If you survived the pandemic up until now, then I can guarantee that you, like most of us, didn’t get through those months of isolation without binge watching some good TV, reading some amazing books, or listening to some interesting podcasts. As I gear up to start my own podcast (stay tuned), I wanted to share some of my favorites with you.
At the behest of an acquaintance, I was thrust into the world of podcasts by listening to a drama series first. This was almost two years ago, so naturally, I had my doubts because let’s face it – the thought of listening to a drama, as opposed to watching one, seemed a little 1950-ish to me. But me being the “shot giver” that I am, I took a chance. A few days later, while fighting traffic on the Dan Ryan (If you’re from Chicago, you already know), I dove into Bronzeville and was glad I did!
Since this series is responsible for my love affair with podcasts, I might as well start here.
1) Bronzeville – This is a show that is produced by the Tate brothers: Larenz, Lahmard, Larron. Larenz Tate also stars in the show as Jimmy Tillman, a fast-talking numbers runner in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood set in the 1940s. Tate is a Chicago native and probably mostly known for his role as Darius Lovehall in the 90s classic, Love Jones. The podcast also boasts other names such as Laurence Fishburne, Tracee Ellis Ross, Tika Sumpter, Omari Hardwick, and Cory Hardrict, who are all amazing on the show as well. When I tell you this show had me from “hello,” that is an understatement! You will be hooked! Thankfully, the show now has two seasons available, so if you are late to the party, you are in for a treat!
(Apple Podcasts)
2) Jesus and Jollof – This podcast is aptly named for its two hilarious hosts – Yvonne Orji and Luvvie Ajayi Jones and the two most important things to them. The catchy title aside, this podcast will make you laugh until your side hurts, while inspiring you all at the same time. Both women were born in Nigeria and were destined to entertain the masses. Orji is widely known for her role as Molly in the HBO hit series, Insecure, and she is also the author of the must-read book, Bamboozled by Jesus: How God Tricked Me Into the Life of My Dreams. Ajayi-Jones is the best-selling author of the two books, I’m Judging You and The Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual. The wisdom, the wisecracks, and the righteous rebellion is everything! There are three seasons of this show, so sit back and get ready for some sheer entertainment!
(Jesus and Jollof)
3) The Michelle Obama Podcast – After reading Becoming, Michelle Obama’s memoir, this was the perfect follow up for this powerhouse to keep us engaged. In true First Lady fashion, she speaks to friends and family members (my favorite episode is “Family Ties: On Raising Kids with Craig and Marian Robinson”) about, well – life! I am still a Michelle Obama fanatic, so hearing her speak candidly about an array of topics, such as the importance of girlfriends, the pandemic, and even marriage is all I needed in my life. Being a girl from the South Side of Chicago, I can’t help but feel proud whenever I see or hear her! There is nothing more to be said here. Go listen!
(Spotify)
4) Professional Troublemaker Podcast – Yes, this one is also brought to you by the side-eye sorcerous herself, Luvvie Ajayi-Jones! In this podcast, she brings all the fear-fighting heat with an impressive list of amazing guests who have also had to tell fear to kiss where the sun don’t shine. This podcast will give you the courage you need to pursue just about any dream that you have. Her words are uplifting and inspiring, and her guests also echo that warrior spirit! If you are not inspired to “live audaciously,” after listening to this podcast (or after reading the book – definitely read the book, too), then you must not have a pulse!
(Audible)
5) Therapy for Black Girls – This is one of my favorite podcasts! The show’s creator is Dr. Joy Harden-Bradford, a licensed Psychologist based in Atlanta, Georgia. In addition to being an advocate for Black women’s mental health, she invites other Black mental health professionals on the show to share their expertise on a number of topics. They even breakdown the psychology of the characters on some of my favorite shows (Queen Sugar and Insecure for starters)! If you are not inspired to find a good therapist after listening to this show, then you probably already have one! Make this podcast a part of your self-care routine!
(therapyforblackgirls.com)
6) J.ill the Podcast – Y’all! You know how you think you have known Jill Scott all these years just because she dominates just about every playlist there is? Well, you have no idea! Jill Scott is joined by her friends Aja Graydon-Dantzler (of Kindred the Family Soul) and Laiya St. Clair. And baaaaaby – together they are magic! From the very first podcast, I felt like I was among old friends. These ladies tackle some amazing topics, and they will have you laughing, crying, and thinking critically. And of course, they always keep it a buck! One of my favorites for sure. It’s Jill Scott and her friends, y’all! What more can you ask for? Go listen!
(YouTube)
7) Jemele Hill is Unbothered – Jemele Hill, the Emmy Award-winning journalist (put some reSPECK on her name), has a podcast and it is EV-ER-RY-thing! Jemele Hill-Wallace (sheez is married now) has to be one of the most plugged people to ever host a show (besides Oprah, that is). Hill has interviewed some of everybody on her podcast! I mean, whose camp would ever tell her, NO? Her down-to-earth, homegirl from the Midwest (she’s a Detroit native) vibe is the reason she had folks glued to ESPN for years. On her podcast, she is in her element and free to say what she wants, which makes her unbotheredness all the more appealing. She is brilliant in her field and an absolute joy to listen to on a daily. Her future award-winning segment “Eff It, I’m Bothered,” is the icing on the cake at the end of each episode! Hill also has her own podcast network now (The Unbothered Network)! She is making major moves, y’all! So, do yourself a favor and “stay unbothered!”
(Essence)
8) The Love Hour – This podcast is hosted by comedian KevOnStage (Kevin Fredericks) and his lovely wife, Melissa Fredericks (aka- MrsKevOnStage). I love their disclaimer of not being “marriage experts” but “marriage champions.” The hubby and I had a chance to see the Love Hour live in Chicago a couple of years ago, just before we laughed our butts off at KevOnStage and the rest of his comedy crew, which included Tony Baker. This podcast is for all the married folks who are just trying to hang in there, love each other, and learn from each other. I love the subject-matters that are discussed and the relatable ways in which this power couple delivers. They have had some wonderful guests come through and weigh in on some hot button topics as well. If you have a “boo thang” of your own, then get to listening to this podcast NOW!
(YouTube)
So, there it is. I have shared with you my favorite listening pleasures. For those who are already podcast-loving-people, I hope that you have discovered on this list at least one show that you can add to yours. If you have already listened to all of these podcasts, then we are probably soulmates and go together – you just don’t know it yet.
Happy Listening!
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