Periodt. the Podcast

A convo with Kiara Benn and Makari Chung — two best friends navigating postgrad life with their new podcast, Periodt.

Written by: Jordan White

Though it’s been months since we’ve been able to gather, Periodt. the Podcast scratches that very itch. The hour-long episodes seem to breeze by, and it almost feels like I’m in the room with Kiara and Makari, the two infectious hosts, as they laugh, ponder, and cut ass with their friends. The duo switches from fun to serious almost effortlessly, a testament to the integrity of their close friendship and their trust in one another. You can tell that they have thoughtful discussions often, whether or not they press record, and we just so happen to be lucky enough to be invited in this time. With only two episodes, the show so far is exactly what it claims to be: two twenty-somethings, trying to figure out adulthood in this colossally unstable time. It doesn’t try to be anything else, and the hosts don’t claim to have any answers — but they’re going to have fun while they figure it the f*ck out. They laugh easily, joke frequently, and talk through the confusing, sometimes painful parts of post-college adulthood with an honesty and vulnerability that is truly comforting. There is an energy throughout Periodt. that is exciting, in the exact way that your twenties can be: filled with potential and wonder about what’s to come. Listeners get the feeling that we’re about to learn and grow along with the show, and judging by the duo and their friends we meet along the way, there’s no one else we’d rather do it with. I spoke to Makari & Kiara about their friendship, 2020, and their hopes for this project as it continues to blossom:

How did the two of you become friends? Tell us your bestie origin story. 

We met each other during our freshman year of college and then got closer through our mutual friends. We also started being in the same spaces together because we’re both dancers, so we were in a couple of dance groups together on campus. From there we naturally started to spend more time together because we vibed with each other and eventually we lived together our senior year. 

In three words, describe what 2020 has been for y'all so far.

Abrupt. Chaotic. Enlightening 

If you could talk to your younger selves, what would you tell them?

Stop being stupid. Be extremely confident. Even if you don’t think that you’re cool right now, you become way cooler in the future, trust. Certain people don’t deserve all of your energy. That applies to friendships, romantic relationships, and in the workplace. Sometimes you have to deny people access to you. You're doing great and putting work into becoming who you want to be, don’t doubt yourself. 

What inspired you to start a podcast? What did that process look like once you decided to follow through?

We realized that we had a lot to say about the state of the world, what we’ve noticed about ourselves, and our experiences. We wanted to have a platform that showcases who we are and shines a light on Black narratives. A big intention of the podcast was for it to act like a diary, for ourselves and other Black voices. We wanted to capture the moment we’re in. 

The process was fairly easy, right now we’re producing the podcast at little to no cost, we really only had to buy mics for ourselves. But producing actual content with each other was seamless because we’re really good friends, and already have a great rapport with each other, and we’re just lit. The conversations we have on each episode are mostly conversations that we would have with each other or our friends in a natural setting.  Because the show is about our experiences as Black 20-somethings, conversation often flows easily and is incredibly fun and humorous.  

Have you learned anything about your friendship/each other through this podcast? 

Makari Chung (left) and Kiara Benn.

Our podcast is really casual in the sense that it’s just us hanging out and there happens to be a mic there. It’s full of conversations that we have all the time. Our friendship is pretty much the same because we wanted to basically share exactly who we already are. If anything, this podcast has made our friendship stronger because it is something that we have been committing to together. It’s a designated time for us to check in with each other, even if plans fall through. During these uncertain times, having a close friend to talk about what’s going on and how it makes us feel is really important. It’s also a time where we can just laugh together which has been cathartic. This podcast is like our love letter to ourselves. It allows us to say to ourselves and to each other, “I hear you.”  

How has this process helped you cope with the mess that is postgrad life?

We’re not sure yet, because we are in the beginning of this podcast journey and our adulthood journey.  So far, it has given us the space to say whatever is on our mind and validate how we’re feeling.

Who are you hoping to reach/speak to with Periodt?

Definitely young Black and brown people just because those are our peers, but we also want to reach older Black folks because this podcast is not only talking about a millennial experience but the Black experience in general.

What types of topics are you hoping to cover?

Different aspects of Black Lives, post grad life, music, television, film, sex and relationships.

If you could have a roundtable discussion with anybody (dead or alive), who would they be? Pick 5. 

Toni Morrison, Nina Simone, Michelle Obama, James Baldwin, Katherine Dunham.

What are your favorite things about each other?

Kiara: I love that Makari is outspoken. I admire that she is able to speak her mind eloquently and passionately. She’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. 

Makari: I love that Kiara shares my sense of practicality, in most situations we’re on the same page. I love the way that she expresses herself through her work (dance and academic) and how effortlessly artsy she is. I also love how supportive she is of her friends. 

What is the most played song on your Spotify right now?

Kiara: Ogógóro No Sweet Pass Pami by Mr Eazi & emPawa Africa.

Makari: Freak Nasty by Megan Thee Stallion.

Periodt. the Podcast is available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.