John Asante

Podcast Showrunner, Producer, Consultant & Voice Talent.

United States

John Asante (uh-SAHN-tea) is an award-winning independent podcast showrunner, producer, and consultant based in Los Angeles. Over the course of his 10+ year career in the audio world, he’s been devoted to crafting stories that shine light to underserved communities. He's produced, developed, and led production on over 20 podcasts.

Previously, he was a Senior Managing Producer at Pineapple Street Studios, overseeing shows such as "Back Issue" and "HBO Docs Clubs. Before that, he was a Managing Producer at Neon Hum Media, a Senior Producer at Stitcher, an Associate Producer for WNYC's "The Takeaway." John has also produced "There Goes The Neighborhood," a podcast collaboration between WNYC and The Nation magazine exploring the gentrification of Brooklyn.

Earlier in his career, John produced stories about tech, health, race, pop culture, and sports for NPR's "Talk of the Nation," "Ask Me Another," and the 2010 Midterm Election. He’s also reported pieces for "Morning Edition" and "Tell Me More."

Also, John independently hosted and produced Play It Back, a podcast exploring the stories of how music lovers discovered the songs that have changed their lives.

In his spare time, John mentors rising podcast producers, stays active by running, cycling, hiking, and golfing; dabbles in gardening; collects vinyl; and practices the ukulele in anticipation for his next backyard party.

John earned bachelors degrees in Journalism and Communication from Georgia State University. Forever he loves Atlanta, but he enjoys exploring his current city -- Los Angeles.

Facebook Icon Twitter Icon LinkedIn Icon YouTube Icon Instagram Icon
Portfolio

on-air work

Apple Podcasts
Play It Back

Everyone has at least one favorite song, but which ones have changed your life? Host John Asante talks with musicians, creators, and music lovers about their most cherished music memories -- and how discovering the perfect tune at the right time can make a world of difference.

WNYC
07/01/2016
The Soundtrack To Dave Holmes' Life

In his new memoir, former MTV VJ Dave Holmes talks about being a perpetual outsider fumbling towards self-acceptance, using pop music as his soundtrack.

NPR.org
Quick-Blog Site Tumblr Takes Off In An Uncertain Marketplace

The four-year-old site is helping media outlets like The Huffington Post and The New York Times start tumblogs to better engage readers and even puts together social events so its bloggers can meet. But some analysts think people are eventually going to have to put a limit on the number of online communities they're involved with.

production work

WNYC
Trashing the High Seas | WNYC

An original series from The Takeaway that explores our oceans, how human behavior is changing them, and what can be done to sustain large bodies of water for future generations.

WNYC
There Goes the Neighborhood | WNYC

A podcast about Brooklyn and the waves of money rolling into the real estate market. Developers from all over the globe are hunting NYC looking for deals that will allow them to "revitalize" neighborhoods, and make a few bucks in the process.

NPR.org
Hannibal Buress On Moving To New York With '$200 And Dreams'

Hannibal Buress knows how to hustle. In addition to touring as a standup comedian regularly across the country, he hosts a weekly comedy night at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn. He has written for Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock, where he was given the opportunity to play an eccentric homeless person.