Are Podcasts A New Form Of Mentorship? 9 Podcasts Paving The Way For Black Filmmakers, Artists, & Creatives
Mentorship comes in many forms. In today's age, it is often virtual. One example lies within podcasts—an audio-visual community that rapidly expanded.
As artists, we are constantly observing, listening, and experiencing the people, places, and environments around us. These elements have served as our mentors. Before there were courses, masterclasses, and online coaches, came historical literature, visual art, and music. Mentorship has always appeared in a variety of mediums.
Within these mediums, lie the nuances of mentorship—from the professional to personal sectors of our lives. In early November on the Mel Robbins Podcast, Shonda Rhimes spoke of her mentors being drawn from literature. For Black women in a predominately white industry, we have often had to become our own mentors. She referenced:
“Basically what a lot of people do when they’re looking for a mentor is wait for that person to tap them on the shoulder and say, ‘you’ve got the thing.’ Well, I decided that I had to tap myself on the shoulder and decide I got the ‘thing,’ and so what I did was, I started reading books about people… Memoirs, autobiographies from people who’d done extraordinary things. It was everything from Shoe Dog by Phil Knight… to Becoming by Michelle Obama.”
It is often when we are most stuck in life, that we come across advice that changes the course of our journey. When I heard Ms. Rhimes’ perspective, I knew it was fate that I tuned into this specific segment. It was time to tap my own self on the shoulder.
Although podcasts have existed long before 2020, the influx of COVID-19 impacted the audio-visual landscape of Spotify, Apple, and YouTube. Podcasts have rapidly grown, from financial dialogue, to identity-based conversations, to dating and relationship platforms, they have served as outlets for remote spectators.
In fact, many people are able to make a living from their respective podcast community. Social media has created financial, social, and educational networks that have redefined and restructured jobs, employment, and careers.
As a filmmaker, I have often found podcasts to be beneficial in my growth. I believe the key to unlocking creativity is healing all versions oneself. While the conventional form of mentorship still exists—in-person connections, networking events, and coffee-chats—COVID-19 unlocked a virtual, asynchronous style of counseling.
The issue with the conventional form is systemic and institutional racism has often blocked Black filmmakers, writers, and creatives from these spaces. However, due to technology, there has been a shift in the distribution of hands-on resources. For example, with one click, I am able to listen to Black industry professionals speak on their experiences. As a result of these discussions, I have become intentional about the questions asked and the steps I’m taking to achieve my goals.
Every morning, I begin my day with a clip, video, or interview that inspires me with my cup of Black tea in hand. Here is a list of podcasts grounded in Black creativity and industry impact—that are providing critical mentorship:
Proximity Media’s “In Proximity”
From behind-the-scenes of the artistry to in-depth interviews—Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Sev Ohanian’s podcast speaks to the ins and outs of Proximity Media’s legacy.
Felicia Pride, Driadonna Roland, and Georgette Pierre’s The Creative Cut-Up
From writing a television pilot, to pitching your idea, to gaining a presenca in the media, this detailed podcast speaks to all aspects of the industry. From screenwriter and director, Felicia Pride, to Creative Executive at Comedy Central, Driadonna Roland, to Emmy-award winning producer, Georgette Pierre, this podcast is a true gift to creatives like myself looking to step foot into a rapidly growing industry.
Baby, this is Keke Palmer with the one and only, Keke Palmer.
Fun, warm, and soulful are three adjectives I would use to describe this podcast. Each episode highlights an artist, athlete, or mentor who has impacted their community one way or another. Keke always finds a way to ask introspective questions and connect with her guests. You will leave having learned something about yourself in the process.
CultureCon UnCut with founder of CultureCon and the Creative Collective, Imani Ellis.
From Elaine Welteroth, Fawn Weaver, to Kamie Crawford, this podcast focuses on the personal, professional, and creative journeys of each guest. Whether you are interested in journalism, business, film, or more, each segment seeks to inspire and motivate.
Jemele Hill is Unbothered with Emmy-award winning journalist, Jemele Hill.
Pop culture, politics, and entertainment. What’s not to love? Honesty, authenticity, and integrity fuel the topics of conversation within this podcast.
Writing Black with Maiysha Kai from theGrio
Features Black writers in music, journalism, and film. Each episode is an interview about the personal background and career of the esteemed guests.
Black Girl Film Club with Britney and Ashley
A community space for Black girls to talk about cinema, analyze symbolism, and share opinions on television and more.
The Black Film Space Podcast with Black Film Space, a non-profit organization focused on uplifting Black filmmakers, writers, and directors.
Black artists share their experiences in pre- and post-production on set. From acting, to directing, to producing, each guest shares their viewpoint on their respective roles in the industry.
IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson
From segments on life, ambition, and love, this sibling pair invites singers, CEOs, artists, athletes, and founders into our homes. Whether Spike Lee or Tracee Ellis Ross, there is always an exciting guest around the corner.
The aforementioned collection addresses the overarching question: where do artists turn for mentorship? Podcasts can offer indirect commentary to the listener. While the audio-visual medium has some limitations—such as one-on-one feedback—the advantages outweigh the drawbacks.
This generation of Black storytellers is making a mark on the world, one viewer, listener, and subscriber at a time. The beautiful part of podcasts lies in its inclusivity. They allow for filmmakers to have a voice—especially for young Black creatives claiming space in the industry.
Like Rhimes said, our mentors are just within reach in one flip of a book cover—or the press of a button.
Great post and thank you for these recs!