Edit: This was one of my favorite posts to write. However, in the world of podcasts, new ones have come along and a few old faithfuls have gone. So I’ve updated this post with some new podcasts as well as removed some who are no longer putting out new episodes.
I’ve actually planned on writing this post for a while now, but something else always comes up and I push it back. However, I’ve been having writer’s block and also been working to parse out what to share here and what to post to Patreon. As I go through the motions of my day; getting washed and dressed, cleaning, preparing something to eat, checking my bank account and so forth, one thing has been the connecting thread. Podcasts. I’ve been listening to them for years and they are what breaks up the monotony of my days, whether I’m working or not.
Listening to podcasts has improved my critical thinking skills, allowed me to hear the points of view of people I otherwise may never come in contact with, kept me up to date with the news (no matter if it’s US, Global, or pop culture), steered me towards supportive communities of other listeners, and helped me break out of my own shell. I also get to support the voices of marginalized people and help amplify their messages and build their own platforms. Below I’ll list my favorite podcasts/ podcast networks that are in constant rotation in no particular order:
Black Girl Missing Podcast
Who would I be if I didn’t mention my podcast first. Black Girl Missing is a true crime podcast where I and two of my best friends, Niki and Feminista Jones, cover the cases of missing Black girls with care, empathy, and through the lens of Black women. The stories of Black girls who have gone missing don’t get nearly enough attention in mainstream media and when they do make the news there is a lack of compassion from both the audience and those reporting. We want to change that.
The Black Guy Who Tips
Rod and Karen are like the cool auntie and uncle that you love spending time with but your parents say spoil you. Their podcast covers everything for LGBTQ News to Sword Ratchetness with a whole lot in between. I often say that Rod is able to put into words things that I haven’t finished processing and Karen motivates you in new ways every episode. They are able to pull gallows humor out of tragedy, which is something that is A. really needed and B. not done well by many others. They’ve also cultivated a community of podcast listeners that have become like a second family to me.
MTR Network
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Insanity Check
Chris is basically my inner voice. He sees fuckery and calls it out for what it is. His rants are epic and each episode is a cathartic release.
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Character Corner
I consider myself nerd adjacent. I like a lot of different geeky things, but I don’t always know a lot about the canon, particularly regarding comic book characters. Character Corner is a gem, especially in preparation for upcoming comic book movies. They really do their research on characters and teach you about their history, obscure trivia, and prepare you to either get into reading a new comic or just see a movie without being completely lost.
Where’s My 40 Acres
Like discussions about hip-hop that aren’t filled with misogyny or homophobia, and *gasp* also includes the voices of women? Like recaps of the most ratchet, straight to DVD movies to be found on Amazon Prime? Like listening to 4 friends shoot from the hip on current events without being bigots and actually being funny. Boom! You need to be listening to Where’s My 40 Acres.
Single Simulcast
Single Simulcast is one of the most organic podcasts I listen to. It blends humor, seriousness, and real life ish into something I can’t stop listening to. Rashanii and Shanta are super open about their lives from mental health to parenting, to relationships and are just relatable af. They are truly your favorite podcaster’s favorite podcast. Don’t forget to check out Rashanii’s latest show Hindsight Movie Reviews.
Tea With Queen and J
Two womanist race nerds talking shit over tea. How could you not get into this!? These New York natives are nothing but authenic and don’t do that whole keeping up appearances for the white gaze. They talk politics, womanism, weaves and wigs, sex, and whatever current events pique their interest. Also, J does some bad ass cosplay.
What’s the Tea
Be still my middle school drama club heart. Nic and Reggie have the dopest best friend bond and the kind of conversations that will make theater geeks swoon. Also, their RuPaul’s Drag Race recaps….best in the game.
Flawless Noises Media Network
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Ratchet Ramblings
Like reality tv? Aren’t able to watch folks live-tweet their shade on Twitter. Then Ratchet Ramblings is for you. Candace and Jeremy say what we are all thinking about the messy lives of reality tv’s shining stars. Candace does her Googles and finds receipts and little-known facts that will have you clutching your pearls. Jeremy is that friend who never ceases to surprise you with how awful of a person they can be when they don’t like someone.
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Crown & Collards
Crown & Collards is like a taste of home. 2 country ass people talking about current events, sports, and cracking jokes. You’d never know that Jeremy is younger than me since he sounds like a mechanic that will fix your car for a fish plate and 2 Newports. It was also where Ratchet Ramblings was born. Jeremy had to create the spin-off show because Bianca isn’t a reality show fan. The most amazing part of this show is that when Jeremy and Bianca talk about sports that aren’t basketball I don’t tune out. Now that’s a miracle.
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Gayside Stories
R.I.P Curtis. While there are no new episodes the ones that were created before his passing are important, relevant, and moving. Gayside Stories covered a wide variety of topics that center the LGBTQ+ community. The first episode I heard had me hooked because he was talking openly and honestly about his own mental health and it was one of the few times I’ve heard someone not romanticize the struggle of depression. However, not every episode is quite so heavy. Curtis often had different guests on and they engaged in some very interesting convos (#AGoodRinse). If you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community or consider yourself an “ally” this is a great podcast to go back and listen to.
