DEI might feel like a moving target, and to an extent, it is. So, a great way to stay up-to-date is by listening to diversity podcasts.
Podcasts are a somewhat new (and evolving) part of life. They’ve only been around since 2004. But, diversity and inclusion podcasts are an easy (and mostly free) way to learn about the latest DEI trends.
These accessible sources of information (you can tune in to them during your daily commute) can help provide aha-moments whether you’re a hiring manager, chief diversity officer, or certified diversity executive.
I put together this list of 15 top diversity podcasts to listen to right now to save you time searching.
Let’s take a closer look at these audio gems and why you should add them to your library of favorite podcasts:
reWorked: The Diversity and Inclusion Podcast
Created by the EW Group, UK leaders in the DEI space, these podcasts about diversity and inclusion give detailed guidance (and ideas) on how workplace protocols can be reworked to further D&I strategies.
Now in their 4th season and available on Apple, Spotify & the EW Group website.
The Will To Change: Uncovering True Stories of Diversity & Inclusion
Hosted by Jennifer Brown, an award-winning entrepreneur (and DEI pro), this podcast features true stories of DEI from successful entrepreneurs, CEOs, and best-selling authors. It’s rated as one of the best diversity podcasts available in 2024.
The informative program features over 300 insightful podcast episodes — available on Apple & Spotify.
The Diversity Gap
The Diversity Gap is one of the best diversity and inclusion podcasts focused on race and the gap between good intentions and actual results. Bethaney Wilkinson interviews guests from underrepresented groups to learn about their real-life experiences. You can expect thought-provoking discussions from talent leaders as the episodes explore trending topics like higher education, cultural change, and authentic leadership.
Widely available and on The Diversity Gap website.
“Bring a soul-guided, justice-centric perspective to your leadership and organizational change efforts. The containers I facilitate at The Diversity Gap are about you. If you want to transform your sphere of influence, you begin by transforming yourself.”
The Element of Inclusion
Dr. Jonathan Ashong-Lamptey, a globally recognized authority on DEI, hosts these bitesize podcasts on diversity. Their easily digestible length (around 10 minutes) makes them a manageable addition to any HR pro’s schedule. You’ll also find deep insights gleaned from case studies, research articles, global perspective, and academic info from Dr. Ashong-Lamptey, whose mission is to help 1 million people worldwide create inclusive workplaces.
Widely available and on the Element of Inclusion website. You can download Dr. Ashong-Lamptey’s informative series via Spotify, iTunes, and Soundcloud.
Littler Inclusion, Equity & Diversity Podcast
In these podcasts about diversity, you’ll find discussion from Littler with a focus on helping organizations and employers with the legal side of diversity and inclusion strategy.
With over 100 episodes — widely available and on the Littler website.
“Inclusion and diversity are a fundamental part of who we are – and a core principle we live by every day. From our very first days as a law firm, we’ve believed that a culture that prioritizes inclusivity leads to better outcomes – for both us and our clients. And it’s why we continue to instill an atmosphere of collaboration in everything we do.”
The Forum on Workplace Inclusion Podcast
These monthly podcasts about diversity in the workplace offer an opportunity to engage with topics on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Episodes feature speakers from industries around the globe.
Nearing 100 episodes — widely available and on The Forum on Workplace Inclusion website.
“For over 33 years, The Forum on Workplace Inclusion® – The Forum for short – has served as a convening hub for those seeking to grow professional leadership and effectiveness skills in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by engaging people, advancing ideas, and igniting change.”
Women at Work
Harvard Business Review has several diversity equity and inclusion podcasts, including this one focused on gender discrimination in the workplace. Hosts Amy Bernstein, Amy Gallo, and Emily Caulfield interview experts on gender equality, and tell stories about their own experiences of gender discrimination in the workplace. They also offer practical advice on how women can continue to excel and succeed despite gender bias in the workplace. A recent Women at Work episode featured inclusion initiatives in DEI data and how leaders can measure the success of their campaigns.
Running since 2018 — widely available and on the HBR website.
Diversity Deep Dive
If you’re looking for the best podcasts on diversity and inclusion to lift your spirits, Diversity Deep Dive should definitely be on your list. This podcast shares meaningful and uplifting stories (and insights) to positively impact diversity and inclusion.
Diversity Deep Dive has released over 30 information-rich episodes, covering some of the most controversial (yet essential topics in the modern workplace), such as pay equity, inclusive workplace case studies, and inclusive leadership.
Running since 2019 — widely available, listen in on Podbean.
DiverCity
The DiverCity podcast illuminates DEIB issues through the eyes of influencers and thought leaders, hosted by Julia Streets, founder and CEO of Streets Consulting, a business development, and communications consultancy.
Each informative episode features immersive commentary delivered by DEIB thinkers and activists to help steer inclusive practices at an individual or organizational level.
