If you’ve spent any amount of time on social media, you’ll know that listening to Black women is always a great idea. Why? We’re out here saving the world — and have the receipts to back it up. It’s also a smart move to listen to our stories, our adventures, and our views about life.
The podcast world is here to stay. I have a couple dozen podcasts in my rotation, and the majority of them are by Black women. There’s something about the way we get our stories across that is unlike any other. If you’ve been wanting to expand your podcast game, here’s your chance. From getting your money right to a daily dose of inspiration, the common denominator is Black women.
Redefining Wealth with Patrice Washington
In this podcast community, wealth is about more than money and material things — it’s about well-being. Patrice Washington has been crowned “America’s Money Maven,” and she believes in chasing purpose not money. When I first started listening to this podcast nearly two years ago, it made sense to me right away: Change the way you think about money to earn more using your God-given gifts. Focusing on that concept has been a game-changer for me. It has allowed me to reshape my relationship with how I earn and spend money. Washington is also an author and international speaker. Every Thursday, she brings her expertise to the table in solo-episodes and engaging guest interviews. At the end of each episode, she always asks her guests to fill in the blank: “My name is ___ and the truth about wealth is ___”.
Ratchet & Respectable with Demetria L. Lucas
Imagine this: You and your bestie sitting down talking about dating, relationships, pop culture, and even a little world news. This is the vibe listening to this podcast. Author, life coach, and cultural critic Lucas is the BFF you didn’t know you needed. She is smart, funny, and has a clear point of view on all things. I find myself talking back in agreement with her throughout each episode. Lucas is an award-winning author, journalist, and media personality. You may also remember her from the series Blood, Sweat & Heels that aired for one season on Bravo.
Side-Hustle Pro with Nicaila Matthews Okome
The first and only podcast that showcases Black women entrepreneurs who went from a side hustle to a profitable business. Okome started the podcast while she was working full-time at NPR as a digital marketer. What I love about the podcast is that she shares so much valuable information that you feel as if you should be paying for it. Now a full-time podcaster, she teaches others through an accelerator program. She has interviewed some of our favorites from Myleik Teele to Tiffany Aliche to Luvvie Ajayi Jones. The content has been valuable to me as a podcaster myself.
The Sakita Method with Sakita Holley
When I first started listening to the podcast in 2017, it was called Hashtags+Stilettos. One of the early episodes, “The Permission You’re Waiting For Is Not Coming,” stands out to me even today. It was about all the things we say we want to do but never make moves toward. The question “What are you waiting for?” gave me a swift kick and prompted me to actually put forth action behind my goals. Holley has candid conversations with creatives, entrepreneurs, and executives that will help jump start your growth process. But it’s the solo-episodes of her sharing her life and experiences that is always a win for me.
As women of color, co-founders Marah Lidey and Naomi Hirabayashi didn’t feel their unique experiences were being addressed in the wellness space, and they didn’t feel people who looked like them were being portrayed. So, they started a self-care app — Shine — with the goal of increasing representation in mental health. The app birthed the Daily Shine podcast, which has been my saving grace since the pandemic started last year. Oftentimes, we find ourselves just going and going on autopilot. We’re not paying attention to how our minds and bodies are feeling, or we don’t take time to rest. The Daily Shine became part of my morning routine each day, so that I could check in with how I was feeling and what I needed to do. During challenging times with the George Floyd murder and racial discourse, the podcast offered conversations, breathing techniques, and journal prompts to help cope.
For writers and aspiring writers interested in being more creative and productive, check out my weekly podcast FearlessINK. What I know for sure is that writers understand writers. My goal is to provide you with the tools and resources you need to move forward in your best writing life. I share my personal experiences with writing, publishing, and the creative process. New episode every Wednesday. Get ready to take notes!
We can’t talk about podcasts by Black women without mentioning the Black Girl Nerds podcast! Dedicated to “promoting nerdiness among Black women and people of color,” it’s a vibe for sure. From interviewing actor, comedian, and author Yvonne Orji to Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the BGN podcast dives deep into entertainment and culture each week.
