Today we’re profiling a history podcast that has been educating and entertaining listeners about the history of Africa for more than two years. It’s A Continent challenges the common misconception that Africa is a country, whilst appreciating the identity of each nation. Hosts Chinny and Astrid explore key historical moments that have shaped the continent, in an easily digestible, satirical (and shady) format.

We recommended the show as one of our favourite podcasts for women’s history, but since then Chinny and Astrid have been continuing to unearth lost stories from Africa – and even written a book based on the show! We caught up with them to find out a bit more…

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

AM: Serial season 1-3, the disappearance and murder of Hae Min Lee.

CU: I used to listen to Radio 4 Comedy on my iPod nano.

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?

BOTH: We’ve always wanted a creative outlet, and podcasting provides the freedom to be creative and also learn alongside our listeners. Forming our listening community is really important to us.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

BOTH: We like the way Redhanded toe the line with serious issues, and this is a similar approach we take when we are dealing with tough topics. Swindled is another podcast that takes in depth research and shares sometimes shocking stories with their audience.

How much research do you do for your episodes?

BOTH: We like entering research wormholes, there are some topics that are easier to research than others. The British Library, JSTOR and online libraries are valuable resources that we use to form the basis of our stories. In some instances, a documentary or two, or even an autobiography provides valuable insight.

What’s the most interesting historical fact you have learnt from making the podcast?

AM: Being able to recognise people that haven’t been called out in history, for example Albert Luthuli being the first African to win a Nobel Peace Prize, yet he’s not part of the conventional narrative. Wangari Maathai a Kenyan activist and environmentalist, whose story remains little told.

CU: Agreed, also understanding the way the world works, especially when it comes to instability and conflict because of the way African borders have been drawn up. This is the reason we continue seeing issues in Cameroon, Sudan and Somalia.

Which episode would you say is the perfect introduction to your podcast?

AM: There’s no specific place to start, each episode is self-contained. Start with a country, theme or person that piques your interest.

CU: If I had to choose I’d probably go for Thomas Sankara, or the CFA Franc.

Tell us how the It’s A Continent book came about!

BOTH: We’d been podcasting for about eight months or so, then out of the blue, a publisher reached out to us about turning the podcast into a book. We jumped at the opportunity as it meant we’d be able to share African history to a much wider audience.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

BOTH: You can check out our socials and website to see what we’re up to! @itsacontinent on Twitter, @itsacontinentpod on Instagram and www.itsacontinent.com. Also, our paperback will be out this year, so watch this space for more details.

Listen to It’s A Continent now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

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Who are you and what’s your podcast about?

I’m Marion Atieno Osieyo. I’m an environmental leader and communicator from London, UK. I created Black Earth Podcast, an interview podcast celebrating nature and inspiring black women leaders in the environmental movement. The podcast facilitates informed, inspiring and authentic conversations on what it means to take care of nature.

What was the first podcast you ever listened to?

The first podcast I ever listened to (and still do) was On Being by Krista Tippett.

Why did you decide to start podcasting in the first place?

I wanted to tell new narratives about black people’s contribution to Earth care in a way that celebrated the diversity and beauty of our culture as well as the beauty of nature. In the opening episode of the podcast, I talk more about the specific turning point for me which led me to starting the podcast.

I pitched my idea to the Spotify SoundUp programme in 2020 and was selected to take part in the programme. The programme gave me the opportunity to refine the podcast further as well as learn about how to tell great stories using the podcast format.

Which podcasts do you take inspiration from?

I’d say On Being has been the biggest inspiration for me in terms of how to structure and host impactful interviews.

I also like Mothers of Invention, which was the first environmental podcast I listened to and felt the issues were covered with enough depth but also accessible.

Aside from podcasts, I listen to alot of interviews, which I feel helps me think about the questions and structure of the conversations in the podcast.

Who’s your dream guest for the podcast?

All my guests have been my dream guests. I’m grateful they have been a part of Black Earth podcast. One person I’m looking forward to interviewing is Mia Mottley, the Prime Minister of Barbados.

Why podcasting? What is it about the format that appeals to you?

Through my work as an environmental leader, I get access to incredible science about the state of our planet. I also meet interesting people with visionary ideas and unique life stories. The podcast format is a perfect way to blend the two – science and unique life stories- in an intimate and accessible way.

Podcasting allows me to integrate nature sounds (bioacoustics) in the interviews, bringing to life the beautiful sounds of nature that are all around us. The episode with Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, was recorded when she was in a forest. You can hear the sounds of nature and we were able to amplify that with nature soundscapes in the sound design.

Through podcasting, I can tap into oral storytelling and communal listening practices which are important parts of my ancestral heritage.

Where can the Pod Bible readers find out more about you?

You can check out our website and listen to our episodes: blackearthpodcast.com.

We use our social media to continue informing and engaging with our listener community so connect with us on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn @blackearthpodcast

Personally, I’m on Instagram @earth.marion and LinkedIn.

Listen to Black Earth Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps >>

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