AJC expands podcast lineup with launch of ‘It’s UATL’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is expanding its growing podcast lineup.
On Wednesday, the newsroom will debut “It’s UATL,” a new weekly podcast that dives deep into Black culture from the heart of Atlanta.
It joins the AJC’s acclaimed slate that already includes “Breakdown” and “Politically Georgia.”
Led by a dynamic mix of veteran and emerging AJC journalists — Nedra Rhone, Najja Parker, DeAsia Paige and Brooke Leigh Howard — the podcast will feature unscripted conversations that explore the forces shaping Black life throughout the South, from politics and activism to pop culture, including food, fashion, music and just living.
“This podcast is another example of how UATL is uniquely positioned to convene Atlanta around the topics that matter to you,” said Leroy Chapman, editor-in-chief of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I am excited about the insight these four talented, accomplished journalists will provide as we navigate this great city.”
A 2023 Mindshare report found that 56% of Black podcast listeners are women, highlighting the pivotal role Black women play in the podcasting ecosystem.
In August, Feedspot, a content discovery platform, listed at least 90 podcasts hosted by Black women, including “Sistas Who Kill: A True Crime Podcast,” “Therapy for Black Girls” and “Gettin’ Grown.”
Chapman said he is hoping the new podcast not only amplifies Black voices — particularly those of Black women — but also strengthens the AJC’s podcast portfolio, which is built on longevity and excellence.
“Breakdown,” the AJC’s acclaimed true-crime podcast, has released 177 episodes across 11 seasons. Its latest, “Three Days in May,” revisits the 2008 case of Georgia military couple Ashley and Albert Debelbot, who were charged with murder following the death of their newborn daughter, McKenzy.
“Politically Georgia,” has published 867 episodes, offering everything from on-the-ground reporting at the Republican and Democratic national conventions to in-depth coverage of Jimmy Carter’s journey from hospice to his enduring legacy.
The first episode of “It’s UATL” will feature an exclusive interview with Mara Brock Akil, an award-winning television writer, show runner and producer.
New episodes of “It’s UATL” drop every Wednesday wherever you get your podcasts.
Visit “It’s UATL” to follow and listen.
Meet the team
Current role: Columnist
Years at the AJC: 19
Hometown: Chicago
College: University of Pennsylvania, Wharton School of Business; Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism
Connection to podcast theme: At this point in my career, I’ve covered almost every topic imaginable, and I remain fascinated by people and their stories. I love making connections between the past and the present, and so much of Black culture is rooted in our history.
Signature stories or projects
- First place winner of Carmage Walls Commentary Writing Prize.
- Third place winner of Green Eyeshade Award for serious commentary.
- Pulitzer Prize finalist in explanatory reporting for contributions to Newsday’s 20th anniversary of hip-hop series.
Fun fact: Journalism is my second career. Pam Grier is my forever girl crush. Deep house is my deep vibe.
Quote: “‘It’s UATL’ is a weekly dose of joy, sisterhood and life lessons. We offer listeners authentic conversations that reveal the vibrancy of Black people and Black culture in and beyond Atlanta.”
Social handle: X: @nrhoneajc/ Instagram: @nrhone
Current role: Music and culture reporter
Years at the AJC: Three
Hometown: Chicago by way of Detroit
College: University of Kansas
Connection to podcast theme: I enjoy learning and having in-depth conversations with sources. I’ve extensively covered Black culture and communities since college.
Signature stories or projects
- Wrote and produced the 2023 Emmy-nominated documentary “The South Got Something to Say.”
- Recognized by Illinois Press Association for helping uncover local government neglect of persistent flooding issues in Centreville, Illinois, and coverage of Black communities in the metro-east.
- Reported with “The Nation’s” student journalism project “Black on Campus,” led by Melissa Harris-Perry and Sherri Williams.
- Wrote the 2021 essay collection “The College Diaries: How a Budding Black Feminist Found Her Voice.”
- Recognized by GLAAD for coverage of Atlanta’s LGBTQ community.
- Interviewed the likes of Usher, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Dionne Warwick, Victoria Monét, Ava DuVernay, Donald Glover, Bobby Brown.
- Writer of forthcoming “Shakespeare in the Streets” play “Power.”
Fun fact: I collect vinyl records and enjoy reading old issues of Vibe magazine. Firm believer there is a song and “Real Housewives of Atlanta” quote for any situation.
Quote: "The beauty of ‘It’s UATL is it’s a multigenerational conversation led by Black women who have a deep interest in covering and understanding the nuances of Atlanta’s Black culture.
Social handle: X/Instagram: @deasia_paige
Current role: Video producer
Years at the AJC: Nine
Hometown: Memphis
College: Spelman; Columbia College Chicago
Connection to the podcast theme: I grew up reading Jet and Ebony magazines, so Black culture has always been central to me. Exchanging thoughts about the nuances of our culture with a group of intelligent, diverse and dynamic women feels like a way to give back to the community that has fueled my pride and passion.
Signature stories or projects
- ATL Closeup, an AJC feature that explored the leisure lives of some of the city’s most notable personalities as they went from work to play mode over the course of a typical weekend
- Developed and managed “50 Years of Hip-Hop: Celebrating Atlanta’s Influence,” an AJC series on the evolution of Atlanta’s cultural dominance
- Was one of the founding editors of Unapologetically ATL (now UATL), an AJC newsletter that led to the newsroom’s first-ever franchise dedicated to Black life in the South.
Fun fact: I love J. Cole. I want to visit every coffee shop in Atlanta. Not much beats a rainy day (and candles) at home for me. I’m a big fan of solo trips. I dare you to beat me in a game of jacks.
Quote: “Everybody needs community. I hope ‘It’s UATL’ can be one of yours.”
Social handle: Instagram: @najjap
Current role: Black culture reporter
Years at AJC: Less than one
Hometown: Southeastern Kentucky by way of Cincinnati
College: University of Virginia
Organizations: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.; Daughters of the American Revolution.
Connection to podcast theme: I love Black culture and connecting the dots as to how our history affects our current social and communal influences. We should collectively be talking about this more.
Signature stories or projects
- Explored how non-Abrahamic spirituality is having a resurgence in Black communities and how the film “Sinners” helped to highlight this cultural shift.
- I’m also the expert Barbie voice at the AJC.
Fun fact: I’m an avid gamer. I own several multigenerational consoles, and they all work. I also host a nostalgic review channel with my best friend where we watch movies geared toward millennials to see how well they’ve held up over the years.
Quote: "A major highlight of my week is getting together with my fellow ‘It’s UATL’ co-hosts to discuss topics that are major to the Black community but often ignored. I hope we aid in elevating conversations so we can, collectively, move away from the trivial debates that seem to dominate Black discussions. As a people, we are deeper and more complex than we tend to give ourselves credit."
Social handle: X/Threads/Instagram/TikTok: @bleighhoward
About the Author
Ernie Suggs is an enterprise reporter covering race and culture for the AJC since 1997. A 1990 graduate of N.C. Central University and a 2009 Harvard University Nieman Fellow, he is also the former vice president of the National Association of Black Journalists. His obsession with Prince, Spike Lee movies, Hamilton and the New York Yankees is odd.
