Brittany Luse Speaking Fee: $20,000 to $30,000

Brittany Luse is an award-winning journalist, on-air host, and cultural critic whose work delves into the intersections of Black culture, media, and current events. Raised in Farmington Hills, Michigan, she graduated from Howard University with a degree in film. It was there she met Eric Eddings, her future collaborator on several influential projects. In 2014, Luse and Eddings launched For Colored Nerds, a podcast that explored Black culture through a thoughtful and often humorous lens. The show quickly gained recognition, leading to opportunities at Gimlet Media, where Luse became the company's first Black employee. At Gimlet, she hosted Sampler, a podcast about other podcasts, and co-hosted The Nod, a series that highlighted the richness of Black life and history. The success of The Nod led to a short-form video adaptation on Quibi, where it continued to explore Black experiences in innovative ways. In October 2022, Luse took over as host of NPR’s It’s Been a Minute, bringing her unique perspective to the program. Her approach blends cultural analysis with current affairs, offering listeners insightful discussions on topics ranging from politics to pop culture. Luse's work has been featured in publications such as Vulture and Harper's Bazaar, and she has edited for podcasts like Planet Money and Not Past It. Her contributions to media and culture have been profiled by The New York Times, The New Yorker, and Teen Vogue. Beyond her professional achievements, Luse is known for her deep curiosity and ability to connect with audiences. She continues to be a leading voice in cultural commentary, using her platform to highlight stories that matter and to foster understanding across diverse communities.