It will always help you to be better in your library work when you work to understand other people’s lives and perspectives. During African American history month, it is a good time to reach out to some podcasts that can give you perspectives on different lives of African Americans. Reaching out for ideas, for information, and for new ways of thinking will always help you to provide the best service to your community members!

Do you have some other interesting podcasts to share? Tell us in the comments!

• • • Two Dope Queens:  “Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams are funny. They’re black. They’re BFFs. And they host a live comedy show in Brooklyn. Join the 2 Dope Queens, along with their favorite comedians, for stories about sex, romance, race, hair journeys, living in New York, and Billy Joel. Plus a whole bunch of other s**t.”
    • Code Switch: “Ever find yourself in a conversation about race and identity where you just get…stuck? Code Switch can help. We’re all journalists of color, and this isn’t just the work we do. It’s the lives we lead. Sometimes, we’ll make you laugh. Other times, you’ll get uncomfortable. But we’ll always be unflinchingly honest and empathetic. Come mix it up with us.
    • Culture Kings: “Culture Kings is a show for the culture, by the culture and about the culture. Who’s the culture? Well, black people, but also just people. Each week, comedians Jacquis Neal, Edgar Momplaisir and Carl Tart dive into topics ranging from sports and music to what’s the best way to eat a taco? (Head straight up or askew) WE DO IT FOR THE CULTURE!”
    • Ear Hustle: “Ear Hustle brings you stories of life inside prison, shared and produced by those living it. The podcast is a partnership between Earlonne Woods and Antwan Williams, currently incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison, and Nigel Poor, a Bay Area artist. The team works in San Quentin’s media lab to produce stories that are sometimes difficult, often funny, and always honest, offering a nuanced view of people living within the American prison system.” (This is not strictly an African American focused podcast; but the people curating it, and many of their guests, discuss African American issues.)
    • Lift Every Voice: “Lift Every Voice is dedicated to shining a light on overlooked issues of injustice and inequality and sharing inspiring stories of change. U.S. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey will talk with grassroots activists, stakeholders, and organizers who are overcoming injustices and making positive change in their communities.” (Again, not strictly African American; but Senator Booker is not only African American himself, and is talking to several other people sharing ideas and experiences.)
    • The Nod: “Brittany Luse and Eric Eddings gleefully explore all the beautiful, complicated dimensions of Black life.”
    • Represent (Slate): “Represent is a space for discussion, highlighting movies, TV, and online shows created by and/or about women, people of color, people with disabilities, and those in the LGBTQ community.”
    • Sooo Many White guys: “Phoebe Robinson is tired of being the token black woman in an ocean of white dude comedians. So in this podcast, Phoebe’s calling the shots. She’ll host intimate, funny and super honest conversations with musicians, actors, writers and comedians who are killing it in their fields–AND who aren’t white dudes! Stay tuned for the one token white guy (it’s only fair), cameos by Phoebe’s ball-busting executive producer Ilana Glazer, and a whole lot of hijinks.”
    • Still Processing: “A culture conversation with Wesley Morris and Jenna Wortham.”