featured image with a photo of Laura Umansky and Melissa Grove for an article about podcasts by women
March 1, 2024

These Are the Best New Podcasts by Women for Women

15 min read

Summary

This article highlights the best podcasts for women, hosted by women, launched in the last five years, including shows like “We Can Do Hard Things” with Glennon Doyle and “The DesignDash Podcast.” These podcasts cover a broad range of topics important to women, from mental health and candid conversations to women’s health, career advice, and personal success stories, offering valuable insights and support across various aspects of life.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the themes explored in these podcasts reflect the current challenges and opportunities women face in society?
  2. In what ways do these podcasts contribute to the empowerment and advancement of women, both professionally and personally?
  3. How can listening to these podcasts change perceptions or stereotypes about women in various roles or industries?
  4. How do the personal stories shared in these podcasts inspire you to reflect on your own life choices, challenges, and successes?
  5. Consider the impact of having women host these podcasts. How does it influence the conversations and the type of content shared

Journal Prompt

Choose a topic covered by one of these podcasts that you are less familiar with or one that challenges your current understanding. Research this topic further, and then journal about what you learned. Reflect on how expanding your knowledge in this area can impact your personal growth, beliefs, or actions. What steps can you take to incorporate this new understanding into your life?

Write Journal

From We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle to Burn It All Down to our own The DesignDash Podcast, these are the best podcasts spearheaded by women over the last five years. These podcasts provide listeners with a wide variety of content—all designed to resonate with them on multiple levels. They offer valuable insights into mental health struggles faced by women, candid conversations between interviewees and interviewers, accurate scientific information about women’s health, practical career advice, and personal stories from guests. Whether you seek inspiring anecdotes from the everyday life of the world’s most successful and innovative women, practical advice as you navigate an increasingly digital world, or all the answers to your burning health questions, these hosts have your back!

15 of the Best New Podcasts for Women by Women

We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle

“We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle” is a podcast that was started in May 2021 by the best-selling author, activist, and public speaker Glennon Doyle. This podcast is an extension of the themes Doyle explores in her work: vulnerability, strength, love, and the complexity of human emotions and experiences. The podcast features Doyle, alongside her sister Amanda Doyle and wife Abby Wambach, a retired professional soccer player and Olympian. Together, they delve into personal stories, cultural conversations, and tackle various hard topics with honesty, humor, and insight. The podcast focuses on themes such as mental health, family dynamics, social justice, and the nuances of female empowerment, making it highly relevant and resonant for women navigating their own “hard things.”

The podcast serves women by providing a space that validates and explores the myriad challenges and beauties of women’s experiences. It’s a platform for connection, reflection, and growth, where listeners can find solidarity and encouragement in the shared stories of resilience and hope. Guests on the show have included high-profile figures like Oprah Winfrey, Melinda Gates, and Elizabeth Gilbert, offering diverse perspectives and insights into overcoming personal and societal hurdles. “We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle” empowers its audience by affirming that they are not alone in their struggles and that, together, they can face and overcome the hardships life throws their way.

Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

“Wiser Than Me” is a groundbreaking podcast hosted by the Emmy award-winning actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus, known for her roles in “Seinfeld” and “Veep.” Launched with the intent to amplify the voices of older women, Louis-Dreyfus sits down with an impressive roster of guests, including icons like Jane Fonda, Fran Lebowitz, and other women. The weekly podcast shares the life advice, experiences, and insights of these remarkable women, exploring how they have lived full and meaningful lives.

Each episode of “Wiser Than Me” offers listeners funny, touching, and deeply personal conversations that delve into the lives and lessons of its guests. By focusing on these intimate discussions with celebrity guests, Louis-Dreyfus provides a platform for stories and perspectives that are often overlooked, offering valuable lessons on living authentically and embracing the complexities of life. The podcast serves as an inspiration for women everywhere, highlighting the importance of listening to and learning from the experiences of those who are always “WISER THAN MEâ„¢.” This unique series not only entertains but also educates, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in personal growth, storytelling, and the power of female wisdom.

The podcast has been on hiatus since June, but find new episodes here.

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Unlocking Us with Brené Brown

“Unlocking Us with Brené Brown” was launched in March 2020 by Brené Brown, a renowned researcher, storyteller, and author known for her work on vulnerability, courage, shame, and empathy. This podcast is an extension of her years of research and public speaking, offering deep dives into the emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. The show features a variety of guests, including thought leaders, authors, and creatives like Alicia Keys, Joe Biden, and Dax Shepard, who join Brown to explore the ideas, stories, experiences, books, films, and music that reflect the universal experiences of being human.

