Brandon Collins on Drunk Black History, Comedy, and Building a Live Podcast Audience | Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Series – Season 4
In this episode of Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Series, host Talib Jasir sits down with writer, comedian, and producer Brandon Collins, creator of Drunk Black History, to explore how comedy, education, and live podcasting intersect to tell powerful Black stories.
Brandon shares how a casual idea turned into a nationally touring live show and podcast, how he built a loyal audience from the ground up, and why blending humor with Black history creates both connection and clarity. The conversation moves through live event production, audience development, sustainability in independent podcasting, and the responsibility of telling stories that matter.
They discuss:
• The origin of Drunk Black History • Turning live shows into a scalable podcast format • Building trust through consistency • Producing independent events and marketing strategy • Navigating controversy in media • Creative resilience and staying adaptable • The business realities of independent podcasting
This episode offers practical insight for podcasters, producers, comedians, and creative entrepreneurs who want to grow their audience while maintaining authenticity and impact.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 05:00 The Origin of Drunk Black History 10:00 Why Podcasting Became Essential 15:00 Mixing Comedy with Black History 20:00 Producing Live Events and Marketing Strategy 25:00 Consistency, Audience Trust, and Growth 30:00 Navigating Controversy in Podcasting 35:00 This Week in Black History Segment 40:00 Evolving the Format and Staying Innovative 45:00 Creative Resilience and Generational Shifts 50:00 The Business of Independent Podcasting 55:00 Final Reflections and Advice for Creators
To learn more about Brandon Collins and Drunk Black History visit: www.drunkblackhistory.com
Check out Drunk Black History’s Upcoming Shows: www.drunkblackhistory.com/upcoming-shows
Listen to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/drunk-black-history/id1535495844
Follow in Instagram: @officialdrunkblackhistory
Subscribe to Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Series for more conversations with podcast creators, media entrepreneurs, and storytellers shaping the future of audio.
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