Best Highly Melanated Podcasts (2025)

1
Majoris Regus - Assistant Professor of Music Education, Rutgers University 1:12:50

1M ago1:12:50

1:12:50

Marjoris Regus is an assistant professor of music education at Rutgers University. We discuss her navigation into music education, her journey from Utah to Michigan, loneliness in classical arts, finding her path in music education and how she inspires future music educators.By The Fine Arts Community

1
Childless But Opinionated: When Non-Parents Have Something To Say 1:30:23

2M ago1:30:23

1:30:23

Ever noticed how your perfectly reasonable parenting suggestions get immediately dismissed with "You don't have kids, so you wouldn't understand"? The Highly Melanated Podcast team tackles this frustrating double standard head-on, creating what they call a "safe space where it's okay to judge each other's parenting skills, even though we're not par…

1
LaTerence Varnado - High School Band Director - Columbus, MS 1:11:04

2M ago1:11:04

1:11:04

LaTerence Varnado is a high school band director in Columbus, MS. We discussed a band director's impact on students, evolving legacy beyond the classroom, advocating for underfunded band programs, setting boundaries for mental health and an unexpected job of a band director.By The Fine Arts Community

1
Apology Languages: Understanding How We Receive "I'm Sorry" 1:52:27

3M ago1:52:27

1:52:27

We discover how differently we receive and process apologies through a quiz that reveals our "apology languages" - similar to love languages but focused on how we prefer people to express remorse. • Exploring the five apology languages: accepting responsibility, making restitution, expressing regret, genuinely repenting, and requesting forgiveness …

1
Dr. LaTasha Thomas-Durrell - Assistant Professor at the University of Dayton 1:10:31

3M ago1:10:31

1:10:31

Dr. Thomas-Durrell is an Assistant Professor; Coordinator of Music Education Program at the University of Dayton. She has taught music at all levels, she's an author, researcher and presenter with interests that include music education in social justice, LGBTQ issues in music education and African-American studies in music education. We talked abou…

1
Stop Spending: Start Thriving! feat. Sha-Rhonda Wilson 58:36

3M ago58:36

58:36

Financial freedom is about facing uncomfortable truths and taking actionable steps to change your habits. In this episode, we share crucial insights about spending, saving, and investing wisely. In the Highly Melanated Manor we have the pleasure to introduce a special guest, Sha-Rhonda Wilson, Lifestyle Coach & Business Consultant. to help with a f…

1
Turn His TV Off: What Influence Can Do 1:40:45

3M ago1:40:45

1:40:45

Ever wondered what truly defines a thirst trap? We've got you covered as we explore the playful nuances of these social media phenomena. Join us on a lively journey through sweet debates over soda flavors and nostalgic cultural nods that will have you craving a trip down memory lane. As we groove into the heart of Black History Month, we share pers…

1
Maliq Veal - Trombonist - Future Music Educator and Future Orchestral Conductor 1:55:06

4M ago1:55:06

1:55:06

I talk with soon to be college graduate Maliq about his musical journey and his experience performing, how to walk into a room, what he hopes to do in music education, his future in conducting, and pieces he would like to conduct in the future.By The Fine Arts Community

1
Wait A Minute... What's Your One Wish? 1:19:45

4M ago1:19:45

1:19:45

We explore the power of wishing and how those desires can shape our realities. Reflecting on personal and communal aspirations, we emphasize the importance of self-care and unity within the Black community to turn dreams into actionable change. • Reflections on personal wishes for 2025 • Discussion on the impact of Black History Month and community…

1
Dr. Amy Lewis - Assistant Professor of Music Education, Research Associate 56:15

4M ago56:15

56:15

Dr. Amy Lewis - Assistant Professor of the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Educator, author, musician, and professor. We discussed family support, the importance of joy, how there is life beyond work, inspiring students and knowing when to rest.By The Fine Arts Community

