For years, black people – women especially – have gone unheard and underrepresented in traditional media. With the advent of social media platforms, however, we are now able to take control and create our own lane for our voices to be heard in the media. Podcasts have definitely been a means of doing so. Black women definitely have a voice that needs to be heard and supported, yet the podcast industry is still a male-dominated space, with very few podcasts hosted by Black women-only.
With the success of shows like The Read, more people are starting to pop in their earbuds and listen to podcasts. I make it a point to seek out and listen to podcasts for Black women, hosted by Black women. So check out some of the best podcasts I’ve discovered that are hosted by black women! Whether you are in need of some ratchet news, just trying to understand the political climate, or in need of a virtual hug and inspiration booster, these podcasts will give you the ‘talking to’ you need, okay
Curls Culture Couture
This podcast is all about sharing the behind the scenes of the beauty, style, and hair industry to inform, empower, and inspire. Find out the latest in hair and beauty, cultural topics and event, fashion and style all in one place. I’m sorta partial to this one because I hosted along with my friend Tiana Nyree.
The Mattie James Show
Formerly known as Mattieologie, this podcast is hosted by Mattie James, a style blogger based in Atlanta. She shares her experiences on blogging, branding and business in the blogosphere by answering listener questions. Listen here.
Scandalous Beauty
This podcast is all about makeup and beauty, and features interviews and commentary from top artists and influencers in the industry, plus beauty news and reviews by host Erin Baynham. Listen here.
Happy Black Woman
Hosted by Rosetta Thurman, this podcast is about empowering women to transform their lives through personal development and entrepreneurship. Listen here.
My Taught You.
Hosted by Myleik Teele, an entrepreneur and creator of curlBOX.com. Myleiek shares all the things she has learned along the way, and interviews other entrepreneurs to give listeners insights on how to do life a little bit better every day. Listen here.
Angela Yee’s Lip Service.
The Breakfast Club radio host Angela Yee talks sex and relationships with the hottest stars in hip-hop and R&B. This podcast is rated X – you’ve been warned. Listen here.
Hey Girl.
Hosted by author Alex Elle, this is a podcast created with sisterhood and storytelling in mind. Podcast guests give us a peek into their stories through candid and intimate conversations. Listen here.
Therapy for Black Girls
A weekly podcast with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford about all things mental health and personal development. Listen here.
Switch, Pivot, or Quit.
The #1 podcast for women’s empowerment in the San Francisco Bay Area, this weekly show, hosted by Ahyiana Angel, is for the woman seeking encouragement, inspiration + change in a life. Listen here.
Heart + Hustle.
This weekly podcast was created by hosts Angelica Yarde, a designer, developer, and public speaker, and Charisma O’Keefe, a social media and branding consultant, for women of color entrepreneurs to have a place to talk business and life. Listen here.
Side Hustle Pro
Nicaila is a Social Media Marketer by day, Side Hustle Pro podcast host by night. This podcast was started to help creative entrepreneurs grow their passions into profitable businesses. Listen here.
The G Code with Adri V.
This podcast is hosted by radio personality ADRI.V The Go Getta from The People Station 93.7 WBLK in Buffalo, NY, HOT 99.1 in Albany, NY and 103.9 WDKX in Rochester, NY.Listen here.
Black Girl in Om
A wellness podcast that promotes holistic wellness and inner beauty for women of color, and encourages self-care, self-love, and self-empowerment for communities of color. Listen here.
Hashtags and Stilettos
The Hashtags+Stilettos podcast is like having your own personal publicist in your pocket. Tune in for business, lifestyle and PR insights and interviews from entrepreneur and PR expert Sakita Holley. Listen here.
Food Heaven Show
Registered Dietitians and BFFs Wendy and Jess discuss healthy cooking and other wellness topics related to food and nutrition. Listen here.
Two Brown Girls Talk Back.
This podcast is hosted by two actors/writers who shall remain anonymous. They discuss all things Hollywood, including movie reviews. Listen here.
Melanin Millennials
Imrie and Satia are from London. They discuss everything from pop culture, millennial struggles to Black Twitter with a distinct British point of view. Listen here.
Friends Like Us
“Friends Like Us” features women of color discussing hot topics like post-racialism, hair, gender, feminism, and the treatment of Black women by law enforcement. Listen here.
