Jarika Johnson is the host of the Blackpacking podcast, a show that highlights the experiences of people of color as they travel around the world. What began as a personal audio-style journal about her own travels grew into a platform for discovery, storytelling, and cultural exchange. Now in its second season, Blackpacking is a space for Jarika and her guests to share their stories and learn about the true meaning of expanding your worldview.
Listen to Blackpacking podcast the links below and leave a review! Read on for more of Jarika Johnson’s story in her own words.
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Name:
Jarika Johnson
Podcast Name:
Tell us what your podcast is about in 3 sentences or less!
I interview black travelers on where they have journeyed to around the world. We discuss race, culture, food, music, and travel styles.
Current hometown:
Atlanta, GA
Originally from:
Charlotte, NC
What’s a quote or piece of advice that you try to live by?
“Do what you can, not what you can’t”
Your Superpower:
Can speak to dogs
One thing on your bucket list:
Skydiving
Last text message you sent:
“Thank you. Love you.”
What was your first job?
Party City
Any unusual hobbies?
Collecting maps
Biggest Pet Peeve:
Ice chewing
What inspired you to start your podcast?
Wanting to share my travel stories!
Tell us more about your work/life outside of your podcast.
I’m an Office Manager of a Chiropractic office, I have a small coffee tour agency, and I’m hoping my future career takes me into doing more audio and video production.
What is your show’s USP?
Black travelers.
What is one of the greatest challenges you have personally faced with your podcast?
Timing and ideas.
What was one of your favorite episodes you’ve ever done? Why does it stand out?
My episode called Give Me Tap, which was an interview with the founder of Give Me Tap, company donates a portion of the proceeds from water bottles to help build water wells in Ghana. His story about why he started his company is what stands out to me.
What is one thing you have accomplished with your podcast thus far that you are most proud of?
I celebrated my first year of podcasting on 05/22/2020.
What is one major milestone that you would like to accomplish through your podcast in the next year?
10,000 downloads.
What is a trend or development in the podcast industry that you foresee happening in the next few years?
Podcasting becoming more video based and less audio based.
What is one of the best pieces of podcast-related advice you’ve ever received & why?
“Keep sharing your stories”
What are some of your favorite women-hosted podcasts?
Black Women Travel and Getting Your Sh*t Together
Can you tell us about a time when you took a huge risk/did something you were scared to do, and it totally paid off?
Buying a one way ticket to South America.
Is there a charity or cause you care about that you would like to share?
How do you feel you’re making a positive impact and generating change through your podcast?
I hope that I am encouraging the younger black generation to set travel goals, want to see the world, and not be afraid to get out of their comfort zone. Most importantly, that they see traveling as a tangible thing that will make them stronger in life.
Stay connected with Jarika Johnson and the Blackacking podcast:
Website // Instagram // Facebook // Youtube // Twitter