If you haven’t hopped on the podcast wave yet or are not really sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for something to listen to while you’re on your hot-girl walk or completing your single-girl summer bucket list, we’ve put together a list of some of the best podcasts for women. From feminist history podcasts like “The History Chicks” to self-help podcasts like “Food, Sex & Money” to funny podcasts for women such as “Girls Gotta Eat,” there’s a variety of podcast options for any type of genre or interest.
I’ll be the first to admit, that I was sceptical of podcasts when they first started gaining popularity and friends started doling out recommendations of their most recent favourites. I’d always been more of a reader during my morning commute, and I wasn’t sure I could listen to someone talk in my ear for an hour. It wasn’t until my roommate started referencing things she’d heard about on so-and-so’s podcast that I figured I’d give it a try. (I wanted to be in the loop; don’t judge!) Now, I’m fully convinced it’s the best way to spend my morning ride on the subway, my walk to the gym or around my city, or my time cooking dinner instead of having the TV on.
I love listening to women’s perspectives on history, health, the latest shows, pop culture, career building, and even meditation. Here are 24 of the best podcasts by women that I can’t get enough of.
– Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes and Charlotte Kho
Related: Nia Dennis Re-creates Her Internet-Sweeping Beyoncé Floor Routine on Ellen – It’s a Must-See!
iTunes
"LadyGang"
Jac Vanek, Keltie Knight, and Becca Tobin join forces to take a hilarious look at Hollywood. Whether it’s talking about their best or worst weeks, interviewing celebrity guests, or sipping mimosas, these three very different personalities give listeners their honest takes on life. Oh, and no topic is off limits!
Listen to “LadyGang” on iTunes, PodcastOne, or Spotify.
iTunes
"The Hey Girl Podcast"
Alex Elle brings you intimacy with some incredibly inspiring women in her podcast. Created with sisterhood and storytelling in mind, “The Hey Girl Podcast”‘s guests share their stories through candid conversations and dive into wellness and self-care to nurture every listener’s sense of self.
Listen to “Hey, Girl” on iTunes or Spotify.
iTunes
"No Country For Young Women"
Presented by BBC Radio, hosts Sadia Azmat and Monty Onanuga talk about life, love, and work in a white man’s world.
Listen to “No Country For Young Women” on iTunes and Spotify.
iTunes
"Call Your Girlfriend"
Hosted by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman, this podcast is made for long-distance BFFs everywhere. Inspired by the two friends’ weekly calls to discuss politics, life, and pop culture, the two, along with their producer Gina Delvac, have built an audience of hundreds of thousands of listeners. These women are self-proclaimed “highbrow and lowbrow, fiercely opinionated, and not afraid to real-talk each other about everything.” The two besties take on topics like Instagram anxiety, money, book recommendations, and news – you know, what every phone call with your girlfriends is about.
Listen to “Call Your Girlfriend” on iTunes, Spotify, or Stitcher.
iTunes
"My Favorite Murder"
True-crime superfans and BFFs Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark take turns telling each other a real-life murder story in each episode of “My Favorite Murder.” There are also “hometown murder” episodes where they read aloud listener-submitted stories and live episodes recorded when they go on tour. The best part? They are both f*cking hilarious feminists who keep it real and support and encourage their listeners to stand up to “toxic masculinity” – “f*ck politeness” is one of their taglines for women to stand up when they feel like they’re in an unsafe situation. Trust me, you’ll get hooked!
Listen to “My Favorite Murder” on iTunes, Spotify, and Player FM.
iTunes
"Off the Vine"
The former Bachelorette shakes things up with her raw take on what goes on behind the scenes of the franchise and navigating life after being on reality TV. Kaitlyn brings in her friends from Nashville, like Morgan Evans and Cassadee Pope; former Bachelor contestants Olivia Caridi and Danielle Maltby; and her fiancé, Jason Tartick, for even more fun.
Listen to “Off the Vine” on iTunes, Spotify, and PodcastOne.
iTunes
"Thirst Aid Kit"
Bim Adewunmi and Nichole Perkins bring thirsting to a new level with their incredibly liberating podcast, “Thirst Aid Kit.” The two explore “the public ways women express their desire,” which include why we desire who we desire and how we actually desire them. Each episode covers a specific subject (or group of subjects, i.e., “Southern Baes”), and each woman literally lusts out loud. They examine their desire through conversation, original fan fiction, and personal fantasies. Special guests include the very men they desire, including Chris Evans, Charlie Cox, and Rahul Kohli.
Listen to “Thirst Aid Kit” on iTunes and Spotify.
iTunes
"Terrible, Thanks For Asking"
After losing her unborn child, father, and husband all within weeks of each other, Nora McInerny is podcasting about why it’s OK to not be “fine.” Her funny, sad, and uncomfortable podcast talks about dealing with pain, awkwardness, and accepting that we are all human and can’t be “fine” all the time. It’s time to get comfortable with the uncomfortable.
Listen to “Terrible, Thanks For Asking” on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher.
iTunes
"The Step"
“The Step” is a podcast for – and about – unstoppable women. Each season is hosted by a different powerful woman, and the most recent season, season four, was hosted by actress Katie Stevens. Listen as she sits down with guests to dig deep and discuss the pivotal steps that pushed them in the direction of their dreams. These powerful stories are inspiring and not to be missed.
Listen to “The Step” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, and Google Podcasts.
iTunes
"Ana Faris Is Unqualified"
If you’re looking for a good laugh and some not-so-great relationship advice (her words, not mine!), then you stumbled upon the right podcast. Actress Anna Faris teams up with Hollywood heavyweights from Julie Bowen and Simu Liu to Dylan O’Brien for games, role-playing, and building a community full of laughs and support.
