S5: E2 Top O’ the Month to Ya!

We’re excited to roll into March with all the podcast content you need!

We start out with some news and recent listens, then transition to Lainey’s twisty BYOP (that’s “Bring-Your-Own-Podcast” if you’re new around these parts). And, this month we split our content into TWO episodes. In S5: E2.5, we welcome podcaster Kacie Willis to talk about her show You Heard Me Write. So, give a listen and let us know what you think!

Interview with The Slowdown's Myka Kielbon Do You Even Podcast?

We're back for the second part of our April episode. We celebrate National Poetry Month by interviewing Myka Kielbon, the producer of the acclaimed podcast The Slowdown. Find out more on Twitter and Instagram (@doyouevenpod), as well as on Facebook. Find show notes and links to the pods we covered at doyouevenpod.com. — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/do-you-even-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/do-you-even-podcast/support
  1. Interview with The Slowdown's Myka Kielbon
  2. S5: E3 Trees Need Love Too, Ya Know!
  3. Interview with You Heard Me Write's Kacie Willis
  4. S5: E2 Top O' the Month to Ya!
  5. S5: E1 Is It A Rivalry If I Don't Know Who You Are?

In the (Podcast) News

  • Alex heard about the Sam Elliot and Power of the Dog controversy, and went to the source to listen (WTF with Marc Maron, Episode 1309 – Sam Elliott). There are various pieces out about Sam’s problematic comments, Jane Campion’s response, and even Benedict Cumberbatch’s response. Note—Lainey and Alex are definitely excited to watch this film, regardless of Sam’s criticisms.
  • Lainey talked about the podcast crossover events with Good One and The Always Sunny Podcast with Glenn Howerton and Charlie Day. As well as the crossover with Criminal on My Favorite Murder‘s celebrity hometown episodes.
  • Sad news—the Obsessed podcast is ending! Cohost that their most recent show will be their last episode.
  • Lainey talked about the new podcast from Crooked Media, OffLine. She loved the episode with “Hank Green on Inspiring Curiosity.”
  • In a move to make radio and podcasts more interactive, iHeartRadio today is launching a new feature called Talk Back which allows listeners to participate with their favorite shows directly from the iHeartRadio mobile app. Apparently some see this as their competitive take towards Spotify’s new tools of Q&A’s and polls for podcasts, all through their Anchor app…
    • Give us a call on Anchor here.
  • Do yourself a favor and watch Abbott Elementary, then listen to Fresh Air‘s episode with the creator: “‘Abbott Elementary’ Creator/Star Quinta Brunson.
  • Twitter may be working on a Podcast tab within their application! According to reverse engineers who search the code of mobile apps to spot features in development, this addition would create a dedicated space on Twitter to house podcasts.
  • We gave a shout-out for the news that “DC-area businesswoman creates first Black-female owned podcast network.

What We’re Listening To

  • Alex listened to Nerdette and their episode “The Beauty of ‘Big Emotions'” (Mar 4, 2022) It convinced her to finally get around to Station Eleven which she now ADORES.
    • The episode also features Wesley Morris who wrote a truly thoughtful NYT piece called “The Power of a Good Cry”
  • Questions about Ukraine and the conflict? Check out The Shit Show.
  • Alex recommends the Sounds Like a Cult podcast and their episode “The Cult of Toxic Relationships.” They talk about love bombing, about the importance of therapy, and how toxic relationships function.
  • Check out the new season of Conversations with People Who Hate Me.
  • Bodies is another show Alex has been catching up on. She listened to their December episode, “Reading the Signs of Your Body.”

BYOP (Bring Your Own Podcast)

This month, Lainey’s BYOP was Sweet Bobby!

Kirat is a successful radio presenter. On Facebook she meets Bobby, a handsome cardiologist. He’s a catch. Soon, they get tangled up in a love affair full of lies and manipulation. Then… Kirat discovers a deception of almost unimaginable proportions.

From the makers of Finding Q, this is Sweet Bobby. A live investigation, in six parts, in search of one of the world’s most sophisticated catfishers.

Here’s an interesting interview with the host from Sweet Bobby: “Alexi Mostrous tells the story behind his hit podcast Sweet Bobby, plus February’s best new podcasts.”


And that rounds out our first new episode of the year. Don’t be shy—let us know what you’re listening to by DMing, emailing, or Tweeting us!

