Author: Melissa Walker — **Author:** Melissa Walker

Black culture is rich and diverse. From the hood to a black-tie event, many different aspects of Black life make up our experience. And as we know, when it comes to media representation, the Black community is often left out or misrepresented. So I’m highlighting seven podcasts that’ll leave you feeling revived and refreshed. These podcasts feature topics such as relationships, religion, motherhood, mental health, and more -- all things that can help you live your best life! And the best part, these podcasts are by and for the black community.

1. Here’s The Thing - w/ KevOnStage and That Chick Angel

What happens when you put two comedians with a church upbringing together? Pure gut-wrenching laughter! Kevin Fredricks and Angel Tanksley have partnered up to give us a dose or two of laughter to get us through the week, while they interpret today’s pop culture and their personal lives through the lens of Christian folks. Their witty commentary and well-planned transitions will leave you chuckling every time.

So if you were raised in the church or frequently attend a Black church now, this podcast will leave you wanting more.

2. The Hats Podcast - w/ Melissa Dumaz and Kerri Harper-Howie

Everyone knows that even the most successful and well-balanced people wear many hats in their lives. That’s why Kerri Harper-Howie (a business owner) and Melissa Dumaz (licensed therapist) created this show to share stories about how they balance all of these different roles with grace and style! From their insights, listeners will get tips on everything they need to know for maintaining a healthy life at home, work, or anywhere else they go in between.

So if you wear many hats -- a mom, friend, entrepreneur, traveler, fashionista -- you get the point, this is for you. I promise you there’s something new to learn every time.

3. Black Moms Chat Podcast - w/ Schnelle Acevedo and Adanna Dill

If you are a momma-bear, momma-bear-to-be, or you're thinking about it, then this podcast was made for your ears. These two Black bloggers turned mommas have picked up their microphones and gone live with what it's like to be raising children as Black moms today. Through their personal experiences and those voiced by their guests, they share their thoughts on topics ranging from motherhood challenges to family life. One thing is for sure, there will be new insight gained about parenting no matter where you’re at in your mommy journey.

4. Amerikan Therapy Podcast - w/ Sasha Nicole, Starr Barbour & Dr. Tanya Royster

Black Mental Health has been at the forefront of Black American lives for the last few years. While fighting to make our voices heard, we realized that there weren't enough outlets to teach the Black community that mental health is wealth. Enter the Amerikan Therapy Podcast. This podcast is where relatable talk meets down-to-earth licensed clinical muscle! The hosts explore topics related specifically or broadly associated with being African American & living inside this body during these times.

That includes but isn’t limited to political, social issues, personal interest stories, and examining taboo areas such as depression and anxiety. The goal is not just for you to walk away with knowledge on how to overcome these struggles, but also an understanding as well as empathy towards those who have been there before us.

5. The Bald and the Beautiful Podcast - w/ the Fredrick’s & the Tanksley’s

If you’re an avid podcast listener and you’re not listening to at least one of KevOnStage Studio’s podcasts, you’re missing out. This podcast is hosted by Kevin and Melissa Fredricks and Angel and Marcus Tanksley. They embark on the journey of discussing everything on the Lifetime hit show, Married at First Sight. They share their two cents, interview previous and current cast members and the relationship experts from the show.

If you love Married and First Sight and like keeping up-to-date with what’s going on in the show, this is the podcast you need to download today.

6. The Socialites Podcast - w/ Jasmin Williams & Ashley Garth

The last few years have been tough for many people in the workforce, especially the millennial generation who has had to deal with unemployment, overworking, underpayment, and other forms of economic hardship that their parents often didn't face. Jasmin, a Broker and the owner of Designer Agents Realty, and Ashley, owner of Garth Media, were not exceptions to that misfortune. They found themselves poorly compensated and disappointed in their corporate jobs and quit in 2016 to venture out independently.

On their podcast, the Socialites, they discuss how they use social media platforms to create real relationships that can be sustained through their businesses. The mission for both Jamin and Ashley is to inspire others to build partnerships and become prominent resources for like-minded individuals. This podcast is beneficial for anyone thinking about taking on the journey of entrepreneurship.

7. The REALationship Podcast - w/ Devon Still & Asha Still

On their podcast, Devon and Asha discuss the realities of relationships, their marriage, blended families, toxic relationships, and even infidelity. No stranger to adversity, the former NFL player and his wife leave no pages unturned about things that have impacted their relationship.

Their perspective is honest, raw, and more transparent than most would like to admit. They showcase that relationship goals are more than what you post on Instagram -- it’s about what happens behind closed doors.

Through the lens of a millennial couple, this podcast aims to inspire and strengthen relationships one episode at a time.

The media landscape is changing, and these changes have to do with how we are being represented. As the world becomes more diverse, so does its content, and in this new digital age, it’s becoming easier for marginalized communities to find their own stories worth telling. We’ve had many conversations about representation in the media, and while some great strides are being made to include more Black voices in mainstream media outlets, we can't forget that our community has many other stories worth telling. Some of these podcasts and their hosts may be new to you--and even if they're not novelties, these shows will still make your day better. Have you listened to any of them? What did you think?

7 Feel Good Podcasts to Uplift your Spirits