top of page

Top Black Mental Health Podcasts You Need in Your Rotation

ree

Let’s have a real moment, sis.

Mental health has finally entered the mainstream, but for too long, our voices were left out of the conversation. The therapy rooms weren’t always built for us. The resources weren’t written in our language. And the so-called “self-help” movement rarely saw us — Black, bold, brilliant — as the audience it needed to serve. But that’s changing. We’re taking up space. We’re rewriting the narrative. We’re healing out loud.


And one of the most powerful ways we’re doing that? Through our voices.

Podcasts have become the new safe haven — where trauma is unpacked without judgment, where boundaries are normalized, where joy is sacred, and where healing sounds like your cousin, your homegirl, your therapist, or your inner self finally saying, “I’m not okay — but I’m working on it. ”Whether you're struggling with burnout, battling anxiety, dealing with grief, or just on a journey to better self-awareness, these shows provide a rare mix of therapy, truth-telling, culture, and comfort — all wrapped in a voice that feels like home.


So if you're ready to nourish your spirit, learn something new, cry a little, laugh a lot, and most importantly — grow in real time — these are the top 10 Black mental health podcasts you need in your ears this year. Healing doesn’t have to be lonely. Sometimes, it starts with pressing play.


1. Therapy for Black Girls

Hosted by: Dr. Joy Harden Bradford This one is the OG. Dr. Joy keeps it real with weekly episodes on everything from boundary setting to Black joy to navigating relationships. She also brings in licensed professionals for deep dives into trauma, self-love, and mental wellness.

Why You’ll Love It: It feels like a therapy session + brunch convo with your wise big sister.


2. Gettin' Grown

Hosted by: Keia and Jade This podcast is about navigating adulthood — with a heavy dose of laughter, transparency, and heart. They talk healing, growth, therapy, and the messiness of growing up Black and woman in a world that never gave us room to breathe.


Why You’ll Love It: They’re real, hilarious, and give space to mental wellness without sounding clinical.


3. The Hey Girl Podcast

Hosted by: Alex ElleSoft. Gentle. Affirming. This podcast is a hug for your soul. Alex talks to guests about self-care, grief, healing, and growth in a deeply intentional way.


Why You’ll Love It: If you're in your soft girl, unlearning, protect-your-peace era — this one’s for you.


4. Black Girl Burnout

Hosted by: Kelley Bonner This one is a game-changer. Kelley speaks directly to the burnout that so many Black women silently carry. She teaches you how to say NO, how to center yourself, and how to walk away from roles and relationships draining your joy.


Why You’ll Love It: You’ll feel seen, heard, and called higher — gently.


5. Untherapy

Hosted by: Mercedes Samudio, LCSWThis isn’t your average mental health talk. Mercedes takes off the professional mask and keeps it raw while unpacking the deeper layers of generational trauma, self-acceptance, and emotional resilience.


Why You’ll Love It: Perfect balance of licensed knowledge + cultural realness.



6. Between Sessions

Hosted by: Eboni Harris & Eliza Boquin (Melanin & Mental Health)Two therapists. One mission: normalize Black and Brown therapy. They interview experts, explore community healing, and keep the convo culturally grounded.

Why You’ll Love It: It’s like eavesdropping on two brilliant besties who just happen to be licensed therapists.


7. Black Mental Health Podcast

Hosted by: Reginald A. Howard This one brings the often-overlooked perspective of Black men to the mental health conversation. Reggie explores vulnerability, fatherhood, identity, and emotional freedom.


Why You’ll Love It: It's honest, refreshing, and gives voice to our brothers navigating trauma and triumph.


8. Self-Care IRL

Hosted by: Ty Alexander Author of “Things I Wish I Knew Before My Mom Died,” Ty blends grief, healing, and radical self-care with no sugarcoating. She talks about Black womanhood, loss, boundaries, and making joy a habit.


Why You’ll Love It: Ty keeps it real about what healing looks like when the world keeps pulling at you.


9. The Great Unlearn

Hosted by: Rachel Cargle Rachel unpacks everything we were told to believe — about race, healing, rest, and womanhood. With guided audio reflections and eye-opening convos, this is a podcast for the soul.


Why You’ll Love It: You’ll walk away unlearning, yes — but also reclaiming.


10. The Safe Haven Podcast

Hosted by: Amanda E. White, LPC This one blends pop culture with healing in a way that’s fresh and accessible. Amanda breaks down mental health issues with warmth and clarity — from anxiety to people-pleasing to perfectionism.


Why You’ll Love It: Feels like a group chat with friends who want to see you grow, not just vent.


Honorable Mentions (Because We Love a Bonus)

  • Latinx Therapy (for multicultural healing)

  • Balanced Black Girl (wellness for high-achieving Black women)

  • Shalena Speaks Podcast (you already know 💁🏽‍♀️)


Why This Matters

Mental health isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.

In a world that’s constantly trying to silence, gaslight, and overwork us, these podcasts:

  • Give us language for our pain

  • Remind us we're not alone

  • Help us build tools for peace and power


Whether you’re just starting therapy or deep in your healing era, these voices are here to walk with you. So put on your headphones, pour some tea (or wine), and tap in.


Healing is your birthright — not a reward.


Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

What podcast has helped your mental health journey? Drop it in the comments!

Share this post on Instagram or Pinterest and tag it with:#ShalenaSpeaksHeals

💌 Subscribe to the Shalena Speaks Newsletter to get weekly mental health gems and podcast recommendations.

Comments

Rated 0 out of 5 stars.
No ratings yet

Add a rating
bottom of page