i’m back with the second installation of my 2018 podcast list!

intersectionality has become one of today’s biggest buzzwords as the world catches on to the fact that everything we are and everything we do ties together. one of the arenas where this has become most apparent is in the intersectionality of politics and pop culture, with artists and musicians speaking out against injustices and speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves. sometimes these statements land, and sometimes they don’t; regardless, they are usually discussed on at least one of the following shows, and i can’t get enough.

the intersectionality of politics and pop culture.

keep it! based on ira madison iii’s twitter catchphrase, keep it is about what happens when politics and pop culture smack into each other. ira and co-hosts kara and louis are brilliant and hilarious, and their banter always makes me laugh.

politically reactive with w kamau bell and hari kondabolu. w kamau bell and hari kondabolu are two of my favorite comedians, and listening to them gab about our current political landscape was a highlight for me. their second season ended last october, and i can’t find any news about a potential third season, but i keep my fingers crossed every day when i refresh my podcast app that there might be an update. a girl can dream.

still processing. this gem from jenna wortham and wesley morris, culture writers for the ny times, is phenomenal. they cover everything from tv and movies to politics and technology and provide great insights into all of the above. they are taking some time off at the moment, and i hope they return soon because i miss their voices every week that goes by without a new episode.

the mash-up americans. hosted by amy choi and rebecca lehrer, the mash-up americans focuses on all the hyphens that make up our country and our world today. episodes cover navigating weddings and parenthood when you come from different backgrounds as well as how to have conversations about different appearances and cultures.

the nod. covering all the dimensions of what it is like to be black in america would take generations, but brittany luse and eric eddings [a memphis native!] have set out to give it their best shot. their commentary is sometimes funny, sometimes raw, but always honest, and i have learned a lot in the few months i’ve been listening, including how much i still have to learn.

these podcasts are not always easy to listen to, but i feel they are necessary, and i hope you do as well.

xx