NONE OF us were fans of the first lockdown. Some of us really struggled with being separated from family and friends. Others had money worries.

As we all try to follow government advice, here are some podcasts to help us pass the time. The great thing is, if you haven’t heard the podcast before, you have lots of episodes to catch up on.

Black Gals Livin

Jas and Vic talk mental health and pop culture. A friend of mine said the nicest thing about this podcast is that, as you listen, you can hear how deeply the hosts care for each other. And it’s true, it’s lovely.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/black-gals-livin/id1437752047

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2FEbIF2ReDLnxA2F3CcIwc

The Receipts Podcast

If you haven’t heard of this podcast, where have you been? Tolani, Audrey and Milena speak candidly about being women in Britain today. Nothing is off limits, whether it’s sex or politics.

You might think it’s just for women and femmes, but smart people know it’s a cheat code. Please don’t listen near anyone who’s easily offended.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-receipts-podcast/id1177040764

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3GMZiZnqL4Hib6DD5PGhdj

Two Twos Podcast

There are many reasons to listen to this podcast. One of them is the incredibly smooth jazz intro. Nana and Rose are two Black lesbians who have created a safe space, but also hope to bridge a gap between the Black LGBTQ+ community and their heterosexual counterparts.

The game they play every episode also gurantees some laughs.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/two-twos-podcast/id1480839115

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YgTGwMxC20HUIgjNcgc2z

Datspod

Don’t Alert The Stans. The podcast focuses on stan culture, but it also touches on music and pop culture. Nic, Sope and Eden are not afraid to speak on controversial topics. As they say themselves: “This isn’t for the faint-hearted or easily triggered.”

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dont-alert-the-stans/id1436101397

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7o7DvfSk7qdsndwv7SSUHX

Pints of Malt

First of all, can we just say that we at The Voice are fans of the Black Irish accent with a Nigerian twang. These four men discuss social media trends, celebrity gossip and most importantly, they laugh a lot. Femi, Kenny, Olu and Jibbz have great group chemistry.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/pints-of-malt/id1455577261

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7MIqnztEgUQMaUTTGmSDp2

2 Queens in a Pod

The only warning we’ll offer with this podcast, is don’t listen if you’re easily tempted to splurge. Leah and Iman talk about a bit of everything from fashion to make-up to getting on to the property ladder.

Listen out for their picks of the week, if you want to know what’s hot.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/2-queens-in-a-pod/id1457720816

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Y5avZoQKBxPaFbqRFsE3x

Bold, Black British Future with The Triple Cripples

Now, this is not to blow our own trumpet because Jumoke and Kym are the real stars of this show. For Black History Month, we asked them to imagine a bolder future for the Black community. We laughed a little, and learned more about ableism in Black communities.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0dZ2TWGARiwxdhj60I7Ct3?si=TxgAH53QQl-9tPzeFFMpIA