Forget Joe Rogan. There is too little black representation in big podcast networks. I say this again because even while looking at the podcasts pages on streaming sites, those sites usually recommend top and/or similar podcasts that are hosted by white men and women. Listen to these black hosted podcasts speaking truth and realness in a non-commercialized language we understand. These five podcasts are not concerned with the usual media or social media time and mind wasters. Additionally, they host subjects that important to the black community: self care, mental health, physical wellness, and their experiences in the medical community. Indeed, these five podcasts educate and uplift and include laughs and sometimes tears. Please check them out and experience a listening journey.
1. The Melanated Social Work Podcast is hosted by Josh McNeil, Marvin Toliver, Michael Grinnell, and Jesse Wiltey. These educated black men discuss their work as social workers, counselors and therapists. The three discuss various topics relating to mental health in the community. Specifically, they discuss issues such as advocacy, institutional racism, community violence, and working in schools and hospitals. Some of their topics include how white micro-aggressions affect black workers, gentrification, masculinity and the importance of black men to seek professional mental health help when needed. Additionally, they often invite other black professional guests to the podcast to speak about their work, their experiences, and special topics relating to social work and mental health.
2. The Homecoming Podcast with Dr. Thelma is hosted by Dr. Thelma Bryant who is a licensed psychologist, ordained minister, and sacred artist. Using artistic expression, spirituality, psychology and culture, Dr. Bryant-Davis is an internationally recognized lecturer, performer, and minister. The Homecoming Podcast is one that I prepare to listen to. I like to to listen without distractions. Honestly, she makes me feel feelings sometimes to the point of tears. Her voice in my ears is like a virtual therapeutic hug. Dr. Bryant voice is affirming and soothing with wisdom and intellect. Afterward, I begin my week practicing the tips and affirmations she’s given. It really doesn’t matter how you listen – whether you listen at night, in the morning, or while shopping. Just listen and focus on the knowledge and insight Dr. Thelma conveys to her listeners. Some of my favorite episodes include Shatter the Shame, Releasing and Grieving, The Truth About Rejection, and Healing Inter-generational Trauma.
3. Black Cancer podcast is hosted by Jodi-Ann Burey. Black Cancer explores the cancer journeys of everyday people of color. This is a much needed podcast because black people often hide diagnosed illnesses. Podcast guests discuss their cancer journeys, surviving cancer, and coping mechanisms. Additionally, they discuss the various ways cancer has changed their personal and professional lives. Her guests include cancer survivors, caregivers, and guests who have lost a loved one to cancer. They share their experiences in a way that is rarely heard. For example, in one episode Jodi-Ann speaks to a guest who lost both a grandmother and mother from cancer. In my opinion, her episodes are about survival, grace, understanding and working through the physical and emotional trauma of cancer. In a world where people seem to care about so many trivial things, Black Cancer is a much needed podcast to discuss a serious illness that affect many in the black community.
4. 3 Black Docs podcast is hosted by Dr. Karen Winkfield, Dr. Zanetta Lamar, and Dr. Tiffany Avery. 3 Black Docs is dedicated to educating the community about health and health disparities in an approachable and entertaining way – what they call Medutainment. I’ve been listening to the 3 Black Docs podcast for almost a year. It seems like they are truly friends. They share their knowledge and experience as women doctors. They speak in a way that makes you feel as though you’re part of the discussion, except you’re just listening in. The Docs talk about various medical subjects like colorectal cancer screenings, the fractured healthcare system, and being an advocate for your health. They have episodes discussing breast cancer and one that speaks about the impact food has on your health. I also enjoy how they interweave current events in their discussions and their experience as working physicians.
5. Black Men In White Coats podcast is by Dale Okorodudu, MD. Black Men In white Coats is dedicated to telling the stories of black male clinicians. What makes this podcast special is that it is devoted to telling the stories of black male clinicians. Generally, Dr. Okorodudu will give an introduction about the upcoming doctor and then allow the doctor to tell their story. Then, the guest doctor will basically free flow in a non-interview format. They start from their childhood and what brought them to medicine. They talk about everything from studying and exams to their first jobs in medicine. Furthermore, they discuss their passion for medicine and it is very inspiring. Finally, this podcast helps to dispel the myth that black men aren’t intelligent or competent enough to be a working doctor.
All of these podcasts are available through your favorite streaming platform. This article and the links provided are not endorsed nor sponsored.