The podcasting world is generally dominated by white male listeners and creators, especially in the US. According to Quartz, 85% of American podcasts acquire at least one white host, and 66% acquire at least one white male host. Unfortunately, only 18% of podcast content is created by both women and people of color.
As the Black Lives Matter movement grows, I’ve been inspired to ask myself if I’m actively promoting inclusivity, representation, and equality in every aspect of my life. What small steps can I take to spark big change? I realized that being selective and intentional with my media consumption was a small yet impactful way to uplift these ideals and work toward changing these statistics. While switching the podcast you listen to on your morning commute may not seem like that big of a deal, it can make a huge difference. But with so few podcasts highlighting the voices of women of color, that may be easier said than done.
If you want to help alter these statistics, too, here are five feminist podcasts hosted by Black women that you have to check out:
- H.E.R. Space
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H.E.R. Space was co-created by Dr. Dominique Brussard, a licensed psychologist and college professor, and Terrix Lomax, a motivational speaker and tech expert. This podcast provides a safe space for Black women to exercise Healing, Empowerment, and Resilience (H.E.R.) in a world where they are often misrepresented and misunderstood.
H.E.R Space hosts uplifting, authentic conversations about friendship, love, racial equality, feminism, mental health and more. Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Soundcloud.
- Trauma Queen
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Trauma Queen is a podcast mini-series that aims to normalize conversations about sexual assault and healing. Jimanekia Eborn, a health psychologist and sex education expert, hosts each episode and guides conversations with survivors, educators, therapists, and allies. Trauma Queen is a safe, inclusive space and resource for all kinds of healing.
Check out Trauma Queen on any of your favorite listening platforms.
- Black Girl Bravado
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On Black Girl Bravado, Hosts and best friends, Germani Manning and Brittany Lackey, navigate weekly discussions about self-care, health, wellness, career, spirituality, self-love, and more. This podcast is vibrant, spunky, and promotes the power of sisterhood.
To join the community, access important conversations with knowledgeable guests, and laugh a ton, connect with Black Girl Bravado on or your favorite listening platform.
- Therapy For Black Girls
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Therapy For Black Girls is hosted by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed clinical psychologist and author. This podcast breaks down mental health, emotional healing, and personal development. However, it specifically focuses on deviating from the stigma within the Black community.
Therapy For Black Girls also goes beyond a podcast series. The organization additionally provides an online community that matches Black therapists and clients. You can access these services yourself or check out the next podcast episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
- The Sexually Liberated Woman
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The Sexually Liberated Woman brings feminism, representation, and sexual empowerment all into one podcast. Ev’Yan Whitney, sex educator and facilitator, hosts weekly discussions that aim to celebrate sex-positivity, encourage sexual healing, and normalize intimate desires for women.
The Sexually Liberated Woman is more than a podcast; it’s a space where sexual taboos and shame culture is kicked to the curb. Listen to the next episode here.
The podcasting landscape has been known to lack diversity, and it’s time for change. Making an active choice to support podcast content created by women of color is a simple gesture, but can have such powerful results. It also serves as a great educational resource; as I’ve continued to adjust my media consumption, I’ve been able to learn so much about intersectional feminism, systemic racism and more.
Defeating misrepresentation and injustice in the media starts with consumers, so let’s take small steps for big change together.