Shantae Howell
Shantae Howell is the host and creator of Edges. Follow DCP on Twitter here.
How did the show change from the moment you dreamed of it to the moment it became a reality?
I originally envisioned that each season of the show would have one episode about me, I’d pass the baton to others and use narration to relate to other folks and their stories along the way. I wasn’t giving my story the space to breathe in part because it didn’t feel right to spend so much time in my community and not give that space to others. Which, I hope to do more of in the future! But right now I’m kind of getting my bearings, working my bill-paying job and just…haven’t proven myself enough to ask folks for that kind of space in their lives.
What do you want white people to get from Edges? Or are you not even thinking about them?
One of my best friends, Jana (she’s in episode 2), taught me about this concept called “inner circle outer circle.” Essentially, space is created and dedicated for the community at the center with the opportunity for others to listen and learn. That’s kind of what I hope Edges is for listeners – it’s for Black people, and I’m not going to (over) explain things but if it gives other folks a starting point to Google and empathize, I love it.
Are podcasts good for mental health?
They’re certainly good for mine! Though…every pod has a time and a place. I love a good true crime sitch. I grew up watching my daddy, Keith Morrison, do the Lord’s work on Dateline while my mom did my hair. Dateline’s still a big part of how we bond today, even though she doesn’t do my hair anymore. But these days I find myself more drawn towards storytelling and comedy, and literally anything that doesn’t involve law enforcement.
Were you nervous about being so vulnerable on the mic?
YES. Particularly because I was still processing a lot of things throughout production (that I’m processing things now) and…I very much have a 9-5 🙃
Why are you the perfect host for this show?
I definitely don’t feel like I’m the right fit for the show on most days – though I guess if I wasn’t, I wouldn’t have had the idea? BUT I do try to be conscious of my privilege and how much space I take up and maybe that’s enough.
How do you balance talking about heavy/honest stuff and being super funny?
To quote my friends at Guys Next Door, it's simply…the Blackness. Humor is in our DNA, avoidance is in mine so every tender moment must be met with a giggle (therapists love dat). My life is beautiful and wonderful and full of joy but I would certainly hold a few of the harder moments a bit heavier if I didn’t find reasons to laugh. Or maybe I’d have gone to therapy sooner, who knows.
What is one show you love that most people don’t know about?
So many good ones! I don’t know how unwell known it is but Pop Cultured with theSkimm launched late last year and has given me an incredible foundation for some reallyyyyy tough conversations with loved ones. The way Bridget Armstrong (Pop Cultured with theSkimm host and fellow former Vox-er!) breaks down the history and context behind current events is simply 👌🏽.
What is one show you love that most people already love?
The Read is a weekly must for me, some of the inside jokes I refuse to explain are directly borrowed from their Hot Tops. The Ballad of Billy Balls and Anything for Selena are also beautiful pieces of storytelling that I return to every now and again for a good cry — I’ve drawn so much inspiration from both shows as I’ve found my footing.
Thanks, Shantae!