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5 Podcasts Focused On Diversity In Technology

5 Podcasts Focused On Diversity In Technology

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Podcasts’ biggest problem isn’t discovery, it’s diversity, Wired writer Charley Locke wrote in an August 2015 report.

Podcast hosts routinely practice cross-promotion to bring underrepresented voices to listeners’ ears. It’s a good thing for all involved, Locke said.

It introduces new shows to a broader audience, gives listeners curated recommendations from a trusted authority, and “strengthens the whole ecosystem of listening,” according to Seth Lind, director of operations at This American Life:

Hosts cross-promote shows across different networks, too. “Other networks aren’t our competition for listeners—it’s a rising-tide-raises-all-boats situation,” said Lind.But while the helping hands may strengthen the current ecosystem of podcasting, they don’t do much to diversify it. Curated recommendations on This American Life do nothing for the people who don’t know about podcasts, or haven’t found an initial podcast they like. And it does nothing to call for more podcasts catering to a variety of listener tastes and demographics. When a white, male host recommends another podcast hosted by a white, male host to a white, male listener, there’s not much room for a diversity of voices.

As of 2016, 21 percent of Americans 12 or older have listed to a podcast, up from 12 percent in 2013. In 2016, 64 percent of people 12 and over said they most often listen to podcast on their mobile device, up from 55 percent in 2015.

The following podcasts have a diversity focus in technology.

From Austin Startups. Story by Naji H. Kelley, who is also a contributor to BLNDED, a media company committed to building a inclusive startup ecosystem. BLNDED brings together content around the globe that focuses on diversity and tech.

Austin Fire Show

Host: Rao Mubariz “Moby” Hayat

A podcast detailing the journeys of entrepreneurs, creatives, and kickass people in the fastest growing city in the U.S.

The Bootstrapped VC

Host: Arlan Hamilton, Founder and Managing Partner of Backstage Capital

Backstage Capital is venture investment fund that backs underrepresented tech startup founders. Since inception in
September 2015, Backstage has deployed more than $1 million into 30-plus startups around the U.S. that are led by women, people of color, and LGBT founders. This podcast takes you behind the scenes to show you what it’s like to build a fund from scratch and gives you deep insights into what investors are really looking for. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You might steal a donut. But that’ll have nothing to do with us. Keep it funky, keep it fresh!

Feedbak

Host: Bak Zoumanigui

On The FeedBak Podcast, we talk about the nightlife experience. We share stories, anecdotes, rants and observations about the club and bar scene and engage into a conversation regarding nightlife-related topics and issues. From music and fashion to drinks and people, we discuss the multi-faceted experience that is nightlife. We invite DJs, bartenders, bar managers, promoters and party-goers to participate and tell us their side of the story.

Open For Business

Host: John Henry, produced by ebay and Gimlet Creative, a company of Gimlet media.

Open For Business is a branded podcast from eBay and Gimlet Creative, about building a business from the ground up. It’s about the stuff no one tells you, the stuff you wish you knew, the stuff you should know when you’re starting a company.

Every episode we talk to people who have been there, and come out the other side, to hear their advice and learn from their experiences. We bring you entertaining and little-known stories that also teach valuable lessons about starting or running a small business.

Open For Business is hosted by John Henry, founder of the startup accelerator Cofound Harlem. He also launched Cofound Ventures, Harlem’s first venture capital fund. Previously, Henry founded and sold his first company, Mobile City, an on-demand laundry startup.

TechInclusion

Tech Inclusion, produced by Change Catalyst

Tech Inclusion podcast brings you the voices of inclusive innovation. Listen to the change makers, diversity and inclusion leaders, and innovators driving diversity and inclusion in the tech ecosystem and beyond. Brought to you by Change Catalyst.

Read more at Austin Startups and BLNDED.