A couple of months ago, we expressed just how much we adored podcasts during our conversation with the hosts of The Receipts. When you find the right one, a podcast can become an essential part of your routine, as a companion for your chores, your commute, or a way to unwind in times of stress. Be it funny, full of advice, or full of essential tips for life, there’s a programme out there for you! Here are five that we think you should be taking subscribing to right now…
Say Your Mind
Defining herself as a ‘Benz Punani Womanist’ (and ‘just a baby girl’), Kelechi Okafor is a true marvel – and once a week, she treats listeners to an hour of her takes on the most radical and silly stories of the week. If someone in politics, celebrity, social media or even in her own personal life has behaved unjustly, you can guarantee that actress and dance studio owner Okafor will give them a piece of her mind, brilliantly articulating their wrongs, why they deserve criticism, as well as giving them advice on, erm, unsavoury activities to do with their mothers. Though occasionally joined by a guest, Okafor steers the SYM ship solo, and her style of relaying stories keeps listeners hooked. Equally hilarious as it is educational, Say Your Mind is a real treat – but it’s coming to an end very soon, so start listening as soon as you can – before going back to enjoy from the start!
Who for? Anyone unafraid of truth served hot
How to listen? New episodes every Monday (for a limited time only!) on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud and YouTube
The Sista Collective
Bringing the Black Girl Magic to the BBC is the fabulously-named The Sista Collective, which boasts the title of being the broadcaster’s very first homegrown podcast led and hosted by black women – hurrah! Driven by BBC Radio 5 Live journalist Jessie Aru-Phillips, the show gets real on real issues affecting black women. Of course, it’s by no means a solo effort, as Phillips is joined by team GB Olympic athlete and five-time European Championship medallist Anyika Onuora; Paula Akpan, co-founder of the UK’s hugely successful BlackGirlFest; and Joanna Jarjue – a finalist on last year’s The Apprentice and was named favourite Reality TV Talent at the Screen Nation Awards 2018. The Sista Collective’s first episode lands in early November, and we think it’ll make a wonderful addition to your playlists.
Who for? Anyone keen to get into the nitty-gritty of the realities of being a black woman in Britain today
How to listen? On BBC Sounds and Podcast outlets, as well as on BBC 5 Live Radio
Laid Bare Podcast
Hey ladies… you know what time it is when sex blogger and social media sensation Oloni utters those words on Twitter – and if you don’t, look out for it next time, as it’s usually followed by plenty of fan-submitted sex and relationship confessions that keeps Twitter talking for days. And now, Oloni has taken her master topic of conversation to the podcast format, with the newly-launched Laid Bare. With Shakira Scott and Shani Jamilah rounding out the Laid Bare team, this podcast is an access-all-areas discussion about sex, and how to make sure you’re making the best of it at any stage of your lives. No judgements, no filters – and no holds barred!
Who for? Folks who don’t blush easily…
How to listen? New episodes released on Sundays, on Apple Podcasts and SoundCloud
Mostly Lit
Reading is fundamental – and the discussion of what you’re reading shouldn’t be a thing of the past, from when you were forced to pull out a book from your bag at school. No matter your age, it’s important to feel excited about reading, and to be a part of lively conversation surrounding it. Enter: Mostly Lit, on which Alex Reads, Raifa Rafiq and Derek Owusu tackle literature, pop-culture, and places in-between in their fun, insightful show. Having already received praise from The Guardian and BBC, Mostly Lit is a brilliant look at how millennial life can intersect with books, self-preservation and the internet.
Who for? Lovers of books and Beyoncé
How to listen? New episodes released on Mondays on SoundCloud, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and more
Black Gals Livin’
Another newcomer, Black Gals Livin’ is the brainchild of good friends Vic and Jas, whose natural conversations delve into topics such as mental health, as well as pop culture and all the things the enjoy. Colourism, ‘cancel culture’, and therapy all get a mention in their first episodes and their comfort with each other while discussing things allows listeners to feel as if they’re in the room too. They’re just getting started, and we feel it’s the beginning of something beautiful.
Who for? Anyone who wants some honest and friendly black girl chat
How to listen? New episodes release every Monday on Apple Podcasts and Soundcloud
