On a chilly February afternoon, Eric Eddings, a renowned podcast producer, texted Brittany Luse, his long-time friend and creative partner, an unexpected apology. “Hey, I’m about to do this, I’m sorry,” he wrote. Moments later, Eddings posted a series of tweets that would profoundly impact their lives.

Eddings, alongside Luse, co-created and hosted “The Nod,” a podcast centered around Black culture. In his tweets, Eddings revealed allegations of harassment and racial discrimination at their former workplace, Gimlet Media. The specifics involved colleagues from another Gimlet podcast,

“Reply All,” but the broader narrative echoed the pervasive issues within major media companies, such as racial inequality, inappropriate conduct by prominent reporters, and a rising labor movement. Eddings knew that speaking out against racial injustice could jeopardize his career, but he felt compelled to take a stand.

From Gimlet to Independence: A New Beginning

Surprisingly, the fallout from Eddings’ revelations was a mix of hope and challenges. Eddings and Luse, who left Gimlet in January 2020, reemerged with a new podcast, “For Colored Nerds.” This show, a revival of their original podcast from 2014 to 2017, explores hot topics in Black culture with intellectual and playful discussions. This time, they partnered with Stitcher, owned by SiriusXM, while retaining full ownership and creative control—a rare and significant achievement in the media industry.

The collaboration with Stitcher started when Sarah van Mosel, Stitcher’s former CFO, noticed Eddings’ Twitter thread. Eddings was also hired by Stitcher as the director of lifestyle programming. For Eddings and Luse, this new arrangement represented more than just a chance to host their show again. It signified a shift towards a sustainable and fulfilling creative process without compromising their well-being or values.

The Origins of an Unbreakable Partnership

Eddings and Luse first met in 2005 at Howard University. Eddings, a sophomore studying advertising, admired Luse’s lively personality, while Luse, a freshman studying film, was impressed by Eddings’ ambition. Their shared sense of humor and passion for provocative subjects, such as race and politics, solidified their bond.

After graduating, both struggled to establish their careers, with Luse facing unemployment and Eddings working as a social media producer in New York. Eddings eventually invited Luse to move to New York, offering her a place to stay until she could find her footing.

In late 2013, during one of their many in-depth conversations, they conceived the idea for a podcast. Inspired by the emerging Podcasts app, they saw it as a creative outlet for their discussions. They named their podcast “For Colored Nerds,” intending it to be a space for conversations that Black people have when white people aren’t present.

Navigating the Podcast Landscape

Between 2013 and 2016, a wave of Black podcasts emerged, including “The Read,” “Bodega Boys,” and “2 Dope Queens.” These shows provided a platform for Black creators, underrepresented in traditional media, to share their voices. Eddings and Luse’s podcast gained recognition when Apple featured it in the

“New and Noteworthy” section of the Podcasts app in early 2015. This exposure led to an offer from Gimlet Media, where Luse became the company’s first Black employee in 2015, followed by Eddings in 2016.

At Gimlet, they pitched “The Nod,” a podcast focusing on untold stories of Black history. Despite initial resistance from senior management, who doubted its marketability, they created a prototype that eventually received enthusiastic approval. However, they faced ongoing challenges, including overwork and the need to constantly justify their content to white colleagues.

Challenges and Triumphs

Despite critical acclaim, Eddings and Luse grew increasingly frustrated at Gimlet, especially during the company’s unionization efforts in 2019. The campaign, partly driven by the desire to improve conditions for employees of color, faced strong opposition from management. Eddings, in his viral Twitter thread, recounted receiving hostile messages for his pro-union stance.

Their departure from Gimlet in January 2020 marked the end of “The Nod,” which remained owned by Spotify. However, their experience fueled their determination to create a new version of “For Colored Nerds.” With ownership of their show and its intellectual property, they secured a unique deal with Stitcher, emphasizing creative freedom and control.

The Return of “For Colored Nerds”

The rebooted “For Colored Nerds,” produced by Kameel Stanley, features weekly episodes with interviews and discussions on Black culture. The show’s new iteration aims to set a precedent for equitable partnerships in the media industry. Ashley C. Ford, author and freelance podcast host, highlighted the importance of working collaboratively with talent rather than exploiting them.

As they prepared for the show’s debut, Eddings and Luse were deeply engaged in production tasks, from editing episodes to recording ads. Their excitement was palpable, fueled by the autonomy they now enjoyed.

Brittany Luse’s Personal and Professional Growth

Brittany Luse’s journey from an aspiring film student to a prominent podcast host and producer is a testament to her resilience and talent. Her partnership with Eric Eddings has been instrumental in her career, providing a platform to explore and share stories that matter to them. Their collaboration has not only enriched their professional lives but also strengthened their friendship, which began over 15 years ago.

Conclusion

Brittany Luse and Eric Eddings have carved a significant niche in the podcast world. Their journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, reflects the broader struggles and aspirations of Black creatives in the media industry. With “For Colored Nerds,” they continue to push boundaries, creating content that resonates deeply with their audience while maintaining their creative integrity and independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Brittany Luse’s husband?
Brittany Luse’s personal life, including details about her husband, is kept private. She focuses on her professional achievements and creative projects.

What is “For Colored Nerds”?
“For Colored Nerds” is a podcast hosted by Brittany Luse and Eric Eddings, exploring various topics in Black culture through intellectual and playful conversations.

Why did Brittany Luse and Eric Eddings leave Gimlet Media?
Luse and Eddings left Gimlet Media due to ongoing frustrations, including overwork, lack of creative control, and challenges related to racial discrimination and unionization efforts.

What makes “For Colored Nerds” different from “The Nod”?
While both podcasts focus on Black culture, “For Colored Nerds” is more personal and conversational, reflecting Luse and Eddings’ interests and experiences without the constraints of corporate ownership.

How did Brittany Luse and Eric Eddings start their podcasting careers?
They began their podcasting journey in 2014 with “For Colored Nerds,” inspired by their deep conversations and the potential of the emerging podcast medium. Their success led to opportunities with Gimlet Media and beyond.