Episodes are released weekly, serving as a platform for meaningful conversations that encourage listeners to unlock the deeply personal parts of themselves that impact their lives, relationships, and work. “Unlocking Us” serves women by offering insights into emotional well-being, personal development, and the power of vulnerability. Through Brown’s engaging discussions with her guests, listeners are provided with tools and inspiration to embrace their imperfections, build resilience, and cultivate a sense of belonging and love. The podcast resonates with anyone looking to live a more authentic and connected life but holds particular value for women navigating the complexities of modern womanhood, leadership, and personal growth.

Burn It All Down

The “Burn It All Down” podcast, dubbed the feminist sports podcast you need, features hosts like Shireen Ahmed, Lindsay Gibbs, Brenda Elsey, Amira Rose Davis, and Jessica Luther, who delve into sports and pop culture through lenses of race, body image issues, gender, and sexuality. They consider issues affecting women (not just their male colleagues) in sports.

The podcast includes interviews with various guests, such as Sam Coffey and Ellie Jean of the NWSL, discussing topics from rookie seasons to broader cultural issues within sports. It serves women by highlighting and addressing gender inequities in sports and fostering a deeper understanding of the role of women in this domain. For more detailed information, you can visit their website at Burn It All Down.

You Must Remember This

This podcast has been around since 2014, but we couldn’t leave it off our list! “You Must Remember This,” hosted by Karina Longworth since 2014, meticulously unravels the forgotten and secret stories of Hollywood’s first century. Through solo narrations and discussions with guests like experts and historians, the podcast covers a broad spectrum of topics, from the careers of legendary actresses to industry-wide scandals.

Episodes are released weekly, providing a deep dive into the narratives that shaped the film industry. The podcast serves women by bringing to light the significant, yet often overlooked, contributions and challenges of female figures in Hollywood, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of women’s roles and representations in cinema history.

Second Life with Hillary Kerr

“Second Life” is a thought-provoking and refreshing podcast that was launched in February 2018 by co-founder and chief content officer of Who What Wear, Hillary Kerr. This podcast offers an insightful exploration into the career changes that inspire success in various fields. Hillary Kerr serves as the host, skillfully guiding each episode with her extensive experience in media and fashion, and a deep curiosity about career evolution. The podcast has featured a diverse and impressive roster of guests, including well-known figures such as Jennifer Lopez, Reese Witherspoon, and Gabrielle Union, among others. These guests share their personal stories of significant career shifts, providing listeners with inspiration and practical advice on navigating their own career paths. Kerr also offers her own business advice and practical tips for living your best life as a female entrepreneur.

“Second Life” focuses on the transformative journeys women have taken to achieve success in their second careers, emphasizing the idea that it’s never too late to pursue a new professional direction. Episodes are released weekly, offering regular doses of motivation and insight into how various women have reinvented themselves professionally. Through in-depth conversations, the podcast sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of making a major career change, serving as a source of inspiration and empowerment for women looking to make similar transitions. By highlighting the diverse paths to success and the resilience required to navigate change, “Second Life” provides valuable perspectives for women at all stages of their careers, encouraging them to pursue their passions and embrace new opportunities.

The Gist of It

“The GIST of It” podcast, hosted by Ellen Hyslop and Stephanie Rotz, offers a unique and refreshing take on the sports world from a female perspective. Launched as part of The GIST’s broader initiative to bring women into the conversation around sports, this twice-weekly show dives deep into current sports topics, seamlessly blending discussions on major leagues, season previews, and the intersection of sports with pop culture and social issues.

Ellen and Stephanie, with their insightful and engaging approach, tackle the sexism prevalent in sports while providing listeners with comprehensive and entertaining analyses. Their conversations not only highlight the challenges women face in the sports industry but also celebrate their achievements, making “The GIST of It” a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the sports world through a lens that challenges traditional narratives and champions inclusivity and equality. The podcast is funny and informative. We promise, you’ll feel like you’re listening to two best friends or family members chat with you about complex topics in a digestible manner.

Maintenance Phase

“Maintenance Phase” is a groundbreaking podcast that debuted in late 2020, co-hosted by Michael Hobbes and Aubrey Gordon. This podcast delves into debunking the junk science behind health and wellness fads, critically analyzing weight loss trends, and dissecting the cultural and societal impacts of diet culture.

