Busy Being Black with Joshua Rivers
Busy Being Black/W!ZARD StudiosThe award-winning podcast exploring queer Black creative, cultural and spiritual vitality.
| Publishes | Twice monthly | Episodes | 145 | Founded | 8 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | Society & Culture | |||
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Latest Episodes
Dr Ajamu X explores taking responsibility for what we create, and the punk-radical necessity of tending to archives that reflect and honour the complex and pleasureful lives of queer Black folk—now and in the so-called past.
Regular Listeners have a... more
There is perhaps no better person to speak to about Black creative expression and excellence through art than Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason—the matriarch, mother and woman who makes possible the prodigious creativity of the seven Kanneh-Mason siblings.
In he... more
I sat down with award-winning author Brandon Taylor live at Brixton House Theatre to mark the UK launch of his latest novel, Minor Black Figures. Our conversation explores what happens when Black artists resist the demands of the always-on attention ... more
As we bear witness to the destruction of our world and kin through handheld technologies designed as slot machines, and increasingly disoriented by the hourly oscillations between the cannibal horror and unutterable awe of being human in 2026, Minna ... more
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Reviews
- Human
Listened to Busy Being Black for the first time today. Beautiful nuanced, emotionally intelligent, fun and human conversations. More people need to hear this brilliant podcast. I’ll be back
Apple Podcasts5blackisqueen
United Kingdom3 years ago - Such an excellent podcast.
I listen to many podcasts across a range of topic areas and I struggle to think of another that matches the quality of the guests, conversations and production of Busy Being Black. I've been a listener since the beginning and it is consistently raising the bar, warming the soul, and introducing incredible minds and a breath of ideas one doesn't find anywhere else. What's more, despite this level of excellence, there is zero pretentiousness - there is only authenticity and open hearts and minds. ... more
Apple Podcasts5Lifelong LeanerUnited Kingdom3 years ago - Underrated
I’m not black but I’m learning when I listen to this Podcast as a Kweer poc. It’s apparent guest’s on this feel comfortable enough to say how they feel and in turn as listeners we get to hear something more than just the usual responses. So far I learnt who Bayard Rustin is, note the bastardisation of belly dancing,discovered Londons Hungama club,Kelechi Okafor,Lady Phyll,and tons more. I recommend you give this a try
Apple Podcasts5theeightiesUnited Kingdom4 years ago - I was there
I was at a live recording of one episode at the BFI in London and I thought the episode was very interesting and intelligent. While since I’m not gay or black I won’t listen to more episodes as I don’t feel that interested in the subjects covered I still think it’s a very well done podcast.
Apple Podcasts4redviola87United Kingdom4 years ago - The Art of Creating Space.
In searching for the words to describe this authentic and beautiful way of storytelling - the word that came to mind for describing this oeuvre’s embodiment was nuance. Nuance in the same way that a photo might have many different shades of gray. Rivers uses his lived experience, as well as those of others, to frame and articulate what it is to be a black queer body in this world. Being black and queer is not a monolithic experience and these in depth, evocative, conversations are a testimony to... more
Apple Podcasts5Kidd97
United States4 years ago
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Frequently Asked Questions About Busy Being Black
What is Busy Being Black about and what kind of topics does it cover?
This program centers Black queer voices, arts, and intellectual inquiry through intimate conversations with poets, artists, scholars, and creatives. Episodes frequently weave together personal storytelling with broader cultural critique—exploring topics like sensuous knowledge, Afro-surrealism, memory, healing from trauma, and the politics of joy. Guests bring lived experience and professional practice in writing, visual art, performance, and education, often linking intimate subjects to systemic injustice and collective care. The format tends toward thoughtful, exploratory dialogue that blends reflection, pedagogy, and mentorship, making it a strong fit for listeners invested in culture, identity, and social change.
Noteworthy strengths i... more
Where can I find podcast stats for Busy Being Black?
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How many listeners does Busy Being Black get?
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What are the audience demographics for Busy Being Black?
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How many subscribers and views does Busy Being Black have?
To see how many followers or subscribers Busy Being Black has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.
Which podcasts are similar to Busy Being Black?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Busy Being Black:
1. Green Dreamer: Seeding change towards collective healing, sustainability, regeneration
2. Becoming the People Podcast with Prentis Hemphill
3. Between The Covers : Conversations with Writers in Fiction, Nonfiction & Poetry
4. Democracy Now! Audio
5. How to Survive the End of the World
How many episodes of Busy Being Black are there?
Busy Being Black launched 8 years ago and published 145 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Busy Being Black?
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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Busy Being Black?
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How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Busy Being Black?
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What guests have appeared on Busy Being Black?
Recent guests on Busy Being Black include:
1. Ajamu X
2. Kadiatu Kanneh-Mason
3. Brandon Taylor
4. Minna Salami
5. Candice D'Meza
6. Dean Atta
7. Rosel Jackson Stern
8. Ben Ellis
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.