Best Black Nerd Radio Podcasts (2025)

1
Nerd Thug Radio The Ballad of Javaris Crittenton 5/9/25 1:01:24

4h ago1:01:24

1:01:24

Cory DLG and Nico talk about the ESPN 30 for 30 "Shooting Guards" and the tragedy that is Javaris Crittenton. Share. Follow. Rate

1
Sara Watkins on I'm With Her's Witchy AF New Record, ep. 309 54:09

3h ago54:09

54:09

Sara Watkins joins Basic Folk to talk about 'Wild and Clear and Blue,' the new album from I'm With Her, her band with Sarah Jarosz and Aoife O'Donovan. The new LP was inspired by looking back on your life in order to move forward, with a very witchy manner of speaking that encompasses the ancient, mysterious, and spiritual. Sara shares insights int…

1
Nerd Thug Radio Curious Conversation with Pat Shand 1:11:01

3d ago1:11:01

1:11:01

Another Curious Conversation, this time featuring Kickstarter Super Creator Pat Shand publisher and co-creator of comic book smash hits Private Dance and The Escort. These Curious Conversations are long form, in depth conversations between Cory DLG and various people of various industries and life styles where they discuss how those industries work…

1
Turn The TV Off 1:10:13

5d ago1:10:13

1:10:13

Dissecting the week with discussions about how to make an impact and managing what you feed your mind.By Marcus Smoot & Ms. Lyric Bravado

1
Mary Gauthier & Jaimee Harris on THE Three Shoes, Alchemy and Weeding out Baddies, ep. 308 57:54

7d ago57:54

57:54

Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris talk to Lizzie and Cindy for Basic Folk on-board the Cayamo cruise in front of a live audience. We get down to business in addressing NICE things by asking Mary what kind of shoes she's wearing – as she has a reputation for enjoying the good stuff, especially on her feet. After that, we asked and Jaimee Harris enthus…

1
It Ain't For The Internet 1:27:32

10d ago1:27:32

1:27:32

Whiskey-leaked again, Pam's purse got snatched, Shannon got sued..... and in case you didn't know-- everything ain't for the internet!By Marcus Smoot & Ms. Lyric Bravado

1
From Sinners to NFL Draft 4/25/25 56:20

13d ago56:20

56:20

Cory and Nico talk Sinners and Accountant 2 while watching part of the NFL Draft on Thursday night. From Aaron Rodgers to 1st round shockers this episode has it all. Be sure to put your favorite draft pick from the first round in the comments.

1
Susan Werner on Defining Hard Work, Paid Vacations, and Relaxing as Indie Musician, ep. 307 46:29

14d ago46:29

46:29

The dynamic songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Susan Werner talks to us onboard the Cayamo cruise, which she describes as a "paid vacation." Reflecting on her upbringing on a working farm, Susan discusses the hard work that shaped her, but also how she’s learning to embrace rest and relaxation. With humor and insight, she navigates the balance be…

1
Nerd Thug Radio Curious Conversation with Charlie Stickney 1:11:15

17d ago1:11:15

1:11:15

Another Curious Conversation, this time featuring Kickstarter Mega Star Charlie Stickney writer and co-creator of comic book smash hits White Ash and The Game. These Curious Conversations are long form, in depth conversations between Cory DLG and various people of various industries and life styles where they discuss how those industries work.…

1
Nicos Bad, Amish Good 4/18/25 1:01:53

20d ago1:01:53

1:01:53

Cory and Nico triumphantly return to podcasting. Checkout their takes on everything from roving bands of Amish doing good deeds across North Carolina to how many drinks we have at dinner. Be sure to put your favorite Easter Treat in the comments, they'll tell you if you're wrong.

1
Jon Muq: Uganda, Cruise Ship Food and His Googly-Eyed Guitar, ep. 306 34:55

21d ago34:55

34:55

Originally from the village of Mutungo, Uganda (near the country's capital of Kampala), Jon Muq's journey to his current life of touring with an Austin, Texas home-base has been unconventional. Onboard the Cayamo cruise earlier this year, we talked to Jon about his childhood experiences, including fetching water with friends and "We Are the World,"…

1
Nerd Thug Radio Curious Conversations w/ award winning author Austin Grossman 1:02:08

24d ago1:02:08

1:02:08

Nerd Thug Radio returns with an awesome conversation with award winning author Austin Grossman who wrote fan favorite novel "Soon I Will be Invincible" and talks about his newest novel "Fight Me!". These Curious Conversations are long form, in depth conversations between Cory DLG and various people of various industries and life styles where they d…

