February Podcast Roundup: Celebrating Black Voices this Black History Month

As the podcast landscape becomes more diverse, so does its listenership. According to our friends over at Signal Hill Insights, 47% of Black Americans started listening to podcasts in the past year. Meaning, not only is podcasting growing in popularity, but it’s also becoming a space where Black voices are leading the conversation and sharing stories that have long been overlooked.

In honor of Black History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on the creators and storytellers who are making waves in the audio space. From pop culture commentary to navigating mental health, Black podcasters are broadening the scope of what consumers listen to and elevating the voices of marginalized communities. Sponsor stories that matter and invest in shows that elevate Black culture.

Your brand’s involvement can be a catalyst for deeper, more meaningful conversations. Plus, a recent Nielsen study revealed that 73% of Black podcast listeners were able to recall a brand name after ad exposure—proof that podcast ads hit home with audiences who are all ears. Let’s dive in.

The Queen of CON-versation

Don’t open that sketchy email; it’s a scam! But do check out Scam Goddess, a podcast where Laci Mosley schools her listeners on all things fraud, cons, and schemes. Hailing from Dallas, Texas, this multi-talented queen is stealing the spotlight one laugh at a time. Her dedicated audience has been part of the CONgregation since 2019, cultivating a vibrant community and sparking non-stop conversation. In fact, 50% of Black listeners 18 and up say podcasts give them something to discuss with friends and family, which means Laci’s highly engaging content lives on long after the episode wraps. And now, she’s taking things to the next level with a brand-new TV series inspired by her long-running show, taking that same sharp wit and hilarious break downs of historic hoodwinks to the screen. There’s no better time to align your brand with a dynamic, growing listenership that loves to engage, laugh, and stay informed.

Bringing the Drama in Pajamas

Owen Thiele should probably be asleep, but instead, he’s wide awake at 3 a.m., spiraling—and dragging his funniest friends down with him. When he’s not making a cameo in Sabrina Carpenter’s Netflix special, A Nonsense Christmas, or in HBO Max’s Hacks, this self-proclaimed insomniac is turning late-night overthinking into comedy gold on In Your Dreams—uncovering hard-hitting truths, like why he can’t stop thinking about a conversation he had in 2017. His young, diverse, and highly engaged audience tunes in weekly, proving that insomnia is way more fun with company. Which makes sense—one in three Black podcast listeners aged 18-24 never miss an episode of their favorite show. Partner with this rising Unwell star and seamlessly access a highly engaged listenership of the chronically online.

Spillin' Tea, Sippin' Shade

The pop culture tea is pippin’ hot, and The Read is here to spill it all. Whether it’s a hot take on the latest viral moment or dragging your favorite (or least fave) Hollywood stars, Crissle and Kid Fury are coming with the heat—and they’re not holding back. Every episode, these two bring the laughs, the shade, and the out-of-pocket commentary that keeps their loyal fans hooked—for well over 10 years by the way. As unapologetic POC, this duo champions diversity and culture. And with 66% of Black podcast listeners ages 18-34 tuning in to stay on top of all things pop culture, The Read is at the heart of the conversation.

Thirty, Flirty, and Thriving

Trying to figure out life as 30-somethings? You’re not alone. Over one in three Black women say podcasts help them navigate real-world problems, and Keia and Jade are right by their side (and in their ears), offering real talk and the kind of sisterhood that makes you feel seen, heard, and empowered. For advertisers, Gettin’ Grown is the perfect place to show up as a trusted ally in a woman’s journey toward fulfillment and meaningful living. As their predominately Black, female (94%) audience navigates career shifts, relationships, and personal growth, your brand can help shape the choices that impact their day-to-day lives.

To Infinity… And Beyond

Everyone's favorite astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson has set out on a galactic journey through space and time to explore astronomy, physics, and everything else there is to know about life in the universe. In each episode, Neil and his hilarious co-hosts Chuck Nice and Gary O'Reilly provide humorous commentary on all things science (and sometimes sports.). Filled with ferociously curious scholars, the StarTalk audience consists of the most passionate listeners to date. Dive into the world of science and exploration alongside the recipient of 23 honorary doctorates and the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, only on the SiriusXM Podcast Network.

Interested in advertising on one (or all) of these shows? Let’s chat.