Podcasts To Pass The Time

My Eight Favorite Podcast

Podcast have become a more popular medium over the last several years, so naturally everyone has created their own but I must admit I’m enjoying the shift in audio content. Being that I spend majority of my days writing or traveling publicly I basically live with my earbuds in. Trying to drown out the commotion and sometimes when I’m needing a break from music (mostly to avoid being distracted when my jams come on) podcast have been my source of entertainment when a playlist just won't suffice. At times I listen for the laughs, other times to feel part of a larger conversation but as a result of my growing obsession I've acquired a great arsenal of podcasts to engage each of my interest. Often times in discussions I catch myself repeating jokes and recommending shows simply because they are now staples in my personal routine, and for that reason it is now time to pass along some of my favorites. As mentioned earlier, everyone has a podcast and sifting through show after show - one episode at a time- can be exhausting and extremely overwhelming. To help you get started or add something new to your rotation, here are my top eight podcast to crack you up, provide you insight and keep you woke when trying to pass the time.

Disclaimer: This list is in no particular order other than the first being my FAVORITE of all.

THE READ

My all-time favorite podcast, The READ is non-stop laughs! As a long-time follower of one half of the podcast duo, since his YouTube days I transitioned with Kid Fury from video to audio and I'm so happy he hasn't looked back yet. His feisty ‘fuck it’ attitude coupled with Crissles witty and righteous personality makes them the perfect pair of perspectives and you honestly can't ask for better commentary. One thing I truly love about The READ is that you always know what you're going to get. Inconsistency is a major turn-off when I'm looking to become a religious follower of anything and with The Read there are a few components I can always rely on. ONE. A new episode every week - and if there isn't one there's usually forewarning or mutual anger with their fans towards whomever is responsible. TWO. Run of show - other than the occasional mailbag episodes the duo has pinned down signature segments that work for them and showcase their comedic brand of realism week after week. Famous and funny as hell introductions such as Blue Ivy's baby hair and Black Hollywood’s mother Jennifer Lewis, followed by Black Excellence and "Hot Tops plus whatever Kid Fury comes up with off the top of his head" which is their take on twisting up classic and cult titles while dishing the trash news of the week. Listener letters follow, where I usually agree with them telling everyone to just "leave him," and then comes time to close the show with a readddd honey, and that they do effortlessly every single time. THREE. A-List guest - A number of podcasts are centered around interviews and guest fueling their listenership, however The Read has developed a following based mostly on their

organic chemistry, only allowing a handful of guest to join them in their banter. Best believe if there is anyone accompanying them on the podcast it's not only someone we will enjoy but for sure someone they will. After their #epicfail of an interview with Stevie J during the early stages of The Read, I think it's safe to assume they have a strict FUCK NO policy towards interviewing people for the fun of it. Now - I'm going to take a moment to stan for my faves and give them all their things, right here right now, because they truly are worthy and deserve! The success of The Read is really unmatched by any other podcast I'm aware of in the business, being one of the first to take their show on the road to multiple SOLD OUT crowds. I've had the chance to attend a live show and WHOA BABY the lines they attract nationwide are so insane you would think the biggest names in the industry are performing inside. Jay? Bey? Blue? Nope just these two sharing their studio experience and giving us the best that they've got for 120 minutes. As a show and brand, The Read has set great precedent for the possibilities of podcasting but what I respect most about the progression of the show is how both host have leverage the platform to create their individual paths as entertainers and entrepreneurs. Kid Fury, who adapted his Furious Thoughts YouTube videos into a one man stand-up tour, conceptualize and produce several annual holiday events under his personal brand and was recently announced as a season 2 cast member on the Netflix series Dear White People - the glow-up is real - and the course of Crissle's career has been equally elevated as a result of her role on The Read. Beats1 show host, regular appearances on networks like Comedy Central and MTV2, even becoming Emmy nominated for her retelling of Harriet Tubman's time as a union spy during the Civil War on Drunk History, the opportunities continue to roll in and I couldn't be happier for a pair of people I don't know at all. Even with their singular accomplishments and obligations, I look forward to my friends from afar coming together every week to catch me up on the bullshit and read some folks for filth.