1
BBL Smizzies 1:35:22

26d ago1:35:22

1:35:22

Interesting week we've had-- Keke cut Jonathan's interview, Republicans limit voter qualifications and Federal Judge jurisdiction and y'all are harassing some woman on the internet because she spoke badly about her own BBL. Strange times in 2025.By Marcus Smoot & Ms. Lyric Bravado

1
Ani DiFranco & Carsie Blanton: Menopause, The Wild Child, and Naps to fight Capitalism, ep. 305 43:44

28d ago43:44

43:44

Basic Folk is making trouble at sea with Ani DiFranco and Carsie Blanton! Hosts Lizzie and Cindy had the opportunity to speak with the two like-minded radical songwriters aboard the 2025 edition of Cayamo, a roots music cruise. Our conversation kicks off with Ani sharing her transformative experience performing as Persephone in the Broadway show 'H…

1
Tariff-ickly Tanked 1:41:49

1M ago1:41:49

1:41:49

This week we SALUTE Senator Booker for his 25 hour long speech, while simultaneously witnessing the Trump tariffs tanking the market. And on 'Real Talk', we're discussing WHY we can't be the face of this 'Hands Off' country-wide protest.By Marcus Smoot & Ms. Lyric Bravado

1
Loudon Wainwright III: Oversharing, Family Ties, and Musical Legacy, ep. 304 46:20

1M ago46:20

46:20

The legendary Loudon Wainwright III, whose career has spanned over five decades, is known for his deeply personal songwriting and sharp wit – and oversharing. The patriarch of the Wainwright folk dynasty (which includes Rufus, Martha, their late mother Kate McGarrigle, as well as Lucy and her mother Suzzy Roche), Loudon reflects on the balance betw…

1
Olivia Ellen Lloyd: West Virginia to Brooklyn, Finding Ground in Water, ep. 303 1:01:14

1M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

Olivia Ellen Lloyd's latest album, 'Do It Myself,' sees the West Virginia-born Brooklyn-based songwriter reflecting on the powerful imagery of water. She shares how it has been a source of grounding and calmness in her life, from childhood memories spent on the Potomac River to her current love for the ocean, these elements have shaped her artistic…

1
Bonnie "Prince" Billy On Making Nashville Musical Magic, ep. 302 1:04:32

2M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

Will Oldham, also known as Bonnie "Prince" Billy, has led an illustrious, sometimes mysterious career which has spanned decades and genres. Hailing from and still living in Lexington, KY, in our Basic Folk conversation Will reflects on his journey from a young artist struggling to find his place in the music world to a seasoned musician who embrace…

1
Cats 'n Co-Habitation 1:39:46

2M ago1:39:46

1:39:46

Week 8 of this presidency & we've got vanishing veteran websites, poppers poofing off the shelves, threats to our foreign allies... and the girl that found her father's secret Tinder profile & showed it to her mama... and all of us.By Marcus Smoot & Ms. Lyric Bravado

1
Rose Cousins & Edie Carey: Bast Friendship, Music, and the Art of Spatula-ing Life, ep. 301 1:25:31

2M ago1:25:31

1:25:31

Rose Cousins and Edie Carey's friendship has blossomed for over two decades. On the occasion of Rose releasing her new album, 'Conditions of Love - Vol 1,' the pair appear on Basic Folk to discuss the new music. They reflect on their early days and their first meeting as well as the ways they’ve influenced each other's careers and personal growth. …

1
Thassa Lie 1:46:28

2M ago1:46:28

1:46:28

This has been the week of Rep. Al Green's censure, more of y'all's president's lies, Umar's alleged secret churren & did you hear (or care) about R. Kelly's new jailhouse jams?By Marcus Smoot & Ms. Lyric Bravado

1
Sierra Hull: Mandolin Magic and Small Town Roots, ep. 300 1:06:40

2M ago1:06:40

1:06:40

When mandolinist Sierra Hull was little, her dad told her she was really good "for a ten year old." The older Hull knew Sierra had a fiery passion for the instrument and he knew exactly how to motivate his daughter. He went on to say that if she wanted to go to jams and porch-play for the rest of her life, she'd learned enough. He gave her realisti…

1
Basic Folk Presents: Folk Files: Shady Grove 25:27

2M ago25:27

25:27

Editor’s note: Basic Folk is pleased to introduce our listeners to one of our favorite podcasts by sharing an episode in our feed! Folk Files is a podcast hosted by Olivia Harding that seeks to uncover the mysteries of folk music through the ages and dive deep into the tangled history of murder ballads, sea shanties, rebel songs, and other music th…

1
Housewhives of Washington 1:24:05

2M ago1:24:05

1:24:05

Did you hear the one about the man with a country full of lives in his hands that walked into an office asking two wealthy men (one white, one orange) for help and they wouldn't because they didn't like what he had on? Stop us if you've heard this one...By Marcus Smoot & Ms. Lyric Bravado

