I’m not the biggest podcast person, so that probably makes me the best, or worst (however you slice it) person to recommend a podcast to someone who’s new and is just starting out. Not to toot my own horn here, but I’ve got some really cool pods by some really cool young, black creators that I think you should all check out. With content ranging from informative activism, cool vibes, updates on things happening in pop culture, and talks with some of the great creatives of our generation, these podcasts need to be added to your rotation and definitely given a listen.
COZY TALK PODCAST
Hosted by Tyler Janel Simon (@tyiscozy) and Elijah Banks (@shotbysteezy_), this podcast is exactly what the name describes, cozy. The two hosts meet every week to talk about the latest things happening in popular culture. They also have interesting discussions about black media, with questions like “what’s your top 3 black movies?” or “what can be considered a modern classic rap album?”. If you’re into keeping up with pop culture and just hearing discussion around it, I recommend this podcast. The two hosts also have great chemistry, and can bounce off of each other to keep you engaged in not only what they’re talking about, but THEM as hosts. I feel like it also has a nice vibe where you can mentally tune in and tune out, because it’s so relaxed. Some podcasts are so involved in terms of content and the importance of every word being said, but this podcast is simply, Cozy Talk. I definitely recommend.
Where you can watch/listen:
Where you can follow:
https://www.instagram.com/cozytalkpodcast/
SHORT BOY CREW
Short Boy Crew podcast is the epitome of dope, black, bro vibes. Hosted by Jumoke Akil (@jumokeakil) and Yung Savoye (@yungsavoye), watching these guys chat feels like hanging out with the homies. They always have an interesting discussion centered around some facet of the black experience, be it hair, activism, intersectionality, you name it. Their talks are in depth and very real, and there are even guests that help to drive the very important and relevant discussions they have. And they do all this while being hilarious and just cooooool duuuudes; I often find myself relating and really laughing to the things they say and talk about on their podcast. If you want some good laughs and even better discussion, definitely check out Short Boy Crew.
Where you can watch/listen:
Where you can follow:
https://www.instagram.com/shortboycrew/
ACROSS THE MIC WITH JULIO TAKU
Hosted by, as the title suggests, Julio Taku (@julio_taku), Across The Mic is a great podcast for getting an inside scoop from today’s great black grassroots organizers, creators, and business owners. The entire first season consists of interviews exclusively with black women that are doing exceptional jobs in the careers, startups, and social organizations that they have either created or are apart of. Julio is always asking the right questions that give great insight into what it is these folks do, how they feel being apart of it and whatever accomplishments and challenges come with that. Along with these conversations come important talking points on black people existing in many of these business and career spaces, and how the interviewees are subverting the stereotypes and expectations of black people in those spaces. Lots of gems here, and even MORE interesting people doing super cool things. Definitely give this a listen.
Where you can watch/listen:
Where you can follow:
https://www.instagram.com/acrossthemicjt/
THE UP & COMING PODCAST
Last but definitely not least, we have The Up & Coming Podcast hosted by Quari Alleyne (@quarialleyne). This podcast is extremely artistically well done; it’s shot entirely with a black and white filter, and the camera work is nothing short of phenomenal. Each episode feels extremely polished, well done, and professional. On this podcast, Quari interviews creatives and exceptional folks within their field about the things they do, how they got there, and more. Each episode is a real, in depth talk with the guest, not only about what they do, but a multitude of other topics. With these episodes, I felt like I was really focusing in and tuning into what the guests had to say and their perspectives on the world not only as it pertains to them and their work, but in general. Quari does an amazing job with the podcast, and I implore you to go see the guests he’s had on, and just immerse yourself in the episodes and the conversations within them.
Where you can watch/listen:
Where you can follow:
https://www.instagram.com/theupandcomingpodcast_/