The Read
So who hasn’t heard of The Read? Do I really need to give you a synopsis? Who doesn’t love shade throwing, Golden Girl Trivia, and Beyonce praise sessions?
Bad & Boozy Podcast
What happens when you combine a sommelier and your favorite, gossipping aunties? You get the Bad & Boozy podcast. They talk wine, pop culture, wine trivia, and wine hoe tales. Grab a glass and get into this show.
Unreasonable Fridays
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#ADDSpace
Aaron Rand Freeman and Dacia Mitchell discuss current events, living on the West Coast, and how they make white people uncomfortable on a day to day basis. It’s a breath of fresh air and my weekly dose of semi-dry humor.
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The Cuntcast
N’Jaila Rhee and Aaron Rand Freeman talk about what’s going on in the world from a sex and sex worker positive standpoint. It’s usually all terrible news, but the kink of the week is always an eye-opener. N’Jaila and Aaron are both very open and honest about their own lives and really hold nothing back, no matter how embarrassing or downright odd their previous sexual encounters have been. If I’ve learned nothing else it’s that if you think it’s weird or gross, someone else thinks it’s the sexiest thing around.
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Unreasonable Fridays
This is probably the most confusing podcast to be placed in my lineup because Aaron and Bacon mainly talk about video games and I don’t play them at all. However, you can credit Bacon’s voice for why I can’t get enough of this show. They are perpetually bubbly and their excitement over new games, recent patches to old games, or even catching new Pokemon transfers through the speakers and instantly makes me smile.
Jade & XD
The Blackest show about nothing is a spot on description. Listening to them is like getting to be a fly on the wall of two friends getting high and having a good old kiki. Niggapiece Theather is one of the best segments ever made in podcast history and their lists of everything from their favorite Auntie Jams to The ABCs of Negrotude will leave you either singing songs you had long forgotten about or doubled over in laughter.
Marsha’s Plate
Marsha’s Plate Podcast is where I go for opinions on trans news from trans people. The 3 hosts consist of 2 trans women and 1 trans men. While discussing issues and events going on within the LGBT+ community, particularly the trans community, can be emotionally taxing the 3 hosts are able to bring you the news, what’s being said, what’s not being said, and how it REALLY is affecting people in an engaging way. While trans voices are often silenced, they have built their own platform and demand to be heard. I laugh, cry, and go through a myriad of emotions when listening to episodes but they always end on a resounding note of hopefulness. Also, their Pose recaps are EVERYTHING!
Gaming and Then Some (Gatspod)
Another odd addition to my list because, again, I don’t play video games. However, Sterling and Quita are such an engaging couple that I can’t stop listening. They also don’t just talk video games, they are a top tier nerd couple and really have a deep love of most of the nerdom. From comics to comic book movies and shows, to fan fiction. They cover it all with Jersey flare, which is really what has my heart lol.
Medium Popcorn
Hands down Medium Popcorn has the BEST intro song of any podcast. Brandon Collins and Justin Brown are two NYC comedians that have taken on the important task of spoiling movies for you with the most outlandish reviews. They cover both old and new movies and have a very interesting rating system.
So there you have it. A list of my favorite podcasts that keep me chugging along through even the toughest of weeks. I urge you to have a listen and support some independent media.
A Little Juju Podcast
Listening to this podcast is the first time I ever questioned my atheism. Juju explores and explains Indigenous ancestral spiritual practices/ religions in a way that explores their histories and how they have helped our ancestors survive. She discusses these topics in a way that makes the listener even more curious and gives resources to do your own research. It’s not proselytizing or full of shaming tactics. Even if you don’t follow and don’t choose to follow any religion or spiritual practice, this podcast is still a great listen.
Kinks With Keke
A great podcast for the vanilla or, as Keke likes to say, Dulce De Leche folks who are interested in either exploring their kinky side or just want to understand “why kink?” in the general sense. Keke offers a wealth of knowledge from her own experiences and outside resources. There really is never a dull episode. Even if you think you know, you have no idea.
Inner Hoe Uprising
A young, fun, sex-positive podcast where the 4 hosts discuss relationships, sex, mental health, and much more in the way you would expect 4 friends to talk. They also have guest episodes where they talk to activists, doctors, everyday folks and anyone in between. They approach each topic they discuss from a Black feminist angle with nuance and humor while getting into the nitty-gritty. Their openness and honesty, combined with their knoweledge on various topics makes each episode unique and informative.
Mocha Minutes Podcast
Last, but certainly not least, we have the Mocha Minutes Podcast hosted by my good friend Stephanie. Funny story, we actually became friends after she invited me on as a guest. Mocha Minutes focuses on current events, whether political or pop culture, and Stephanie, along with her guests chat it up like old friends at brunch. Stephanie embodies the “auntie” archetype so much that she, along with myself and 2 other friends, launched the Ratchet Aunties and Uncles Podcast, after a group guest appearance on Mocha Minutes. You would think we’ve known each other forever, and in true auntie fashion, Stephanie has brought us all together as she builds her podcast network.