1
Highly Melanated Confessions: We Listen and We Don't Judge 1:21:23

5M ago1:21:23

1:21:23

Ever wondered why your morning routine might be the secret weapon you've been overlooking? We've cracked the code on how starting your day without immediately scrolling through your phone can lead to unexpected personal victories. From the calming embrace of weighted blankets to the quirky joy of morning rituals, we share laugh-out-loud stories and…

1
Finding Purpose: Faith, Community, and Personal Reflections 59:21

6M ago59:21

59:21

***PREVIOUSLY RECORDED 11/27*** Can you imagine finding your true purpose in unexpected roles and experiences? Join PJ and Blair as they take the helm of the Highly Melanated Podcast while Red is exploring the vibrant culture of Ghana. We embark on a contemplative journey, reflecting on the enduring impacts of COVID-19 and the personal trials of fe…

1
Living Kringle: An Homage to Living Single - OUT NOW! 49:59

6M ago49:59

49:59

CHECK OUT LIVING KRINGLE from Hey Girl Hey Productions What happens when creativity meets procrastination head-on? Join us as we share our personal struggles with content creation and the constant tug-of-war between inspiration and deadlines. We'll reveal the humor in swapping our creative roadblocks and discuss how motivation sometimes boils down …

1
Pre-Election Day Results: Unity in Disarray 1:11:00

7M ago1:11:00

1:11:00

Have you ever wondered why we often find success in roles that don't fit the traditional definition of victory? Join us as we reflect on the emotional significance of Kamala Harris's vice-presidency and grapple with the complex choices made by minority voters in America’s recent election cycle. We delve into the perplexities of identity politics an…

1
Melanated Boys Club: Finding Strength in Facing Fear 1:33:18

7M ago1:33:18

1:33:18

Ever found yourself running from a 'Jason' during a family Halloween game, only to laugh about it later? We kick off this episode by sharing personal stories that blend humor and reflection, looking back at a year of unexpected changes and missed moments like Comic-Con and Halloween. While we’ve felt some fatigue, it's also been a year of growth an…

1
Marti Jenkins - Dance Instructor 1:34:46

7M ago1:34:46

1:34:46

I talk with Marti about her journey in dance, why she decided to become a dance instructor. We talk about what her favorite style of dance, the impact of dance in middle school, discovering the the passion for teaching, and support from her family. We also talk about different styles of dance she is interested in learning, the creative process, how…

1
Jaquay Smith - Composer 1:11:19

7M ago1:11:19

1:11:19

I have a discussion with Jaquay Smith vocalist, composer, playwright, and author about her love for the Lord, her music creating process, for example how she creates melodies and sets them to scripture. Support from her family, her start in economics and shift to music and why music is important to her, and how she turns negatives into positives. S…

1
Melanated Boys Club: Health Beyond the Scale and Aesthetics 1:00:33

8M ago1:00:33

1:00:33

Life's unexpected twists often leave us navigating new paths, and this time, we're exploring those shifts without our beloved co-host, Blair. Imagine considering a career in mortuary services amidst Libra season's astrological shifts. As we recount lively past episodes, including discussions on not emasculating Black men, the absence of Blair is pa…

1
Lionel Harrell - Music Supervisor for Prince George's County Public Schools 1:28:18

8M ago1:28:18

1:28:18

In this episode I talk with Lionel about his music career and experience as a music educator. We discuss his musical background, why he became a teacher, and his transition to becoming the county music supervisor. Who are his musical influences, who inspires him, how he inspires the teachers in the district, and what he does in his free time? We al…

1
Alexa STOP!: Is technology leaving you behind? 1:04:01

8M ago1:04:01

1:04:01

Whether it's the eerie accuracy of AI or the comforting reassurance of voice-activated emergency features, we're weighing the safety benefits against the encroaching presence of technology. As we explore the balance between embracing innovation and preserving human interactions, we touch on how AI impacts creativity and the skills we value. From th…

1
Getting Punched In The Throat With Words w/ Jaquita 1:31:34

9M ago1:31:34

1:31:34

Prepare to be inspired as we break down the walls of self-identity and determination in this powerful episode, featuring the sharp insights of political strategist Jaquita. We kick off with a bold message about taking control of our dreams and not letting others define us. Blair's infectious enthusiasm for the University of Michigan, coupled with P…

