Krystal puts the pieces of her life back together after a painful divorce.

Joi makes a difficult decision between living the life her mother expected and defining life for her self.

Fed up by the way his grandmother dresses him, 8th grade Meechie joins the BDs, a Chicago-area gang, to buy new clothes.

After his divorce, Marlon takes a retreat and arouses himself in away he never has before.

Deborah saves her coins and stays with a friend-of-a-friend on a trip. She quickly learns that "you get what you pay for."

Felicia moved to LA in search of the Hollywood Dream - dream house, dream man, dream dog. Her pursuits leave her losing all but 1.

Kwynn searches for a reason to live after losing her child and partner.

You Had Me at Black returns with our fifth season on August 1! This season we travel to Houston, LA and Chicago. Here's the host Martina with a introduction to Season 5.

You Had Me at Black returns with our fifth season on August 1! This season we travel to Houston, LA and Chicago. Here's a sneak preview.

Seen is a two-part series in collaboration with CultTV which explores how Black fathers pour into their children. Contrary to mainstream narratives, Black fathers are out here. For Father's Day We asked a number of men to reflect on how fatherhood influences their understanding of masculinity, and how that's similar or different to their fathers' parenting.

This episode is hosted by our sound engineer and content strategist, Miles Dotson.

Experience Part Two of this series, at www.youhadmeatblack.com/mothersday18

Mother's Jewels is a two-part reflective series in collaboration with CultTV which explores how Black mothers pour into their children. The intergenerational lessons they draw from (or reject), and the life experiences they lean on.

We asked eleven women, "What's a conversation you had with your mom, and one you didn't have, that you couldn't wait to have with your children?" These are their stories.

Experience Part Two of this series, at www.youhadmeatblack.com/mothersday18

As a first year teacher in the Bay Area, Adha caught one student bullying another. But when it came time to identify the student to the Principal, he struggled to do so.

After ending his engagement and recovering from a medical emergency, Carl finally learns to listen to Black Women.

Kevin (fka Erk tha Jerk) learns the hard way to be careful what you wish for.

After listening, leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

Lloyd reignites his blackness after a tense camping experience with his girlfriend.

Despite graduating from a prestigious college and traveling the world, a young man struggles to escape the conditioning of his hometown.

Chinaka makes an unlikely friend over the fence in her grandmother’s backyard.

Elijah and his friends' Saint Patrick's Day fun takes a sobering turn outside of a San Francisco bar.

Bria struggles with how to react to a teacher who can't seem to learn how to speak to his Black students.

Welcome to Season 4! After a traumatic experience at work, Brea reclaims her right to be the Angry Black Woman. After listening, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Google Play Music to get new episodes straight to your device. Then leave a review!

Welcome to our Season 3 Finale Part 21 This week we’re playing back the last two stories from our last kickback in Oakland. First up is Randi, whose story, effectively dubbed, “The Legend of Yoga Booty #1” needs no introduction. We close out this season with Mehera, who is just tired of being told she’s not *really* black. . Produced by: @adizaheghan . Our kickbacks are a space to celebrate our culture, our community, and to turn up. All across the country we see gentrification push us out, disregard our history and erase our presence. In the wake of that, YHMAB is a notice that we are still here and we are not silent. We want to bring these events across the country and need your help. We have 2 days to reach our Kickstarter goal, or we’ll lose everything we’ve raised. Make a pledge to join our movement at youhadmeatblack.com/donate

Welcome to pt 1. of our Season 3 finale! Today we're playing back stories recorded at our last kickback in Oakland. The first comes from Theo, a former child singer whose mom did whatever it took to support his career. The second, from Mani, who tried to run away from something that was rooted deep within. Produced by: Adizah Eghan After listening, head to youhadmeatblack.com/donate to back our Kickstarter campaign and bring live shows like this one to cities across the country. We have 9 days left to raise $12k!

Produced by: Britney Abrahams Music & Scoring by: Deion Henderson A young rising athlete, Andre learns that sometimes giving up what you love can bring you closer to who you love. We recorded this story as part of the Black Space Matters exhibit at Art Basel Miami. It's a multi-media project that pays tribute to black-owned spaces in the wake of gentrification and mass cultural appropriation. Andre, who goes by Natty Rebel, was one of the artists on the project. After listening, check out our Kickstarter: youhadmeatblack.com/donate. We're raising $25k to bring our live experiences on tour to different cities! We just released new rewards, including personal finance consultations, fitness coaching, and professional headshot sessions!

