10 Essential Podcasts for Women by Women
November 14, 2023
November 18, 2022
Whether it’s driving to work or relaxing in a bubble bath, podcasts have become every woman’s best friend (Sorry, Marilyn). But the wide array of podcasts available on listening platforms can be quite overwhelming. So, we carefully selected 10 podcasts focusing on work, feminism, adulthood, relationships, self-care, and everything in between, that today’s leading women should listen to.
Episode length: 30 - 60 mins
Best time to listen: During a morning walk or drive
Change is the only constant, as they say. As we age and mature, our career goals may change. It can be jarring to take a new step, but Second Life tells us that it's worth it.
Who What Wear co-founder Hillary Kerr sits down with women leaders across various industries as they share their thoughts and dissect their experiences on making career changes. Switching from A to B happens at any age, and Second Life gets that. From art design to scientific research, this podcast sees to it that there’s an episode that caters to your future (second) calling.
If you’re thinking of embarking on a new journey but don’t know where to begin, give Second Life a listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Episode length: 40 - 60 mins
Best time to listen: Anytime
Let’s be honest. Most of the time, we find other people’s lives more interesting than our own. That's part of why we gossip.
Normal Gossip takes the potential harm out of gossip and gives it a light and fluffy feel. Together with Kelsey McKinney and their guests, this up-and-coming podcast fulfills our “gossiptonin” needs with comedic and amusing (anonymized) stories sent by listeners. Whether it's an annoying neighbor or the classic ‘Who is dating who?,’ Normal Gossip’s laid-back storytelling and banter make every episode feel like you’re catching up with friends over wine. The guests’ reactions are really the cherry on top!
Seated? Revel in silly human behaviors, messy breakups, and juicy drama on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Episode length: 30 - 45 mins
Best time to listen: During morning commutes or while doing chores
The internet can be far more interesting (and confusing) than we think it is. From the unexpected trends on YouTube to the weirdest online finds on Amazon, there’s almost always a dash of absurdity behind their virality. And Decoder Ring is here to peek into that online abyss.
Hosted by Willa Paskin, Decoder Ring takes a cultural zeitgeist and puts it under a microscope. From Rebecca Black’s “Friday” earworm to the infamous Karen from the supermarket, this podcast series gets down to the nitty gritty of a cultural phenomenon, examines the science behind it, and figures out why it matters. Regardless if you are interested in any of the topics, the punchy narration and editing style of Decoder Ring grabs your attention from the get-go.
Take a trip down the rabbit hole and crack cultural mysteries with Decoder Ring on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Episode length: 10 - 20 mins
Best time to listen: During morning stretches or late night bubble baths
Living in a fast-paced world can be suffocating and enervating. At the end of the day, it helps to check in with yourself and assess your holistic needs. Our podcast, Inner Warmup, does exactly that.
Hosted by our founder Taylor Elyse Morrison, Inner Warmup is your go-to podcast for all things self-care and personal development. It’s not just your typical self-reflection podcast; it’s a warm, comforting voice that allows you to truly listen to yourself. In 20 mins or less, Inner Warmup helps you tap into your inner wisdom as you breathe in and breathe deep through the five dimensions of your well-being. Who knows? You might discover more things about yourself.
Ready to connect to your inner wisdom? Listen wherever you find podcasts.
Episode length: 50 - 70 mins
Best time to listen: While showering or working out
Is there a movie or show you enjoyed the first time around but can’t bear rewatching? Well, there’s a podcast for that too.
Introducing I Hate It But I Love It, a podcast that deconstructs films and TV shows you simultaneously love and hate. Unnecessary subplots, terrible acting, and questionable wardrobe decisions are just some of the things hosts Kat Angus and Jocelyn Geddie aren’t afraid to point out in their humorous film and TV commentaries. But they’re also not oblivious to the reasons why they adore those movies and shows. I Hate It But I Love It is a stark contrast to journalistic reviews, but this makes it more fun, relatable, and easy to follow.
Revisit your favorite films with I Hate It But I Love It on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Episode length: 30 - 40 mins
Best time to listen: During brunch or afternoon tea
The mundanity of everyday life has made words as nothing more than just letters put together intended for humans to communicate. But Helen Zaltzman begs to disagree.
The Allusionist is a deep dive into the origins and essence of the English language and lexicon. While it may initially seem uninteresting, Zaltzman’s insightful approach — not to mention calming voice — fuses compelling conversations and humor with the learning process. The Allusionist also addresses common language misconceptions brought about by modern times, and expands its in-depth talks to neologisms (like queerbaiting) and eponyms (like Fahrenheit). Besides, words do make good conversation starters, don't they?
Go beyond dictionary definitions and learn with The Allusionist on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Episode length: 25 - 40 mins
Best time to listen: During a morning walk or breakfast
Nowadays, misinformation and disinformation is just as rampant as the virus we’re fighting. But at the same time, the amount of information and jargon can be quite difficult to understand. Fear not, Dope Labs hears you.
From biology, physics, to cybersecurity, Dope Labs concocts weekly doses of scientific principles fused with bits of pop culture references. Listen to scientists (and besties) Titi Shodiya and Zakiya Whatley as they dissect concepts with experts, spill the tea on trending myths and misconceptions, and make science less boring. Each episode works great for anyone who wants to learn but also has a short attention span.
Stay cool and get schooled with Dope Labs on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Episode length: 30 - 70 mins
Best time to listen: Before going to bed (or when you’re having an existential crisis)
Navigating life as a young adult can be intimidating. You tend to get lost and caught up in the traps of life when your compass goes awry. Luckily, a familiar name knows the way.
Straight from her bedroom, social media mogul Emma Chamberlain shares her thoughts on many of the baffling challenges, dilemmas, and emotions that young adults face in the real world. Her award-winning podcast, Anything Goes, ensures that every listener feels seen and understood through candid conversations on life, mental health, travel, fashion, pop culture, and more.
So, whether you're looking for light-hearted talks, philosophical discussions, or just someone to share your midnight thoughts with, Anything Goes is your perfect match on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Episode length: 15 - 60 mins
Best time to listen: Before going to bed
Has there ever been a time where you felt like you weren’t good enough? Or felt unworthy of your own achievements? Unlearning self-critical habits is difficult, especially when you don’t know where to begin.
In UnF*ck Your Brain, life coach Kara Loewentheil explores how self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the fear of imperfection perpetuates destructive habits and mindsets among successful people. Through a series of how-to guides and discussions, UnF*ck Your Brain helps you discover ways to overcome these feelings of anxiety and inadequacy to be your authentic self. Each episode is reasonably timed, which gives you enough time to internalize everything you learned.
Take the first step towards being kinder to yourself on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Episode length: 30 - 60 mins
Best time to listen: During morning coffee or late night wine
As women, we all have insecurities we’re afraid to talk about and concerns too embarrassed to raise. We are all valid, and Unladylike is here to create a safe space for all of us.
From sex, abortion, relationships, to cosmetic surgery, Unladylike brings the most taboo subjects and controversial opinions into light for discussion. The podcast’s explainers and how-to guides provide substantial information about issues related to feminism and health. It’s a podcast filled with fun, factual, and friendly conversations about us — and honestly, that’s all we need.
Join the girl talk with Cristen Conger on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