—Alex & Lainey

Podcast News Round-Up: March 2022

Want a quick glimpse into what’s going on in the world of podcasting? Below, you’ll find a round-up of news articles about all things podcasts for the month. Happy listening!

  • Sam Elliott on The Power of the Dog: ‘Where’s the Western in This Western?’ by Vulture
    • Sam Elliott shared his thoughts on Oscar nominee The Power of the Dog on WTF with Marc Maron (Episode 1309 – Sam Elliott)—and his interview went viral on social media.
  • iHeartRadio modernizes the radio call-in with launch of ‘Talk Back,’ a tool for sending voice messages to show hosts” by TechCrunch
    • Times are changing! In the spirit of making podcasts more interactive, this new feature will allow listeners to connect with hosts with ease.
  • ‘Its Been A Minute’ Host Sam Sanders Exiting NPR, But Show Will Continue.” by Inside Radio
    • If you’re a fan of Its Been A Minute, you may have already heard the news—longtime host Sam Sanders is leaving. Check out the link for Sam’s kind words to everyone who has supported the show.
  • “LinkedIn debuts its own podcast network” by TechCrunch
    • If you’re seeking podcasts with a professional focus, LinkedIn has rolled out a network of its own! Let us know if you check out any episodes—we’d love to hear what you think.
  • Podcasts Become Important News Source, Especially For Young Adults According To Pew Survey. by Inside Radio
    • This Pew Survey has some interesting data on the way we take in information—not surprising to most podcast lovers, but it’s useful information for anyone seeking to start a show of their own and looking for strong data points.
  • Podcast Movement Evolutions Announced Keynote Speakers by PodcasterNews
    • Are you attending Podcast Movement Evolutions? The conference is taking place March 23-26 in LA. Let us know if you’re attending or any highlights!

That’s it for the March 2022 news round-up. For more podcasting news, listen to our latest podcast episode:

Happy Black History Month!

Hey pod pals! February is in full swing, and I’m excited to uplift some great podcasts that are either hosted or led by Black creators. I am constantly gabbing about the same shows that I keep in my rotation (sorry, not sorry), so this month I decided to shout out three shows that I love and highlight three shows that I’m going to try for the first time! If we’re mutual listeners to any of the below, give a shout! And if they’re all new to you, I hope you add a few new shows to your queue.

Alex’s Oldies, But Goodies

Floodlines

I cannot talk about this podcast enough! This highly produced, insightful audio documentary about the legacy of Hurricane Katrina will make you think about natural disasters, class, government, news media, and humanity in very different ways. Hosted by Vann R. Newkirk II, it’s an eight-part series that will stick with you for a long time.

Scam Goddess

If you’re a listener of DYEP, you probably know what I’m going to say about this show…it’s the only true crime that I can handle! It’s all about scammers with host Laci Mosley inviting different comedians to the show for extra laughs. Definitely a fascinating and fun listen.

Therapy for Black Girls

Over the past couple years, I’ve leaned on wellness podcasts much, much more. This show always brings interesting conversations about mental health, emotional development, and more. Plus, the host Dr. Joy Harden Bradford is based in Atlanta, Georgia (my hometown!), so it’s definitely a winner in my book. Highly recommend for those who are seeking shows offering therapy resources and support.


Alex’s New Listens

Black History Year

Black History Year connects you to the history, thinkers, and activists that are left out of the mainstream conversations. You may not agree with everything you hear, but we’re always working toward one goal: uniting for the best interest of Black people worldwide.

This show seems to feature strong interviews and a variety of topics related to Black culture past and present. Excited to listen!

Black in the Garden

Hosted by millennial black plant enthusiast and self proclaimed Plantrepreneur, Colah B Tawkin, “conversations WILL be had” on a range of topics that directly influence and impact black plant keepers as we blackily impact and influence the world.

I’ve temporarily adopted one of my friend’s beautiful monstera plants, so it’s truly in my best interest to step up my plant game. Hopefully this show will have some tips or simply provide plant mom support.

Truth Be Told

Through wisdom from some of the greatest thinkers of our time, host Tonya Mosley explores what it means to grow and thrive as a Black person in America, while discovering new ways of being that serve as a portal to more love, more healing, and more joy.

This show is returning for a brand new season on February 17th—looking forward to giving this wisdom-driven podcast a shot this month.


And, don’t miss S5: E1 “Is It A Rivalry If I Don’t Know Who You Are?”, which has even more BHM recommendations during Calendar Corner.

Interview with The Slowdown's Myka Kielbon Do You Even Podcast?

