My 5 Favorite Podcasts by Black Women

Hello, world! Since I’ve had so much free time in quarantine, I’ve been able to listen to more podcasts! I started getting into podcasts this past winter and developed a huge love for ones about self-care, the experiences of black women, and general everyday struggles!

Listening to podcasts is a great way to de-stress, especially during the current pandemic. When we spend all day inside of our own heads (and our homes), we tend to feel stuck and alone in what we are feeling–it’s easy to feel like you’re the only person in the world experiencing the problems or feelings that you’re having. This can lead to feelings of despair, loneliness, and hopelessness. When we listen to podcasts that speak about experiences that we relate with, we develop a feeling of connection–you’re actively listening to someone going through the same thing that you’re going through–ain't that awesome? This is a great way to remind ourselves that we are never alone in what we feel.

As a black woman, podcasts by black women have really changed the game for me. I connect with their experiences on an entirely different level than I do with other podcasts. It is incredibly important to have these podcasters in a world where black women are so often unacknowledged in the particular, complex lives that they lead. Podcasts are a great platform for black women to simply speak in their truth!

Here are my top 5 podcasts by black women right now:

1. The Homecoming Podcast with Dr. Thema

Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis is a licensed psychologist, ordained minister, and sacred artist. In the words of Dr. Thema, Homecoming is “a podcast to facilitate your journey home to yourself by providing weekly inspiration and health tips.” My Black Women’s Studies professor actually introduced my class and I to this series and I immediately became drawn to it! With topics ranging from self compassion to childhood trauma, this podcast delivers fulfilling gentle advice. The combination of Dr. Thema’s soothing voice, wise words spoken with clarity, and infinite encouragement creates a recipe for GROWTH!

2. H.E.R Space Podcast with Dr. Dominique Broussard and Terri Lomax

Dr. Dominique Broussard, a college professor and psychologist, and Terri Lomax, a techie and motivational speaker, come together every Friday to initiate authentic conversations on just about everything.

“In a world where black women are often underrepresented and

misunderstood, we need more safe spaces to just...be.”

What I love about this podcast is how casual the conversations are. If chill, realistic chats resonate with you, I definitely recommend H.E.R Space. Often drawing from personal experiences, Broussard and Lomax make the podcast a personal and intimate experience.

3. How to Survive the End of the World with Autumn Brown and Adrienne Maree Brown

These sisters share intellectually-fueling conversations centered around the concept of survival. They discuss ways in which one can maneuver endings in life while remaining whole in themselves. Their ideas are interesting and nuanced, offering holistic solutions to complex issues.

4. Gettin’ Grown with Keia and Jade

These women navigate their experiences as adults in a funny and relatable way. They discuss just about anything and everything, some topics being self-love, productivity, and confidence. This podcast offers comforting reminders that none of us really know what we're doing!

5. Balanced Black Girl Podcast with Lestraundra Alfred

This podcast offers great and practical advice specifically crafted for black women. It includes topics on health, happiness, life, and more. Alfred often focuses her episodes around the importance of physical fitness in the quest for self-love.

Definitely check these podcasts out, you will NOT be disappointed.