EAR HUSTLE

Since I was a kid, long before I had any business partaking in this genre of entertainment, I've always been intrigued by crime stories. Anything dealing with jail, bail and hustler hood tales you can count me in so Ear Hustle happened to be right up my alley. The most unique and authentic approach I've encountered to learning the inner workings of the prison system, overhearing the movement and testimonies of men who are currently surviving their sentences pulls at my heart strings and plays directly to the title of the podcast. An audio education on the livelihood of long and life-time inmates, Ear Hustle is recorded inside and centered around one of the most nationally recognized state prisons, San Quentin located in Marin County, Calif. Every episode gives an in-depth breakdown on how these men endure their multi-year sentences straight from the walls of San Quinn (the nickname the prison has assumed over the span of its existence). Created and hosted by current inmate Earlonne Woods, former gang member serving 31 years-to-life for second degree robbery and Nigel Poor, visual artist who volunteers in the prison -these two go through great lengths to provide this insight, which is

important to note and ultimately what makes this podcast one of my faves. The most powerful quality of Ear Hustle is the candidness amidst the circumstances. Firsthand commentary and conversations about their struggle to record without space, privacy or even the allowance to produce public content at their leisure heightens the premise of the podcast. Throughout the premier season you hear them navigating the facility in search of a place quiet enough to record among the other prisoners, or the mere fact that unlike many content creators (including myself) who can just put out content whenever we want - each episode ends with a message from Lieutenant Sam Robinson who must approve every story before it airs. Basic rights we take for granted stripped by one bad decision, in some cases. Even hearing about the loss of an inmate who was interviewed and featured in a mash-up of responses - in an episode focused around another inmate Rauch (pronounced roach; Season: 1 Episode: Looking Out) who sneaks in and cares for all types of creatures (“pets”) as a way to help him pass his time - the now deceased inmate talked about the animal he wished to be. Real life loss right there in 10 short episodes. Despite the obstacles that Earlonne and Nigel face in their commitment to the podcast they make it work and keep the content consistent. Since Ear Hustle is released in seasons and they've just concluded their first, I'll be waiting patiently for the next while encouraging you to take some time to Ear Hustle.

GETTIN GROWN with JADE & KEIA

Praise the Lord, Niggas! Holy rollers have been said to dislike the tagline but I can't get enough of the ratchet worship to welcome listeners into Gettin' Grown. Yesss GAWD! As an extension of The Read family I knew automatically that I would connect with Jade and Keia, as I would expect from anyone that Kid Fury loves and vouches for and I was reeled in at first introduction. A podcast about adulting and how the hell to keep it together, I would say these women know a little of what The TWENTIES is all about! After the more than warm welcome you get at the open of every show, Mom and entreupr-chef Jade as well as Dr. Keia who coined the hashtag #teamtypingfast gives a few SHOUTOUTS to sistahs and brothas who are out here doing it big and for themselves! Personally patronized and listener submitted business suggestions to keep the monetary power in the community and recognizing those excelling in their melanin -

they make sure to let us in the loop of who's "popping right now likeeee" (cue the Hennessy snippet - when you listen to the podcast you'll understand the reference). A positive start to an otherwise ratchet good time, the rest of the show is pure jokes. Time to sit around the kitchen table y'all and all my women in the whole wide world know exactly what that means - it's time to talk our shit! Talking shit with gettin' grown can range from uplifting conversations about identifying and eradicating unhealthy relationships in our adulthood to dragging whatever celebrity is stirring up controversy at the time, the kitchen table is an open forum for the bs and they always come with a snack! I connect mostly with the sisterhood these two share over the recording of their episodes - where Keia is barely putting up with Jade as she sings loudly in her ear throughout the show but Jade loves on her anyway to the point of sibling-like annoyance. Let's just say it's the type of friendship I'm very familiar with, it may just be a girl thing. The rest of the show is a healthy mixture of self-care discussions, entertaining tangents and again you can always can count on someone breaking out into song at some point (one of my favorite things). They conclude every episode with a PETTY PEEVE, that most times I can relate to and a well wish to keep your black in tact, which is a ministry I can always be a part of!