1
Gary Louris talks to Mark Erelli on Songwriting, Late in Life Love, and Technology, ep. 299 1:01:02

2M ago1:01:02

1:01:02

You probably know Gary Louris as the leader of The Jayhawks – or as they refer to themselves, “a band from Minnesota.” The Jayhawks are pioneers of roots rock, alt-country, and Americana. Whatever you wanna call it, they’ve been making records where rock, pop, country, and other forms of American roots music overlap since the mid-1980s. But Louris’…

1
Lilly Hiatt: Driving Tunes and Life Lessons, ep. 297 44:50

3M ago44:50

44:50

Singer-songwriter Lilly Hiatt has an interesting way of working melodies and a down to earth way of telling stories about her life and about how she sees the world. All of her albums have cool, crunchy guitar parts that take folk songwriting to a new rockin' level. On her new album 'Forever,' Hiatt's diverse influences are woven into songs that tou…

1
Bonus Mary Sue Twohy: From Folk Roots to Radio Waves 41:12

3M ago41:12

41:12

SiriusXM's folk radio programmer Mary Sue Twohy has not had a straight career path, but it's certainly been adventurous. Mary Sue, who is about to be inducted into the Folk DJ Hall of Fame, has held many different jobs over her life, most notably as a touring singer songwriter and as a beloved folk radio programmer, host and active community member…

1
Bush Walk 1:59:07

3M ago1:59:07

1:59:07

This week we're celebrating Kendrick's message & watching Issa and Shonda stand on business, while this administration pushes hatred by-way-of transgender army bans, social media posts and misinformation. Do you have a plan in place?By Marcus Smoot & Ms. Lyric Bravado

1
Sam Moss: Gentle Folk Sounds and Woodworking Bounds, ep. 296 58:25

3M ago58:25

58:25

Although the ever-enigmatic Sam Moss is not a great swimmer, he named his latest album 'Swimming.' The folk singer with a gentle demeanor is back with thoughtful songs and captivating melodies. Hailing from New England, Sam has carved out a unique niche in the folk world, blending naturalistic themes with an introspective approach to songwriting. W…

1
Eaten Faces 1:40:49

3M ago1:40:49

1:40:49

This week Janelle put Nelly on blast, Jaden wore a house on his head, wypipo are awakening to their faces being eaten by orange-supporting leopards & was anyone else's heart warmed by Beyoncé's award reaction? Aww.By Marcus Smoot & Ms. Lyric Bravado

1
Covered in Moss: Anna B Savage's World of Folk, Birds and Ireland, ep. 295 57:32

3M ago57:32

57:32

Anna B Savage is down to earth and witchy as hell at the same time. Over her three albums, she's cultivated a memorizing sound and epic image – like David Bowie, Bjork, Kate Bush, etc. – that's gained her a god-like reputation. A reputation which preceded the actual human being behind the art, leaving some to wonder what it would be like to speak t…

1
Colonized History Month 1:45:27

3M ago1:45:27

1:45:27

The call is coming from inside of the WHITE House, America.By Marcus Smoot & Ms. Lyric Bravado

1
Carolyn Kendrick's Devilish Detour: Satan's Folk Music, Moral Panic and the Color Red, ep. 294 1:07:30

3M ago1:07:30

1:07:30

Carolyn Kendrick's latest project explores complex themes of moral panic, tradition, and the figure of the devil (AKA Satan, AKA Lucifer). The LA-based songwriter opens up about the inspiration behind her album, 'Each Machine,' which is accompanied by a thought-provoking zine. In our Basic Folk conversation, she discusses the significance of the co…

1
Josh Kaufman: Imperfect Folk Music & Backstage Snacks, ep. 293 1:02:56

4M ago1:02:56

1:02:56

Multi-talented musician and producer Josh Kaufman is known for his work with Josh Ritter, The National, and his band Bonny Light Horseman. I've known Josh for many years, after meeting him in Pittsburgh while he was on tour with Dawn Landes. I felt instant friendship with him (and honestly with the entire Dawn Landes band that day). We haven't seen…

1
Reality's Sh*t Show 1:50:16

4M ago1:50:16

1:50:16

A day away from the incoming administration and the snakes are already revealing themselves. Stay safe out here, y'all. This week we're talking TikTok bans, oligarchies, Roseanne dropped a diss track..... and did Snoop just do what we thought he did?By Marcus Smoot & Ms. Lyric Bravado

1
Lutalo: Hip Hop Roots and Folk Future(s), ep. 292 50:22

4M ago50:22

50:22

In 2024, Vermont's Lutalo released their debut album, The Academy. In this episode of Basic Folk, they share the profound influence of their father, whose deep love for artistry and creativity laid the foundation for Lutalo's musical path. We delve into the broad variety of their influences, from underground hip-hop to African drumming classes, eac…

1
Appreciate the Blessings 45:16

4M ago45:16

45:16

In this episode of Nerd Thug Radio we have beef with the universe and also thankful for the situations we have found ourselves in. Remember to go to shop.theadventurebeginstx.com and when purchasing Pather products use code Nerdthug10 for 10% Off.

