The Blk Powerhouse Podcast

Leah Hernandez
  • 5.0 (4)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to The Blk Powerhouse Podcast, where we explore the publishing industry through the lens of Black voices. Whether you’re a writer, author, publisher, bookseller, librarian, or book influencer, this podcast is for anyone navigating the world of books—from the page to the bookshelf and beyond. We’ll tackle everything from how to break into the industry, to building lasting careers, to making meaningful connections in an ever-evolving field—and, most importantly, how we, as Black people in this space, can work together to create the equitable changes we need to see.

Episodes

  1. 🎬 Inside the Business of Book-to-Film Adaptations with Cebo Campbell

    11/04/2025

    🎬 Inside the Business of Book-to-Film Adaptations with Cebo Campbell

    In this episode, filmmaker, author, and brand builder Cebo Campbell takes us behind the scenes of how stories move from the page to the screen. He shares how he used his background in hospitality and brand development to build his identity as an author and creative entrepreneur — leading to powerful partnerships, including a book-to-film deal with Laurence Fishburne.  Listeners will gain insight into the creative and business sides of film adaptation — and what it really takes to position your story, your brand, and yourself for the big screen. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Cebo leveraged his experience as a hotel brand builder to shape his personal brand as an author and filmmaker.What it’s like to secure and package a book-to-film deal, including his collaboration with Laurence Fishburne.The key differences between the film business and the book industry — and how to navigate both.Why immersion and vision are critical for writers looking to adapt their work for screen.The story behind UnOthr , Cebo’s new brand and creative venture.His perspective on independent publishing

    57 min

  2. 10/21/2025

    The Truth About Bestseller Lists (and Why We Need Our Own)

    Everyone in publishing talks about bestsellers—but few people actually know how those lists are made. In this episode, I’m joined by Troy Johnson, Founder of the African American Literature Book Club (AALBC), and Linda Duggins, longtime publishing executive, to unpack what really goes into making a book a “bestseller.” Together, they created The BLK Bestsellers List—a list spotlighting the top-selling Black authors across all genres. We talk about why it matters, how it challenges traditional systems, and what it reveals about the power of the Black book community. 🔗 Explore the BLK Bestsellers List: aalbc.com/blackbestsellers

    51 min
  3. Building an Award Winning Press with Valerie Brandes Founder of Jacaranda Books

    08/19/2025

    Building an Award Winning Press with Valerie Brandes Founder of Jacaranda Books

    I had the pleasure of interviewing Valerie Brandes, Founder & CEO of Jacaranda Books, a Black-owned independent publishing company based in London. In our conversation, Valerie shares her journey of starting and growing her press, how she’s overcome challenges like distribution, publishing 20 books during a pandemic, and the ways indie publishers can connect with their audiences to grow sales. ✨ Check out Jacaranda’s incredible, award-winning books here: https://jacarandabooksartmusic.com/

    48 min
  4. Books, Therapy & Influencer Transparency with Wale Okerayi

    07/08/2025

    Books, Therapy & Influencer Transparency with Wale Okerayi

    In this episode of The Blk Powerhouse podcast, I’m joined by Wale Okerayi — licensed therapist, book influencer, and speaker at The Blk Powerhouse Summit. We talk about her journey blending literature with mental health through bibliotherapy, the realities of influencer compensation, and how she stays grounded and authentic online. We also explore what life might look like without social media and the importance of setting digital boundaries to protect your mental health. Follow Wale on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theehottgirlbooks/?hl=en Follow Wale on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theehottgirlbooks Book a therapy session or learn more about her practice: https://www.waleokerayi.com/about/therapy-for-authors

    46 min
  5. Writing in Community: Camari Carter Hawkins on Writing Circles & Building a Press

    07/01/2025

    Writing in Community: Camari Carter Hawkins on Writing Circles & Building a Press

    Camari Carter Hawkins — author, and founder of Audacious Writers Circle & Mama’s Kitchen Press — joins us to talk about why so many writers struggle to finish their books and how community can be the key to getting through the draft. We dig into her path into publishing—starting at a small press—what it takes to finish a book when “life gets to lifing,” and how the chaos is part of the process. Camari shares her unique take on “decolonizing your tongue,” building community, and why writing in isolation rarely leads to completed work. https://www.instagram.com/mamaskitchen.press

    34 min

  6. 06/20/2025

    How to Plan a Publishing Conference: Inside The Blk Powerhouse Summit

    This week on The Blk Powerhouse Podcast, Leah dives into the world of event and conference planning, sharing the behind-the-scenes journey of creating The Blk Powerhouse Summit—a  gathering that united the entire Black book ecosystem.

    16 min
  7. Publicity That Works: Helena Brantley on Grassroots Book Marketing

    06/13/2025

    Publicity That Works: Helena Brantley on Grassroots Book Marketing

    In today's episode, I sat down with Helena Brantley, a seasoned communications professional who left corporate publishing to launch her own boutique publicity firm, Red Pencil Publicity + Marketing. Helena walks us through her career journey, starting with her time managing campaigns at HarperCollins and Nolo Press, and what ultimately led her to build a business on her own terms—collaborating with publishers, university presses, and authors on custom marketing strategies that truly connect books to readers. We get into the heart of grassroots book promotion—how to identify your audience, where to find them both online and offline, and how to include authors in the marketing process in meaningful ways. Helena also shares how she helps clients stretch small budgets for maximum impact. For anyone considering leaving corporate publishing to start their own venture, Helena offers thoughtful advice about building and contributing to community first. This is a conversation about sustainability, creativity, and what it really means to market a book.

    52 min
  8. Secrets to a Long-Lasting Publishing Career with Malaika Adero

    01/15/2025

    Secrets to a Long-Lasting Publishing Career with Malaika Adero

    This episode highlights the challenges and triumphs of Black voices in the publishing industry, featuring insights from Malaika about her journey from an HBCU student to a seasoned publishing professional. Our conversation touches on navigating micro aggressions, the importance of sales skills, and the value of building genuine relationships in a predominantly white industry. • Examining the impact of HBCUs on Black publishing • Discussing early aspirations and career paths in publishing • Understanding the importance of sales skills in the industry • Building genuine relationships and maintaining connections • Navigating cultural shock in corporate publishing environments • The transition from corporate roles to independent publishing • Exploring the dynamics of celebrity imprints in the industry • The advantages that independent publishers hold over corporate ones • Balancing multiple roles and the opportunities they present • Addressing microaggressions and strategies for resilience

    1h 3m
  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Blk Powerhouse Podcast, where we explore the publishing industry through the lens of Black voices. Whether you’re a writer, author, publisher, bookseller, librarian, or book influencer, this podcast is for anyone navigating the world of books—from the page to the bookshelf and beyond. We’ll tackle everything from how to break into the industry, to building lasting careers, to making meaningful connections in an ever-evolving field—and, most importantly, how we, as Black people in this space, can work together to create the equitable changes we need to see.

Information

  • Creator
    Leah Hernandez
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Blk Powerhouse Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Blk Powerhouse Podcast