We're back for the second part of our April episode. We celebrate National Poetry Month by interviewing Myka Kielbon, the producer of the acclaimed podcast The Slowdown. Find out more on Twitter and Instagram (@doyouevenpod), as well as on Facebook. Find show notes and links to the pods we covered at doyouevenpod.com. — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/do-you-even-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/do-you-even-podcast/support
  1. Interview with The Slowdown's Myka Kielbon
  2. S5: E3 Trees Need Love Too, Ya Know!
  3. Interview with You Heard Me Write's Kacie Willis
  4. S5: E2 Top O' the Month to Ya!
  5. S5: E1 Is It A Rivalry If I Don't Know Who You Are?

As always, we love to hear what you think! Slide into our DMs, shoot us an email, or tag us with your thoughts. Happy listening!

—Alex

Podcast News Round-Up: February 2022

Want a quick glimpse into what’s going on in the world of podcasting? Below, you’ll find a round-up of news articles about all things podcasts for the month. Happy listening!

  • Podcasts are resonating with diverse audiences” by Nielsen
    • We talked about podcast statistics from Nielsen on the last episode. An interesting part of this data is the listenership of diverse communities. They say: “As people look for content to accurately articulate and illustrate their lived experience, there are a burgeoning number of options, especially when you consider audio platforms.”
  • TikTok Influencers Set Their Sights On Podcasting World.” by Inside Radio
    • TikTok stars are moving to podcasts. We’ve covered several of these shows, including GhostHoney’s Dream Machine. There are many, many more. Hmmm…maybe we see a future blog post about TikTok-ers in our future. 🔮
  • Podcasting Hall of Fame inductees to be named today” by Podnews
    • See the list of 2022 inductees to the Podcasting Hall of Fame, including Marc Maron, here.
  • Top Ten Podcast Advertisers Doubled Spending In 2021; BetterHelp Was Top Spender.” by Inside Radio
    • “The top ten podcast advertisers spent a combined $279 million last year, more than double the $145 million Magellan AI says the biggest buyers spent on podcast ads during 2020.” Advertising spends are increasing, but interestingly the ad lengths are decreasing. “But Goforth said one of most interesting trends last year was the continued growth of 30-second ads. Traditionally the 60-second ad was the most coveted, but Goforth thinks it reflects more brand awareness ads coming into podcasting.” And NBC is a new advertiser spending the second largest amount of money on podcast advertising. Wonder if that has to do with the launch of Peacock streaming?
  • Spotify’s Joe Rogan Controversy Isn’t Over Yet” by Time
    • Still not sure about all the Joe Rogan beef? We covered the majority of this issue on our last podcast, but if you want updates, check out this article. You won’t be surprised to know that money is the driving factor for Spotify’s delay in decision making.

That’s it for this month’s news round-up. For more podcasting news, listen to our latest podcast episode:

Interview with The Slowdown's Myka Kielbon Do You Even Podcast?

We're back for the second part of our April episode. We celebrate National Poetry Month by interviewing Myka Kielbon, the producer of the acclaimed podcast The Slowdown. Find out more on Twitter and Instagram (@doyouevenpod), as well as on Facebook. Find show notes and links to the pods we covered at doyouevenpod.com. — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/do-you-even-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/do-you-even-podcast/support
  1. Interview with The Slowdown's Myka Kielbon
  2. S5: E3 Trees Need Love Too, Ya Know!
  3. Interview with You Heard Me Write's Kacie Willis
  4. S5: E2 Top O' the Month to Ya!
  5. S5: E1 Is It A Rivalry If I Don't Know Who You Are?

S5: E1 Is It A Rivalry If I Don’t Know Who You Are?

New year, new us!

It’s 2022, and DYEP is back and better than ever. In addition to welcoming in the new year, we’re eager to celebrate Black History Month and have a solid list of shows for every genre.

This month, we’re hitting the ground running with an episode that’s packed full of pod news, new listens, a fascinating BYOP (that’s “Bring-Your-Own-Podcast” if you’re new around these parts), and our seasonal Calendar Corner. So, give a listen and let us know what you think!

Interview with The Slowdown's Myka Kielbon Do You Even Podcast?

