A rich relationship has been developed between Charlamagne, Dollie and the network’s hosts, no better demonstrated than during the collective’s 5th anniversary party this October, where journalist and Breakfast Club newswoman Loren LoRosa interviewed fellow podcasters under the brand’s umbrella, including reality show HNIC Carlos King, who brought his Reality With The King podcast to the network in July 2025.
“When I was approached by Dollie to partner with Black Effect for my podcast, it was a no-brainer for me,” King shared with VIBE amid the celebration. “And I thought for myself, it was an opportunity to show the culture that two successful Black men can join forces with no ego involved and really build a partnership together.”
It should be noted that King’s podcast was highly successful and a regular conversation starter years before bringing his talents to the network. For the gifted interviewer, partnering has provided the manpower – talent bookers, advertising resources, etc. — that comes with the iHeart banner without impeding on the creative.
“They allow me to do me,” King states with confidence. “They’re like, ‘look, it ain’t broke. Don’t fix it, okay? We bought into you. You’ve had three successful years of your podcast already, we’re here to help you build.’ And that’s exactly what they’ve been doing.”
King partnered with Black Effect in the same vein as many of the network’s biggest shows, with behemoths like The 85 South Show, All The Smoke, Drink Champs and even The Breakfast Club having been established prior to the network’s 2020 founding. Securing partnerships with these entities — in addition to the network’s first original pod, Cut To It Featuring Steve Smith Sr. — established the network as the premiere home of Black storytelling within the podcast space, allowing for the development of shows that speak to deeper issues within our communities, including Just Heal With Dr. Jay, and Family Therapy.
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A rich relationship has been developed between Charlamagne, Dollie and the network’s hosts, no better demonstrated than during the collective’s 5th anniversary party this October, where journalist and Breakfast Club newswoman Loren LoRosa interviewed fellow podcasters under the brand’s umbrella, including reality show HNIC Carlos King, who brought his Reality With The King podcast to the network in July 2025.
“When I was approached by Dollie to partner with Black Effect for my podcast, it was a no-brainer for me,” King shared with VIBE amid the celebration. “And I thought for myself, it was an opportunity to show the culture that two successful Black men can join forces with no ego involved and really build a partnership together.”
It should be noted that King’s podcast was highly successful and a regular conversation starter years before bringing his talents to the network. For the gifted interviewer, partnering has provided the manpower – talent bookers, advertising resources, etc. — that comes with the iHeart banner without impeding on the creative.
“They allow me to do me,” King states with confidence. “They’re like, ‘look, it ain’t broke. Don’t fix it, okay? We bought into you. You’ve had three successful years of your podcast already, we’re here to help you build.’ And that’s exactly what they’ve been doing.”
King partnered with Black Effect in the same vein as many of the network’s biggest shows, with behemoths like The 85 South Show, All The Smoke, Drink Champs and even The Breakfast Club having been established prior to the network’s 2020 founding. Securing partnerships with these entities — in addition to the network’s first original pod, Cut To It Featuring Steve Smith Sr. — established the network as the premiere home of Black storytelling within the podcast space, allowing for the development of shows that speak to deeper issues within our communities, including Just Heal With Dr. Jay, and Family Therapy.