To her horror, Jessica's dad reveals an unconventional plan to get in to their local zoo. Produced by: Afi Yellow-Duke Scoring by: Charlie Caperning After listening, check out our Kickstarter: youhadmeatblack.com/donate. We're raising funds to bring our live experiences on tour to different cities! Today we released a new reward for ten $50 donors: a 90-minute crash course in launching and growing a podcast. This course will be taught in a virtual small-group over Google Hangout and will cover: - Picking a podcast name - Equipment and software - Designing your cover art - Hosting, and getting set up on platforms like iTunes, Stitcher and Google Play - Must-do marketing activities (pre-and post-launch) Finally, be sure to chat us up in Twitter @youhadmeatblack

Today is our birthday! In just one year we've had the privilege of capturing dozens of inspiring, raw, intimate, and hilarious stories across the country. To celebrate this milestone for us, we reflected on our favorites, and the ones that made the greatest impact on us. Visit www.youhadmeatblack.com/birthday to hear/read our reflections. We'll be back next week with a new story ;) Peace.

Jonathan's story begins after he starts a new job, and learns his company has a program that might help him fulfill his mom's lifelong dream. Produced by: Britney Abrahams Music and Scoring by: Deion Henderson After listening, share a story about your mom with us. Email a photo and 1 minute audio recording (mp3 or wav file) to talktous@youhadmeatblack.com by Saturday, 5/13 at 3pm PST.

12 year old Beejus goes to Jamaica on a family vacation, and ends up trying to smuggle cannabis over the border. Produced by: Jarrod Sport Music & Scoring by: Charlie Corpening After listening, share your funniest ganja stories on Twitter: @youhadmeatblack

Welcome to the second installment of our Tech Inclusion series. Tech Inclusion is a conference that brings tech investor, entrepreneurs and workers together to discuss solutions to the industry's diversity and inclusion challenges. They invited us to host a storytelling segment during the conference last year. This week's story comes from Leslie, who has led engineering teams at some of the largest and most influential tech companies. One day after a confrontation with his father, his dad goes missing and Leslie sets out in search of him. Produced by: Adizah Eghan After listening, join us on Twitter @youhadmeatblack

Last fall we were invited to host a storytelling segment at Tech Inclusion San Francisco. Tech Inclusion is a conference that brings together tech entrepreneurs, investors, policy makers and diversity workers to find solutions to the industry's diversity and inclusion issues. This and next week we're publishing the stories shared at the event. This story is from Hadiyah, founder of HBCU to Startup, a community that connects HBCU students and grads with opportunities at startups. But before Hadiyah was a founder, she was an engineer. During her first job out of college, she received some interesting advice on how to handle workplace microaggressions. Produced by: Adizah Eghan

Kevin had a tendency to take on other people's problems as his own. It wasn't until a traumatic experience that he realized how much doing so took a toll on his wellbeing. This story is produced by Britney Abrahams (@thelovelybee) Music and Scoring by Deion Henderson (@deion.henderson) Created by Martina Abrahams (@MARTINAdotA) and Britney Abrahams (@thelovelybee) Keep up with us after the show on Twitter: @youhadmeatblack.

One night Fredia got a little *too* drunk for her own good, and learned a valuable lesson. This story is produced by Britney Abrahams (@thelovelybee) Music and Scoring by Deion Henderson (@deion.henderson) Created by Martina Abrahams (@MARTINAdotA) and Britney Abrahams (@thelovelybee) Keep up with us after the show on Twitter: @youhadmeatblack.

Mark takes an impromptu and lifechanging trip - or what's formally known as an Ayahuasca- in Peru. * Produced by Jarrod Sport * Music and scoring by Charlie Corpening (@Black_ChinaKid) and Deion Henderson (@Deion.henderson) * Created by Martina Abrahams (@MARTINAdotA) and Britney Abrahams (@the_lovelybee) Use the hashtag #youhadmeatblack to join the conversation.

