Black Effect Podcast Festival returns to Atlanta with Charlamagne Tha God
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Charlamagne Tha God onstage at the 2025 Black Effect Podcast Festival at Pullman Yards in Atlanta. Photo: Prince Williams/Getty Images
The Black Effect Podcast Festival is coming back to Atlanta for its fourth year.
Why it matters: Atlanta is cementing its role as a national hub for Black media and culture and this festival puts the city at the center of the podcast boom.
Context: Podcasts are rapidly overtaking traditional radio in listening time, creating new opportunities for creators — and Atlanta is increasingly positioning itself as a hub for Black voices building audiences outside traditional media gatekeepers.
- Podcasts accounted for 40% of spoken-word listening time in the U.S. last year, edging past AM/FM talk radio for the first time, according to Edison Research.
The event, founded in 2020 by Charlamagne Tha God and produced with iHeartMedia, will take place April 25 from noon to 8 p.m. at Pullman Yards.
- Charlamagne and DJ Envy of "The Breakfast Club" will host alongside Loren LoRosa of "The Latest with Loren LoRosa" podcast.
- The day includes live podcast tapings, panels and networking for aspiring creators.
Between the lines: The festival doubles as a recruiting and visibility engine for the Black Effect Podcast Network, which Charlamagne has said he wants to grow into a long-term home for Black-owned shows.
What they're saying: "Each year we return to Atlanta with purpose and intention to amplify storytelling, champion community, and celebrate excellence in podcasting," said Charlamagne Tha God.
What to expect: Discussions will cover topics like AI, media development and the Gen-Z movement. Guests include "Reality With The King" host Carlos King and finance expert Ian Dunlap.
- The festival also features a "Pitch Your Podcast" booth and a marketplace spotlighting Black-owned businesses.
If you go: Tickets go on sale March 12 at noon at blackeffect.com/podcastfestival.