Plastic on the Sofa: A Podcast on Black American Culture

Erica David-Johnson

Plastic on the Sofa: A Podcast on Black American Culture explores Black life in all its textures — the ordinary, the extravagant, and everything in between. Hosted by Erica David-Johnson, this podcast uses storytelling, interviews, and deep dives rooted in cultural preservation to explore the traditions, the people, and the experiences that continue to shape Black American culture. IG: @pots.podcast Contact: plastic.on.sofa@gmail.com

Episodes

  1. The Black Showgirl

    MAY 4

    The Black Showgirl

    What makes a Black showgirl? In this episode, I break it down - from presence and glamour all the way to audacity and lineage. Using Josephine Baker as a guide, we look at what sits beneath the image and what it has meant for Black women across time.

    30 min
  2. How We Bloom: Reflections of Black Girlhood - Lauren's Story

    08/18/2025

    How We Bloom: Reflections of Black Girlhood - Lauren's Story

    Welcome back to Plastic on the Sofa. We're back with the second episode of How We Bloom, where we celebrate the many layers of Black girlhood and womanhood. Today, we’re diving into Lauren's story that touches on imagination, experimentation, and the power of carving out your own path. Thanks for tuning in! IG: @pots.podcast

    21 min
  3. How We Bloom: Reflections of Black Girlhood - Destinee's Story

    07/05/2025

    How We Bloom: Reflections of Black Girlhood - Destinee's Story

    Welcome back to Plastic on the Sofa! We're introducing a mini series called How We Bloom: Reflections of Black Girlhood. We're exploring the transformative time of Black girlhood and how Black women's experiences as girls helped them to cultivate an identity. We'll hear about the fun, the triumphs, and the struggles of Black girlhood. We're starting the series with Destinee's Story. IG: pots.podcast email: plastic.on.sofa@gmail.com

    33 min
  4. Recipe 5: The Remedies

    04/22/2025

    Recipe 5: The Remedies

    In this episode, we are exploring Black folk medicine and the remedies that come from them! Don't forget to like, share, subscribe and follow this podcast on IG @pots.podcast.

    32 min
  5. Recipe 4: Black Love

    02/13/2025

    Recipe 4: Black Love

    Happy Valentine's Day!! In this episode, with bell hooks'Salvation in mind, we're taking a look at a few examples of healthy Black love within mass media. Comment below your favorite depictions of healthy Black love and be sure to follow this podcast on Instagram⁠@pots.podcast⁠ Thanks for tuning in! xoxo, Erica David-Johnson

    34 min
  6. Recipe 3: New Year, Same Black Traditions

    01/06/2025

    Recipe 3: New Year, Same Black Traditions

    Happy New Year!! In this episode, we'll explore a few Black New Year traditions that are sure to bring prosperity and abundance to your new year. Follow this podcast on Instagram for more updates and conversations @pots.podcast. Sources: -New York Times: Tracing the Origins of a Black American New Year’s Ritual, 2021 -Capital B News: New Year’s Traditions in Black Homes Are a Celebration of Survival, 2024 -Parents: Here's How Black Families Celebrated New Year's Across the Diaspora, 2024

    20 min
  7. Recipe 2: Fried Fish & Spaghetti

    12/11/2024

    Recipe 2: Fried Fish & Spaghetti

    In this episode, we'll be exploring the dish that is fried fish & spaghetti. We'll dig into it's origins and how it moved throughout the US while also exploring how it connects us to our African heritage. Contact: plastic.sofa.podcast@gmail.com IG: pots.podcast

    21 min
  8. Recipe 1: Plastic Covered Furniture

    11/18/2024

    Recipe 1: Plastic Covered Furniture

    Welcome to Plastic on the Sofa, the show preserving Black life and all its textures.

    36 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Plastic on the Sofa: A Podcast on Black American Culture explores Black life in all its textures — the ordinary, the extravagant, and everything in between. Hosted by Erica David-Johnson, this podcast uses storytelling, interviews, and deep dives rooted in cultural preservation to explore the traditions, the people, and the experiences that continue to shape Black American culture. IG: @pots.podcast Contact: plastic.on.sofa@gmail.com

Information