Eric's trip to Cuba takes an unexpected twist when he's forced to confront skeletons from his past. Follow us on Twitter - @youhadmeatblack Produced by Afi Yellow-Duke (@ayellowdutchess) Music & Scoring by Charlie Corpening (@Black_ChinaKid) Sound Engineering by Miles Dotson ( Created by Martina Abrahams (@MARTINAdotA) and Britney Abrahams (@The_lovelybee)

200 people squeezed into an Oakland backyard to listen to stories and celebrate the launch of our second season in early October. These are the stories shared that night. Produced by: Adizah Eghan Photo by: Alexandra Fox

From a young age, Greg knew what he wanted to be when he grew up. One day he received an invitation for the opportunity of a lifetime, but the opportunity was not at all what he expected. Produced by: Britney Abrahams Photo by: @m__tina

Jasmine threw a party, yea she threw a party. People came over, yea she threw a party. This is story about when creating a safe space for yourself becomes a form of activism. Produced by: Britney Abrahams Music & Scoring by: @diracproductions Photo by: Martina Abrahams

Jordannah's a musician, singer and writer. But after an important relationship ended, she fell into a dark place and stopped creating. Then one day at a party she picked up a guitar, played a song, and changed her life forever. Produced by: Britney Abrahams Music & Scoring by: @topshelfcuzo Photo by: @witty.media

Jamica agreed to help her BFF move cross-country... in an 22-foot truck. The move was so unpredictable and ridiculous that she kept a journal. Here's what it said. Produced by: Britney Abrahams Music & Scoring by: @topshelfcuzo Photo by: @micholiano

In 1992, the Blood and Crip gangs in Los Angeles delcared a truce after over two decades of rivalry. This peace agreement became known as The True of Nine Deuce. When he was 5 years old Damon and his family were victims of a shooting that became a catalyst for the truce. He brings us through that life-changing day. Produced by: Britney Abrahams Music & Scoring: @diracproductions Photo by: @quinntonharris

Zeus has traveled the world as an acrobatic slam dunker. But before he was getting standing ovations in basketball arenas, he was a kid in West Oakland hungry for some sense of power. One day het met the local legend that would change his life forever. Produced by: Britney Abrahams Music & Scoring by: @topshelfcuzo Photo by: @quinntonharris

Julia grew up in an all-white town and never thought twice of it. That changed one afternoon when her friend got her, and her blackness, f*cked up. Produced by: Britney Abrahams Music & Scoring by: @topshelfcuzo Photo by: @micholiano

Growing up, Onye was that dude on the basketball court.. but his moves on the dance floor left more to be desired. That is, until one night when he put it all on the line to protect his name. Produced by: Britney Abrahams Music & Scoring by: @phdirac Photo by: @krimsonking

Mimo's dream was to follow in her grandmother's footsteps and dedicate her life to serving the underserved. The only thing in her way was a toxic boss, who at every turn tried to tear her down. Produced by: Britney Abrahams Music & Scoring By: @topshelfcuzo Photo By: @quinntonharris

While working at a popular Oakland restaurant, DeMareon overheard his coworkers make troubling remarks about black and brown patrons. When he finally spoke up, everything hit the fan. Produced by: Britney Abrahams Music & Scoring by: @phdirac Photo by: Martina Abrahams

At 25, Niema planned the rest of her life out. At 28, she panicked when it didn't go as planned, until changed her perspective and the very thing causing her anxiety became her source of reassurance. Produced by: Britney Abrahams Music & scoring by: @phdirac Photo by: @micholiano

For years, Aridy suffered from depression. During that time, Lin Manuel-Miranda's music was her refuge. Her story teaches us that sometimes joy comes when you put yourself out there in the most unexpected places. Produced by: Britney Abrahams Music & Scoring by: @phdirac Photo by: @witty.media

This summer we teamed up with the good people at Clouds- a new TV series about a guy who creates a dating app after breaking up with his fiance- to pay homage to the Town that birthed our respective projects, Oakland, CA. We threw a party yea we threw a party. People came over yea we threw a party. We hosted a storytelling and film event to share stories about Oakland. This week we're sharing the stories recorded that night. Produced by: Adizah Eghan

Growing up, Juliet turned to A Different World as an escape from the academic and social pressures of her Nigerian parents. She desperately wanted to be Denise Huxtable and thought she knew what it'd take to get to college, until her high school advisor gave her some honest feedback and a tough pill to swallow. Produced by: Britney Abrahams Photo by: @properperspective Music & scoring by: @phdirac

In 2005 Pen was a first year college student unsure of his calling and not doing much with his time. Then, an invitation to attend and report on the 10th Anniversary of the Million Man March in Washington DC changed everything, igniting a fire in him for reasons he never expected. Produced by: Britney Abrahams Photo by: @micholiano Music & scoring by: @topshelfcuzo

Welcome to Season 2 of You Had Me at Black! Over the last 8 weeks we've recorded stories from over 2 dozen people from all around the country. Despite their different backgrounds, they all share two things in common: love for their Blackness and belief in the power of storytelling. Starting today, you can look forward to 2 stories each week, and a video story each month. Make sure you get all of our content right when it drops. Head to youhadmeatblack.com/bside to sign up for our newsletter.

