Listen to These Essential Podcasts on Race and Racism
Educating oneself and learning to listen may seem more important in today’s current climate, but it has always been important. As a society, we have a long way to go to make sure marginalized voices are heard and receive equal treatment. I believe that one small, incredibly important step we can take is to listen and understand each others’ experiences and our collective history. Just listen. By quieting our personal agendas and truly taking in the words of others, we can at least start to try understanding each others’ perspectives.
I urge you to consider listening to each of these podcasts (most of which are hosted by Black women) in an effort to better understand just how deep racism runs in our country, and to continue to advocate for change at an institutional level. You can find some of these podcast recommendations and more on Goodpods, a podcast-centric social network where you can follow your friends and influencers to see what they are listening to.
We’ve also recently unveiled Goodpods Groups, our version of Facebook Groups for podcasts or like book clubs for podcast listeners. After just one month of testing, a fascinating range of groups organically formed—everything from the Writing Community Club, to the Black Into K-pop Coalition, to Self-Help Junkies, to small groups of friends sharing podcasts among each other. You will love it!
This month, we’re hosting Winning Women, a weekly virtual celebration of groundbreaking Black female creators you know and love. Register for free admission.
Hear to Slay
Hosts Roxane Gay and Tressie McMillan Cottom host compelling conversations about politics, pop culture, and more through a Black feminist lens.
Still Processing
Culture writers Wesley Morris and Jenna Wortham “devour TV, movies, art, music and the internet to find the things that move them—to tears, awe, and anger.”
FANTI very that. kinda.
Journalists Tre’vell Anderson and Jarrett Hill host this podcast where “nuance reigns supreme” as they bring deep and sometimes difficult perspective to a wide range of topics.
Food 4 Thot
A group of multiracial queer writers (Dennis Norris II, Joseph Osmundson, Tommy Pico, and Fran Tirado) come together to talk race, relationships, identity, and more.
Floodlines
Vann R. Newkirk II hosts this podcast by The Atlantic which examines Hurricane Katrina through the eyes of those who experienced it firsthand.
Intersectionality Matters!
Critical race theory scholar and civil rights advocate Kimberlé Crenshaw is frequently joined by guests to talk about current events through a range of diverse experiences.
This NPR podcast goes “back in time to understand the present,” examining everything from the life of Marcus Garvey to the impact of Whitney Houston’s National Anthem rendition.
Code Switch
Hosts Shereen Marisl Meraji and Gene Demby discuss how these stories of police brutality directed towards black people keep repeating themselves. They wonder aloud, when will things change and what will make them change.
The Forum on Workplace Inclusion
Host Milagros Philips, author of 11 Reasons to Become Race Literate delves into the idea of colorism. She looks at it from two perspectives: First, the history of colorism, and second how that history affects organizations today. Finally, she explains how simply being aware of colorism can change the way you do business.
About Race
Host Reni Eddo-Lodge, author of the book Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People about Race addresses her feelings about a question she frequently gets: “As a white person, what I can do to help race relations.” She also interviews two guests to get to the heart of what they’re doing.
We Live Here
This podcast focuses on the issues of race, class, and power in St Louis. This episode tells the story of the longest-running school desegregation program in the country and how it’s affecting the students. Even with the best intentions, the community still struggles with providing a welcoming environment for all students.
1619
This New York Times produced series marks the 400th anniversary of the first slaves being brought to Virginia. Through interviews and archival audio and writings, the five episodes examine the legacy of slavery in the United States.
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