I'll be the first to admit, I was skeptical of podcasts when they first started gaining popularity and friends started doling out recommendations of their most recent favorites. I'd always been more of reader during my morning commute and I wasn't sure I could listen to someone talk for an hour in my ear.
It wasn't until recently when 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 while cooking dinner instead of having the TV on.
I love listening to women's perspectives on history, pop culture, career building, and yes, even the Bachelor. Here are 21 of the best podcasts by women that I can't get enough of.
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Jac Vanek, Keltie Knight, and Becca Tobin join forces to take a hilarious look at Hollywood. Whether it's talking about their good or bad weeks, interviewing celebrity guests, or sipping mimosas, these three very different personalities give listeners their honest take on life. Oh, and no topic is off limits!
Listen on iTunes or PodcastOne.
Image Source: iTunes
Alex Elle brings you intimacy with some incredibly inspiring women in her podcast Hey, Girl. Created with sisterhood and storytelling in mind, Hey, Girl. guests share their stories through candid conversations and dive into wellness and self-care to nurture every listener's sense of self.
Listen on iTunes.
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 boyfriend Jason Tartick for even more fun.
Listen on iTunes or PodcastOne.
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Comedians Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams are OBVIOUSLY funny, but what makes this podcast great is the women's take on issues of race and gender. It also doesn't hurt that they have guests like Michelle Obama.
Listen on iTunes and Stitcher.
Image Source: iTunes
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 on iTunes and Stitcher.
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Ban.do Founder and CCO Jen Gotch knows how to make a girl feel less alone. If you've ever wondered if someone shared similar worries, hopes, and humor, Jen Gotch is here for you. She gives perspective on being more self-aware, building emotional intelligence, and relating to her listeners. Her 30- to 45-minute episodes are the perfect way to make your commute fly by.
Listen on iTunes and Stitcher.
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 on iTunes.
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're all human and we can't all be "fine" all the time. It's time to get comfortable with the uncomfortable.
Listen on iTunes and Stitcher.
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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 for games, role-playing, and building a community full of laughs and support.
Listen on iTunes and Stitcher.
Image Source: iTunes
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 on iTunes.
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 clocks 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 on you.
Listen on iTunes and Stitcher.
Image Source: iTunes
Cofounders of the emerging design site Of a Kind — Claire Mazur and Erica Cerulo — bring their popular "10 Things" newsletter to life 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 who have expert knowledge for even more insight.
Listen on iTunes and Stitcher.
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 isn't for those with thin skin; Seales always keeps it real, even if it's hard to hear.
Listen on iTunes.
Grab a spot on the couch and pour yourself a glass. Singer, actress, wife, and mother Jana Kramer is hanging out with friends (and sometimes her husband) to talk about her wild life. She explores topics like fertility, intimacy issues, soulmates, and mom shaming.
Listen on iTunes and iHeartRadio.
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Politico's Anna Palmer shows listeners who's boss. Palmer interviews female 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 on iTunes and Stitcher.
Image Source: iTunes
This new podcast from actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler and musician Jenna Parris is the thing mom's 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 on iTunes and PocastOne.
Image Source: iTunes
Hosted by The Wing's in-house historian, Alexis Coe is shedding light on the baddest of history's b*tches. Coe talks about a 1920s female 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 on iTunes and Sitcher.
Image Source: iTunes
Gettin' Grown features Keia and Jade, two happy and hard-working 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 on iTunes.
If you're just graduating college and entering the adult world of working or have been sitting on a brilliant idea to start your own business, Sophia Amoruso's inspiring interviews with female bosses will leave you galvanized and wanting more. She talks with women like Jameela Jamil, Brooklyn Decker, and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley 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 on iTunes and Stitcher.
Image Source: iTunes
Bridget Todd and Anney Reese are keeping it real for you two times a week. In their heavily researched chats, these two ladies are talking about the challenges that women face from every angle. 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 on iTunes and Stitcher.
Image Source: iTunes
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 on iTunes.
—Additional reporting by Mekishana Pierre
