A Podcast for Every Day (How I Survive My Work Week)
When I was little, almost every time I got in the car with my dad, he had talk radio playing. And I hated it. I could not for the life of me understand why someone would willingly listen to a bunch of “old people” talk when they could just put on music. Could never be me (I thought).
Fast forward twenty years, and here I am…listening to podcasts more than I do music. My younger self would be deeply ashamed (but also, she doesn’t know what she’s missing).
These days, podcasts are basically my work-week survival kit. Some keep me focused, some make me laugh, and some just help the hours pass without me wanting to slam my laptop shut. And because I tend to reach for different vibes depending on the day, I thought it’d be fun to break down my favorite listens Monday-through-Friday.
Monday
Love, Lex P
Host: Lex P
If Mondays are for suffering, then at least let me suffer with some good celebrity gossip in my ears. Lex keeps me up to date on all the shenanigans in black Hollywood (and beyond), and does it with the perfect mix of funny and sincerity. Honestly, this podcast is how I ease into the week. It’s like a hot cup of tea, except it’s usually a break down of a cheating scandal.
Tuesday
Don’t Call Me White Girl
Host: Mona
I cannot tell you what this podcast is “about” (and I don’t think Mona could either). But that’s the beauty of it. One minute she’s telling wild jail stories, the next she’s dropping knowledge on Black culture and history, and somehow it all makes sense. She’s hilarious, unfiltered, and proves that women don’t have to fit into one neat little box.
Baby, This Is Keke Palmer
Host: Keke Palmer
Keke is literally the cool cousin we all wish we had. People complain she doesn’t go “deep” enough in interviews, but like…I don’t need her to give Barbara Walters. I want to see her laugh, throw some shade, and sprinkle in some life lessons in a way that only she can. It’s light, fun, and just feels good.
The Bald and the Beautiful
Hosts: Trixie & Katya
It’s chaos. It’s drag queens. It’s nonsense for an hour. And it is perfect. If you know Trixie and Katya, then you already know what you’re in for: a constant, unhinged back and forth that is somehow the perfect distraction.
Wednesday
The Friend Zone
Hosts: Dustin, Assante, and Fran
This pod is basically therapy disguised as a hangout. Fran brings the Zen, Assante brings the critical thinking, and Dustin brings the jokes. They balance each other out in the best way and it feels like you’re listening to three friends just chatting with each other. Comfort podcast through and through.
Upstairs Neighbors
Hosts: Dom & Maya
Two 20-something neighbors in LA gossiping like they’re sitting on the couch drinking BuzzBallz…except you get to eavesdrop. That’s the pod. It’s relaxed, silly, and funny, basically everything you’d want for a hump day.
Thursday
The Read
Hosts: Crissle & Kid Fury
The podcast of all podcasts. The one that started it all and actually got me into listening to podcasts! Kid Fury and Crissle are legends. They rant, they clown, and drag people better than anyone else, so the podcast name checks out. A true ✨classic✨.
The Slumflower Hour
Host: Chidera Eggerue
If female empowerment had a spokesperson, it’d be Chidera. I really thought I was holding it down for women’s rights (and wrongs), but after listening to her, I realized idk what I was doing. Her episodes are raw, witty, and in-your-face. The kind of honesty that makes you think, “damn, she might be right.”
Friday
Morally Corrupt
Host: Rachel Lindsey
My Bravo lifeline 😩. There are approximately 12,873 Real Housewives shows now and I can’t keep up like I used to (sorry, Andy). Luckily, Rachel does the work for me. It’s my lazy-girl way of staying caught up on Bravo without having to sit through all the different franchises.
Why Won’t You Date Me
Host: Nicole Byer
The theme song alone gets this podcast on the list (seriously, it’s catchy). I’ve been listening to podcast for some years now and my favorite part is that she asks all of her guests “Would you date me?” at the end of each interview. And I love hearing their responses. Some squirm and some lean into the joke, it’s always worth the listen.
Honorable Mentions:
Grits & Eggs Podcast – Tuesdays
Host: Deante Kyle
I stand by my belief that men should not own podcast mics…but Deante is the exception. Refreshing, funny, and actually willing to hold other men accountable (a rarity). The only male-hosted podcast that made the list, so you know it’s good.
Beyond The Blinds – No set schedule
Hosts: Kelli & Troy
Celebrity gossip, blind items, and all the Hollywood tea you didn’t ask for. Best enjoyed when you want to feel like being extra nosey.
There it is, the podcasts that keep me from rage-quitting my job every week. Some are funny, some are messy, some are just good background noise to drown out the emails. If you’ve got a podcast that gets you through the week, drop it in the comments, I love a new obsession. Until next time! 🎧
