Jun 3, 2020
Black Lives Matter. Black voices matter.
By Veronika Taylor, Director of Content, US
Now is not a time for silence, and Acast will continue to seek out, amplify and support Black voices. We all need to listen, and we all need to learn — today, tomorrow, and beyond.
I’ve been speaking to Acast people from all around the world over the past difficult days, and wanted to share some of their recommendations — powerful stories from Black voices and those that are shining a light on them. These are podcasts they feel have had an impact on them, have helped educate them, or have comforted them — whether hosted by us, or our partners around the industry.
We’ll keep adding to this post with more recommendations, and would love to hear yours. Just add your thoughts in the comments below.
We hear you. We see you. And we support you.
A podcast from NPR that tackles racism head-on, featuring wide-reaching conversations about race and identity with a range of voices.
About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge
Reni Eddo-Lodge — author of the bestselling book Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race — brings together key voices from anti-racist activism to continue the conversation in podcast form.
A podcast telling the story of how slavery transformed every facet of America Hosted by Nikole Hannah-Jones, it was launched to mark the 400th anniversary of the first slave ship from Africa arriving in the English colony of Virginia.
VENT documentaries by Vice (episode 6: Outnumbered By White People)
Stories from young people living in London boroughs. This episode focuses on Amelia, who moved from Brent to Surrey and found herself outnumbered by white people for the first time. She looks at how the whiteness of big institutions like universities impacts the education and career paths of people of colour.
Joseph Solomon and his guests thoughtfully and vulnerably travel through faith, relationships, race, sexuality, mental health, culture, and science — via storytelling, poetry, and conversation.
Toure Show (episode 76: The Central Park 5 — We Are Free)
Toure interviews Dr. Yusef Salaam and Raymond Santana — two of the Central Park 5, who lost their freedom and their dignity before finally being exonerated.
How can oppressed parents raise free children? In each episode, host Noleca Radway holds courageous conversations with real parents.
It’s Been a Minute, with Sam Sanders
NPR correspondent Sam Sanders tries to make sense of the world by interviewing people who deserve your attention.
Small Doses, with Amanda Seales
Comedian Amanda Seales brings you potent truths for everyday use and explores the ‘side effects’ of, well, everything.
Have You Heard George’s Podcast? (episode 9: Sabrina’s Boy)
In this episode of his award-winning podcast, George the Poet reflects on the role of trauma in black art.
In The Thick, with Maria and Julio (episode 299: ITT Sound Off: We’re Not Okay)
Set against a backdrop of growing protests in Minneapolis and across the US, Maria and Julio focus on anti-black racism and violent policing — and how white supremacy shows up in daily life. While not black voices themselves, the journalists offer an essential perspective on current issues.
All The S**t I’ve Learned Abroad (episode: BLM and Travel feat. T-Boz of TLC)
For the month of June, the podcast is elevating the voices of others — with Steph and Andrea interviewing black artists, entrepreneurs and travellers they’ve known for years. In this episode, T-Boz talks all things Black Lives Matter, and the racial issues she has personally encountered growing up in the USA and while travelling around the world as part of the music industry.
The Tub Hub (episode 4: Is Education the Cure for Everything?)
Cory and Harry Jameson look at diversity in the fitness industry and beyond, and how real change can happen.
Culture Call (episode: Slave Play Author Jeremy O Harris)
Playwright Jeremy O Harris discusses his Broadway sensation Slave Play, and his autobiographical “Daddy” — delving into how black art is re-packaged by white institutions, how black and white audiences respond differently to his work, and how to make theatre more accessible.
Slay In Your Lane: The Podcast (episode: #BlackLivesMatter All Day Everyday)
Yomi and Elizabeth discuss how brands and social media have reacted to the death of George Floyd, and how to look after your own mental wellbeing.
The Take, by Al Jazeera (episode: Voices from the US protests)
The hosts seek to understand the Black Lives Matter protests in more detail, speaking to author and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib — and a woman in Washington DC who unexpectedly faced the police at her doorstep.
Getting Curious, with Jonathan Van Ness (episode: How can District Attorneys help fight police brutality? With DA Rachael Rollins)
Jonathan is joined by Suffolk Country District Attorney Rachael Rollins, the first woman of color to serve as a DA in Massachusetts. They discuss the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and other victims of police violence — and the role DAs can play in police reform.
This American Life (episode 707: We Are in the Future)
The show discusses Afrofuturism — a fantastic and hopeful way of looking at black culture during a time of little optimism.
Stories of our Times (episode: Riots, protests and a US election year)
The Times’ US editor, David Charter, is joined by Kailee Scales, Managing Director of the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation. They examine President Trump’s reaction to the demonstrations, and how previous US leaders have responded in similar circumstances.
Today in Focus (episode: Looking back on the protests that have shaken America)
Kenya Evelyn, Guardian US reporter, looks at how the protests that started in Minneapolis spread across the rest of America — and the rest of the world.
The High Low (episode: Anti-Racism Resources & An Author Special with Candice Brathwaite)
A look at the resources that can help educate ourselves on racism. Plus, an interview with Candice Brathwaite, creator of Make Motherhood Diverse, about her new book I Am Not Your Baby Mother.
Katherine Ryan: Telling Everybody Everything (episode: Get Less Dumb)
Katherine Ryan talks about accepting criticism without becoming defensive, when it comes to white privilege and acknowledging that racism persists.
History Becomes Her (episode: gal-dem’s Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff and Leah Cowan on Windrush women and Britain’s Black Power movement)
Gal-dem’s Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff and Leah Cowan discuss their book “I Will Not be Erased”: Our Stories about Growing Up as People of Colour and their personal experiences of erasure. They also explore the forgotten women of the Windrush generation, and women’s role in Britain’s Black Power movement.
Witness History (episode: The first self-made female millionaire)
Learn more about Madam C J Walker, who was born to former slaves in the US and went on to become the first self-made female millionaire by selling black haircare products. Claire Bowes speaks to great great granddaughter A’Lelia Bundles.
Growing up with gal-dem (episode 4: Rejecting heteronormativity in queer relationships with Naeem Davis)
The hosts meet Naeem Davis, cultural curator and founder of the Black queer art and DJ collective, BBZ. They discuss the LGBTQI+ spaces that helped shape their identity growing up, and how they were inspired to curate spaces that were even more inclusive.
Feminists Don’t Wear Pink, with Scarlett Curtis (episode 6: Munroe Bergdorf)
Recorded live at the Dance House Theatre in Manchester, Scarlett interviews Munroe Bergdorf — the first transgender model in the UK. They talk about inclusive feminism, the importance of the three ‘S’s of self-care, and being an activist.
Homo Sapiens (episode: Lady Phyll)
Lady Phyll, co-founder of UK Black Pride, tells the story of how they came to be, racism on Grindr, and how more than 200 black lesbians ended up in Southend-On-Sea.
