When I am (very) busy being the ultimate couch potato, I’m not really in the mood for Keeping Up with the Kardashians or Catfish. (One can only take so much!) Instead, I’ve directed my attention to podcasts that blare loudly throughout my entire apartment. If I’m not engrossed in a true crime podcast about an unfinished murder case, I am shifting through podcasts for women that continue to inspire me, make me think, or have me laughing until I cry. These podcasts are designed for women and (most) are hosted by pretty amazing women. Grab your speakers or your ear buds; here are a few of my favorites.
Best Podcasts for Women
Fat Mascara: Hosts, Jessica Matlin of Teen Vogue and Jennifer Goldstein of Marie Claire are knowledgeable, funny, and straightforward. Together, they share personal stories of their beauty adventures along with advice from all types of people in the business. I learn something new each time I listen and regularly buy the products that they rave about.
The mindbodygreen Podcast: I follow mindbodygreen religiously; they’re continuously debunking different myths while also reassuring me that I am on the right path in my fitness/wellness journey. This podcast helps introduce new names in the business and gives a voice to all different types of diets and people.
Girl on Guy with Aisha Taylor: Prepare to laugh your butt off. Comedian, Aisha Taylor spends time ranting with men (and sometimes women) about things they love: video games, sex, bar fights – you know, the usual. My middle-school self was fan-girling a little extra hard when she interviewed Dave Navarro. While there aren’t new episodes frequently, there are still plenty of old ones to help you get by. I wish I discovered this podcast sooner.
Dear Sugar Radio: Cheryl Strayed had made a name for herself well before Reese Witherspoon and Wild were involved. Strayed and co-host Steve Almond were writing a column for The Rumpus titled “Dear Sugar,” and this podcast is its voice. No questions are too risky and no topic seems to be off limits. It’s good to hear about the lives of others and get advice from non-experts. A lot of the discussions were so thought-provoking that I used them to spark conversations with the people around me.
Stuff Mom Never Told You: When I listen to this podcast, I imagine my feminist, super progressive best friend having a conversation with me in her living room. The vibe has seriously changed since this podcast recently got new hosts, and I’ll admit, I am more of a fan of their older work (before July 2017). Prior to the new hosts, this was one of the best podcasts for women–it had a feminist feel and managed to strike a perfect balance of issues. How can we manage anxiety? What is the relationship between feminism and witchcraft? Ex-hosts Cristen Conger and Caroline Ervin answer those and much more.
Women of the Hour with Lena Dunham: When I heard that Lena Dunham from Girls had a podcast, I was instantly intrigued (huge “Girls” fan). I’m typically not a pop-culture fan, but this podcast in collaboration with Buzzfeed allows Dunham to interview women and discuss life, relationships, careers, etc. With guests such as Emma Stone, you’ll be surprised to know that celebrities are in fact real people, also.
LadyGang: Another podcast fueled by pop-culture–and one of the hosts for this one is Jac Vanek; you know, the woman with the quirky word shirts all over Instagram? Anyway, I’ve admired her for quite some time and so decided to check this one out. Vanek, along with Keltie Knight and Becca Tobin share stories around bottomless mimosas brunches; each week, a celebrity guest joins in on their discussions talking about what life is really like in Hollywood–and nothing is off limits.
The Plantiful: Hosted by Peaceful Dumpling’s resident nutrition coach Isabelle Steichen, The Plantiful explores vegan lifestyle and wellness. Topics include plant-based nutrition, how to navigate a non-vegan world as a passionate vegan, pursuing your career goals, and achieving your dreams. (The Plantiful has featured PD’s EIC Juhea Kim and PD contributor Vivian Lee!)
The Moth: I’m not sure I could imagine a world without “The Moth.” The stories of human experience make you cry, laugh, and make you realize that you aren’t the only person in this world with strange and unusual things happening to them. “The Moth” has inspired me to sit down and write about experiences that, in the moment, I didn’t think much of. Simply, this is a great reminder of the human experience. Please listen. FYI – this is the longest running podcast that I’ve mentioned.
Is there other podcasts for women that may be missing on my list but I just NEED to hear? Let me know!
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Photo: Respective Podcasts
