The Blk Powerhouse Podcast
Welcome to The Blk Powerhouse Podcast, where we explore the publishing industry through the lens of Black voices. Whether you’re a writer, author, publisher, bookseller, librarian, or book influencer, this podcast is for anyone navigating the world of books—from the page to the bookshelf and beyond. We’ll tackle everything from how to break into the industry, to building lasting careers, to making meaningful connections in an ever-evolving field—and, most importantly, how we, as Black people in this space, can work together to create the equitable changes we need to see.
Episodes
10 episodes
Taking the Ghost Out of Ghostwriting with Leah Latkins
What does it really take to build a successful career as a ghostwriter?In this episode of The Blk Powerhouse Podcast, Leah Hernandez sits down with ghostwriter, editor, and author Leah Lakins, whose clients include Steve Harvey, Pinky Co...
The Patreon for Books? How Bookum Is Changing Publishing
In today’s episode, I’m joined by my friend Kyle Colley, Co-Founder & CEO of Bookum — a social reading app and virtual book club platform connecting authors, readers, and book influencers all in one place.We discuss how bestselling a...
🎬 Inside the Business of Book-to-Film Adaptations with Cebo Campbell
In this episode, filmmaker, author, and brand builder Cebo Campbell takes us behind the scenes of how stories move from the page to the screen. He shares how he used his background in hospitality and brand development to build his identity as a...
The Truth About Bestseller Lists (and Why We Need Our Own)
Everyone in publishing talks about bestsellers—but few people actually know how those lists are made.In this episode, I’m joined by Troy Johnson, Founder of the African American Literature Book Club (AALBC), and Linda ...
Building an Award Winning Press with Valerie Brandes Founder of Jacaranda Books
I had the pleasure of interviewing Valerie Brandes, Founder & CEO of Jacaranda Books, a Black-owned independent publishing company based in London.In our conversation, Valerie shares her journey of starting and growing ...
Books, Therapy & Influencer Transparency with Wale Okerayi
In this episode of The Blk Powerhouse podcast, I’m joined by Wale Okerayi — licensed therapist, book influencer, and speaker at The Blk Powerhouse Summit. We talk about her journey blending literature with mental health through bibliot...
Writing in Community: Camari Carter Hawkins on Writing Circles & Building a Press
Camari Carter Hawkins — author, and founder of Audacious Writers Circle & Mama’s Kitchen Press
How to Plan a Publishing Conference: Inside The Blk Powerhouse Summit
This week on The Blk Powerhouse Podcast, Leah dives into the world of event and conference planning, sharing the behind-the-scenes journey of creating The Blk Powerhouse Summit—a gathering that united the entire Black book ecosystem.
Publicity That Works: Helena Brantley on Grassroots Book Marketing
In today's episode, I sat down with Helena Brantley, a seasoned communications professional who left corporate publishing to launch her own boutique publicity firm, Red Pencil Publicity + Marketing. Helena walks us through her career journey, s...
Secrets to a Long-Lasting Publishing Career with Malaika Adero
This episode highlights the challenges and triumphs of Black voices in the publishing industry, featuring insights from Malaika about her journey from an HBCU student to a seasoned publishing professional. Our conversation touches on navigating...
