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I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Alana and Samra—the powerhouse duo behind She Well Read, a podcast that they lovingly describe as “a book club on the go.” And let me tell you, these two are exactly what they say they are: well-read baddies who are changing the way we think about literary communities and podcasting with soul.
What started six years ago as a shared passion between two college besties has now blossomed into a thriving seasonal podcast that centers community, authenticity, and a whole lot of personality. Whether they’re recording around a dinner table or switching up their tech the week before a major episode drop, Alana and Samra are proof that you don’t need perfection to create something powerful—you just need passion, consistency, and a heart for connection.
From College BFFs to Co-Founders
Their origin story is refreshingly honest. Two friends navigating post-college life, feeling the creative itch, and wondering what came next. Instead of sitting in that uncertainty, they decided to take action. The result? A podcast born out of friendship, curiosity, and a desire to bring others along for the ride. That ride kicked off right before the 2020 lockdowns—a serendipitous moment that ended up being a lifeline for so many who were desperate for connection and routine.
Launching She Well Read just before the pandemic wasn’t planned, but it ended up being the kind of timing you can’t script. It was divine alignment. Suddenly, people all over were craving community, and these two were offering exactly that—one page, one laugh, and one vulnerable moment at a time.
A Book Club That Centers the Listener
One of my favorite parts of their story? Their audience isn’t just passive—they’re participants. Listeners vote on what books get read each season, and that collaborative energy is the heartbeat of the show. These women have built something that feels like a community, not just a podcast. It’s no surprise they’ve had such loyal listeners ride with them for years.
Their format is just as thoughtful: weekly episodes during their active book seasons and bi-weekly bonus content during their off-seasons. This rhythm allows them to maintain consistency while honoring their own creative cycles and life demands. That’s what sustainability looks like. That’s what legacy looks like.
Starting Messy and Staying Real
One of the themes that came up during our conversation—and one I deeply resonated with—was the idea of starting messy. Alana and Samra didn’t have fancy microphones or a soundproof studio when they began. They had a dinner table, a Google Doc, and a dream.
In a world obsessed with polish and perfection, their “chaotically functional” philosophy is a breath of fresh air. It’s also a wake-up call for every aspiring creator who’s been holding back until they get the “right” mic, the “right” camera, the “right” time. Sis, that’s a stall tactic. Start with what you have. Start now.
They’re living proof that when your message is strong and your heart is in it, people will listen—even if your setup is humble. And here’s the kicker: their tech stack is still evolving. They literally changed it the week before we recorded our interview. Why? Because growth is part of the journey. No one has it all figured out, and that’s not the goal. The goal is showing up consistently with intention and honesty.
Authenticity > Perfection, Every Time
This is where Alana and Samra shine. Their show isn’t just about books—it’s about making space for Black women to have fun, be vulnerable, be loud, and be seen. It’s about showing up imperfectly but unapologetically. And that, my friends, is where the magic happens.
We talked about the pressure so many potential creators feel to have it all “together” before launching a passion project. Perfectionism is the thief of momentum, and these two have dismantled that lie from the inside out. Their courage to start, to evolve, and to be seen through every phase of growth is a model for legacy-building in the podcast space.
When I asked what they’d say to someone afraid to launch because it’s not polished enough, their answer was simple: “You already have what you need to start. You are enough.” That’s it. That’s the truth.
Building Community Through Soulful Strategy
Another thing I admire deeply about She Well Read is the intentionality behind their content and community engagement. Their episodes are accessible, bite-sized, and fun—designed to fit into busy lives without sacrificing depth. That balance isn’t accidental. They knew from the jump that their show needed to feel like a real hangout—not a lecture.
And they didn’t stop at downloads. They’ve prioritized listener interaction every step of the way—encouraging voice notes, DMs, book suggestions, and honest feedback. They’ve even left open invitations for their audience to help shape the show’s future. That kind of trust and transparency? That’s how you build a loyal audience that feels seen.
They’re also expanding their horizons. Their next season (dropping in August!) is diving into historical fiction for the first time, proving once again that they’re not afraid to stretch creatively. It’s a risk—but a soulful, exciting one. And I’ll be right there listening.
My Favorite Takeaways From This Conversation
If I had to bottle up the gems from our chat, here are the ones I’d keep on replay:
- Start where you are. Their first recordings happened at a dinner table, and now they’re running a full-on brand. Don’t wait for studio vibes—start in your kitchen if you have to.
- Community is everything. Letting listeners vote on book selections wasn’t just smart—it was transformative. Involve your audience and they’ll stick around for the long haul.
- Tech will always be evolving. Don’t get stuck chasing the perfect gear. Focus on connection. Everything else is figure-out-able.
- “Chaotically functional” is the new flawless. Podcasting isn’t about being polished—it’s about being present. Real talk, real voices, real impact.
- Accountability is key. Their weekly co-host meetings aren’t just cute—they’re strategic. Regular check-ins keep momentum strong and the vision aligned.
- Legacy comes from intention. Whether it’s one listener or one thousand, every episode is a chance to build something that lasts.
Final Thoughts: Legacy Is Loud, Messy, and Worth It
At the end of our episode, I asked them what it meant to build legacy through their voices and platform. Their answer was grounded in love, purpose, and impact. For them, legacy isn’t about chasing fame—it’s about being true to your mission and showing up for your community. It’s about offering space for people to feel heard, inspired, and included.
That’s what She Well Read represents. It’s not just a podcast. It’s a movement rooted in story, sisterhood, and soul.
So if you’ve been waiting to launch that podcast idea sitting in your Notes app—or waiting to pivot into something more meaningful—take a page from Alana and Samra. You don’t need a perfect plan. You need purpose, a little courage, and maybe a weekly Google Doc.
And for my fellow podcasters out there trying to balance the mic with a full life of work, family, and other commitments—know this: showing up authentically is already enough. Whether it’s weekly or bi-weekly, from a studio or your kitchen table, your voice is your legacy. Don’t let perfection steal your momentum.
Connect With Alana and Samra
These ladies are building something special—and they want you to be a part of it. Here’s how to plug in:
- Follow them on Instagram, Threads, and TikTok: @shewellread and be sure to follow their projects at http://www.shewellread.com
- Leave them a voice note! (Seriously, they’re waiting.) Send in your book recs, reactions, or episode ideas.
- Support their next season dropping this August—it’s going to be their first dive into historical fiction and it’s gonna be GOOD.
Want more soulful stories and behind-the-scenes gems from podcasters building legacy through their voice? Subscribe to Soul Podcasting and catch new episodes weekly wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
Until next time—keep podcasting with purpose, and remember: your story is already powerful. Just hit record.
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Let’s podcast with purpose. Let’s create legacy. Let’s keep it soulful.
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