
theGrio·54 episodes·Monthly·No new episodes since Apr 2024
Writing Black is an entertaining and compelling podcast featuring Black writers and showcasing the myriad of ways Black people tell their stories by interviewing writers from across the diaspora. Each week, host Maiysha Kai, theGrio’s lifestyle editor, talks to some of the best Black playwrights, songwriters, comics, journalists, authors, and more about the process, popular culture, publishing, and how race inherently inspires and informs their work.
Latest Episode

April 2, 2024 · 51m
Tabitha Brown is loved by millions for her unapologetic approach to life, family, and food. The author and influencer joined Writing Black to dive into her latest book, "I Did a New Thing," which challenges readers to break out of their routines and try new things. Brown is honest about the struggles she faced following her own advice and gets vulnerable as she discusses health challenges, missing her mother, and making changes to her inner circle. Connect with theGrio Black Podcast Network
More Episodes

Mar 12 · 46m
Fans of The Roots are getting an intimate look into the early life of the group's co-founder, Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter, in his memoir "The Upcycled Self." The Philadelphia native joins Writing Black to talk about the love stories he says have shaped him into one of hip-hop's most treasured MCs. Black Thought also shares why now was the time to reveal his most vulnerable side to the world. Connect with theGrio Black Podcast Network

Feb 20 · 44m
Grammy Award-Winning artist Rhiannon Giddens has always been vocal about Black people's pivotal role in the origins of country music. The conversation surrounding those contributions has reignited as Beyoncé's new music debuted at the top of the country charts. Giddens plays banjo on Beyoncé's track "Texas Hold 'Em," and during her conversation with Writing Black hosty Maiysha Kai, Giddens shares that the instrument's history is "Blackity Black". The pair also discuss Gidden's projects, including an opera about an enslaved man and her first children's book. This conversation was originally recorded in October of 2022. Connect with theGrio Black Podcast Network

Feb 13 · 44m
The complexity of being multiethnic is explored in this powerful conversation between host Maiysha Kai and theGrio's Natasha Alford. "American Negra" is part memoir, part cultural analysis, and all truth as Alford shares her experience navigating two worlds. Not just culturally but also economically. Alford talks life after Harvard and the immense pressure she felt post-graduation; she also gets vulnerable about her recent health struggles. This Grio crossover is full of Black girl magic. Connect with theGrio Black Podcast Network

Jan 9 · 43m
The restaurant chain Slutty Vegan has become an empire because its founder Pinky Cole refused to give up when life continued to tell her "no." Cole is now on a mission to share her struggles, hoping it will inspire people to pivot when they hit a roadblock. Her book, "I Hope You Fail," is an unfiltered how-to-guide that will keep your attention and leave you feeling motivated. Maiysha Kia and Cole talk her writing process, and dig into the dark times that eventually led to success. Connect with theGrio Black Podcast Network

Dec 5 · 42m
Books make great gifts, and Maiysha Kai is here to help make your holiday shopping easier. She's curated a list of nearly 70 different titles that will work for kids, teens, and people interested in history, cooking, fiction, and more. The Writing Black Holiday Book Gift Guide is just what you need to share the love of reading with someone special.