Sit With Us.
Hosts Tia and Kim do not hold back their opinions as they tackle politics and pop culture topics. Listen here.
mmhmm, girl
Hosts Lola & Babz provide hilarious unabashed social commentary on all things pop culture, relationships, and whatever else comes to mind – while drinking. Listen here.
Gettin Grown
Keia and Jade are two happy and hard working Black Women trying to learn how to adult. Listen to this weekly podcast for segments like Kitchen TableTalk, Petty Peeves and Lessons in Black Women Self Care, as they share their insights while trying to figure out life as 30-somethings. Listen here.
On One with Angela Rye
You might know Angela Rye from her multiple appearances to discuss the current political climate on The Breakfast Club. Tune in to this new podcast every week for the most honest answers to the pressing political, racial, and pop culture questions of the day. Listen here.
Rantin’ and Ravin’
Rantin’ and Ravin’ with Yamaneika and Friends is the incredibly funny podcast hosted by the hilarious Yamaneika Saunders. Listen here.
She’s Beauty and the Beast
This podcast is a series of modernized, downloadable affirmations that offer an empowering voice any time, any where right in your headphones. Listen here.
Think and Grow Chick
Leading success coach and mentor Courtney Sanders discusses personal development, finance, and entrepreneurship lessons. Listen here.
Kandidly Keshia
Keshia Knight Pulliam has grown up as America’s Sweetheart playing characters from Rudy Huxtable to Miranda Payne. Now the audience gets to experience Keshia the person. Listen here.
The Spin
Ghana-based journalist Esther Armah discusses hot button issues like the #sayhername movement, white supremacy, and gentrification. Listen here.
The Thick
Hosts Tabria and Mindy bring you a hilarious weekly conversation about dating and relationships, and life as thick chics. Listen here.
I know that was a LONG list, and I’m sure there are tons more podcasts out there powered by black women. My hope is that we will continue to get our voices out there, and that more new podcasts are on the horizon. If I listed any of your favorites, or you learned of a few new ones you plan to check out, let me know. Did I miss your favorite? Share it in the comments so we can all take a listen.
Jonna is a style, beauty and lifestyle blogger, freelance writer, event coordinator, and wife. She writes Naturally Glam to share her passion for natural hair, health, style, beauty and events. From healthy eating to product reviews, hair style tutorials to makeup looks, budget-friendly fashion to event recaps – Jonna covers that and then some.
Thank you so much for this list!!! I am going to work my way through each and every one. I LOVE The Read and have been looking for more people who look like me.
You’re so welcome!
I have to admit… I saw TWENTY EIGHT and freaked out. Not sure when I’d find the time! But I have so many things that I do that need a soundtrack – cooking, cleaning – it may as well be these ladies’ lovely voices. Great list!
I have listened to Mattie before and I love the Happy Black Woman’s social media posts. This it’s a great, comprehensive list!
I don’t listen to podcast but quite a few of these sound very interesting! I may have to do better in this area! Taking notes from this list.
THANK YOU for this! What a great list! I immediately downloaded the Mattie James podcast. LOVE HER.
Thank you for this, I’ve been listening to The Read for a while & this blog post is perfect timing.
Podcast have become a welcomed friend especially while working out or riding the train. Thanks for this list to add!
There’s also #SafeWordSociety – A QTPOC Visibility Podcast which is hosted by two black women. Our podcast features interviews and discussions with thought leaders, influencers, and everyday people, navigating the authenticity of identity for folks in every level of their journeys. Our mission is to create a safe space for versatility and self-definition while uplifting the stories of those that often go unheard.
http://safewordsociety.libsyn.com
Thanks for sharing your podcast with us – this is one that is definitely needed! We’ll have to update our list!
Looking forward to the update! Thanks so much!
Wow! I did not even know a lot of these podcasts existed. I am interested in Therapy for Brown Girls. Let me look that up now.
I just started listening to Therapy for Brown Girls, and it is really good. You’ll enjoy it I’m sure.
I will be honest and say I am sooo behind when it comes to podcast, but I drive all day for my job and really want to find a great podcast to listen to. This just gave me a plethora of options!! Thank you! I did notice you didnt have any spiritual/religious podcast on the list. Any suggestions?
