Hello Meltingpot Readers,
I love Fridays. Not only because Friday is the beginning of the weekend, but because I get to share with you some of my favorite things. And this week, my favorite thing is a new podcast called, Touré Show.
True confession, I’m kind of late to the podcast party. I only recently became a believer and so I’m still finding the podcasts that really speak to me. I now realize that I’m not a fan of the type of podcast where two people who clearly enjoy the sound of their own voices, sit in front of a microphone and talk about whatever pops into their head. I prefer talk-show style podcasts and/or episodic shows where good storytelling is featured.
Recently, I read on social media that writer and journalist, Touré had a new podcast, and because I’ve been a fan of Touré’s since he wrote his under-appreciated, but brilliant novel, Soul City: A Novel
About his podcast, Touré writes that he conducts “in-depth interviews with successful Black people and explore[s] what makes them successful and how they dealt with the most difficult moments of their lives.” And let me tell you, those interviews are truly are in-depth. I’ve listened to three fascinating interviews so far, including Van Jones, Zadie Smith and Susannah Melvoin (Prince’s first fiancé) and each interview has been over an hour in length. Touré does a really good job leading his subjects to tell their stories, without interrupting them and letting them just talk. I seriously let my new puppy sit in his crate for an extra 10 minutes because I had to finish listening to Melvoin explain how Prince proposed to her on a balcony in Paris.
I think what makes Touré’s show so great – besides the stellar list of fascinating guests he’s compiled – is in fact the time factor. He’s created something like the slow-cooker method of interviewing and as such, the information we glean from his guests is juicier and more thoughtful than the usual 10-minute media take-out. Plus, he’s not trying to get his guests to air their dirty laundry, but rather, he’s asking them to share the secrets of their unique success. It’s a winning formula in my opinion. After every episode I’ve listened to, I feel smarter in some way, enlightened and encouraged. Next up for me, I’ll be tuning into the episode where Touré interviews Joy Reid.
So, if like me, you’re trying to find a new podcast to add to your listening library, check out Touré Show. It definitely gets the Meltingpot stamp of approval.
What podcasts are you listening to these days, dear readers? Feel free to leave me some new ideas in the comments.
Thanks!
Peace.
