Harlem Queen
by Yhane Washington Smith
Harlem Queen is an award-winning Black historical fiction audio drama based on the true story of Madame Stephanie St. Clair, the bold, brilliant "Numbers Queen" who built a Harlem empire during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s. Written, produced, and directed by Yhane Washington Smith, an A'Leila Bundles Scholar at Columbia University, this five-season series brings Madame St. Clair's world to vivid life through original music, meticulous sound design, and a full cast of characters. Jazzy, glamorous, and unflinching about what it meant to be a Black woman in America in the 1920s. As featured on ABC's primetime documentary The Story of Soaps. History this rich deserves to be heard. You can follow on Instagram: @Yhane.Writes, our web site: YhaneWashingtonSmith.com, email: [email protected]. or our newsletter: https://harlemqueen.substack.com/ Thank you for listening!
Episodes
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S5 EP3 - Policy Banking 101
Anita breaks down policy banking to Michelle. The episode features: Isabelle Kerby-McGowan Nina Smith Marie-Francoise Theodore Gabrielle Adkins Sound Designed by Collin Thomas Original Theme Music created by Jason Moran Produced, written, directed and edited by Yhane Washington Smith Thank you to...
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TRAILER for "Auricle"!
Hi! We are ready to drop new episodes of "Harlem Queen" about our very gangster and philanthropic Madame Stephanie St. Clair during the Harlem Renaissance. In the meantime, check out the promo to a show that I listen to for inspiration titled "Auricle"! Help us make more episodes of "Harlem…
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S5 Ep4 - Final Series Episode
In this final episode of the series, Stephanie makes her return and even convinces Anita not to give up her territory. Dutch Schultz is finally shot dead. Michelle comes to a conclusion, which sets us up for our spin-off series, "Crown Beauty". This episodes features: Gabrielle Adkins Isabelle...
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Crime Adjacent - Tommy
Tommy Coulet left home at 9 p.m. on Dec. 23, 1995 and would never return. His body was discovered the next morning in a known lovers’ lane spot on the western edge of Ridgewood just off Interstate 80. Investigators wouldn’t know it at the time, but Tommy Coulet would be the first known victim of...
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S5 EP2 - The Great Escape
Stephanie makes her great escape from prison. This episode features: Marie - Francoise Theodore Gabrielle Adkins Journey Brown-Saintel Luke Slattery Thank you: Emilio Smith Tom Smith Collin Thomas Sound designed by Collin Thomas Produced, written and directed by Yhane Washington Smith Thank you…
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S5 EP1 - The Queens of Harlem
This is our first episode of our last season! While Stephanie is recuperating in France with Josephine Baker, we meet the other Queens of Harlem; Anita Howell, Rita, Polly Adler and even Stephanie's daughter, Michelle. This episode features: Isabelle Kerby-McGowan as Anita Howell Denese…
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Yhane talks with Jana Naomi Smith creator of "Red for Revolution".
I am so glad to share with you my conversation with Jana Naomi Smith creator of Red for Revolution. Jana and I discuss providing a platform for "undertold" stories. I could ALWAYS use your help to make these incredible stories. Become a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/c/harlemqueen Thank you!...
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red for revolution
Radiotopia Presents: Red for Revolution is an audio drama centering intergenerational stories of Black women, queer love, and liberation. The heart of the story follows the passionate love affair between jazz singer Lorraine Giovanni and activist Ella Ali. The narrative unfolds through the...
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We're All Ancestors in Training. Yhane talks with Nichole Hill of "Our Ancestors Were Messy".
I am so glad to share with you my conversation with Nichole Hill of The Our Ancestors Were Messy podcast. Nichole and I talk about the history and value of Black newspapers and how we use them to make our shows. I had no idea there were so many! I could ALWAYS use your help to make these…
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Part 2 of William Sutphin (Booker and Olivia) and Yhane have a sit down.
Part two of the talk. Yhane has a sit down with William Sutphin creator of the "Booker and Olivia" audio drama. Yhane and William discuss creating Black historical fiction. William breaks down crafting his favorite scene. You can follow William on Instagram @audio_auteur. I could ALWAYS use your...
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William Sutphin (Booker and Olivia) and Yhane have a sit down.
Yhane has a sit down with William Sutphin creator of the "Booker and Olivia" audio drama. Yhane and William discuss creating Black historical fiction. You can follow William on Instagram @audio_auteur. I could ALWAYS use your help to make these incredible stories. Become a patron at:...
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We Have Main Character Energy. Yhane talks with Dominic Lawson of Black is America.
Yhane talks with Dominic Lawson of the "Black is America" Podcast. Yhane and Dominic talk about 'standing in the gap' - making sure that we learn and share our stories. I could ALWAYS use your help to make these incredible stories. Become a patron at: https://www.patreon.com/c/harlemqueen Thank...