1
Staying Present: From Kegels to Living in the Moment 1:23:19

11M ago1:23:19

1:23:19

Ever wonder why a cup of coffee at your local café costs more than your homemade brew? Get ready to join us for a hilariously relatable start as we debate the merits of coffee shop prices versus our do-it-yourself coffee adventures. Meet the lively crew—BJ, Blair, and Red—as we share our experiences dealing with summer heatwaves, air fryers, and PJ…

1
Juneteenth Reflections: Journey to True Freedom 59:46

12M ago59:46

59:46

Technical difficulties couldn't keep us down! After losing three fantastic episodes, we're back and determined to reconnect with you. We catch up on all the conversations we missed, from hilarious pop culture moments to personal stories that will have you laughing and nodding along. Each of us shares a song lyric that perfectly captures where we ar…

1
Mike Casimir - Violist - St. Louis Symphony 1:27:56

1y ago1:27:56

1:27:56

I talk with Mike about how he started in music, his journey to the viola, who is a part of his support system, the importance of music education, his process of preparing for orchestral auditions, creating music during the pandemic and who influences him.By The Fine Arts Community

1
Acknowledging the Power of Black Women's Legacy 1:17:59

1y ago1:17:59

1:17:59

Join us for a heartfelt homage to the indomitable Black women who've played pivotal roles in our lives and continue to pave the way in fields as diverse as the NFL and the arts. Rounding off our kaleidoscope of conversations, we shine a spotlight on the extraordinary Shaniqua Shande, whose talents radiate both on the screen and behind the scenes, e…

1
Trust Yet Verify: The Unseen Battles of Love 1:41:14

1y ago1:41:14

1:41:14

Relationships often feel like navigating a labyrinth blindfolded, but with each year's wisdom, we're learning to trust the touch of the walls. Joins us to dissect the intricacies of romance, from the excitement of new love to the sobering realities of trust and deception. This episode is about laughing at life's little ironies, embracing the lesson…

1
Drive This Bus Man: Tyler Perry's Pen May Need A Break 59:00

1+ y ago59:00

59:00

Have you ever sprinted to catch a bus, only to have it zoom past you in a blur frustration? 'Bus Driver Chronicles,' we share stories that illustrate the comedic agony of public transit and the surprising moments of human connection that make it all worth it. Then, we switch tracks to dissect the creative empire of Tyler Perry, musing on the mixed …

1
Nathan Stampley - Broadway singer and actor 1:18:20

1+ y ago1:18:20

1:18:20

In this episode, Nate and I talk about his beginnings, and how he got started singing. We talk about his audition experience, who inspires him and the process of preparing for roles. We discuss topics such as the importance of taking a chance on yourself, having the right partner in this career and navigating the demands of being a family man and b…

1
Melanated Artists in Performance - Intro 1:21

1+ y ago1:21

1:21

Discussions with artists of color who are involved in the many aspects of the Fine Arts. I will be talking to professionals, semi-professionals, directors, composers, instrumentalists, dancers, actors, visual artists, singers, and teachers just to name a few. We will discuss their origins, their current endeavors, goals and future projects; who ins…

1
Do You Want It All: Recognize, Regulate & Refrain w/ Lakiah 1:25:07

1+ y ago1:25:07

1:25:07

They say laughter is the best medicine, and who better to prescribe a dose than our special guest, Lakiah - a psychotherapist who is helping you stress less and set healthy boundaries without the struggle & guilt. With 7 plus years of experience as a psychotherapist, Be ready to learn how to ditch the burnout and conquer the elusive art of setting …

1
On My Mama: It's Time For A Hard Pivot 1:01:14

1+ y ago1:01:14

1:01:14

Have you ever caught yourself mid-chuckle, realizing you're turning into your parents? Or felt the sting of a memory brought on by a familiar tune? Our latest episode is a heartfelt mosaic of reflections, ramblings, and revelations, weaving through the joys and jitters that come with being unapologetically ourselves. Brace yourself for a deep dive …

