2023 Judging Panel

Huge THANKS to our volunteer judges who listen to, score, and comment on hundreds of Black podcasters’ submitted audio reels.

Special appreciation to Erica Cobb for making history as our first ever lead judge!

Erica is a co-host on TEGNA’s ‘Daily Blast Live’ and host of 2023 NAACP Image Awards nominated podcast, ‘Comeback with Erica Cobb‘.

Founder of Carefree Mag and I’m the co-host of Wokeland, a sonic cultural ode to Oakland!

She is a female podcast host of a show that has been around since Covid. All episodes are 10 minutes or less and talk about random topics.

Ann serves as President of Podcasters Unlimited Network and strives to develop first-in-class podcasts.

I am a Black true crime podcaster.

Arielle produces television segments and consults for various commercial broadcasting and cable networks including ABC, NBCUniversal, WeTV and Viacom.

Crackers In Soup is an award-winning and award-nominated podcast production and coaching company!

Serial entrepreneur, empowering people of color to shatter glass ceilings. Passionate about podcasting, family, and self-development.

1/2 half of the dynamic duo of Hear Ye Podcast. A local podcast in Dallas TX focusing on friendship and laughs

Peer Support Specialist and Host of The African Love Hustle podcast where I share my experience, strength, and hope one show at a time.

Deena is the host of the podcast Black Tech Unplugged. The podcast highlights Blacks who innovate and work in the tech industry.

Freelance Writer and Podcast Host

Denese founded Podcasters of NJ and launched Podcasters Unlimited, a podcast network, and consultant, serving as its CEO.

Denise is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, author, speaker, podcaster

Lawyer. Educator. Consultant. I am the host of the Read The Fine Print podcast and the “P.I.MP.I.N.G. NEGUS” live show

Dominic is the creator of the award-winning Black is America and is the host & editor of podcasts for Meadows Behavioral Healthcare.

Dr. Vibe™ is the co-host and co-producer of the only online show in the world for dads and fathers that is sponsored by Dove Men+Care.

Independent Producer. Creator & Host of the Building Black Podcast with Hauwa Otori

A NAACP Award nominee, mother to a prince & a princess. Losing a child makes me want to see the people heal from generational issues.

Janae, known as JaneyLaney, is a disabled gaming content creator, podcaster, and tech advisor. She is the founder of BlackMinecraft.

Talkative host named JD – talking about life

Jared is passionate about media education and empowering youth, especially those belonging to the Black community.

Johnnie Ray Kornegay III (Jay Ray) is co-host and producer of Queue Points. He is the Deputy Director of Strategy & Impact for CNP.

Krystal is the Director of Podcasts for Black Love Inc. the premier 100% Black-owned partner for celebrating 360 degrees of Black Love

A Bonus Mom Coach embarked on a mission to empower and provide specialized support for bonus moms, couples, and blended families.

Creator and Host of That Wasn’t In My Textbook Podcast

Marcos is an actor/filmmaker and the Host/Creator of OneMicNite. He has been seen on stage, tv, and is a voice actor.

Content Creator and Innovator

Nikki is the founder of Buy From A Black Woman, host of A Black Woman’s Podcast and advocate for Black Women Founders.

Nya is a media strategist, podcast producer, & owner of Nya B. Marketing. She helps to grow brands online with podcasting & social media.

Osakpolor is the host of Answers For Gen Z. The podcast launches January 2023. He’s 20 yo Nigerian, a singer and cinephile.

Variety Magazine, Third Coast, and Webby Award-winning podcaster from outer space.

Taccara is an awarding winning writer + producer of scripted podcasts, 3x author and content creator.

Tiara is a podcast producer who truly has a strong passion for the art form of fruitful discussion and storytelling.

CEO of CTRMediaNetwork.com reaching 350M households, Best Selling Author, Motivational Speaker, and Host of The Tina Ramsay Show.

Tonya McKenzie, founder of Sand & Shores PR & Leadership Firm, is a L.A. County Commissioner of Alcohol and other Drugs, author, & PR expert.

Tracy is a lawyer/advocate and the host of the podcast Equity, Equality and Inclusion Dialogues.

Whitney (she/her) is the host of Impostrix Podcast. She is also a mother, a wife, and a civil rights attorney.

Wize is a 10 year vet in podcasting. Currently he is the E.P. for #CareFreeBlackGirl Podcast & Podcast Coordinator at SANDOW Design Group.

2023 Judging Panel

Erica Cobb

Anayo Awuzie

Andrea Smith

Ann Smith

Aramis Smith

Arielle Brant

Bethany Hawkins

Brandi Davis

Brittany Peete

Cherita Cranon

Deena McKay

Delia Pena-Gay

denese duran

Denise Moore

DeTravius Bethea

Dominic Lawson

Dr. Vibe™

Hauwa Otori

Holly Sisa

Janaé McPhaul

Janet Dara

Jared Stokes

Johnnie Kornegay

Krystal Hill

La’Krish Mayes

Latoya Coleman

Marcos Luis

Marques Edwards

Nikki Porcher

Nya Peoples

Osakpolor Aiguobasinmwin

Sai Sion

Taccara Martin

Tiara Burns

Dr. Tina J Ramsay

Tonya McKenzie

Tracy Kadessa

Whitney Knox Lee

Wize Grazette