Friday Newsflow: What Happens When a Community Speaks Up
(and We Listen)
Last week in the WOC Podcasters Community, someone dropped a question that honestly stopped me in my tracks:
“Do any of you know where we can access a directory of BIPOC and/or WOC podcasters? A friend of mine recently asked me and I couldn’t answer that for her.”
That silence? It said everything.
So I took the question to Threads. I asked Black and brown women podcasters—and the folks who love them—if this was something they’d want.
The response?
An overwhelming YES.
Some people had been looking for something like this. Others remembered a similar directory that no longer exists. Everyone agreed it was time for something new—something real, accessible, and built with care.
So I built it.
What’s Happening
The WOC Podcasters Spotlight is officially in motion—because when the community asks for something, we build it together.
The full searchable directory isn’t live just yet (that’s coming mid-May after I’m back from Ghana), but we’re starting now with submissions.
That means:
🎙️ If you're a WOC podcaster, your time to claim your space is now.
📝 The submission form is open and ready for you to add your show.
📬 Once we gather the listings, the directory will go live on the Atabey & Co. site as a free benefit for members and a small fee for non-members.
We’re creating a space where our shows don’t have to compete for visibility—we are the spotlight.
And this is just the beginning.
Why It Matters
There are plenty of podcast directories out there—but most of them aren’t built with us in mind.
Too often, Black and brown women podcasters are overlooked in industry lists, underrepresented in recommendations, and missing from the “top” charts. And when we do get featured, it’s usually during cultural heritage months or as part of a DEI box-checking exercise (and those are on their way out too).
This directory isn’t about being a moment. It’s about building something that lasts.
When a WOC creator asks, “Where can I find other shows like mine?” or when a listener says, “I want to discover more voices like this,” we don’t want the answer to be silence.
We want it to be: “Right here.”
📌 Our stories deserve to be seen.
📌 Our voices aren’t niche—they’re necessary.
📌 And when the industry isn’t making space, we’ll build it ourselves.
This directory is about access. It’s about connection. And most importantly, it’s about community creating for community—on our own terms.
Your Move
Here’s how you can support this new resource:
✅ If you’re a WOC podcaster – Submit your show and claim your space (your show qualifies if it’s at least 50% Black/brown woman hosted)
✅ If you know a WOC podcaster – Send this to them. Forward the link. Tag them on Threads. Get them listed.
✅ If you’re not a WOC, but love this work – You can still support. Share it far and wide, and become a paid Substack subscriber. Every bit helps us continue building tools like this.
✅ Bookmark the directory – Whether you're looking for a guest, show to binge, or voices to feature—make this your starting point.
Bottom Line
This all started with a simple question from a community member.
And now? We’ve got a resource that could change how people discover and support WOC-led podcasts.
Because when we listen to each other, and build what’s needed—we move the whole industry forward.
💬 What directories, platforms, or tools do you wish existed for indie creators—especially those of us often overlooked?
Catch up on our shows
The ladies of Are You Free for Coffee are serving up soothing mental health affirmations to help ground your thoughts, lift your spirits, and remind you—you’re not alone. Breathe in peace, exhale stress, and let’s take care of our minds together.
On Grad School Femtoring, Yvette discusses essential executive functioning skills for mastering your mental workspace. They include: working memory (your brain's capacity to temporarily hold and manipulate information), attention control (sustaining focus while filtering distractions), cognitive flexibility (adapting to changes), and metacognition (thinking about your thinking). For each skill, she offers practical strategies such as externalizing information through concept maps, working in timed focus blocks, developing alternative pathways, and regular self-reflection.
On The Artist Pivot Podcast, Ayana is joined by self-proclaimed "Pivot Connoisseur" Micah Dawanyi who has journeyed from being a competitive soccer player to a storyteller, illustrator, novelist, and speaker. Micah opens up about his transformative pivot into the arts following a forced departure from sports due to medical issues. He shares insights into how grief from such life pivots informed his artistic expression and creative journey.
On The Growth Mindset Gal, Allie interviews the amazing Jana Mannina. If you want to know what's what when it comes to money management, investing, mindset, or otherwise, Jana is your go-to. With 25 years in the financial space and as the co-founder of Elite Mortgage Solutions, a financial literacy firm, she has a keen understanding of how people interact with their money and how each of us can improve.
Righteous rage, medieval bops, and internet family lore is all that's getting the ladies through this latest wave of dystopian nightmare fuel on Wining About Herstory! First, Emily tells the tale of The Pickle Sisters, a 1920s pickle-themed vaudeville group who went viral online when their photo went viral online. But are these gherkin gals all that they appear? Then, Kelley shares the legend of Beryl 'CLUTTERBUCK' Markham, who lived an iconic adventurer's life that involved flying planes, racing horses, and sleeping with princes.
Network and Learn at these Upcoming Events
*Featured Event: Data-Driven Success: Mastering Podcast Analytics - April 17th at 4pm ET
In the world of podcasting, data is key to growth. This workshop dives into the metrics that truly matter for measuring podcast success, from download numbers to audience retention and beyond. Stephanie Andrews, VP of Product at CoHost will guide you in understanding these essential metrics and demonstrate how to turn raw data into actionable insights for strategic growth. During this session, she’ll cover key metrics to focus on for podcast growth and retention; techniques for translating analytics into insights; and how to create data-driven strategies for ongoing improvement. {This is a WOC Podcasters Member event. Join WOC Podcasters to attend this event and many more!}
Out and About: The Basics of Field Recording by Radio Boot Camp - April 13th at 1pm ET: Which mic should you use? What’s the best recorder? What if it’s too noisy to get good tape? This is a workshop for new audio producers or those who have spent most of their years in the studio. Award-winning documentary producer, Andrew Parsons, will make sure you’re prepared for your next field recording assignment. In this session, you’ll cover gear, check-lists, and recognize what makes good field sound. We’ll also go over common mistakes to help you avoid them in the future.
Podcasting Made Simple Live by PodMatch - April 17th at 11:30am ET: A virtual podcasting community event focused on helping podcast guests and hosts level up so they can impact more listeners and reach their goals.
Business and Podcasting Networking Event For Female Entrepreneurs - April 22 at 11am CT: Join us for a powerful networking and discussion around all things business and podcasting. After this free-flow FAQ session, you’ll walk away with: Your burning podcasting questions answered; New female entrepreneurs to add to your network; Renewed energy about your next step.
The 5 levers that will skyrocket your podcast in 2025 - April 22nd at 11:30am ET: Join Ausha for an exclusive live session where they unveil the 5 must-have channels to effectively acquire new listeners and take your podcast to the next level. They’ll guide you through the key strategies for maximizing the impact of your promotional efforts.
The Black Effect Podcast Festival 2025 - April 26th at 10am ET in Atlanta, GA: The Black Effect Podcast Festival is back on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Pullman Yards in ATL. Get ready for a day of culture, community, and conversation!
The Anti-Burnout Growth Strategy: Podcast Smarter, Not Harder - April 30th at 4pm ET: This workshop is designed to help you increase audience reach and engagement while working less. We’ll dive into sustainable podcasting strategies, automation techniques, and ways to repurpose content effectively so you can free up time without sacrificing quality or growth. {This is a WOC Podcasters Member event. Join WOC Podcasters to attend this event and many more!}
Doors are open to join the WOC Podcasters community!
WOC Podcasters is an inclusive podcasting community for Women of Color podcasters, audio creators, and professionals to connect, learn, and share resources. From esteemed podcasting leaders to aspiring podcasters looking to get started, this community will help you find the resources to prosper along your creative journey. Join with a 30-day free trial here.
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