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We’ve recently started emailing podcast recommends to our contacts and friends. Last week, we focused on the Black Lives Matter protests and got a great response, so we’re sharing this as a blog too.
In a year which has already seen a huge amount of change, I feel the protests have given hope to many that this change, this year, is permenant one. I feel like it’s reminded us of how much words matter, and how carefully they need to be chosen. It’s also reminded me that I need to continually educate myself as best I can about perspectives I can never fully understand. We’ve seen how a President’s incendiary words can fan the flames, but we’ve also heard some extraordinarily powerful use of words in radio and audio about race, and racism.
So from our expert team at Fresh Air, here’s our podcast recommendations, with a focus on how to make sense of what’s happening in the US right now, and the everyday experience of black people in the UK. Let us know what you think, and tell us what podcasts are helping you educate yourself.
As recommended by Alex Kenning - our resident International DJ.
“Designed to educate, inspire and celebrate Black fathers, Dope Black Dads is an open and authentic podcast, where fathers come together to discuss their experiences of being black, a parent and masculinity in our modern world.
This is literally no-holds barred. From mental health to politics, from being gay in Jamaica to what Christmas means, from commitment issues to platonic relationships, from what you do on Valentines day to bringing back football during the Lockdown. All discussed in a relatable, warm, and honest way.
I love the realness of this podcast. It’s helped me learn about real issues that the black community face. And for me it adds a huge amount of value to the conversation.”
Izzie Clarke - our science specialist - recommends: “I love this podcast for the honest conversations about race, social justice and US politics, hosted by a team that is incredibly passionate about making a difference. It covers the weekly news, clear and in-depth analysis and interviews into the biggest issues in American society, plus host DeRay Mckesson's (and the team's) enthusiasm for social justice is infectious. I'm sure the tragic death of George Floyd has hit us all this week, whilst I've got so much more to learn, this podcast continuously educates me on the systemic racism throughout society, provides helpful direction to take action but also fills me with a hope for change; Brittany Packnett Cunningham speaking this week about the need for "solidarity and not charity" gave me goosebumps”.
As recommended by Raj Pander, our host of Reality Tea.
In the sixth series of Dissect (one of the geekiest music podcasts out there), Cole Cuchna is joined by new co-host Titi Shodiya to give us in depth analysis of Beyonce's second visual album, Lemonade. Beyonce uses music, visuals and poetry to reflect on the Black experience of living in America. It's an exploration of the historical impact of slavery on Black love. A deeper look at America's history of systemic injustice that affects the structures of the black family, resulting in generational curses which Beyonce reflects upon throughout the album.
This is a deeply personal piece of work, with Beyonce looking to the past in order to heal in the present. Hear how she pays tribute to Trayvon Martin and the Black Lives Matter movement, takes the audience on a journey through the slave castles of West Africa and brings attention to the Tignon laws of 1746 which were put in place to police Black women's hair in America. Titi and Cole even go on to visit the Louisiana Plantations featured in Lemonade. While the podcast usually dissects the lyrics and production of a landmark album, you can also see visuals at the Dissect website.
It was impossible not to be moved by powerful words from Clara Amfo and MistaJam.
There was also 1Xtra Talks Special, where Seani B & DJ Ace addressed racism and police brutality in Britain head-on. The show was honest, enlightening and sometimes difficult to listen to.
We’re proud of two of our brightest prospects, Raj and Pilar, honestly and personally reflecting on the murder of George Floyd in the show we produce for BBC Sounds, Reality Tea.
We’ve also signed up to a pledge across the audio production industry, to make sure we continually improve the chances of people from ethnic minorities to succeed and shine.