Broadcasting Black Fandom: Celebrating the Best Podcasts to Download Now
The Black creators in fandom podcasting that you need to add to your queue!
In the past for Black History Month, we have celebrated Black fandom creators in a variety of online spaces like YouTube and Instagram. Now, we turn our focus to Black creators in the podcasting universe. There are literally thousands of podcasts out there, so finding the ones you love that cater to your unique interests can be a challenge! But there are a subset of podcasts that focus on fandom alone. Since the hosts of these shows are fans themselves, they have the most insightful and entertaining conversations about the shows, books, movies and music they (and their audiences) care most about. We put together a list of some of the best Black fandom podcasters that are in our ears lately!
1. “Bruh Meets World”
They call themselves “the ultimate fancast for Boy Meets World with a melanin point of view.” Hosts Ceej and Tony are superfans of the 90s sitcom, and on their podcast “Bruh Meets World,” they recap every episode with a fresh perspective. They have debates, in-depth conversations of episode moments and characters, and they’re hilarious to boot. They’ve also been featured guests several times on “Pod Meets World,” the recap podcast hosted by former cast members Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong and Will Friedle.
2. “2 Black Girls, 1 Rose”
The long-running TV reality dating show The Bachelor has a bit of a non-diverse past (which is putting it lightly). But in recent years, fans have seen the show make some changes and introduce some more diversity on all sides of the production. It’s hard not to credit some of this change to the podcast “2 Black Girls, 1 Rose.” Named one of the best podcasts by Time Magazine, real life best friends Justine Kay and Natasha Scott-Reichel give a much-needed perspective on the dynamics on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette, especially when it comes to race and how we talk about relationships in American culture. With wit, humor, and insightful commentary, the hosts dissect each episode, offering candid reflections on themes of love, dating, and representation. Beyond recaps and analysis, the podcast fosters a sense of community among its listeners, creating a space where discussions about race, identity, and empowerment intersect with the guilty pleasure of reality television.
3. “3 Black Geeks”
3BG isn’t just a podcast: it’s a whole network. Three friends–CJ, DJ Tsu, & Dee–started “3 Black Geeks,” a movie discussion podcast, on YouTube over a decade ago. Now, they not only have a solid following, but they added more pods to their repertoire to round out their other interests in sports, comic books, video games, and tokusatsu. They also attend and cover all the major fandom conventions: San Diego ComicCon, New York ComicCon, SXSW and more. Their podcasts delve into the latest trends and developments in geekdom while also exploring the intersection of race, identity, and fandom. With a blend of humor, insight, and genuine enthusiasm, the hosts share their perspectives on everything from blockbuster superhero films to niche indie games, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for listeners of all backgrounds.
4. “Well-Read Black Girl”
is the founder of “Well-Read Black Girl” which is a website and a podcast. This “digital literacy platform,” as their site states, celebrates the uniqueness of Black culture with a focus on Black female authors and stories. Edim has created not just a site and podcast, but an entire community complete with a book club, a literary series, and robust social media presence. The podcast features insightful discussions with acclaimed authors, poets, and cultural influencers. Through interviews, book recommendations, and conversations about the craft of writing, the podcast explores themes of identity, representation, and storytelling within the Black community. “Well-Read Black Girl” serves as a vital platform for literary empowerment and cultural appreciation. 5. “Black Girl Film Club”
The “Black Girl Film Club” podcast, started in 2018, is hosted by Britney and Ashley, two film enthusiasts who explore the diverse world of cinema from a black female perspective. With a mix of humor, insight, and critical analysis, the hosts discuss a wide range of films spanning various genres and eras, from Hollywood classics to contemporary releases. Britney and Ashley have engaging discussions that celebrate the achievements of black women in film and examine representation and diversity in the industry. Along the way, they share their personal experiences and connections with the movies they love.
6. “Black Men Can’t Jump [in Hollywood]”
Great things can sometimes come out of a social media argument. The podcast “Black Men Can’t Jump [in Hollywood]” grew out of a debate on Facebook over actor/comedian Martin Lawrence’s performance in Blue Streak. Hosted by Braylock, Jerah Milligan, and James III, this insightful and entertaining podcast tackles the representation of Black actors and characters in Hollywood films. The podcast has been praised by BET, Vulture, Forbes, A.V. Club, Thrillist, Popsugar, and more. The conversations dive deep into a wide range of movies, analyzing their portrayal of race, identity, and culture. With tons of humor, wit, and genuine passion for cinema, the hosts provide thought-provoking commentary and critique while exploring the successes and shortcomings of Hollywood in depicting Black experiences on screen. Whether dissecting blockbuster hits or hidden gems, “Black Men Can’t Jump [in Hollywood]” offers listeners a fresh perspective on the intersection of race and entertainment in the film industry.
7. “TV I Say W/ Ashley Ray”
TV I Say W/ Ashley Ray is a podcast hosted by
, a writer for Vulture and Variety. Ashley digs into everything we are–and aren’t–watching on television and why it matters. Each episode, she has engaging guests on the pod that hail from the pop culture commentary and Hollywood spheres of influence, and really gets into classic tropes, trends, and best moments on screen. Her varied episode topics range from how the director of Jury Duty pulled off the making of a show where its protagonist thought it was all real, to best TV monologues, to what snacks we eat while watching. It’s a delightful mixed bag of content–just like our streaming services provide.What podcasts are you listening to lately? Make sure to tell us in the comments—fans don’t gate-keep from other potential fans!
Want more? Head over to our Discord where you’ll find tons of other fans there chatting in our forums about the TV shows, movies, music, games and books we all love! Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, tumblr, and Spotify for more fandom content—and hit that subscribe button so you never miss a thing at rmrk*st!