In Episode 24 of the Heard! Afros & Audio Interview Series, Talib Jasir sits with Leo Ra’Chel to explore her journey from BlogTalk Radio in 2011 to building PGC Media (Phat Girl Chronicles), a podcast network grounded in authenticity, culture, and long-term impact.

Before podcasting became mainstream, Leo was already creating audio spaces for conversation, community, and plus-size empowerment. Over time, that foundation evolved into PGC Media, a multi-show platform focused on Black storytelling, mental health dialogue, and audience-centered programming.

This conversation examines how early audio platforms shaped today’s podcast landscape, why authenticity creates deeper audience trust than trend-driven content, and what it takes to grow from a single show into a sustainable podcast network. Leo reflects on protecting culture while scaling, maintaining integrity in content creation, and building community that feels intentional rather than transactional.

For podcasters, network founders, and creators focused on longevity over virality, this episode offers perspective on building infrastructure that supports both voice and ownership.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction & Leo Ra’Chel’s Podcasting Journey 05:00 – Starting on BlogTalk Radio in 2011 10:00 – Finding Her Voice Through Audio 15:00 – Turning a Podcast into PGC Media 20:00 – Authenticity vs Algorithm Culture 25:00 – Plus-Size Empowerment & Representation 30:00 – Building Community That Feels Like Home 35:00 – Mental Health & Media Responsibility 40:00 – Long-Form Content in a Short-Form Era 45:00 – Protecting Culture While Scaling 50:00 – Advice for Creators Focused on Longevity

To learn more about Leo Ra’Chel and PGC Media visit: Linktr.ee/pgcmedia

Follow on Social Media: Leo Ra’Chel: @iamleorachel (on all platforms)

PGC Media: @pgcmediaco

Phat Girl Chronicles: @thephatgirlchronicles

This episode is brought to you by The Secret Life of TK Dutes Visit: tastykeish.com/secretlifepod Follow on Instagram @tastykeish (IG) and @philosfuturemedia (IG- pronounced Fee-Low’s…)