We're back for the second part of our April episode. We celebrate National Poetry Month by interviewing Myka Kielbon, the producer of the acclaimed podcast The Slowdown. Find out more on Twitter and Instagram (@doyouevenpod), as well as on Facebook. Find show notes and links to the pods we covered at doyouevenpod.com. — Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/do-you-even-podcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/do-you-even-podcast/support
  1. Interview with The Slowdown's Myka Kielbon
  2. S5: E3 Trees Need Love Too, Ya Know!
  3. Interview with You Heard Me Write's Kacie Willis
  4. S5: E2 Top O' the Month to Ya!
  5. S5: E1 Is It A Rivalry If I Don't Know Who You Are?

In the (Podcast) News

https://anchor.fm/do-you-even-podcast/embed/episodes/S5-E1-Is-It-A-Rivalry-If-I-Dont-Know-Who-You-Are-e1e2sg1

  • Ear Hustle‘s taking some exciting steps into the book world!
  • Lainey and Alex discussed the controversy and recent developments around Joe Rogan’s podcast and the responses from Spotify, as well as other celebrities and influential figures.
    • Learn more about Spotify taking down episodes of the podcast
    • Jon Stewart’s response to the controversy
  • Podcast listenership is diversifying. Check out Nielsen (Seen on Screen 2021 Report) and Edison Research’s (Black Podcast Listener Report) recent data and findings, whether you’re looking for research to support your own podcast ventures, or you’re simply interested in the latest trends.
  • Find out more about the iHeartRadio Podcast Awards winners.
  • Host Jad Abumrad in late January!

What We’re Listening To

  • Lainey is loving all the new podcasts that have TV stars rewatching and commenting on their old shows. Listen to the New Girl podcast, Welcome to Our Show, and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia‘s The Always Sunny Podcast.
  • Alex and Lainey surprised each other and are equally thrilled about GhostHoney’s Dream Machine.
    • If you’re not familiar with his content, take a look at for all the laughs.
  • Alex is taking a step on the creepy side and listening to Supernatural with Ashley Flowers. She particularly enjoyed the Dyatlov Pass and Illuminati episodes.
  • Loving some fun history facts in Carter’s Condensed History the Podcast
  • For some romcom fun, Alex recommends Belle Makes Twelve, a six-part series to make you smile and swoon.
  • Sounds Like A Cult has a fantastic Trader Joe’s episode that will make you think a bit more about your grocery shopping. Plus, Alex recommends giving the Flat Earther’s episode a listen too.

BYOP (Bring Your Own Podcast)

This month, Alex’s BYOP was The Jude 3 Project!

A religious podcast that seeks to help the Christian community know what they believe and why they believe it, with a focus on supporting those of African descent in the US and abroad.

  • Hosted by Lisa Fields with wide ranging guests from different backgrounds with differing beliefs, who discuss a variety of topics related to faith, religion, and worldview
  • On Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Play
  • Episodes are roughly 35-45 minutes long
  • Alex shouted out the following episodes in particular:
    • Is Karma Biblical?
    • Special Episode: Why Did She Leave Christianity for African Spirituality?
  • Lainey mentioned a listen-alike: The Bible For Normal People podcast
  • Find The Jude 3 Project online here, and on , , and

Calendar Corner

  • February is Black History Month! Alex recommended a few great pods led that will appeal, whether you’re a history buff or a true crime lover:
    • The Jude 3 Project Alex’s BYOP!
    • Black Girl Bible – Another Christian podcast with a focus on Black culture
    • Still Processing – Social commentary + culture
    • United States of Anxiety – A podcast bridging our past with our present and what it means for the future
    • The Read – Pure fun and pop culture, with plenty of laughs
    • You Heard Me Write – A creative podcast about collaboration and understanding through all types of art
    • Scam Goddess – True crime that’s true to the name…it’s all about scammers
  • February 2nd – Groundhog Day
    • The Story Behind – “Groundhog Day”
  • February 9th – National Pizza Day
    • Decoder Ring‘s “Chuck E. Cheese Pizza War
  • February 13th – Super Bowl Sunday
    • The Gist Of It
  • February 13th – Galentine’s Day
    • Best Friends with Nicole Byer and Sasheer Zamata
  • February 14th – Valentine’s Day
    • Meet Cute
    • Belle Makes Twelve
  • February 20 – Rihanna’s Birthday
    • Oprah Super Soul, “Rihanna” (September 2, 2020, reposted)
  • February 21 – President’s Day
    • Presidential from The Washington Post

And that rounds out our first new episode of the year. Don’t be shy—let us know what you’re listening to by DMing, emailing, or Tweeting us!

—Alex & Lainey