While I have always seen the small purple icon on my phone labeled “Podcasts,” I never gave it much thought. Instead, I would file it away into some random Utility folder only for it to be forgotten about until further notice. It wasn’t until recently that I decided to go digging through the random apps on my phone to find this seemingly useless app that I realized my love for listening to podcasts.
For most of my life, I was under the impression that podcasts were long, monotonous audios that resembled the entertainment level of watching paint dry. However, after further investigation, I discovered an entire world of entertainment that was hiding in that small purple icon. From book reviews to Greek mythology to talk shows, there was no end to the range of recordings out there. Now, I listen to podcasts to relax while still being mentally stimulated.
In the past, I had a multitude of excuses for why I wouldn’t give podcasts a chance. These consisted of the notion that I didn’t have enough time to sit down and listen to one and even if I did, I didn’t know what I should listen to. The whole thing seemed like a big ordeal, one that wasn’t worth it in the end when I could just play one of my premade Spotify playlists. Yet as my affinity for listening has grown, I have learned to disregard what I thought listening to a podcast should look like and make my listening experience personal.
Listening to a podcast doesn’t have to be a singular activity. I often listen to podcasts while I perform daily tasks such as brushing my teeth, choosing an outfit for the day and sipping my morning coffee. And if that’s not a realistic option because I am running late, which I frequently am, I listen on my walks to and from class up until my class begins. Finding time to listen to podcasts has never been too challenging considering how many tasks I perform in silence. Additionally, I’ve realized that listening to a podcast doesn’t mean I have to listen to podcasts centered around intellectual topics. Let’s be honest, that requires brain power that I don’t always have to spare. Instead, I try to find podcasts with fun and engaging topics, usually run by people my age. And honestly, if I find myself dozing off out of boredom, I have no shame in pressing pause and moving on to the next one.
Listening to podcasts can be a fulfilling experience, one that I hope you are willing to try. To get you started, I have compiled a short list of some of my favorite podcasts run by Black women, along with my favorite episode from each.
- Black Girl Flow Podcast
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Black Girl Flow is a podcast based on society and culture and features two women, Lexy and Livi, who are in their mid-twenties and just trying to figure out life. Each episode ranges from about 20-30 minutes and often includes small tidbits or stories from the hosts’ personal lives. It often feels like you’re sitting in on a real conversation between friends as they discuss whatever is on their minds. One of my favorite episodes so far is Ep. 80, “Healing from Burnout – How to Find Work/Life Balance.”
- Black Girl Blueprint
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Lauren and Makeen are two best friends who are ready and willing to give the Gen Z perspective on all the aspects of growing up. Originally, this podcast was meant to cover the ways that Black women have influenced trends and culture, yet as it has grown, the co-hosts have expanded into discussing what it’s like coming of age in today’s world. While many episodes have caught my attention, I felt that Season 4 Ep. 07, “WTF Are My Passions and How Do I Find My Purpose?” resonated with me the most.
- The Self-Love Fix
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While the episodes of this podcast are short, they are never short in quality content. The host, Beatrice Kamau, is a self-love coach who is on the journey of finding ways to improve her relationship with herself while helping others to do the same. My absolute favorite episode from this podcast is Season 1 Ep. 110, “Jealousy, Comparison, and Codependency,” which offered a new perspective on where jealousy stems from and how to cope with it.
- Balanced Black Girl
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This podcast is for those looking to improve their mental health and personal development. The advice given on this podcast is from Black women in the alternative health field who are wellness experts. An episode I found valuable, especially as a freshman in college, was Ep. 176, “Intimacy in Friendships: Having Healthy Friendships and Making Friends As An Adult.”
- Black Girls Talk
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Last but not least, Black Girls Talk is a fantastic podcast if you are looking for something upbeat and lighthearted. Their topics range from boy troubles to more serious topics that are prevalent today. Black Girls Talk is a fan favorite for those looking to hear some unfiltered opinions on life. One of their more relatable yet hilarious episodes was Ep. 01, “Pretty Privilege.”
Check out these podcasts and many more to hear a variety of perspectives!
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