15 Podcasts For Women, By Women That Will Inspire, Inform, & Empower You!
Like many fields of work, the world of podcasting is still a male-dominated one. There are, however, several popular podcasts today that happen to be hosted by female-identifying voices. And while it’s silly to think that podcasts by men can’t be enjoyed by women, and vice versa, we can’t help but feel happy to have these pods by and for women in our lives. From self-care to stories from the workplace to politics, check out some of our favorites below.
Terrible, Thanks For Asking
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Okay, first of all bonus points for the cheeky show name! But, seriously, I love that this podcast highlights that not every day is a great one. It's hosted by Nora McInerny who reminds her listeners it's totally okay not to be okay by having real people share their difficult stories of friendship, love, and family and how they've been getting through them.
While the stories are definitely deep and can be heavy, the show manages to remain optimistic and help listeners understand that they're not alone.
Financial Feminist
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Quite frankly, trying to be smart with your money can be overwhelming. It's also tough to weave through the insane amount of advice that often doesn't make sense (like billionaires telling you the secret to getting rich is not getting iced coffee once a week). That's why I really enjoy the Financial Feminist podcast.
It makes these seemingly complicated financial topics more digestible and is hosted by a woman named Tori Dunlap who founded "Her First 100K".
Pretty Basic
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If you're someone who likes more light-hearted podcasts, my personal fave is Pretty Basic. It's hosted by two very well-known influencers in the lifestyle space, Alisha Marie and Remi Cruz. Each episode feels like you're just listening into a juicy FaceTime call between besties.
Some episodes deal with deeper subjects, like navigating situationships or friendship breakups. It feels like the perfect blend of content listeners need to hear and content listeners want to hear.
Stuff Mom Never Told You
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The Stuff Mom Never Told You show has been running since 2009 (!), so there’s a healthy back-catalog of content to keep you company on that long commute, while you cook, when hit the treadmill, or all of the above. Each week, hosts Bridget Todd and Anney Reese take a research-based look at the challenges women face, while dishing practical insight and advice from their own diverse backgrounds to help women with their work conundrums, social responsibilities, personal lives, and more.
Forever 35
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What started as a podcast by writers Doree Shafrir and Kate Spencer — AKA “two friends who love to talk about serums” — has blossomed into a wide-reaching, supportive community of women who encourage each other to practice self-love in all its many forms.
Each week, Shafrir and Spencer take listeners’ calls and speak with guests such as comedian Nicole Byer, Salt Fat Acid Heat author/host Samin Nosrat, or facialist Courtney Chiusano about everything from skincare suggestions and self-care rituals to how to end toxic friendships or have a better sex life. Make it part of your soothing weekly me-time.
Baby, This Is Keke Palmer
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What can't Keke Palmer do? She proves the answer isn't podcasting with this effortlessly charming podcast of hers. Each episode allows listeners to hear what's keeping Keke up at night. She ponders big questions ranging from subjects like pop culture to science.
Her humorous approach to thinking through these random thoughts we all have soothes my over-thinking self!
Lady Gang
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Keltie Knight, Jac Vanek, and Becca Tobin host a no-holds-barred Hollywood-focused podcast that takes a look at all things entertainment and what it’s really like to live life in the spotlight.
We don’t believe in “guilty” pleasures, but if we did, this mimosa-soaked celebrity pod would be counted among them. Instead, we just consider it one of our weekly (no guilt) pleasures.
Oprah's Super Soul
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Leave it to Oprah to create a podcast that leaves you feeling more in touch with yourself and the world around you. Super Soul takes listeners through life's biggest questions and problems by interviewing industry leaders. After just one episode, you'll feel more empowered to take on each day.
Image via My Favorite Murder
One of the most popular current podcasts is a true crime and comedy hybrid that, yes, covers famous and lesser-known murder cases, but is also an empowering and educational study in how to stand up for yourself and help stomp out misogyny. Hosts Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark have become feminist heroes not only for respectfully honoring victims, but also by being honest and open advocates for mental health resources and speaking out against sexism in media, law enforcement, and more.
Plus, did we mention they’re just straight-up hilarious? If you’re not already, it’s time to become a Murderino.
Our Body Politic
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Just like money, politics can also feel so overwhelming, especially as a woman, where far too often decisions are made about us, without us. Our Body Politic does a great job of taking major political events and reporting how women of color have impacted them and been impacted by them.
It's hosted by Farai Chideya, an extremely well-spoken and knowledgable author and journalist who has worked in politics for over 15 years.
Why Won't You Date Me?
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Why Won't You Date Me? with Nicole Byer is an honest look at the difficulties that come along with dating. Byer talks about everything from being ghosted to getting catfished, as she ponders why she has been single for decades. The show provides a great take on why dating in this day and age is hard, despite having so many options at our finger tips thanks to apps.
The Guilty Feminist
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Being a feminist isn't always easy, with all of its intricacy and nuance. The Guilty Feminist with comedian Deborah Frances-White, gives listeners grace in their journeys. She brings on guests to chat about politics, history, dating, and life advice and reminds everyone that it's okay to not have all the answers, as long as you're trying to learn and grow.
The Professional Homegirl
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The Professional Homegirl podcast lets listeners hear from women of color across every walk of life. She interviews sex workers, scientists, and everyone in between to highlight their unique lived experiences and allow listeners to grow from their stories. A stand out episode is when she interviews her own therapist, proving that nothing is off limits to this homegirl.
Love Letters
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Love Letters is hosted by Boston Globe advice columnist, Meredith Goldstein. She provides advice worth listening to on all things romance, marriage, dating, sex, loss, and the human experience. Her comments are meaningful and challenge the way you think about everyday topics.
Motherhood Sessions
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One of the hardest parts about being a mom is feeling isolated in your challenges. Motherhood Sessions is hosted by an American reproductive psychiatrist who explores all of the challenges that come with being a mother and how they can impact their mental health. Episodes contain vulnerable conversations with women who are willing to share their own journeys and make others feel less alone.
