Dancing is just one part of what it means to be part of the swing scene. Listening to those who create, think about and live this music and dance is another wonderful way to delve deeper — perfect for journeys on the underground, for those long walks, or for those afternoons when you need a bit of inspiration before heading to a social.
We’ve put together a list of podcasts we love, in various languages and covering a wide range of topics. Some will make you laugh, others will make you think, and all of them will help you connect a little more closely with the rich history and vibrant community of swing.
The Essentials of the Scene
Integrated Rhythm Podcast
Integrated Rhythm Podcast sixty episodes (and counting) hosted by Chisomo Selemani y Bobby White. “Two besties navigate race and the Black Experience in the world of Jazz Dance and other Afro-centric social dancing.”
Chisomo and Bobby designed this podcast to have comfortable conversations about uncomfortable topics, recognizing that jazz dancing has a complex history and complex present day realities.
Chisomo Selemani is an associate professor of communication sciences and disorders during the day and swing dance and Afro dance instructor, performer, and enthusiast at night. Her multicultural perspective includes a rooted understanding of her own Zambian heritage while celebrating her lived reality as a Black American. These lenses inspire her interest and engagement with marginalized voices in her professional spaces. She is passionate about education that uses a culturally responsive and sustaining frame. These ideologies are apparent in the structure and flow of conversation topics on the podcast.
Bobby White is one of the historians who has contributed the most to recovering the history of Jazz and Lindy Hop, giving the African American culture the recognition it deserves.
Since 2009, through his blog Swungoverhas carried out rigorous research and dissemination work on the origins of lindy hop, vernacular jazz, and the African American communities that created this culture. His articles have helped question widespread myths within the swing scene and shed light on figures, contexts, and historical processes that had often been ignored or superficially explained.
Their podcast has become an essential resource because it combines historical research, oral history, and critical reflection on the evolution of swing dance and music.
Over the course of the episodes, they have engaged in critical conversations with leading figures such as LaTasha Barnes, Dee Daniels Locke y Marie N’Diaye, among many other key voices for understanding the history and transmission of lindy hop.
The Track with Ryan Swift
The Track with Ryan Swift Probably the best-known podcast on the international scene. Nearly 100 in-depth, reflective interviews with dancers, musicians and leading figures in contemporary lindy hop, conducted by Ryan between 2015 and 2021.
If you're going to start with just one, start with this episode where Ryan interviews the Queen of Swing, Norma Miller. Among other stories and anecdotes, she explains how she first walked into the Savoy Ballroom. She recounts that she was a girl from Harlem who used to sneak into all sorts of places, and that one day she was literally ‘caught’ dancing outside the Savoy. One of the dancers saw her, was blown away by her energy, and told her to come in. From there, Norma says a phrase that is very much her own: “I didn’t choose the Savoy. The Savoy chose me.”
What a Jazz
What a Jazz Presented by the well-known dancer Elze Visnevskyte from the What a Jazz studio, this podcast features in-depth conversations with dancers, musicians, teachers and leading figures from the international scene. The episodes cover a wide range of topics: the role of the follower and how it has evolved, honouring the African-American roots of the dance, looking after your body as a dancer, competitions, teaching, local scenes (Korea, Singapore, Turkey, Argentina, Mozambique…) and much more. An in-depth and comprehensive look at today’s swing community. A new episode of this unmissable podcast is released approximately every two months.
Conversations in Closed
Conversations in Closed Presented by Jose Tello, Denise Lwin and Jennifer Wang, this podcast is dedicated to the Balboa community — a rare gem, as most swing podcasts focus on Lindy Hop. The interviews explore the stories and journeys of dancers from around the world, with special episodes on topics such as vintage fashion, the experiences of queer dancers on the scene, competition technique and practice tips. A must-have if you dance Balboa or want to learn more about this cousin of the Lindy Hop.
Me encanta el swing rádio
Me encanta el swing rádio (only in Spanish) A real gem in Spanish. I love *Swing Radio* – it’s an essential podcast for any lover of jazz and Lindy Hop. Each episode combines music, historical context and little nuggets of information that make you love this culture even more. It’s one of those podcasts that keeps you company and brings a smile to your face as you listen.
Every fortnight, Joan Mas releases a new episode. If you’re not sure where to start, have a listen to this one – it’ll help you get a better grasp of the ins and outs of the Savoy Room.
Swing Stuff with Ruby Bell
Swing Stuff with Ruby Bell Honest and heartfelt conversations with members of the swing community. Ruby has a knack for bringing out the best in every guest. We’d particularly like to highlight the ‘Woman in Jazz’ episode, in which Earanee Niedzwiecki talks to us about the female musicians, composers and bandleaders of the Swing Era that we should all know about.
Blabla Swing
Blabla Swing (in French, English & Spanish) Mainly in French, but with episodes also in English and Spanish. A window onto the voices of dancers from different European scenes.
Rhythm & Booze with Mikey & Nikki
Rhythm & Booze with Mikey & Nikki Lighter and more laid-back. A drink, two friends, and chats about swing. Perfect when you fancy something fun and relaxed. It features interviews with leading figures from the community, such as Remy Kouakou Kouame and Jonathan Stout.
The Michael & Evita Show
The Michael & Evita Show Although no new episodes are being released (the last one was in 2019), Michael Jagger and Evita Arce’s archive remains a real gem. Tales from the Dance Floor features interviews with Lindy Hop figures such as Margaret Batiuchok and Laura Windley, as well as discussions on teaching, looking after dancers’ bodies, and the lives of those who dance swing professionally. An honest and intimate look at the craft of dancing and teaching.
About the Music
Hey Mister Jesse
Hey Mister Jesse Although new episodes are no longer being released, for many years, this was THE podcast from/for the Lindy Hop community. An essential resource for understanding swing culture over the last two decades, packed with music, stories and memorable interviews. The archive remains a real treasure trove.
Desert Island Jams
Desert Island Jams The question is simple: which songs would you take with you to a desert island? The answers from various members of the music scene are a goldmine for discovering new music (and rediscovering classics).
Relative Rhythms
Relative Rhythms A podcast dedicated to exploring music, rhythm and how they relate to dance. Perfect if you’re keen to delve deeper into the musical side of swing.
The Carolina Shout Podcast
The Carolina Shout Presented by pianist Ethan Uslan, this podcast takes listeners on a journey through ragtime, New Orleans jazz, Harlem stride piano and swing. Ethan doesn’t just talk about the music: he plays it live from his living room, accompanying his stories and commentary with piano performances. It’s a delightful way to understand the origins of the rhythms we dance to, told by someone who feels them through the keys.
Looking Beyond: History and Other Dances
A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs
A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs Although it focuses on the history of rock, the first few episodes delve deeply into the roots of swing, blues and jazz that gave rise to everything else. A monumental work, and one that is very well told.
Teaching Hard History
Tap Love Tour Dedicated to tap dancing, the close cousin of Lindy Hop. To understand tap is to gain a better understanding of where we come from as Swing dancers.
Do you know of any other podcasts that should be on this list? We'd love to know! In the meantime, put on your headphones, press play and let the atmosphere carry you away, even off the dance floor.
