Amplifying Black voices in media builds empathy, community, and a richer cultural landscape. Here are ten Black‑led podcasts and video channels that deliver powerful storytelling, insightful analysis, and creative expression.
These shows span culture, history, business, and creativity—making them valuable year‑round, not just during heritage months or awareness weeks.
1. The Read
Hosts Kid Fury and Crissle West offer candid conversations about pop culture, politics, and personal life with humor and depth. The Read excels at blending entertainment with thoughtful cultural commentary, making it one of the most influential Black‑led podcasts today.
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube
2. 1619
Created by The New York Times, this narrative podcast reframes American history by placing the consequences of slavery and contributions of Black Americans at the center of the national story. It’s a powerful resource for understanding systemic history and its modern impact.
Where to listen: NYT, major podcast platforms
3. Tight Rope
Hosted by Cornel West and Tricia Rose, Tight Rope brings together intellectual discourse on politics, philosophy, culture, and society. The show offers deep analysis that challenges listeners to think critically about justice, identity, and purpose.
Where to watch: YouTube, podcast platforms
4. Black Girl Podcast
This long‑running show focuses on Black women’s lives and perspectives. Hosts discuss relationships, career, culture, and wellness with authenticity and joy. It’s a community‑centric series that centers Black women’s experiences.
Where to listen: Major podcast platforms
5. The Nod
Produced by Gimlet Media, The Nod explores the brilliance and humanity of Black life through stories about culture, history, and identity. Each episode blends narrative storytelling with thoughtful exploration of lesser‑told stories.
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
6. Earn Your Leisure
Hosts Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings bring business, finance, and entrepreneurship to the forefront with interviews featuring founders, athletes, artists, and executives. Earn Your Leisure equips listeners with insights into wealth building and economic empowerment.
Where to watch: YouTube | Where to listen: Podcast platforms
7. Black Men Can’t Jump [In Hollywood]
Pop culture meets social commentary on this podcast hosted by Jonathan Braylock, Jerah Milligan, and James III. Episodes explore film, TV, and storytelling through the lens of Black experience in entertainment.
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
8. The Michelle Obama Podcast
Hosted by Michelle Obama, this series features intimate conversations around relationships, community, and wellbeing. While the host’s profile is well‑known, the show’s focus on connection and understanding makes it a valuable listening choice.
Where to listen: Spotify
9. Brown Ambition
Journalists Mandi Woodruff and Tiffany Aliche (The Budgetnista) break down careers, money, and ambition with relatable insight. Brown Ambition blends tactical advice with cultural awareness, supporting both financial literacy and professional growth.
Where to listen: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
10. The Breakfast Club
A staple of radio and podcasting, hosts DJ Envy, Angela Yee, and Charlamagne tha God host influential interviews with artists, athletes, entertainers, and newsmakers. The Breakfast Club remains a major platform shaping cultural conversations.
Where to watch: YouTube | Where to listen: Podcast platforms
Why These Matter
Supporting these shows year‑round signals a commitment to diversity in media consumption and contributes to a more inclusive cultural ecosystem. Each of these creators offers distinct perspectives that deepen understanding of storytelling, community, business, and identity.
Whether you’re looking for historical insight (1619), business guidance (Earn Your Leisure), or cultural critique (The Read, The Breakfast Club), these Black‑led podcasts and channels are influential, informative, and worthy of sustained engagement.