1
New Year! Same Melanated Thundercats! 1:21:30

1+ y ago1:21:30

1:21:30

Well it's 2024 & THE QUACK ATTACK IS BACK JACK! We aren't a reboot, we are the real thing So how do you feel about reboots, all this Nicki drama and a bunch of other things we have missed while we were away.... Follow US IG: https://www.instagram.com/highlymelanatedpodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/H_MelanatedPod YouTube: https://www.youtube…

1
Groove Into the New Year: Celebrating Triumphs and Embracing Tomorrow's Rhythms 1:16:04

1+ y ago1:16:04

1:16:04

As the sun sets on 2023, we're wrapping things up with a heart full of gratitude and the electric anticipation of what's next. Our final episode is a vibrant mixtape of laughter, culture, and profound connections, featuring the magnetic spoken word maestro, Unkkaged, who shares his powerful narrative of breaking free and finding solace in the symph…

1
Journey into the Beyhive: Unpacking Beyoncé's Cultural Influence 1:15:09

1+ y ago1:15:09

1:15:09

Ever get the feeling of awe and inspiration after watching a powerful movie or concert? That's exactly what we, Blair and PJ, experienced - and a whole lot more - after the mind-blowing experience of Beyoncé's "Renaissance" film. From witnessing the raw determination and hard work encapsulated in the film to being moved by emotional moments we simp…

1
Authenticity Unfiltered: Social Media's Impact on Self-Perception 1:11:48

1+ y ago1:11:48

1:11:48

What if social media was secretly sabotaging your mental well-being and self-image? Sit back and join us in a thought-provoking conversation on the Highly Melanated Podcast about the impact of social media, filters, and the pressures of beauty standards on our self-perceptions and mental health. We embark on a rollercoaster journey starting from th…

1
Racing to the Ballot Box 7:56

1+ y ago7:56

7:56

What happens when you forget it's Election Day, and you're in the middle of recording a podcast? Well, you'll just have to tune in to this hilarious and chaotic episode of Highly Melanated to find out! Prepare yourself for an unexpected twist as we, your hosts Blair and Red, halt our usual podcast recording to send our unwitting co-host, PJ, scramb…

1
Costumes, Controversies, and Core Values: Navigating the Maze of Changing Generational Norms 1:31:02

1+ y ago1:31:02

1:31:02

Remember the electrifying thrill of being in the studio for the Sherri Show? This week, PJ brings up his sensational time he had in the audience as Miss Tina Lawson brought her unique spirit and vivacity, embodying our celebration of life and individuality to the Sherri Show. We spent the time reminiscing about the year's best Halloween costumes, a…

1
Digital Shadows: A Look at Social Media's Dark Side 1:41:58

1+ y ago1:41:58

1:41:58

By Highly Melanated Podcast

1
Keep Our Ears Out of the Chat: Respect, Revelations, and Relationships 1:21:03

1+ y ago1:21:03

1:21:03

What happens when we shine a light on the toxic behaviors in our relationships and the importance of setting personal boundaries? This episode is a rollercoaster ride through the maze of intimacy, respect, and the complexities of human dynamics. We dissect the concept of unconditional love and dive into the intriguing domain of personal kinks. Hear…

1
Belt Loops and Love Languages: A Dive Into Manifesting The Relationships We Want 1:31:37

1+ y ago1:31:37

1:31:37

Ever pondered why sagging pants can be a captivating fashion statement or why belts have such a profound impact on our perception of others? Well, you're in for a treat. We go deep exploring these fashion choices, not forgetting to shine a spotlight on our shared love for the final season of Insecure. Our journey through fashion and TV drama is ent…

1
Mercury Retrograde Meets Those Sorry Not Sorry Moments: The Delicate Art of Apologies 1:20:24

1+ y ago1:20:24

1:20:24

Have you ever wondered what the big deal is about Mercury Retrograde and why everyone seems to be in a tizzy when it's on? Tune in as we unravel the complexities of this astral event and its fascinating effects on our lives - it's not all doom and gloom, promise! Learn to embrace the chaos and positively navigate through retrograde while also findi…

