The Rise of Podcasts Hosted by Women of Color

From a young age, podcasts and radio have been integral to how many consume information and entertainment. The accessibility of podcasting has created a level playing field for content creators, though representation remains an ongoing conversation. This article highlights several podcasts hosted by women of color, offering diverse perspectives on culture, leadership, wellness, and more.

Culture Capital

Launched in March 2026, Culture Capital delves into corporate culture, leadership, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Hosted by human rights lawyer and corporate advisor Prabha Nandagopal and Mundanara Bayles, CEO of BlackCard and host of the Black Magic Woman podcast, the podcast aims to move beyond public relations narratives and focus on lived experiences, particularly from First Nations and underrepresented voices.

Mundanara Bayles emphasizes the increasing importance of respect and inclusion, stating they are now “legal requirements and baseline expectations.” The podcast seeks to provide a space for leaders to share authentic stories about courage, accountability, and areas for improvement.

As part of the BlakCast podcast network and now with iHeartRadio, Culture Capital features 25-minute episodes with guests including politician Linda Burney and Jacqui Kernot, Vice President at Thales Group.

Served With Rice

Served With Rice, launched in January of this year, uniquely combines storytelling with food to explore themes of identity, memory, and culture. Hosted by Aotearoa-based Asian writer and editor Jackie Lee Morrison, and Australian Asian authors Emma Pei Yin (When Sleeping Women Wake) and Jacquie Pham (Those Opulent Days), the podcast advocates for authentic representation of writers of color, moving beyond tokenism.

The first season includes conversations with authors Tigest Girma, Chris Tse, Angie Faye Martin, Natalia Figuera Barrosso, Khadro Mohamed, Jane Yang and Damien Levi (Āporo Press). Each episode similarly features a dish created by host Jackie Morrison, a former professional chef. Morrison notes that food provides a natural setting for dialogue and shared cultural experiences.

Locatora Radio

Locatora Radio was founded in 2016 by Mala Muñoz and Diosa Femme, who noticed a lack of representation in discussions around feminism, politics, and sexual health and wellness. Picked up by iHeartRadio in 2022, the podcast continues to break down pop culture, current events, and feminism through insightful interviews with Latinx creatives and artists.

IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson

IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson offers a relatable and personal glance at Michelle Obama’s perspective, alongside her brother Craig Robinson, as they address listeners’ dilemmas. The podcast features weekly episodes with special guests, offering advice on topics such as dating, parenting, and financial planning. Guests in early 2026 have included Halle Bailey and Regina King.

We Used To Be Journos

Launched in 2025 by Aussie journalists Antoinette Lattouf and Jan Fran, We Used To Be Journos, part of Ette Media, dissects news coverage, media commentary, and online discourse. The podcast emphasizes the importance of factual accuracy and fairness in media analysis. Jan Fran has stated the importance of ensuring Ette Media’s analysis is “iron-clad” and “fair.”

Black Girl Diagnosed

Black Girl Diagnosed, hosted by Ayanna Sanaa Davis, centers on intersectionality, advocating for Black women, autism awareness, and asexual visibility. The podcast amplifies the voices of Black women navigating neurodivergence, disability, and mental health, fostering a strong sense of community among listeners.

Culture Club

Hosted by Maggie Zhou and Jasmine Wallis, Culture Club dives into internet trends and pop culture, offering accessible and entertaining analysis for a younger audience. After five years, the podcast continues to evolve with digital trends.

Access Granted

Access Granted, hosted by Lowanna Grant, features interviews with influential figures, exploring stories of resilience, representation, and ambition. Grant, a Wiradjuri and Western Arrernte woman, emphasizes the importance of storytelling and sharing knowledge.

Ladies, We Require To Talk

Ladies, We Need To Talk, hosted by Yumi Stynes, provides a non-judgmental space for discussions on women’s health and relationship issues, combining expert insights with personal stories.

Wrong Turns with Jameela Jamil

Wrong Turns with Jameela Jamil, hosted by actor Jameela Jamil, features hilariously embarrassing stories shared with friends, celebrating the messiness of life.

But… Are You Happy?

But… Are You Happy?, hosted by Ashani Dante and Dr. Anastasia Hronis, offers “no-bullsh*t” self-development and mental health information, discussing universal issues like procrastination and grief.

Booksmart

Booksmart, hosted by Sunny Adcock and Allie Daisy King, blends a book club format with in-depth conversations featuring authors, tapping into the growing popularity of #BookTok and book-to-screen adaptations.

Unfiltered Chai… with Alicia Vrajlal

Unfiltered Chai… with Alicia Vrajlal, hosted by Alicia Vrajlal, explores entertainment, pop culture, and representation through an intersectional South Asian lens, featuring interviews with prominent South Asian figures.