Remembering ‘Black Mamba:’ 7 podcasts and episodes all about Kobe Bryant

On the anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s death, we’re commemorating the NBA Legend with podcasts and episodes. Check out interviews, candid conversations, inspirational advice, and never-before-released audiotapes from Kobe’s teenage years.

Kobe was a 5-time NBA champ, an 18-time All-Star, and won two Olympic gold medals. While playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe scored 33,643 points. Aside from basketball, Kobe had a few controversies, created a podcast, wrote books, earned an Oscar for Dear Basketball, and founded the multimedia company Granity Studios among other projects.

Kobe was eager to share “The Mamba Mentality,” his advice for his success, and why he nicknamed himself “Black Mamba” in several podcast episodes.

In January 2020, Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and several others were killed in a helicopter crash – tune in for an investigative series from 2021 about the crash, lawsuits filed, and interviews with artists commemorating Kobe. We’ve also included a podcast he created for kids.

I Am Kobe

When Kobe was a teenager, he was interviewed by family friend Jeremy Treatman, who recorded the conversations. In these tapes, Kobe shares his thoughts, ambitions, and predictions for his future. Treatman thought the tapes were lost until they were discovered 30 years later in a crawlspace. He contacted Mike Sielski, who created and hosted the podcast, “I Am Kobe.” This series is a time capsule discovery, as episodes share the never-before-heard tapes. Mike interviews Treatman, Kobe’s family, friends, high school coaches, and more. Stream this 11-episode series from episode one with all episodes running under an hour in length. “I Am Kobe” is presented by iHeartPodcasts and Diversion Podcasts.

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

In 2019, Kobe visited “On Purpose with Jay Shetty” for a 44-minute interview. He told Jay about using strategies, being constructively obsessive, inspiring younger generations, and finding purpose on and off the court. Kobe founded Granity Studios, where at the time, he was writing, producing, and storytelling. In 2019, he had just released his young adult fiction novel, Legacy and The Queen.

The Life and Death of Kobe Bryant

iHeartPodcasts presents, “The Life and Death of Kobe Bryant,” all about the helicopter crash that killed Kobe, his daughter, and several others. Episodes investigate real-time information from the crash and share clips from the pilot and tower’s radio conversation leading up to the tragedy. In the series, episodes delve into the lawsuits filed, artists and friends share tributes, and Kobe’s life is explored. This podcast is hosted by journalist Steve Gregory and produced by KFI News’ Jacob Gonzalez.

All the Smoke

Kobe stopped by “All the Smoke” in 2020 for a 48-minute chat with hosts Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. They recapped the 1996 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game and debated who should have snagged the MVP. Kobe talked about working on projects after the NBA, staying focused, why he did not play as much during first three years of his career, and leveling up after taking a break from the NBA. “All the Smoke” is presented by The Black Effect Network.

Legends of Sport

In April 2021, “Legends of Sport” re-released a classic, 32-minute episode with Kobe Bryant. Listen in as Kobe and host/Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame photographer Andrew Bernstein discussed their book, The Mamba Mentality: How I Play. Andrew’s photos are featured throughout, and they shared what it was like to work together. Also in this chat, they unpacked Kobe’s worth ethic, The Mamba Mentality, Team USA, championships, healing from injuries, Kobe’s final game, and more.

The Punies by Kobe Bryant

“The Punies by Kobe Bryant” is podcast for kids filled with life lessons and original songs presented by Granity Studios. The Punies live in the same neighborhood, play sports, and have fun together. Younger listeners might enjoy the wholesome Good Ol’ Gang’s relatable adventures. Check out all 20 episodes, all under 16 minutes long.

The School of Greatness

“The School of Greatness” host Lewis Howes talked to Kobe Bryant in this 70-minute episode from 2018 for an extensive interview on an array of topics. Kobe shares his definition of love as “a journey that has its ups and its downs…it’s a certain persistence to go through the good times and the bad times with someone or something that you truly love.” Kobe delved into his daily routine, the importance of storytelling, The Mamba Mentality, his life’s themes, his greatest weakness, and more in this insightful interview.