In this episode of Behind the Mic, host Wize Grazette sits down with Talib Jasir, founder of the Afros & Audio Podcast Festival, to explore how one man’s vision reshaped the landscape for Black podcasters across the nation.

Talib shares how his passion for storytelling and audio fiction led to the creation of a thriving national community for independent creators, the challenges of sustaining Afros & Audio without major funding, and why this year’s event in Baltimore will be its final celebration. Together, they dive into his personal journey, creative growth, and what’s next for the movement he built.

🎧 B-Sides Track of the Week: “Lucky” by Tish Hyman — a soulful reminder to stay grounded in gratitude and perseverance through creative highs and lows.

💽 Listen to our B-Sides Track of the Week playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2EysXGOWrzoQ3Zmp34VWLx

💽 Listen to our B-Sides Track of the Week playlist on Youtube:

“We are the most powerful people in this industry. The podcast industry doesn’t exist without podcasters.” — Talib Jasir

Chapters

00:00 — Intro

01:27 — Talib’s Journey and Afros & Audio

03:19 — B-Side Track of the Week

04:50 — Talib Jasir before Afros & Audio

12:10 — Trials & Tribulations

14:58 — Final Afros & Audio Podcast Festival

Subscribe to Behind the Mic wherever you listen and leave a five-star rating — on both Spotify and Apple Podcasts if you’re a real one.

Follow Talib Jasir on Instagram and Twitter @TalibJasir and visit AfrosAndAudio.com

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Follow Wize Grazette on Instagram and X @TheRealWize.

🎙️ Behind the Mic: Hosted by Wize Grazette is Powered by Offscript Podcast Network.

🎧 Edited and produced by The Indie Creative Network and Storytime Studios.

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