1
From Empty Nesting to Holistic Healing: A Fresh Smelling Perspective on Health with Dr. Tiffany M Smith 1:10:40

1+ y ago1:10:40

1:10:40

Are you ready to redefine your health and wellness journey? Join us as we delve into an enlightening conversation with the knowledgeable Dr. Tiffany M Smith, exploring everything from the distinct joys and challenges of being a black DJ to the art of becoming an empty nester. This episode is a profound reminder of our diverse experiences as black i…

1
Strobe Lights & Anal Probes: Journey Through the Cosmos Here To Earth 1:17:49

2y ago1:17:49

1:17:49

Ever wondered whether extraterrestrials could not only visit us, but also take over Earth? Or whether we could end up having an 'alien date night'? Our latest episode takes you on a cosmic journey as we ponder these questions and more. We dive straight into a lively discussion about our experiences as black DJs, the radiant beauty of melanin, and t…

1
Oops Upside Your Head: Paying Homage To 50 Years of Hip-Hop & The Power of a Folding Chair 1:25:48

2y ago1:25:48

1:25:48

Ever wondered how the world of hip hop music connects to the essence of being unapologetically black? That's where PJ, Blair and Red, come in. We're here to navigate you through a journey, from personal anecdotes about our week to paying tribute to the late DJ Casper, creator of the Cha Cha Slide, and even discussing the recent Twitter logo change.…

1
Exploring the Depths of Swimwear Semantics and Childhood Nostalgia 1:29:20

2y ago1:29:20

1:29:20

What if the words we use to describe our swimwear were more than just words? What if they carried implications that we might not even be aware of? This week on Highly Melanated, we ponder this very question, teasing out the nuances of swimwear terminology and exploring whether the term 'bathing suit' is appropriate for both genders. Our laughter-fi…

1
Blue and Yellow Makes Green: Giggles, Gadgets, and Green Flags 1:13:13

2y ago1:13:13

1:13:13

Ever got a random WhatsApp message from a suspicious number? You're not alone, Melanated fam! We're cracking up about the perils of phone number security and sharing our bizarre experiences of finding explicit images on public transport. Trust us, you'll want to hear these tales and learn how to protect your data too. But there's more, fam. We're r…

1
Get The Grease: Burn Them Red Flags 1:22:52

2y ago1:22:52

1:22:52

We breakdown some interesting red flags we have noticed in different aspects of not just our lives but life in general. Question of the Week: How do you feel about prom season and the way the younger generation dresses for prom? Follow US IG: https://www.instagram.com/highlymelanatedpodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/H_MelanatedPod YouTube: h…

1
Pride Playlist: What Music Gives You Pride 1:20:33

2y ago1:20:33

1:20:33

In this episode we just talk about music and think of some songs that make us proud in several different aspects of our day to day lives Follow US IG: https://www.instagram.com/highlymelanatedpodcast Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/H_MelanatedPod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb2VbyoW6KaMxQo5onYluXA IF YOU WANT TO BE A GUEST OR KNOW SO…

1
For Anxious Girls feat. Ritha Pierre 1:17:04

2y ago1:17:04

1:17:04

In this episode we are joined with Ritha Pierre to discuss her recent documentary, "For Anxious Girls". We have an in depth conversation on how anxiety and depression effects professional Black women and ways that we can help as a society and a friend of someone who is suffering Follow US IG: https://www.instagram.com/highlymelanatedpodcast Twitter…

1
No More White Lies: Black Minds Matter 1:16:04

2y ago1:16:04

1:16:04

In this episode we are joined with someone's auntie Tanisha Malcom to have an in-depth conversation on Mental Health & the disparities from the personal perspective of lived experience. Welcome Tanisha Malcom to the Highly Melanated Family Managing a mental health diagnosis for almost 20 years, our guest, Tanisha Malcom, is a staunch mental health …

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