Listen to “Ana Faris Is Unqualified” on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher.
iTunes
"Work Party"
Badass CEO (who we also wish was our BFF IRL) Jaclyn Johnson breaks down intimidating topics like negotiating, building a brand, failing, and pitching your business. Her podcast is the perfect kick in the butt for working women everywhere.
Listen to “Work Party” on iTunes and Spotify.
iTunes
"The History Chicks"
Remember how history class in high school seemed like a LOT of talk about white guys who lived hundreds of years ago? Yeah, well, Beckett Graham and Susan Vollenweider are here to turn back the clock and revisit years of history with women in mind. Even better? You’ll be able to dazzle your friends and family with the interesting tidbits of knowledge Graham and Vollenweider have imparted to you.
Listen to “The History Chicks” on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher.
iTunes
"A Thing or Two With Claire and Erica"
Coauthors of the book “Work Wife” – Claire Mazur and Erica Cerulo – bring their contagious enthusiasm as hosts of this podcast, taking a deeper look at some of their favorite food, beauty, technology, literature, and product finds. The two women also bring in guests with expert knowledge for even more insight.
Listen to “A Thing or Two With Claire and Erica” on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher.
iTunes
"Small Doses With Amanda Seales"
Everyone’s favorite truth-teller drops weekly gems, telling you exactly what it is with passion – not hostility. Amanda Seales delivers her customary brand of tough love in each episode that explains the “Side Effects” of whatever that week’s topic is. This podcast isn’t for those with thin skin; Seales always keeps it real, even if it’s hard to hear.
Listen to “Small Doses With Amanda Seales” on iTunes and Spotify.
iTunes
"Whine Down With Jana Kramer"
Grab a spot on the couch, and pour yourself a glass. Singer, actress, wife, and mother Jana Kramer is hanging out with friends to talk about her wild life. She explores topics like fertility, intimacy issues, soulmates, and mom shaming.
Listen to “Whine Down With Jana Kramer” on iTunes and iHeartRadio.
iTunes
"Women Rule"
Politico’s Anna Palmer shows listeners who’s boss. Palmer interviews women leaders like Stacey Abrams, NHL Vice President Kim Davis, and Cecile Richards about how they made it, their opinions on today’s biggest issues, and advice for other women. This podcast will inspire you to step up and say, “I’m not bossy, I’m the boss.”
Listen to “Women Rule” on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher.
iTunes
"Mama Said With Jamie-Lynn Sigler & Jenna Parris"
This new podcast from actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler and musician Jenna Parris is one moms everywhere NEED to be listening to. Ever worried about losing your identity after having kids? They’re here for you. Ever dealt with postpartum depression? They’re talking about it. Still recovering from all the sleep deprivation? Take a nap first, and then listen to their episode on it. All of your mommy worries are covered.
Listen to “Mama Said With Jamie-Lynn Sigler & Jenna Parris” on iTunes, Spotify, and PocastOne.
iTunes
"No Man's Land"
Hosted by Alexis Coe, The Wing’s in-house historian, “No Man’s Land” sheds light on the baddest of history’s b*tches. Coe talks about a 1920s woman gangster, author Sylvia Plath, and the start of women’s social clubs (which is a cool nod to The Wing’s sisters who paved the way).
Listen to “No Man’s Land” on iTunes and Stitcher.
iTunes
"Gettin' Grown"
“Gettin’ Grown” features Keia and Jade, two happy and hard-working Black women who are just trying to learn how to adult – for real. They’re trying to figure out life as 30-somethings, one week at a time, and to be honest, who isn’t? This is the kind of relatable content we’re looking for!
Listen to “Gettin’ Grown” on iTunes and Spotify.
iTunes
"Girlboss Radio"
If you are just graduating college and entering the adult world of working or have been sitting on a brilliant idea to start your own business, Puno’s inspiring interviews with women bosses will leave you galvanized and wanting more. She talks with inspiring women behind big brands such as Disney, Nike, and TED about lessons they’ve learned and wisdom they can give listeners to follow their dreams, with a little bit of honesty and humor along the way.
Listen to “Girlboss Radio” on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher.
iTunes
"Stuff Mom Never Told You"
Anney Reese and Samantha McVey are keeping it real for you. In their heavily researched chats, these two ladies talk about the challenges that women face from every angle and continue the conversation about what it means to identify as female and how it impacts everyday life. You’ll get hooked on the real talk about why women’s pockets are so damn small, and you’ll stay for literally everything else.
Listen to “Stuff Mom Never Told You” on iTunes, Spotify, and Stitcher.
iTunes
"Therapy For Black Girls"
When you’re looking for some tips on how to take care of your mental health, “Therapy For Black Girls” is the podcast for you. Hosted by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, “Therapy For Black Girls” is a weekly chat about all things mental health and personal development that allows black women to find a sense of peace in a world that constantly attempts to take it away.
Listen to “Therapy For Black Girls” on iTunes and Spotify.
iTunes
"Anything Goes With Emma Chamberlain"
YouTuber Emma Chamberlain shares anything and everything that is on her mind. From fashion trends to friendship dynamics to the importance of alone time, Chamberlain covers it all.
Listen to “Anything Goes With Emma Chamberlain” on iTunes and Spotify.
iTunes
"Girls Gotta Eat"
Ashley Hesseltine and Rayna Greenberg host this comedy podcast where they talk all things dating, sex, and relationships. From Instagram etiquette and dating apps to breakups, Hesseltine and Greenberg cover it all with lots of laughs.
Listen to “Girls Gotta Eat” on iTunes and Spotify.
