Podcasting has become a critical medium for underrepresented voices to be heard, tell their stories, and impact society. Angel Livas, CEO and Founder of the ALIVE Podcast Network, has built a platform that amplifies Black voices while ensuring creators are compensated fairly. In this October's feature, we dive into Angel’s journey, mission, and vision for the future of podcasting.

Q: Can you introduce yourself and share what inspired you to start the ALIVE Podcast Network?
Hey there! I’m Angel Livas, CEO and Founder of the ALIVE Podcast Network. I’m a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a graduate of Howard University.
Before launching ALIVE, I spent about ten years at AARP as the head of radio, overseeing eight nationally syndicated programs. I had the pleasure of creating radio shows for legends like Larry King, Jane Pauley, and many others. But even back then, I felt a new frontier was on the horizon regarding the ways in which content would be consumed.Â

About fifteen years ago, I was in a board meeting, and someone asked me about this "new podcasting thing." I told them it would be the future of creative control. And I was right!
When the opportunity to create a podcast came along, I didn’t hesitate. My first project was Under Construction with Tamar Braxton, and while working on it, I noticed a glaring disparity between Black creators and their White counterparts—especially in how they were treated and compensated. Having been in the industry long enough to know what’s fair, I couldn’t sit back and let this continue. I knew I had to step up and create a platform that would amplify Black voices and ensure fair compensation, which led to the birth of the ALIVE Podcast Network.
Q: How did being featured in Forbes impact you, and what does this recognition mean for your mission?
I’ve been fortunate to be featured in Forbes twice now—once last year and again just last month. It’s been a huge honor! Being recognized in such a respected publication not only validates the work I’ve been doing but also puts a stamp of legitimacy on me as a business owner. It’s one thing to know you’re doing the work, but having Forbes highlight it? That hits differently.
Q: How do you see podcasts evolving, particularly for underrepresented communities, and what role do they play in today’s media landscape?
Podcasts are more than just a platform for entertainment—they’re a space for underrepresented voices to share their stories, educate, and inspire. That’s why ALIVE is different. With a subscription model priced at just $4.99 and a 50/50 revenue split with hosts, we’re breaking the mold. We don't require thousands of downloads per episode or take a 70/30 split like other networks.
Our mission is clear: bring revenue into Black creative content and amplify the expertise of Black creators. I remember a Hispanic man wrote to me about a show that got canceled—he couldn’t afford therapy but said the show was his accountability partner. That moment reinforced the importance of having diverse voices in podcasting. We’re not just entertaining; we’re changing lives.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring podcasters looking to create meaningful social impact?
For those of you wanting to make an impact through podcasting, my advice is simple: Be intentional. Don’t just rely on social media or hope your podcast will be enough. You need a strategy! Know your why before hitting record on each episode, and have a clear goal for what you want to achieve.
Here’s what I recommend:
Identify your target audience for each episode.
Know what takeaway you want listeners to walk away with.
Always have a call to action—whether it’s subscribing or visiting your website.
And don't forget about marketing! Make it easy for your guests to promote their episodes. Have templates ready, draft short captions with tags and hashtags—anything that simplifies the process will make your guests more likely to share your podcast with their audience.
Podcasting isn’t for the faint of heart, and it doesn’t guarantee overnight success. But with the right intentions and strategies, you can create a meaningful impact!
Q: Can you share any upcoming projects or initiatives that you’re excited about? What legacy do you hope to leave through your work?
Oh, where do I start? I’m thrilled to be delivering the keynote at this year’s Afros and Audio Podcast Festival in Baltimore on October 19th! It’s such an honor.
I’m also super excited about my upcoming appearance on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) show Pitch What’s Possible. This show follows four minority women founders as they perfect their business pitches with the help of an amazing communications coach, Allison McGuire. The series kicks off on October 7th, and the episode featuring the ALIVE Podcast Network drops on October 21st!Â
Follow me on social media (@theeangelnicole) for all the details! And I’d love to invite you to experience the ALIVE Podcast Network app, where we have over 70 podcasts. The link for iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alive-podcast/id6443835471
Android:Â https://play.google.com/store/apps/detailsid=com.alivepodcastnetwork.alivepodcastapp&hl=en_US&pli=1
As a sidebar, here are a couple of interesting things about me:
Coffee or tea? I prefer tea over coffee
Morning person or night owl? A night owl
Beach vacation or mountain getaway? I love mountain getaways
Cats or dogs? 100% a dog lover
Books or movies? I enjoy movies over books
Here at EBO, we amplify underrepresented voices, vet them through Vettify, and provide a platform for founders and creators to thrive. Angel Livas and the ALIVE Podcast Network are perfect examples of the kind of trailblazing leaders we celebrate. If her story has inspired you and you’re ready to take your media journey to the next level, we’d love to hear from you!
Whether you’re a founder, subject matter expert, or media professional with a powerful story to share, this is your opportunity to be featured and make your mark. Reach out to us at info@joinebo.com to tell us about your journey—you could be the next spotlight on our platform!
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