Join hosts Hana Baba and Leila Day as they explore Blackness and discuss “stories from across the Black diaspora”. Currently in its fourth season, The Stoop explores intersectionalities of race and other identities. Hana and Leila chat with guests about what it means to be Black and vegan, Black and Muslim, Black and Queer, and more. Their discussions are informative, extremely well-researched and spark conversations long after the episode ends. 

As a non-Black listener, each episode of The Stoop is like being lucky enough to learn something new about a different culture. It is a pleasure and honor to listen to these two women. Hana’s and Leila’s voices are soothing and they have the chemistry of childhood friends. The show is very well produced, with each episode clocking in at under an hour. Listeners of any race can enjoy The Stoop if they come with an open mind, ready to confront their own biases and willing to learn from others.

We were fortunate to talk with Baba about the podcast, how they differentiate from other podcasts, and their future plans in podcasting. See below for our full Q&A.

Listen: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | Spotify

DISCOVER PODS: How’d you get into podcasting?

BABA: I’m originally a radio journalist at NPR station KALW in San Francisco, hosting the award winning newsmagazine, Crossurrents. The transition from radio production to podcasting is a smooth one, given it’s all audio. The Stoop was born in the KALW News room. My colleague Leila Day and I were constantly having side conversations in the kitchen about Black topics and issues- things that didn’t fit in the format of the newsmagazine we were both working on. So we thought, these conversations we were having needed to become something. So when NPR launched its inaugural Storylab in 2016 calling for podcast proposals, we knew this was the time. We were chosen to go to Washington to develop our podcast idea, and The Stoop was launched shortly after that. We also placed in the top ten of RadioTopia’s PodQuest that year.

DISCOVER PODS: In your own words, why should listeners tune in to The Stoop?

BABA: The Stoop explores stories from across the Black diaspora with the premise that Black is not a monolith. I’m Sudanese American, my co-host Leila is African American- and our life experiences are varied and diverse- AND, we don’t always agree. Also- our podcast is different from other ‘talking head’ podcasts because it includes journalism and reporting, multiple voices, stats, history, and perspectives that aren’t heard enough in media. Furthermore- The Stoop talks about things that we talk about around our kitchen tables, in close company- and not always in the open. It’s frank, and it’s real.

DISCOVER PODS: What kind of feedback have you heard from your listeners?

BABA: Overall- i’d categorize the majority of feedback into – Black Americans, Caribbeans and Africans saying they’d never heard their life experiences being explored so openly and deeply in media. We’ve had multiple listeners talk about feeling seen, and countless others saying things like ‘this is exactly what i was thinking/feeling’. The other group we’re surprised about hearing ALOT from is white women. And almost in every email, they start with a variation of ‘I know I’m not the target audience, but I appreciate being a fly on the wall, and listening.

DISCOVER PODS: Describe your recording set up? What equipment are you using?

BABA: Since we’re radio people, we have access to our station’s studios. We record our host narration in a studio. But when recording in the field and interviewing people outside, I use a Zoom H5 recorder, with an external Sennheiser omnidirectional or shotgun mic.

DISCOVER PODS: What’s the biggest challenge you face as an indie podcaster?

BABA: Audience growth has been a challenge. When you don’t have the marketing and PR machine of a big company, you have to get real creative about spreading the word about your podcast. It’s on you to forge relationships, partnerships, networks and opportunities to get your podcast out there and in peoples’ ears.

DISCOVER PODS: Where do you want to take your podcast?

BABA: We want to expand internationally and report on the global Black/African diaspora overseas in Europe, Australia, Asia, and South America. Eventually we also plan to report in Africa. Africa has a young but booming podcast scene, and we’re creating partnerships to connect and create with folks on the continent.

DISCOVER PODS: What other podcasts are you listening to now?

BABA: Throughline, Sound Africa, Still Processing, Jesus and Jollof, The Racist Sandwich, Sunstorm, Call your Girlfriend, Code Switch, Strong Black Lead, Jemele Hill is Unbothered, Afracanah

DISCOVER PODS: Anything else you’d like to add?

BABA: Thanks for the opportunity!

Related posts:

Podcast Spotlight: Wakin’ Up With Danny Podcast Spotlight: B-Roll Podcast, The Random Movie Design Podcast Podcast Spotlight: The Existential Files
Tags