16 years after NWA’s ‘Fuck tha Police’ rocked the nation, Sinclair is pulled over by LAPD. It’s Halloween, and he’s dressed as none other than Eazy-E. In this ironic set of events, you’ll never guess what saved him. Produced by: Britney Abrahams Scored By: Makeda Kaya Photo by: @micholiano

Growing up queer femme and black in Alabama, Ian learned very quickly what it means to love, but not be loved back. That is, until one day they became the center of their own love story. Produced by: Britney Abrahams Photo by: @properperspective Music & scoring by: @topshelfcuzo

For our final episode of Season 1, tune in to hear the stories shared at our live storytelling event in Oakland, CA! First up is Dani, who you may remember from "Wanderlost." This time, she shares a story about not taking any sh*t from her racist South African landlord. The second story you'll hear is by Dara from the season 1 hit, "No Thank You;" who at the tender age of three experienced her first "trip." We close out the episode with Cory, from "BLM is Real," as he brings us through his 15 minutes of Black Twitter hashtag fame.

Alex and her friends started off what should've been an ordinary Saturday night out at a popular bar in Oakland, CA. Singled out by a bartender for their attire, the situation escalated and ended up with Alex in the back of a cop car. With a growing spotlight on and record of police brutality, Alex's emotional story brings us right to the delicate line between self defense and self preservation.

Depression does not discriminate. But like many of us, Bie grew up hearing and believing that it’s something only white people experience. So, she pushed the idea of depression out of her mind as she struggled to heal from death and heartbreak as an adult, until an episode of Real Housewives opened her eyes and motivated her to take action.

We all have that one friend who falls in love every time he walks down the street. The type to spend days talking about the future he's about to have with some random woman he saw on the subway. Who every week swears he found wifey, and vows to let all his previous imaginary wifeys go. Tennyson is that friend. He fell in love for the first time in 2nd grade. To profess his love, he made his crush a gift for Valentine's Day. Listen as Tennyson brings us back to that momentous day.

From an early age, Emeka sought control- of his body and of his circumstances. Bullied as a kid, he learned how to fight at an early age. By high school, he was ditching school and was almost sent to prison for money laundering. His future looked bleak, until an administrator loaned him a book that changed his mind and behavior forever.

Corey woke up one Saturday expecting to grab a burrito and bum around all day... until he ran into some Black Lives Matter activists and followed them to a rally in San Francisco.

While studying abroad in South Africa, Dani set out on a trip across the border to neighboring Mozambique and the esteemed Tofo Beach. Expecting a smooth journey, she experienced hiccup after hiccup, only to have an epiphany on what it really means to be an adventurer.

Dissuaded by a college advisor, Keyaira drops her dream of becoming a professional writer for a marketing career in NY that can bring in the big bucks. But after a series of failed jobs don't deliver the satisfaction or financial security she’d hoped, Keyaira quickly learns what happens to a dream deferred.

Welcome to You Had Me at Black, the podcast where Black Millennials tell true-life stories. Our co-founder Martina explains our inspiration for the podcast.

A new anchor in a rural North Carolina newsroom, Averi overhears troubling comments about the effect her Blackness has on the station.

What’s your favorite memory from college? For Spencer, his was a party at 12 Bryant St at Howard University. He recounts the most memorable party ever, Bacardi Gras.

What happens when new tenants and businesses appropriate the cultures of the displaced? Nnenna knows firsthand. What started off as a fun way to celebrate a friend’s birthday turned into an isolating and humiliating experience in a San Francisco dance studio.

An unexpected Myspace message leads Adha to his first house party in high school. It ends up being his best night ever, but in the most bittersweet way.

After waking up in paralyzing pain one morning, Dara refuses to accept an unlikely diagnosis from her doctor.

Amidst mental illness breaking her family apart, Sharell's Grandmother's love and resilience provided a safe haven.

A self-dubbed pyro, 10 year old Jazz loved playing with fire and would do so at any chance she could get. Then one day a game of ‘light as a feather, stiff as a board’ became way.too.lit.

Amidst mental illness breaking her family apart, Sharell's Grandmother's love and resilience provided a safe haven.

A self-dubbed pyro, 10 year old Jazz loved playing with fire and would do so at any chance she could get. Then one day a game of ‘light as a feather, stiff as a board’ became way.too.lit. Here’s an exclusive clip for our earliest supporters, from “Lit as a Feather.”