Listens Lately: Podcasts
Podcasts have been a part of my morning prep routine for several years. I love listening to my favorite podcasts of the morning while getting ready for the day. While I still frequently listen to many of my favorite podcasts from 2018 , I have added a few ‘new to me’ ones to the rotation (RIP Thirst Aid Kit miss you already…).
1 | Rachet & Respectable with Demetria Lucas
Description: “Demetria L. Lucas, cultural critic and author of A Belle in Brooklyn and Don't Waste Your Pretty, muses on pop culture shenanigans, dating and relationships mishaps, everything worth watching on any size screen and occasionally, the hilarious (mis)adventures of being "single" for the second time around. There's more to it. But that's the gist of it. “
Why I Listen: I was delighted when I heard that Demetria was starting a podcast in 2019. As a follower of her work and social media presence for several years, I love hearing Demetria’s take on current events. It’s like having your wise but brutally honest friend give you takes on the latest foolishness to hit the Internet.
2 | Press Send with Chinae Alexander
Description: “Ever since Chinae Alexander gained a following online for her candid, insightful approach to all things wellness, beauty, and lifestyle, women have been turning to her for advice. Whether it’s the perfect skincare routine, tips for starting a business, or how to own your voice confidently, Chinae brings her trademark honesty to the issues, big and small, that women actually care about. Now, we’re encouraging you to boldly ask the questions on your mind by just pressing send, no holds barred. Each week, Chinae and a guest field your questions across any and all topics and offer their take on the matter—with plenty of humor, heart, and badassery along the way.”
Why I Listen: I added this on a whim after I recently started following Chinae on IG. I love advice driven podcasts, so looking forward to listening to more.
3 | The Wing’s No Man’s Land
Description: “No Man’s Land is a podcast about women who were too bad for your textbooks. It's hosted by Alexis Coe, the in-house historian for The Wing, a network of work and community spaces for women.”
Why I Listen: As a history lover, I really enjoyed this podcast which is also pretty well produced and must take a lot of time to research. Of course the Ida B Wells episode was my favorite (Btw can somebody produce a biopic on her??? It’s overdue).
4 | Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness
Description: A weekly exploration of all the things Jonathan Van Ness (Queer Eye) is curious about. Come on a journey with Jonathan and experts in their respective fields as they get curious about anything and everything under the sun.
Why I Listen: He’s one of my favorite follows on IG and though I don’t listen on the regular, I do like checking in on episodes that look particularly compelling around a topic I’m unfamiliar with.
5 | Carefree and Black Diaries by Shaakira White
Description: Welcome to Carefree and Black Diaries, where we discuss everything from culture, politics, music, and education. But with a dash of hood on the rocks. Just Black Girls navigating this thing called life and documenting it along the way.
Why I Listen: This one is also a very recent addition to the queue. I like hearing perspectives from young black creatives on a variety of topics with a dash of honesty.
6 | Around the Way Curls Podcast
Description: “Two Philly bred best friends who strive to produce content that is authentic, unapologetic and exalting of the magic we see in ourselves and in others. Always seeking balance, listen to us as we oscillate between love and light and money and d*cks.”
Why I Listen: As a West Philly native, of course I’d love a podcast from two Philly besties. They are honest, insightful, and hilarious. I also happen to love Shanti’s amazing shop, The Sable Collective which feels like it was curated just for me (for real, if you know me in real life and are stumped on what to gift me, just visit this shop LOL).