1
Jerry Douglas: From Steel Mills to Dobro Thrills, ep. 291 57:50

4M ago57:50

57:50

Jerry Douglas is widely regarded as the best Dobro player in the world. Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, and James Taylor are counted among his many collaborators and his four-decade career has earned him 16 GRAMMY Awards and numerous other accolades. In our Basic Folk conversation, he shares stories about his upbringing in Warren, Ohio, where his fa…

1
2025 Hopefuls 1:15:37

4M ago1:15:37

1:15:37

It's our late ass holiday special.. coz we was busy or whateva! Unpacking 2024 and looking ahead to 2025.By Marcus Smoot & Ms. Lyric Bravado

1
Basic Folk: An Official Bluegrass Situation Production 5:06

4M ago5:06

5:06

Basic Folk features honest conversations with folk musicians hosted by Cindy Howes and Lizzie No. We approach interviews with warmth, humor and insightful questions. Since 2018, this podcast has dignified under the radar roots musicians by providing a platform that they might not otherwise have. You’ll hear interviews from Three-time Grammy-winning…

1
Did You Earn It, Though? 1:44:00

5M ago1:44:00

1:44:00

Interesting how all of this unearned wealth continues to be hoarded, don't you think?By Marcus Smoot & Ms. Lyric Bravado

1
Year-End Reflections with Cindy & Lizzie: A Wild 2024 Ride, ep. 290 1:11:13

5M ago1:11:13

1:11:13

It's 2024 recap time on Basic Folk! Cindy & Lizzie dive into a most special year-end reflection, featuring highlights from our honest conversations with folk musicians. We revisit THE top episode of the year, Anna Tivel & Jeffrey Martin's insightful discussion on navigating artistic challenges and living a simple life. Cindy shares her favorite epi…

1
Philosophy this time around 48:24

5M ago48:24

48:24

Join us in this newest edition of Nerd Thug Radio asking the hard hitting questions of morality and how good reese's big cups are. You can now save 10% on Pather products when ordering on shop.theadventurebeginstx.com with code nerdthug10

1
Nature Calls for Trampled by Turtles' Dave Simonett: Music, Hunting and Home, ep. 289 1:00:14

5M ago1:00:14

1:00:14

Dave Simonett, lead singer and songwriter of the bluegrass-adjacent Trampled by Turtles, is a talented musician AND a great outdoorsman. From the small town of Mankato, Minnesota, to the vibrant music scenes of Duluth and Minneapolis, Simonett shares his upbringing in a musically-inclined, nature-loving family, shaped by the sounds of church hymns …

1
Black Body Parts 1:36:18

5M ago1:36:18

1:36:18

Awful week we've had. DEI rollbacks, Walmart boycotts, Aubrey's tantrums & now nekkid black body parts too?!By Marcus Smoot & Ms. Lyric Bravado

1
Black Friday Sale 52:53

5M ago52:53

52:53

Its the same show coming at you for the same price. We talk Arcane and the possible economics of streaming all that and more fun from Nerd Thug Radio

1
BONUS Episode Let's Talk 1:02:40

5M ago1:02:40

1:02:40

Happy Thanksgiving! Miss Treese (from the 'Talk2Treese' Podcast) joins Marcus this week for both a venting session and blending of ideas of maintaining personal wellness in this troublesome political climate.By Marcus Smoot & The Real Miss Treese

1
Chickenfry and Sides 46:46

6M ago46:46

46:46

We talk about public relationships and toxic people and a little about the best holiday exclusively about food.

1
Becca Stevens on Grief, Spiritual Co-Writing and Connection, ep. 288 58:17

6M ago58:17

58:17

I (lizzie) first came across Becca Stevens via her collaboration with string group The Attica Quartet. Her new album, Maple to Paper, is really different from her previous releases. If you think you know everything that there is to know about Becca Stevens as a singer, songwriter, arranger, and producer, you are wrong. And you are going to be so am…

1
Lick & Tell 1:37:11

6M ago1:37:11

1:37:11

Telling your friends about that "special thing" your man likes you to do to him may not work in your favor, girl...By Marcus Smoot & Ms. Lyric Bravado

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