Actually Black Girl in OM and Hey Girl are podcasts on the list that touch on spirituality. As far as religious, I personally don’t listen to any podcasts based on a particular faith. Is there a particular religion that you’re looking for, like Christian podcasts? I’ll be on the lookout and let you know what I find. I have a feeling we will be updating this list!
Love love love love this list! I’m going to share this everywhere! This is an awesome list and I’m adding these to my list. Thank you so much. I’m sharing this on all of my SM outlets
Thanks for sharing!
I always hear about podcast but never actually listened to any of them. This a great list and has piqued my interest about some of the topics that are discussed.
I’m glad that you shared your list of podcasts hosted by Black women because I didn’t know about these podcasts! Three podcasts which really stick out to me are Curls, Culture, and Couture; Happy Black Woman; and Therapy for Black Girls. I have been wearing my hair natural for many years now so the Curls podcast would be very helpful for me. I love learning more about business so Happy Black Woman is right up my alley. And the Therapy for Black Girls segment would be great for me. It is really encouraging to me to learn of someone discussing mental health issues, especially in the Black community. It is something that needs to be an open dialogue.
I have yet to listen to a podcast but some of these definitely peak my interest. I’m going to start with Angela Yee. LOL
Wow I didnt know it was so many black girl magic podcast out there. I wont lie, I am not the biggest podcaster listener anyways but I should I am going to check out a few of these Queens.
I am so honored to be featured on this list with so many fabulous podcasts! Thanks, Lisa and Jonna!
Another Round with Tracy and Heben sponsored by Buzzfeed is one of the best podcasts I have ever listened to. Although it is a Buzzfeed podcast, the women have full control over their content and say whatever they feel, which I amazing
Thanks for sharing! I definitely plan to work my way through the listing. One of my current faves is Sweet Tea and Sunshine. They are amazing! Check em out….
Love this list. I am keeping this list. I love to hear smart women speak and educate! It’s all motivation and inspiration. Thanks!
Two podcast recommendations: Studio 78 Podcast – nachesnow.com/itunes (women discussing business, health, and wealth) and Can I Park Here? Podcast – startafashiontruck.com/itunes (fashion truck owners discussing how they got started).
Thanks for creating this list! As the Executive Producer and Host of the Empowerment Starts Here (ESH) podcast, I am most encouraged by the comments! People learning about podcasts and being inspired to listen is just everything!!
By the way, the ESHpodcast is about power, social change and disrupting the margins. I am new and learning but think we have pulled together some powerful conversations. Hope to see you there!! 🙂 http://www.eshpodcast.libsyn.com
Great article. I listen to “The Happy Black Woman” and “Support is Sexy”. I was so impressed with those shows that I searched for a show for Playwrights. Since I could not find one I created one. Thanks again.
playwrightpreneurs.libsyn.com
I would like to submit Become SHE as a podcast to consider for this list. Become SHE is a movement capturing the transcendental journey of the “strong” woman to the “free” woman granting herself permission to actualize HER highest self.
Podcast episodes here: http://www.becomeshe.com/podcast-episodes/
I’d like to submit COLORBLIND: RACE ACROSS GENERATIONS. We’re talking about race in a new way, open and honest discussion about why we don’t talk about race, how to talk about race, what’s racist and what’s not.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/colorblind-race-across-generations-episode-1/id1365789852?i=1000408294679&mt=2
Please consider Stiletto Revolution. It’s a new podcast that examines the fabulous and frustrating issues impacting Black women, through a social justice lens. While only a few episodes in, the show highlights some impressive, unsung experts as guests and tackles controversial topics in a raw and honest manner.
I wasted almost 20 minutes searching for podcasts about makeup for Black [women] skin. Then I remembered your blog has good information. I did cursory searches of the first 3 podcasts listed, and had to stop. —
Keep doing your thing. This list is helping me to expand my perspective on how I structure my Social Beauty Education series. As I move forward with the production of the tour curriculum, I will be sure to check back often… and cite you as a contributing catalyst.
Thank you.
GetMade Monique
I am the 1/2 of a new Queengdom Podcast called Goldengurltalk available on spotify, anchor, break, public radio, and Google podcast please check us out