The Reader of Black Genius Podcast

The Reader of Black Genius podcast is a bi-weekly show, hosted by Derrick A. Young, Co-Owner and founder of MahoganyBooks, where we explore the transformative power of literature in our personal journeys. In each episode of the podcast, Derrick interviews inspiring writers, entrepreneurs, artists, and cultural influencers. He aims to discover their origin story as well as highlight the books by Black authors that they've read, which have shaped their thinking and lives.

The Reader of Black Genius Podcast is a arts podcast hosted by Derrick Young, with 16 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Derrick Young hosts The Reader of Black Genius Podcast, a arts show with 16 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #3

  Black Boys, Big Dreams: Lamar Giles on Representation in Literature

  May 14, 20261h 39mS2

  <p>Dreams really do come true if you're ready to hustle for 'em, and that's the heart of my chat with Lamar Giles on this episode of The Reader of Black Genius podcast. Lamar, a husband, father, and self-proclaimed nerd, dives into the worlds he creates, aiming to give young introverts—like I once was—a place where they can feel seen and heard. He’s got a knack for crafting stories that resonate with kids who might struggle with anxiety or low confidence, and trust me, that speaks to me deeply. From discussing his journey through diverse genres to sharin...

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #2

  Blood at the Root: LaDarrion Williams on Black Heroes and Storytelling

  Feb 2, 20262h 21mS2

  <p>Derrick Young is back at it again, diving deep into the creative journey of bestselling author LaDarrion Williams. Right from the jump, we're talking about how LaDarrion's unique background and the Black books that shaped him have influenced his storytelling. He’s got a flair for pulling inspirations from all corners of life, mixing magic and identity with a twist of unapologetic blackness in his work. We’ll explore his debut novel, Blood at the Root, which flips fantasy on its head by centering young Black heroes. Plus, we’ll chat about how growing up in a tight-knit community and hi...

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #1

  The Power of Storytelling: Nikisha Elise Williams Talks Books and Life

  Jan 15, 20262 hourS2

  <p>Nikesha Elise-Williams is in the house, and we're diving deep into her journey as an author and the host of the Black & Published podcast. As she gears up for the release of her highly anticipated novel, *Seven Daughters of Dupree*, she shares the ups and downs of her writing path, from the grind of self-publishing to landing a deal with a major publisher. We're talking about all the good stuff—her favorite books that shaped her, the inspiration behind her characters, and the importance of representation in literature. Nikesha isn’t just about the words on the page; she also...

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #13

  Kids, Books, and Black Identity: A Chat with Derrick Barnes

  Oct 28, 20251h 42mS1

  <p>In a lively and engaging conversation, Derrick Barnes shares his remarkable journey from aspiring writer to celebrated author of children’s books that center on Black boys and girls. Derrick’s mission is clear: to provide relatable and empowering stories for young readers, allowing them to see themselves reflected in the pages. He dives into the challenges he faced early on, including the struggle to have his voice heard in a predominantly white publishing industry. Derrick’s breakthrough moment came with the publication of ‘Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut,’ which not only won numerous awards but also solidified...

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #12

  Black Power Beyond Symbolism: A Conversation with Dr. Andre Perry

  Sep 26, 20251h 30mS1

  <p>The conversation with Dr. Andre Perry is a profound exploration of the intersections between Black Power, economic justice, and community empowerment. Dr. Perry articulates a vision of Black Power that is not merely about achieving political representation but about ensuring that Black lives are valued and prioritized in all spheres of society. His research sheds light on the systemic barriers that have historically hindered Black economic prosperity, advocating for a concerted effort to rectify these injustices through informed policy-making. </p><p>As we delve deeper into Dr. Perry's perspectives, it becomes evident that the fight for Black Power must...

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on The Reader of Black Genius Podcast. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.