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Stephanie St. Clair; Fact, Fiction, Myth, Legend - Pt. 2, Yhane and Isabelle Kerby-McGowan compare notes.
Isabelle and I compare notes about Stephanie St. Clair who spoke loud and clear when it came to self publicity and marketing. Stephanie was known to "indulge" when discussing her place of birth, age, income, etc. Isabelle and I try to discern what is fact and what is fiction, but conclude with…
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Stephanie St. Clair; Fact, Fiction, Myth, Legend - Pt. 1, Yhane and Isabelle Kerby-McGowan compare notes.
Isabelle and I compare notes about Stephanie St. Clair who spoke loud and clear when it came to self publicity and marketing. Stephanie was known to "indulge" when discussing her place of birth, age, income, etc. Isabelle and I try to discern what is fact and what is fiction, but conclude with…
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Episode 1 of "Bayou's Wrath"
Hi! I am researching and writing new episodes of "Harlem Queen" AND raising money to make a full season. Yay! If you would like to become a Patreon Patron, here is the link: https://www.patreon.com/c/harlemqueen Thank you! In the meantime, check out this series that I helped produce! titled...
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TRAILER of "What Happened in Skinner"
Hi! While I am working on more episodes of "Harlem Queen", you may enjoy listening to this series that I enjoy listening to titles, "What Happened in Skinner". whathappenedinskinner.com. Thank you!
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TRAILER of "Bayou's Wrath"
"Bayou's Wrath" is here! Enjoy!
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TRAILER of "Booker & Olivia" by William Sutphin
While I am putting together more episodes of "Harlem Queen", please enjoy listening to "Booker & Olivia" by William Sutphin!
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S4 EP4 - Madame Stephanie St. Clair's Trial (Season Finale)
This episode tells the tale of Stephanie's trial. This season’s special sponsor is Harlem Brewing headed by the first black woman beer brewer, Celeste Beatty. Get ready for Harlem Brewing’s Harlem themed taproom in Brixton. That’s Brixton in London. This episode was edited by Jordan Kauling…
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S4 EP3 - Harlem Queen Live! Wilhemina Returns.
This is the recording of our live show!! In this episode Stephanie and Wilhemina hatch a plan that will put Dutch Schultz six feet under. Original music by Jason Moran and produced, edited, written and directed by Yhane Washington Smith. This episode featured: Gabrielle Adkins Kara Young Luke...
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S4 EP2 - We Meet Bunky
CONTENT WARNING: A lynching is discussed. In this episode, Stephanie escapes tragedy and meets Bunky. Stephanie explains to Josephine how she built her numbers empire. This episode was edited by Jordan Kauwling. Sound designed by Xperience J. original music by Jason Moran and produced, written…
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S4 EP1 - We Meet JB (Josephine Baker)
In this episode, Stephanie St. Clair escapes jail in New York City, lands in France and recounts her tale of arrival to "America" to her friend Josephine Baker. Around 1915, Stephanie arrives in “America”, young, pregnant, alone and gets to work building a life for herself and her baby. This...
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BONUS - ANOTHER SHOW BY YHANE - 1972 - We Are the Revolutionaries
THANK YOU for listening! In 1972 we hear the powerful voices of Professor and activist Angela Davis and Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. We witness the series of events that put Davis on the F.B.I. most wanted list and we join Chisholm on her campaign trail for president of the United States....
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S3 EP3 - Revenge (Season Finale)
THANK YOU for listening! Gabrielle Adkins as Stephanie St. Clair, Ian Bell as Dutch Schultz, Journey Brown-Saintel as Ruby and Gwendolyn Bennett, Karen Chmielnicki, Denese Duran as Rita, Joshua Gold as Matteo, Driver and Gunman, Steven Hylton as Bunky and Langston Hughes, Peter Killy as Lucky...
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S3 EP2 - Ready
THANK YOU for listening! Stephanie, Rita and Wilhemina join forces to take down Schultz and Luciano. Gabrielle Adkins as Stephanie St. Clair, Ian Bell as Dutch Schultz, Journey Brown-Saintel as Ruby and Gwendolyn Bennett, Karen Chmielnicki, Denese Duran as Rita, Joshua Gold as Matteo, Driver and...
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S3 EP1 - Rapport
THANK YOU for listening! Michele decides to build a rapport with her estranged mother. Gabrielle Adkins as Stephanie St. Clair, Ian Bell as Dutch Schultz, Journey Brown-Saintel as Ruby and Gwendolyn Bennett, Karen Chmielnicki, Denese Duran as Rita, Joshua Gold as Matteo, Driver and Gunman, Steven...
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Harlem Queen Season Three Sneak Listen
THANK YOU for listening! Here is a sneak listen of season three episode one of Harlem Queen.