OPRAH'S Super Soul Conversations

Just when you thought the days of Oprah interviewing the most prominent names across every industry possible was over, gotcha bitch, Oprah found a whole new platform to drop bars on us. Oprah's Super Soul Conversations is a podcast I so desperately need in today's America to feed me spiritually and encourage my belief. As you can only expect from the Queen of content and conversation each episode is a sit-down with some of the most incredible guest ready to get your life together and I'm grateful for the free guidance. In the past month she's produced 10 episodes about love, triumph, spiritual excellence and self-realization and that's just 30 days! We all know Oprah only speaks with the greatest in the game so of course her list of guest is like the private party of elites you can only imagine has happened but you'll never heard about and could only

hope to be invited to - that billion dollars on the elevator swag. The Zen Master, Phil Jackson, who New Yorkers may hate right now but has garnered great respect in the sport of basketball; author of best-selling book, "The Untethered Soul," Michael Singer; and the couple that makes me question all of my decisions DeVon Franklin and Meagan Good talking about a love I can only hope for - just a slew of amazing and inspiring people. The most impactful in recent episodes was her conversation with the parents of Ben Wheeler, 6-year-old boy killed amongst the 20 children and six adults murdered at Sandy Hook Elementary School. David and Francine, so strong and articulate about everything involving the tragedy; the events leading up, how they remember their young son, how they continue to survive as a family. In the 33 minutes of hearing their sorrow my worries felt so insignificant. All I could do was listen and draw from their ability to forgive and persevere with such great loss. What excuse do I have? Non-stop heat! The most amazing part is that Oprah - OPRAH out of all people - drops at least two episodes a week so until she gets tired, bored or ready to take on the world in whole new way, we still have a small piece of the DAYTIME DON we know, love and miss.

BODEGA BOYS

From their most recent episode 86: Audio Intervention, I would be remiss if I started this post any other way and I hope I get these right with some help from fellow #bodegahive members on Reddit. *Clears throat* First there's your guy Desus Nice aka Desus Vice aka Young Chipotle aka Pockets stay fat like Terrio, Kristap Por-sling-dick, Eli Litby, Boutros Boutros Gully, Slobodan Might-know-your-bitch, Young Day Party, Young Hot Take, Desus H. Fuego, Mr. Nando with a rando, Mil Novecientos Noventa Y Cuatro, Mikhail Goin-Off, The Jourvet Boss, MC Likkle Gungo Pea, Pullin up for forty with your shorty, aka Don't talk to me in the Uberpool I don't know you, The original plus one got a plus one so don't make a fuss son, Desus Rothstein the Jamaican Jew, Jermaine Avocado Toast, Young Paaaa, The Ghost of Mufasa, Young Charcuterie without the coonery aka Chile Limon the left handed reliever for the Yankees (Que lo que?), Vice-K Mutsuzaka, 3 phone Jones, Desus Machina, Jay Chuckles, Stanley Cup, The Human Dr. Bronner's label (Dilute! Dilute! Dilute!), Dionardo DiTrappio, Mr. 240p cause I like my pino blurry, DJ Woolite you're now listening to washed FM, The Curried G.O.A.T., Desus Spicer, Jamal Hashburn, The Bronx Celine Dionne, Wray and Nephew's Nephew, The Merno you can't contain-o, The Human meme word to Ja, Young Erewhon, The racist provocateur, Henrick Bud-qvist, Nelson Bangdela, Sergio Can't-see-me, Vladimir Boofin, The Human Werther's melting in your mouth, Mr. BECKS on Deckington, Rikki Tikki Squad-bi, Greg Paaapovich, Morris Say-it-with-your Chestnut, The Fashinova Casanova, Mr. Shopping at StreetEasy with a bad breezy like Yeezy please believe me, The Black Asiatic who will crack your back like an automatic craftmatic, Mr. LaMarina is mesh marina with a fresh misdemeanor and a cold demeanor, Your problematic bae MUUAAHHHH. That's only half of the intros - there's also the Kid Mero!

