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.

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...)