At this juncture, I have a deep and abiding love for podcasts. I listen to them most mornings as a part of my morning routine. Here is a list of my favorites of the year in no particular order some of which I faithfully listen to each week and some of which I check in on when a topic or guest catches my eye. Some pods have been long time favorites but a couple are newer to my ever-growing subscription list. My interests can be gleaned pretty easily from this list: wellness, friendship, self-care, progressive politics, beauty, and lifestyle topics from a WOC/ Black women perspective. 

FREQUENT LISTENS 

Hey Girl by Alex Elle

Description: "hey, girl. is a podcast that unites the voices of phenomenal women near and far. Created with sisterhood and storytelling in mind, author Alex Elle sits down with people who inspire her. From friends to family members and strangers, the hey, girl. guests give us a peak into their stories through candid and intimate conversations."

Notable Episode: Bee on Stepping into Vulnerability  was a very insightful episode that is a must-listen

The Friend Zone

Description: “Listen along every Wednesday as Dustin Ross, HeyFranHey & Assante explore mental health, mental wealth and mental hygiene, because who in the hell wants a musty brain?”

Notable Episode: Another show that is hard to choose just one favorite of the year, but Keep That Same Energy - Featuring Maryam Hasnaa was a recent favorite.

Still Processing

Description: “Step inside the confession booth of Wesley Morris and Jenna Wortham, two culture writers for The New York Times. They devour TV, movies, art, music and the internet to find the things that move them — to tears, awe and anger. Still Processing is where they try to understand the pleasures and pathologies of America in 2018.”

Notable Episode: So many good episodes, but one that I recall as a favorite among many was: We Heard Lauryn Hill, But Did We Listen?

Thirst Aid Kit

Description: “Lust is a feeling. Thirst is the performance of that feeling. Join Bim Adewunmi and Nichole Perkins as they explore the public ways women express their desire, particularly in this moment when we are all asking more pointed questions about Hollywood, representation, and opportunity. Examine why we desire who we desire through conversation, original fanfic, and fantasies that take us by surprise...like a lion would a gazelle.”

Notable Episode: I can't pick just one! Just choose an episode and listen to the hosts dish about why they lust after our favorite celebrity crushes. 

Forever 35

Description: “Which night creams will make you look well-rested, how long can you really last on Whole30, can emptying your closet actually bring you joy, and is the Hanacure mask really just intended to get you to post an unflattering photo of your face mid-mask on Instagram? These are the kinds of self-care questions that wellness addicts and writers Kate Spencer and Doree Shafrir discuss each week, along with a special guest.”

Notable Episode: Bath of Least Resistance with author Jasmine Guillory was a favorite episode altough I enjoyed so many of them over the course of the year

Call Your Girlfriend

Description: “Call Your Girlfriend is a podcast for long-distance besties everywhere co-hosted by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman, and produced by Gina Delvac. Every week, Aminatou and Ann call each other to discuss the intricacies of pop culture and the latest in politics. We’re highbrow and lowbrow, fiercely opinionated, and not afraid to realtalk each other about everything from menstrual cycles and body shaming to the Cheeto in Chief and workplace drama with devastating wit …We’re here for every facet of women’s humanity.”

Notable Episode: This is a super long time favorite podcast, so I don't miss an episode, but a recent favorite would be: Post Mid-term Decompression

Small Doses by Amanda Seales

Description: “Your favorite truth teller, comedian, Amanda Seales, is dropping gems with, “Small Doses,” a weekly podcast that brings you potent truths for everyday use.”

Notable Episode: The Side Effects of Travel Featuring Demetria Lucas  was a favorite because I adore them both.

Naked Beauty

Description: “Unfiltered talk about beauty trends, tips, and products, hosted by Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli, with the girls who get it.”

Notable Episode: I love every episode and learn so much from all of Brooke’s guests, but the Self-healing & Minding your Business Ft. Aala episode is a recent stand-out.

Balanced Black Girl

Description: “Putting black girl magic in motion, the Balanced Black Girl Podcast provides a dose of real-life wellness for women of color. Join host Lestraundra Alfred and guests for candid conversations about health, happiness, and life. This show aims to reimagine wellness and self-care to make them feel real and approachable for all.”

Notable Episode:

NOTABLE MENTIONS 

Because I can't listen to podcasts 24/7, I don't listen to these everyday but check in from time to time. 

• Food Heaven Podcast

• The Nod

• Revisionist History

• Lovett or Leave It

• Brown Ambition

• Black Girl in Om

• Rants & Randomness by Luvvie 

• 2 Dope Queens