*Takes a deep breath* AKA The Human Durag Flap aka Donovan McDabb, aka Curve Gotti, aka TRIZZZ KHALIFA, aka SKRRTTT Loader, aka James St. Fatdick - i'll ghost on your shorty, aka "I ain't no baby, I fuckin man," aka Check the fucking guest list again my name is definitely on there and no i'm not stepping to the fucking side, Da-Da-Da Dad of the Year, aka Been-smacked Biyombo, Feel-da-ass Tyson, aka Light-an-L Messi, Tom Brazy your shorty got my balls type deflated, aka The Dominican Don Dada, aka Barlos Santana, aka Dick-in-your-bae Matumbo, aka Ben Barson my hands are gifted i'll replace your cerebral cortex with a Youtube channel of a Philippino woman opening toys now you have extremely high viewership (or whatever other wacky shit Ben Barson is capable of doing that week), Light-an-L Dutch - Hello is it weed you're looking for I can see it in your eyes that your broke ass aint got $5, aka I'll open your fuckin medicine cabinet so hide the benzos cause it's the Xandman (followed by some latin ass skatting), aka Rico Sabroso, aka Baby Newport, aka Xaniel Bedingfield - I gotta get some sticks, I gotta get some sticks, aka Nino Brown - shut the Carter down, aka East Treemont Stevie B - I want to be the one your Titi's fucking, aka Barmelo Xanthony BANG! SWISH!, The Plaintain Supernova in the sky - one day you will find me smoking weed on Treemont in a Mazi listening to Lil Pump (another weekly adlib), If you see me in Target respect my agency and don't ask me about the contents of my under carriage approach me like a fucking bear (followed by several seconds of Dominican slang I can't understand). Just like the podcast, their hilarious introductions filled with a growing list of alias has taken up a good portion of the this post but it wouldn't be the same with out it. The chemistry is so organic between the two Bronx born personalities; there is no script, no objective, no expectations other than laughs and lots of BX references. Because the #brandisstrong Desus and Mero have gone on to secure "the #1" late night show on Viceland full of illustrious guest, voice over work in the Netflix anime Neoyokio and a long list of bad ass appearances and endorsements but they always find time to drop the audio art once a week for the hive! Salute!

CROOKED MEDIA

Unlike every other podcast I've recognized throughout this post, I felt it necessary to bring attention to the entire Crooked Media network because there are several shows I listen to for enlightenment. Founded by three former White House staffers under the Obama administration; Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett and Tommy Vietor, Crooked Media is a hub for digestible updates about politics and world news. I've had a little listen to each of the podcast featured on the network, but I have to highlight specifically a trio of shows that satisfy my need to stay informed without having to commit my time to the 24 hr news cycle. PODS THAT SAVE as I like to call the collective; Pod Save America, Pod Save The People and Pod Save The World gives a well rounded perspective on the happenings around the world that potentially and actively effect our existence as "Americans." My favorite of them all of course is Pod Save the People because like Issa Rae "I'm rooting for everybody black." I'll come right back to DeRay and the squad but what I love most about the trifecta of news platforms is between them all you get a full understanding of everything you need to know, culturally, nationally, and globally from just about every type of person's point of view. That was one hell of a run on sentence and I'm not sure that it makes a whole lot of sense, but the bottom line

is that the reality of humanity is exposed and examined from all angles on this platform, which I truly appreciate. Now, Pod Save the People is the black lives matter news outlet we all need while surviving in America, let alone Tangerine Dump's America. I must admit I've never been a faithful news watcher, hell about a week ago I was getting all of my news from Twitter (just kidding: it's been a little longer than that) but with the current state of things I feel a duty to stay up to date on what's happening around me. Especially when disaster is taking place at such a rapid rate it's important to stay as informed and unproblematic as I can be. If my only option was television news, I'd be so led astray and ran amok I wouldn't know the difference between a white supremacist and those "nice people" carrying tiki torches (joke: there isn't one). DeRay McKesson, who has served so bravely as a voice and warrior for the black lives movement forging forward during this crucial time, it's refreshing to have a way to identify with his personable side outside of media's many depictions of his purpose and personality. Besides “breaking it down so it will forever be broken,” as Savon's character so eloquently put it in the classic film Love Jones, DeRay laughs a lot and throws some much needed shade that I can always appreciate. Leading with the must know news in policy and politics accompanied by Brittany, Sam and Clint, DeRay also ask the hard questions to insightful friends of the podcast who contribute to the conversations and greatly to movement in government. I walk away from each listen of this podcast feeling challenged to stay informed and most importantly WOKE and that’s what I believe is the mission. WELL DONE!

