching for an all-in-one podcast that doesn’t focus on one aspect of Black culture. You’ll also like this show if you enjoy snarky commentary and debates on sexism and race.
The Read
What it’s about: “The Read” is hosted by two individuals, YouTuber Kid Fury and his writer friend Crissle, who address Black culture in numerous ways. Many listeners say this show is the perfect balance between comical commentary and serious issues, such as police brutality.
You’ll like this if: You’re ready to hear lots of celebrity gossip, silly (but inappropriate) jokes and humorous personalities. You can also expect heavy hip-hop references and other aspects of pop culture.
Friends like Us
What it’s about: The brutally honest Marina Franklin, who speaks on Black culture and current news, hosts “Friends like Us.” One of the show’s most popular episodes is called, “Light Skin vs. Dark Skin.”
You’ll like this if: You’re interested in listening to a woman-hosted podcast, because overall, they are rare. The show speaks on race, culture, comedy, lifestyle and other hot issues in the Black community, such as interracial dating and colorism.
Black Girls Talking
What it’s about: Of course, listeners of this podcast can expect to hear Black girls talking. The four hosts, Alesia, Fatima, Aurelia and Ramou, address race, Black culture and whatever happens to be trending at the moment. They also speak on how women are portrayed in the media.
You’ll like this if: You are looking to block out some of the gossip noise centered around Black women and ready to listen to deep conversations on race, culture and politics. The hosts have also welcomed guests such as journalist Janet Mock.
Afropop Worldwide
What it’s about: “Afropop Worldwide” is an internationally syndicated podcast hosted by Georges Collinet, who lives in Cameroon, that addresses African and world music.
You’ll like this if: You’re interested in hearing the “rich, musical sounds of Africa, the Caribbean and the Americas in a lively blend of music, interviews and stories.”
What is a podcast?
By dictionary definition, a podcast is “a digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or portable media player, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be received by subscribers automatically.” They differ from radio shows in that they don’t play music often, if at all. Listeners can expect a “talk show radio” environment.
