Every story has a beginning. For me, that beginning is Black. Girl. Iowa.—a podcast born from passion, storytelling, and a desire to uplift the voices of Black men and women in the greater Des Moines area.
Starting something new, especially in the world of podcasting, is both exhilarating and intimidating. I knew I had stories to tell, experiences to share, and a community that deserved to be heard. But the journey to pressing “record” wasn’t just about buying a microphone and hitting play—it was about embracing the unknown, pushing past doubt, and stepping into purpose.
Why Now? Why This Podcast?
As a Black woman in Iowa, I’ve seen firsthand how often our stories go untold. Representation matters, and so does creating spaces where we can celebrate our accomplishments, navigate our challenges, and inspire one another.
“I want to create this space for Black women. I want to share our stories. But how can I honestly and empathetically share the stories of other Black women and other Black people in our history without sharing my own?”
This question became the foundation for Black. Girl. Iowa.—a podcast that amplifies our experiences, our challenges, and our victories in a place where we are often overlooked..
The Road to Episode One
The first episode—Chapter 38 and a Microphone—is more than an introduction; it’s a reflection. Turning 38 brought clarity and a renewed sense of purpose. It reminded me that waiting for the “perfect moment” is often just fear in disguise. So, I took the leap. I hit record. And here we are.
“I recorded this episode, man, probably about a month ago… it was scripted, and I had an outline. I basically did all of the things that I had researched and that I should do. But listening back to it, I realized that it wasn’t me.”
That moment of realization was pivotal. This podcast wasn’t meant to be a perfectly structured production—it was meant to be raw, real, and deeply personal.
In this episode, I dive into:
🎙️ The inspiration behind Black. Girl. Iowa.
🎙️ The importance of amplifying Black voices in the Midwest
🎙️ My personal journey and what this podcast means to me
What’s Next?
This is just the beginning. Season One will feature incredible guests, powerful conversations, and stories that deserve to be heard. I’m excited, nervous, and most of all—ready.
“I think that with these interviews and with these episodes, you are going to get an understanding of the Black girl magic that is happening specifically in this state—how it is being validated, celebrated, and what we’re doing to continue on and really create legacy for the next generation.”
So, if you’re here for real talk, for representation, and for celebrating Black excellence in Iowa, welcome. This is Black. Girl. Iowa., and this is just the start.
🎧 Listen to Episode One:
Let’s build something amazing together. 💜
Black. Girl. Iowa. 