Radio at the End of the World: Audio Fiction and Drama Podcast Roundup February 2021
Normally on these lists, I often have queer, BIPOC, and marginalized voices as a part of the roundup, but this time I wanted to do a little more. For February the whole list is filled with Black voices and stories.
This list is specifically for people who are thirsty for audio fiction (or audio drama) podcasts by Black creators, featuring Black voice actors, and or stories from the Black experience. There are stories and shows from the Gen Z crowd, adult erotic tales for the romantics, and more.
SCIENCE FICTION
Carrier
Many audio dramas call themselves ear-movies or movies for the ears. Very rarely do they actually bank on this promise. Many are simply audio dramas—and that’s absolutely okay! Carrier, on the other hand, has the big production power of being produced by QCODE to actually be considered a movie for your ears. There are, of course, ear-movie like podcasts that don’t come from big production companies, but Carrier isn’t one of those audio dramas. It is very much a big budget podcast, featuring top actors and stylish sound effects. Follow a truck driver as she takes one final job to be able to afford to make it home, but the job may end up costing her life. Another great thing about Carrier is that it’s a completed show, though the ending feels a bit lackluster to me. Give it a listen and be your own judge.
Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Website
FICTION
LeVar Burton Reads
LeVar Burton, once known for the magical experience he created for children has since moved on to other outlets of wonder. His podcast, LeVar Burton Reads, is a great way to experience a wide selection of stories from different genres, styles, and experiences. Similar to other anthology audio fiction podcasts each episode Burton picks a different story either from a contemporary author or one from the past. Some of them are novel excerpts, others are award winning short stories from top publications. Hearing Burton read stories from Wole Talabi, Ray Bradbury, N.K. Jemisin and more gives the stories new life. And as a millennial it bridges that gap between my childhood love of the Reading Rainbow with my adult love of great fiction.
Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Website
Tales of the Text
I love when I get a chance to find a new show that shines a light on issues or problems facing Gen Z and the younger generation. Tales of the Text was that show for me last month. Featuring stories written and performed by Black teens, Tales of the Text audio drama centers the voices and experiences of Black youth today. There are episodes that deal with love, abuse, sticky or horrific texting situations, and more. The podcast has a bit of a Black Mirror-esque feeling due to the fact that technology and how people use it is a common theme. After each episode, there’s also a candid talk about the themes and topics covered during the episode. It gives a real and candid look at what these situations mean to the teens and how they see the world.
Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Website
HORROR
NIGHTLIGHT: A Horror Fiction Podcast
NIGHTLIGHT: A Horror Fiction Podcast has come up a lot on this list because it’s a stellar show that promotes and showcases Black horror writers in the genre today. Tonia Ransom is the creator and producer of NIGHTLIGHT: A Horror Fiction Podcast and publishes horror stories written by Black writers and read by Black voice actors. Not only does Ransom deliver scary stories by talented authors, but she interviews the writers about their stories and processes that give listeners access to why these stories were important to write for the author and the themes embedded within. A current and ongoing horror audio fiction, the show has recently entered its fourth season. That means there’s over 50 episodes to choose from if you’re new to the show.
Read more: Black History Month: Liven Up Your Listening Experience With These Podcasts By Black Creators
Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Website
ROMANCE
Majoring in Me
There aren’t enough stories, movies, podcasts that feature Black gay male love stories. So, listening to the audio drama podcast Majoring in Me feels fresh, real, and wholly necessary. Majoring in Me follows college freshman Tristan Steele as he navigates school, friends, and love. This could easily be considered a Black joy podcast, but it goes beyond that. Yeah, it’s amazing and uplifting to have a gay love story between Black men that isn’t all about them dealing with coming out or being Black and gay. But it isn’t all about the rainbows. There’s conflict and issues mixed in with the steady beat of Tristan’s love affairs throughout the series. Season two just started, too, with Tristan in his second year tackling new situations and new men.
Listen Here: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Website
Mermaid and the Lion
Another ongoing series, though the recent season isn’t an audio drama, is Mermaid and the Lion. The audio drama is an erotic romance drama about two people navigating what it means to love—physically, mentally, and emotionally. It follows two characters through their love affairs and sexual exploits, showcasing the complicated and intimate parts of marriage, dating, and love. Moments did make me uncomfortable, but not all uncomfortability is bad. Sometimes it’s there because we are afraid to face certain realities, truths. Like with Majoring in Me, there are moments of cuteness and joy, but that does not encapsulate the whole of this adult romance audio drama. In fact, the show aims to be real, to show the ugly, to make the listener question and think and feel.
Read more: Black History Month: Integrated Diversity in Podcasting
Listen Here: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | Website
CHILDREN’S
Stoopkid Stories
For parents, guardians, or adults with children in their lives, Stoopkid Stories is a great audio fiction podcast featuring stories about and with Black children as characters. The show revolves around seven recurring characters as they deal with issues appropriate for young listeners. Stories about friendship, family, and community put these young Black kids in active agent roles within their own stories. Written, performed, and created by Melissa Victor, Stoopkid Stories is a children’s podcast with original stories and characters that makes each episode a new experience. Season three just wrapped up, so be sure to support this podcast to ensure its return.
Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Website
Like with Stoopkid Stories, the best way to ensure the ongoing podcasts on this list stay ongoing, is to support them by subscribing, sharing, or donating toward their efforts monetarily. Without podcasts like NIGHTLIGHT and Tales of the Text and all the others on this list, certain voices and stories would go unheard, and the world would be less because of it.
If you have a podcast or think one should be featured on the Radio at the End of the World audio fiction and drama roundup, shoot me an email or drop me a line through my site. I’m always interested in hearing from new creators, fans, and producers of audio drama podcasts. Until next time, I hope these podcasts carry you through.
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