BEST HOST: How Music and Personal Connection Informed Shirlette Ammons' Award-Winning Cadence

Tending is a 6-part series that follows the ongoing struggles Black farmers face in the wake of one of America's largest civil rights lawsuits, Pigford v. Glickman.

On this episode, host Cory Choy, Festival Director of the New York City Podcast Awards, is joined by Shirlette Ammons, the creator behind TENDING: Black Farmers Fight Against the USDA. Shirlette is a musician and storyteller, but, most importantly, as she says in each episode’s introduction, she’s the “granddaughter of a Black farmer.” The show took home the jury award for Best Host at the 2026 New York City Podcast Awards, and in this conversation, we ask Shirlette about:

How she developed her voice as a host How she builds trust with intervieweesWhat it’s like to tell a deeply personal story

Listen to Tending on Gravy

Submissions for the 2027 New York City Podcast Awards are now open. Find out more at podcastawards.nyc.

Craft, Content & Creators is a production of the New York City Podcast Awards. This episode was produced by Emily Reeves and mixed by Christian Cucinello, with support from Ivan Bronson, Lauren Molina, and Zach Treanor. Our theme music is by Santiago Aramburu.