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Introducing: The Courtship of Mona Mae - We Must Be Practical
THANK YOU for listening! CONTENT WARNING: Gun fighting, language. In the 1870s, pioneers Mona Mae Christophe and Zekial Montgomery search for Mona's mother, Clara. Mona must recall long forgotten memories in order to find her mother, love and a secure life for herself. Cast: Brandon Micheal Hall…
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S2 EP4 - Discovered! (Season Finale)
THANK YOU! To our new patrons: Amara! Donald! Morris! Fran S.! Chris M.! Danielle C.! Sara N.! Your support is invaluable and helps to keep us going. HUGS and GRATITUDE To the best cast a hotsty totsy (that's me) could ever ask for! Michele returns and is discovered. Special Guest Appearance by...
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S2 EP3 - Bailed!
THANK YOU! To our new patrons: Amara! Donald! Morris! Fran S.! Chris M.! Danielle C.! Sara N.! Your support is invaluable and helps to keep us going. Michele has to make her way back home. Eugene questions Holstein's motives. Wallace Thurman asks for Madame St. Clair's patronage. Special Guest...
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S2 EP2 - Busted!
THANK YOU! To our new patrons: Amara! Donald! Morris! Fran S.! Chris M.! Danielle C.! Sara N.! Your support is invaluable and helps to keep us going. Madame Stephanie St. Clair continues to pay a heavy price to search for Michele. Content Warning: This episode includes a reference to rape…
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S2 EP1 - Kidnapped!
THANK YOU for listening! Madame Stephanie St. Clair searches for Michele. Content Warning: This episode includes a reference to rape, lynching and racial slurs. Gabrielle Adkins - Madame Stephanie St. Clair Ukachi Arinzeh - Countee Cullen Ian Bell - Dutch Schultz, Fella D. Rubin Green - Floyd J....
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Harlem Queen Season Two Trailer
We are excited to present to you season two of Harlem Queen! Be sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts so that you don't miss new episodes. Instagram: @Yhane.Writes.Audio Web site: YhaneWashingtonSmith.com
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S1 EP4 - Opportunity (Season Finale)
THANK YOU for listening! Stephanie strikes back. Content Warning: This episode may contain gun violence and racial and ethnic slurs. Featuring: Gabrielle Adkins - Madame Stephanie St. Clair Ian Bell - Dutch Schultz Journey Brown-Saintel - Ruby Washington Nia Calloway - Betty D. Rubin Green…
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S1 EP3 - Shot!
THANK YOU for listening! Stephanie plans her retaliation. Content Warning: This episode may contain gun violence and racial and ethnic slurs. Featuring: Gabrielle Adkins - Madame Stephanie St. Clair Ian Bell - Dutch Schultz Journey Brown-Saintel - Ruby Washington Nia Calloway - Betty D. Rubin…
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S1 EP2 - Know Your Onions
THANK YOU for listening! Stephanie demands the respect she deserves. Content Warning: This episode may contain gun violence and racial and ethnic slurs. Featuring: Gabrielle Adkins - Madame Stephanie St. Clair Ian Bell - Dutch Schultz Journey Brown-Saintel - Ruby Washington Nia Calloway - Betty…
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S1 EP1 - Do You Know Who I Work For?
THANK YOU for listening! Content Warning: This episode contains gun violence and racial and ethnic slurs. A numbers war begins in 1920s Harlem (during the Harlem Renaissance) between gangsters Dutch Schultz and Madame Stephanie St. Clair. Starring: Gabrielle Adkins - Madame Stephanie St. Clair…
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Harlem Queen Season One - Trailer
THANK YOU for listening! "Harlem Queen" an audio drama based on Madame Stephanie St. Clair, the queen of Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance. Featuring: Gabrielle Adkins Ian Bell Journey Brown-Saintel Nia Calloway D. Rubin Green Steven Hylton Isaiah James Mueller Damien Paris Luke Slattery…
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About this show
Harlem Queen is an award-winning Black historical fiction audio drama based on the true story of Madame Stephanie St. Clair, the bold, brilliant "Numbers Queen" who built a Harlem empire during the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s.
Written, produced, and directed by Yhane Washington Smith, an A'Leila Bundles Scholar at Columbia University, this five-season series brings Madame St. Clair's world to vivid life through original music, meticulous sound design, and a full cast of characters. Jazzy, glamorous, and unflinching about what it meant to be a Black woman in America in the 1920s.
As featured on ABC's primetime documentary The Story of Soaps. History this rich deserves to be heard.
You can follow on Instagram: @Yhane.Writes,
our web site: YhaneWashingtonSmith.com,
email: [email protected].
or our newsletter: https://harlemqueen.substack.com/
Thank you for listening!
Hosted by
Yhane Washington Smith