GUYS WE F#@$!D

In a world full of misogyny and judgement towards women and their sexual activity, the anti-slut shaming podcast is definitely a breath of fresh air. Brutal honesty, Guys We Fucked came into my life during a short and safe hoe phase in my mid-twenties, so a space that was sex positive and judgement-free peeked my interest from the beginning, but the quality of conversation ended up being a lot deeper than I even expected. Now that I'm a little older and making better decisions in my love life altogether I can appreciate the outlet this podcast gave me when I was looking to validate my sexual freedom; but as we’ve all grown the content of the show as an extension of the host has matured as well. We’re all safely on the other side of hoeing! As a longtime listener I can vouch that the show really started off centered around guys they fucked. Actual men they had sexual relations with, even as recent as weeks within recording, would come on the podcast and be interviewed by the two host and there was little off limits. The comedy and candor the podcast duo; Corinne

Fisher and Krystyna Hutchinson shares over topics as extreme as rape culture to silly shit like outie vagina appreciation is the glue that made it all stick for me and I've been listening ever since. You can tell that the host are not just a working duo but genuine friends that care for one another as they sometimes discuss and work through some very personal issues in their lives. Both now in serious relationship they share all the intimate details of their relationships from their bedrooms to dates at swinger clubs, Krystyna shares openly the complex relationship she has with her mother who suffers severely from depression and is persevering through her mental illness everyday. She's definitely had a few tear jerking moments on the pod, and Corinne is always there to grab her up by the neck out of sorrow in the way only Corinne's sort of realistic sympathy can. It's been a joy for me witnessing from a distance their growth as brand together and as separate entities; hosting several of their own well-attended weekly comedy shows, producing live Guys We Fucked experiences and even publishing a book together; F*cked: Being Sexually Explorative and Self-Confident in a World That's Screwed. I’m SO proud of these girls and once I join them in the published author arena I hope to be invited to talk and recap all the fucking that's taken place in my TWENTIES! I’m not sure who has who beat!

THE FRIENDZONE

The Friend zone, the friend zone! There's a jingle that plays in my head when I say The Friend zone title and I'm not quite sure where it came from. Update: It’s the Chapelle Show jingle Hey Assante, What up doe Dustin Ross, Hey Fran Hey! The friends every millennial needs in their zone to keep their lives and outlooks fresh and replenished, because as they would say "who in the hell wants a musty brain?" For whatever it's worth, I sure don't. Another member of the Loudspeaker Network and extension of The Read family, it's almost effortless for me to appreciate the people that are introduced from Kid Fury's circle of friends and it was no different with The Friendzone host and podcast. If you've followed The Read from it's inception, you know Dustin and Assante for making appearances throughout their episodes and at their live shows, facilitating conversation and just hanging around being funny and full of energy - it was natural for them to branch off into similar territory. Once it was confirmed that they would be getting their own show like many others, I expected another version of The Read, pop-culture mixed with lots of shade and ratchetness, all of which I would've signed up for but was pleasantly surprised with the content I got instead. Teamed with Francheska Medina (@heyfranhey),

who had already created her brand as an all-natural guru and YouTube personality, the trio brought together their powers to form a unique and necessary concept to audio content. A podcast dedicated to building up black business and assisting in the journey towards better self-care, many segments of this show engage important aspects of my personal growth and fulfillment. Dustin and Assante's off the dome freestyles at the beginning of every single episode inspires me to not take myself too serious and have spontaneous fun as often as I can, the black business suggestions encourage me to make a greater investment in the dreams of my community and Fran's wellness segments has me writing more and stressing less these days - which have all contributed in their own way to enriching my day-to-day. Not to be misleading, there has been fuckery since Day 1 - Dustin and Assante can't quite help themselves - and over time they've found a way to incorporate fun segments that highlight the hilarious commentary we know and love from both guys. Mr. Music Man with Assante discussing what's new in music and what popping on his monthly playlist pledge on Spotify and Dustin's play-by-play breakdown of the happenings of TV Land from Mona-Scott's trash productions to quality scripted television like Queen Sugar gives followers who transitioned with them from The Read a small dose of what we were looking for in the first place. The Friend Zone is 100 plus episodes in to providing a safe space for laughs and lessons on how to love on ourselves while staying black and protecting our magic!

Kirsten LewisOctober 27, 2017