DiverCity categorizes its podcast library for convenient browsing across trending topics, including technology, intersectionality, and LGBTQ+. The podcast is in its 16th season, and it can be found on the official DiverCity webpage, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and BrightTALK.
Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox
One of 2 diversity podcasts from The Diversity Movement is hosted by VP of content and programming Jackie Ferguson. Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox talks to DEI experts and industry leaders. This podcast showcases successful protocols beyond satisfying a checklist to create real change and growth for DEI at work.
The content-rich podcast offers practical lessons for inclusive leaders, including mental health and burnout, social mobility, and strategies for creating a positive workplace culture.
Running since 2020 — widely available and on The Diversity Movement website.
Inclusion Catalyst
Diversity and corporate leaders are given a platform on one of the best diversity podcasts for deconstructing complex social justice issues. Inclusion Catalyst is on a mission to showcase the best practices for DEI in workplaces and communities
in the corporate world and beyond.
Running since 2019 — available on Apple, Spotify, Google, Stitcher, and Tunein.
“Our hosts are a collection of professionals, activists, and advocates who dig into urban and environmental issues with scholars and policy-makers from around the world. We explore diversity, inclusion, equity, social & environmental justice and strive to re-define organizational culture. Together we will advance our understanding of the social landscape, and cultivate a more inclusive, equitable world for all.”
Race at Work with Porter Braswell
Porter Braswell, CEO and co-founder of Jopwell, a leading DEI platform, is on a mission to provide a safe space to share personal stories about race in the workplace, focusing on learning from mistakes and triumphs.
Running since 2020 — widely available and on Apple Podcasts.
Winning with Diversity
Winning with Diversity highlights how organizations that prioritize DEI come out on top. The interviews and insights from these American thought leaders and executives will help to supercharge your efficiency, growth, and profitability.
The podcast covers various topics on inclusive cultures and DEI leaders and is widely available. You can also find the most recent episodes on The Diversity Movement website.
“Organizations that embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion are proven to be fundamentally more efficient, profitable, and successful while creating a unified culture.”
Disability Matters
Disability Matter is one of the best diversity and inclusion podcasts focusing on employment and empowerment for people with disabilities in the workplace. The show is broadcast live and captioned in real-time. It is dedicated to discussing how people with disabilities can secure career opportunities and how employers can support people with disabilities at work.
The podcast has also invited distinguished guests in DEI advocacy and activism to share their inspirational insights and experiences. Notable voices invited on the show include John Register, a two-time silver paralympic medalist, and The Honorable Tony Coelho, the author of the ADA amendments.
Running since 2020 — available widely and on the Bender Consulting Service, Inc. website.
Choose Inclusion Podcast
The Choose Inclusion Podcast explores bias, how guests and hosts experience it, and their own outward biases through open and authentic conversations.
Detailed episodes from the Choose Inclusion Podcast encourage diverse perspectives. In one episode, Caroline Casey, co-founder of The Valuable 500, the largest CEO collective and business move for disability inclusion, inspires inclusion consultants to have diversity conversations at work as a top business leadership agenda.
Running since 2019 — available widely. Listen here.
“Using our own experiences and the experiences of other underrepresented communities, we want to give you tactical ways to face your own biases so you can ultimately build more inclusive and diverse teams of people within your organizations.”
The 21st Century Change Agent
The 21st Century Change Agent is here to help you feel good about the possibility of real change. The podcast highlights people who have created positive change in their communities and businesses.
One season, 19 episodes — widely available and here.
One particular episode covered the importance of code switches in creating inclusive spaces at work. The insightful content explored the historical and emotional meaning attributed to words and how they drive workplace dynamics.
Code Switch
The Code Switch Podcast from National Public Radio (NPR) offers compelling inclusion and diversity insights from the perspective of journalists of color. While not specific to diversity at work, the episodes span widespread topics on social commentary, which inevitably affect team diversity.
The series was co-founded by critically acclaimed journalist Shereen Marisol Meraj, who has reported on issues of race, racism, and racial identity formation since 2013. Code Switch won the prestigious Apple Podcasts’ first-ever Show of the Year in 2020.
The latest Code Switch podcast episodes are available on the official NPR website, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
Do you listen to any diversity and inclusion podcasts I missed? Email friends@ongig.com or comment below to get them added to the list.
And, for other podcasts (unrelated to diversity, but still valuable), check out Podcastle.ai’s post on Best Podcasts To Listen To Now.
Why I wrote this:
Ongig’s mission is to create effective and inclusive job descriptions. These diversity podcasts give HR pros (like you) an excellent resource for staying on trend and inspired about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Request a demo or sign-up with Ongig today to boost your workplace diversity campaigns.
Thanks to my sources:
- 10 Best Diversity and Inclusion Podcasts by Sarah Martinez
- Top 10 Diversity Podcasts by Jason Gillikin and Cee Cee Huffman
- 20 Best Diversity And Inclusion Podcasts by FeedSpot
