If you need a solid dose of girl power, a pep talk from an older sister stand-in, advice from someone who can understand your life experiences, or if you just want to celebrate and support female content creators, the solution is right in your headphones. Tuning in to one of the best podcasts for women helps check all of these boxes, and there's more of them all the time. Despite podcasting's reputation as the purview of tech-literate men, that's starting to change. Women still lag behind the guys in podcasting, but ladies are catching up when it comes to listeners.
According to the 2018 Infinite Dial study, women are beginning to close the gender listening gap. They lag behind men by only 9%, at press time. That said, the percentage of female hosts doesn't reflect the near equality of podcast listeners as neatly. As of that study, women only host 22% of podcasts in total. But the good news is, you can actually help with that. Podcasting can be a pretty democratic industry; the more listeners a podcast has, the more successful it is. More listeners means more visibility, which can lead to things like ad sponsors that help keep the podcast going. That means the best way to encourage female podcasters is to add some of these to your queue. Tune in and join the sisterhood.
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1Call Your Girlfriend
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When you just want to talk to your bestie, turn on this podcast for a hit of fellowship. Best friends Ann Friedman and Aminatou Sou spend each episode chatting about both light and heavy topics in this funny and resonant conversational podcast. They cover so many bases — current events, cultural phenomena, and even random subjects that speak to both of them. Those can range from what we should do about body hair to books they love, and even sex education.
Fans of random facts will adore this new podcast from Slate. On each episode, host Willa Paskin examines a nagging question, idea, or object and figures out its history and background as well as why it's become ubiquitous in our culture. Topics can include ice cream trucks, our collective fascination with Jennifer Anniston, throw pillows, and so much more. You'll find yourself turning into that person at parties who always says, "Did you know ..."
When you need a moment of zen but can't spare much more than that, Becoming Wise is the podcast for you. It "offers depth and discovery in the time it takes to make a cup of tea," according to its tagline, and it actually lives up to that promise. This podcast touches on some of the world's biggest questions and will lead you to think deeply but briefly, to broaden your horizons without taking up your whole afternoon.
Anyone who says women aren't funny will rethink their position after they try this hilarious and unique interview podcast. Comedian Lauren Lapkus invites funny friends on the show and then flips the script on the traditional talk show, by pretending she's the guest and they're the host. It's part improv comedy, part interview, and totally hysterical. You'll need a Stitcher account to binge listen to old episodes, but you can find new ones on Spotify.
Your mom may have taught you not to talk about these very topics in polite company but that's what this podcast is for. Host Anna Sale brings on smart and entertaining guests who go deep on the stuff we don't usually talk about. And don't let the title fool you, it's actually both funny and informative and you'll learn fresh perspectives on tough subjects, from honest people who have been there before.
If you enjoy thoroughly reported true crime and dedicated gumshoe journalism, In the Dark is for you. This Peabody Award-winning podcast investigates law enforcement and the criminal justice system by going deep on a different case each season. The first season investigated the kidnapping and death of 11-year-old Jacob Wetterling and the second, the case of Curtis Flowers, who was tried six times for the same murder. Both are excellent.
Nicole Byer, like many of us, has not yet found love (and not for a lack of trying!) But unlike you and me, she made a podcast about it. This gut-busting conversation show tackles topics like her green-card marriage, how she deals with inevitable dry spells, and the many trials and tribulations of the modern dating scene. Fans of Byer's sometimes R-rated comedy will get a kick out of this podcast, but it's definitely not for kids so save this one for some adult time.
She said it herself: Anna Faris is in no position to give anyone relationship advice. And yet, here we are. Using her years of life experience and that of her guests, Anna brings funny and relatable tips on relationships, love, life, and whatever comes up in conversation. Despite the title, and Anna's total lack of credentials, this podcast is actually super insightful.
As women over 30, hosts Doree Shafrir and Kate Spencer didn't see themselves represented in the mainstream media, so they decided to take matters into their own hands. Through this podcast, the authors and journalists talk about the things that matter to them like beauty, wellness, and living as women. It's delightfully relatable and you may pick up a few tips as you listen.
We've all been in that situation: Someone asks how you are and you say "fine," even though that couldn't be further from the truth. This podcast is all about those times. Host Nora McInerny lost her father, husband, and unborn child within the space of a month and had to learn to cope using humor and radical honesty. On this podcast, she and her guests candidly talk about grief and loss through empathetic, and often funny conversations.
Attention all girl bosses (and aspiring ones): This podcast is all about you. Host Melanie Mitro dishes on how she started her own business without a business degree or any formal training, and it's an inspiring must-listen for any ladies who want to do the same. After you start listening, you'll be fired up to go achieve your dreams.
Don't think you have enough money to start saving for retirement? Afraid to invest because you don't want to lose it all? Wondering what the heck a 401k can do for you anyway? Jill Schlesinger has the answer to these and so many more retirement and finance questions you didn't even think to ask on this informative, down-to-earth podcast.
Marlo Mack is a single Seattle mom raising a transgender daughter, and this podcast explores their mother-daughter relationship, the duo's life together, and the challenges and successes they face. It's heartwarming, sometimes funny, and a must-listen for parents everywhere.
The founder of Who What Wear, Hillary Kerr, chat with well-known women who have started over professionally in the second half of their lives and careers in down-to-earth, honest conversations. These women share their amazing backgrounds, their trials and tribulations, and what it took to get where they are. You'll recognize some of the names and find all of their stories fascinating.
Reality TV, politics, the issue of the day, it's all right out on the table in this aptly-named podcast hosted by Dolly Alderton and Pandora Sykes. Come for their perspectives on current events, stay for the British accents. Even if you're not big on pop culture, you're sure to find their hot takes entertaining.
We all have those knowledge gaps, whether it's history or politics, how gender influences everything from our food choices to our careers, and so many things in between. This podcast delves deep into issues you may not have considered before, in a refreshing way that will make you think about your role in the world a little differently.
Slide onto the metaphorical couch while you listen to psychotherapist Esther Perel give couples advice on real problems like struggles with intimacy, challenging finances, infidelity, and loss. You may learn something you can apply to your own relationship, and you'll definitely gain some empathy for others along the way.
Fair warning for the squeamish: This tell-all podcast may not be for you. Reported and hosted by Laura Beil, this investigative true-crime podcast tells the story of Christopher Duntsch, a neurosurgeon in Dallas. He claimed to be the best surgeon going, but after 31 patients came away injured during surgery and two passed away, he was convicted of malpractice. You'll never look at the medical system the same.
From the creator and host of the popular true crime podcast "Criminal" comes a different twist with the same attention to detail. Velvet-voiced Phoebe Judge tells stories of the pervasive nature of love in our lives. We're talking obsession, passion, long-held crushes, and the ways that love in its various forms really does conquer all.
Grab a snack before you dig into this podcast that covers all things food from a female perspective. Host Kerry Diamond, co-founder and editorial director of the food magazine of the same name, chats with movers and shakers in the food world. You'll hear from chefs, bakers, branding professionals, writers, and players from just about every aspect of the food world in this fun and informative, female-fronted podcast.
If you ever felt that history class skewed very male, this podcast will help you fill in the gender gap. Each episode will introduce you to female characters in history, including fun facts and interesting tidbits, juicy details and minutiae that will make you the smartest gal at your next get-together. And the show notes include links to learn more, if you really want to dive in.
Lizz SchumerSenior editorLizz Schumer is the senior editor for Good Housekeeping, and also contributes to Woman's Day, and Prevention, covering pets, culture, lifestyle, books, and entertainment.
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