Piper Carter, left, is the host of Detroit-based politics, music and culture show, “Piper Carter Podcast,” produced by Detroit is Different. “Frankie Has a Big Mouth” podcast features Frankie Darcell, right.
By: Rasha Almulaiki and Sherri Kolade
Although podcasting, formerly known as “audioblogs,” has been around for 30 years, the COVID pandemic saw a rise in this media platform across the country. In Detroit, the podcast scene is growing with the powerful voices of Black women discussing politics, business and arts/culture.
The Michigan Chronicle spoke with two women paving the way to bring relevant, timely discussions to Detroit’s airwaves, Frankie Darcell and Piper Carter.
Frankie Darcell
Across the nation, she is heard in more than 20 markets. Frankie Darcell, the host of the nationally syndicated iHeart Media show, is a radio broadcasting industry darling and powerhouse impacting the lives of the millions of listeners who have come to regard Darcell as appointment radio over the years. Darcell’s talent for educating and entertaining her audience has benefited the Black community.
Darcell, a Philadelphia resident, has a podcast collaboration with the parent company of the Michigan Chronicle, Real Times Media, and Black Information Network as host of “Frankie Darcell Has A Big Mouth,” which is currently syndicated in numerous radio markets through iHeart Media.
Darcell’s voice was familiar to Detroit listeners, and the city’s residents have missed it. The New York native worked at MIX 92.3 WMXD for more than 20 years till the station changed the daytime lineup in 2022 and fired her.
“I mean, I go back, you know — I played vinyl,” Darcell told the Michigan Chronicle. “So, it’s been a long-storied career — 30 years or so.”
Given her career across the country, she credits Detroit where she “really grew” into the talent she is today. “I owe that to the city of Detroit.”
Throughout her path in her work, she is at the forefront of issues regarding Black communities with their pain points, triumphs and injustices.
Her shows, ranging from police violence and politics to sports and music — nothing is off limits for Darcell who is as real and raw about her work as she is vulnerable and transparent about empowering other women (whatever their lane) to do the same.
“We are in a real interesting space of African Americans in America,” Darcell said of dealing with racial trauma, economic trials and more. “We don’t have that freedom of speech any more unless you’re ready to deal with what is considered canceled.”
Darcell said that her 26-year-old daughter reminds her that today’s generation of listeners are evolving and not the same as decades ago with the mentality of sticking to one job until they retire.
“Now you can multitask,” she said. “My passion happens to be radio television, and actually now theater and podcasting.”
The ever evolving and inspiring Darcell said that it’s important for people to love what they do despite all obstacles.
“You got to be willing to stay up, get up early, stay up late, not take ‘no’ personally and persevere through that and build relationships that can help you grow your network. Grow your career and ultimately, the business that you’re in. So, that would be my recommendation on anybody, no matter what it is that they’re trying to do.”
For more information visit iheart.com and search “Frankie Darcell Has A Big Mouth.”
Piper Carter Podcast
Piper Carter is the host of the weekly show, “Piper Carter Podcast,” which holds space for a mix of community conversations on international, national and Detroit-centric current events, politics, environmental justice, arts and culture, crypto art, health and wellness, music and fashion.
Since their start in the early 2000s, podcasts have grown in number, according to podcast provider Buzzsprout. The industry grew with the development of smartphones, mobile devices, smart speakers (such Amazon Alexa, Google Home, etc.), and in-dash entertainment systems. Statistics show that 104 million Americans, or more than one-third, routinely listen to podcasts. During COVID, podcasting expanded significantly, and the demographics of podcast listeners became more diversified.
“I’ve always wanted to do a podcast, but I’ve been involved with so many different things, but now the opportunity to have high quality access to media making tools on your phone changes everything,” said Carter. “After all the people and communities I’ve connected to in Detroit, people telling their stories in a way that didn’t exist before, I wanted to do [a podcast] to share all the things I’m learning and be part of all the conversations happening about Detroit.”
Carter has been a mainstay in Detroit’s music, culture and social justice scene since moving to the city in 2008. A photographer by trade, Carter is a fashion photographer featured four times on Tyra Banks’ VH-1 TV show “The Shot.” She was the first Black woman to shoot for high-end publications such as French Vogue, British Elle, New York Times, Spin and Essence Magazines, as well as emerging talent for Music companies such as Def Jam, Sony Music, Warner Music, Universal Music, Disturbing tha Peace, Elektra Records and BET.
Carter is also the co-founder of The Foundation of We Found Hip Hop, focused on uplifting, celebrating and supporting Women in Hip Hop to help them build careers in a safer environment. She is creator of Dilla Youth Day, a highlight during African American History Month for young people to become excited about exploring the S.T.E.A.M. disciplines while recognizing a modern homegrown figure in Hip Hop.
“The Piper Carter Podcast” has garnered over 30,000 listeners worldwide and is streaming on Apple podcast, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Stitcher, YouTube and Facebook.
“My most watched episode was on the J Dilla book that came out in 2022, ‘Dilla Time: The Life and Afterlife of J Dilla, the Hip-Hop Producer Who Reinvented Rhythm,’” said Carter. “We spoke with the author, Dan Charnas, about the process he took to write the book and it was a way for people to learn more about our hometown hero. There are over 5,000 watches by now and people really appreciated the conversations.”
The topics and guests on the show usually cover current events and topics of interest featuring on-the-ground experts from issues such as the ongoing water crisis in Flint and Detroit. Recently, the podcast covered a grassroots community rebuttal of Mayor Mike Duggan’s 10th State of the City Address.
“I love hearing from my listeners, and I have loving regular listeners who chime in to chat,” said Carter. “Most of them would say they listen in to learn what’s really happening on the ground outside of the regular news and want to hear authentic conversations. When it comes to more Black women doing podcast, we need more of it and it remains to be seen. But I do intend on keep putting myself out there.”
To listen to the weekly “Piper Carter Podcast,” check out pipercarterpodcast.com for a full list of episodes.
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