Michael Hobbes, known for his work as a journalist and co-host of the “You’re Wrong About” podcast, brings a sharp analytical perspective to the discussions. Aubrey Gordon, who writes under the pseudonym Your Fat Friend and is an author of works focusing on body positivity and the realities of living as a fat person in a fatphobic society, adds depth and personal insight to the conversations. Together, they create a dynamic and informative dialogue that challenges mainstream health narratives.

Episodes are released bi-weekly, offering listeners a deep dive into various health myths, the history of diet trends, and the often overlooked consequences of society’s obsession with thinness. “Maintenance Phase” has hosted a variety of guests, including experts and scholars, to provide a well-rounded perspective on the topics discussed. The podcast serves as an essential platform for women, and indeed all listeners, by challenging the pervasive and harmful messages that permeate the health and wellness industry.

It empowers its audience by advocating for body neutrality and health at every size, encouraging a more inclusive and accepting approach to health and wellness. By critically examining how health trends affect individuals, especially women who are disproportionately targeted by diet culture, “Maintenance Phase” contributes to a broader understanding and acceptance of diverse body types, promoting mental and physical health inclusivity.

Girls Gotta Eat

“Girls Gotta Eat” is a vibrant and insightful podcast that burst onto the scene in 2018, co-hosted by comedians Ashley Hesseltine and Rayna Greenberg. This podcast quickly carved out its niche by blending humor with candid discussions on dating, sex, and relationships, offering listeners both laughter and learning in equal measure. Ashley and Rayna, with their relatable and witty banter, invite their audience into a space that feels like a conversation with close friends, discussing topics that are often considered taboo or too personal to talk about in public forums.

Their approach to handling sensitive subjects with both humor and depth has garnered a dedicated following. Throughout its run, “Girls Gotta Eat” has welcomed a wide array of guests, including therapists, dating coaches, and various experts in the fields of sex and relationships, as well as other comedians and authors, who contribute their insights and experiences to the rich tapestry of discussions.

The podcast focuses on the modern dating landscape, navigating the complexities of relationships, and the empowerment of women in their personal and sexual lives. Episodes are released weekly, striking the perfect balance between entertainment and informative content. “Girls Gotta Eat” serves its audience by breaking down societal norms and expectations around women’s roles in relationships and society at large, offering a fresh, feminist perspective.

Ashley and Rayna empower their listeners by encouraging self-love, independence, and the importance of setting boundaries, all while maintaining a light-hearted and inclusive tone. Through their discussions, they provide a platform for women to feel seen and heard, validating experiences that many face but few talk about openly. By fostering a community around their podcast, “Girls Gotta Eat” has become more than just a series of episodes; it’s a movement towards more open and honest conversations about women’s lives, desires, and challenges in the contemporary world.

HerMoney with Jean Chatzky

“HerMoney with Jean Chatzky” is an empowering podcast that was launched to specifically address the unique financial challenges and opportunities faced by women. Jean Chatzky, an acclaimed financial journalist, author, and motivational speaker, founded the podcast to fill a gap in the financial advice sector, where women’s specific needs and questions often go unaddressed.

Chatzky, known for her ability to demystify complex financial concepts and provide simple actionable tips, brings her expertise to the forefront as the host. Since its inception, “HerMoney” has featured a wide array of guests and panel discussions, including leading female financial experts, authors, and successful entrepreneurs. These guests share their insights, experiences, and strategies for achieving financial independence, managing wealth, and making smart money decisions as working women.

The podcast focuses on a variety of topics that resonate deeply with women at different stages of their financial journeys, such as saving for retirement, investing wisely, negotiating salaries, and balancing personal finances with career and family life. Episodes are released weekly, each packed with practical tips, inspiring success stories, and Chatzky’s signature approachable advice. “HerMoney with Jean Chatzky” serves its audience by creating a supportive community where women can gain financial literacy, empowerment, and confidence.

It tackles the gender wage gap, the investing gap, and other systemic barriers to women’s financial success head-on, providing listeners with the knowledge and tools they need to take control of their financial destinies. Through its commitment to addressing the financial questions that matter most to women, “HerMoney” plays a crucial role in advocating for financial equality and helping women to achieve their financial goals through actionable strategies.

The Motherhood Sessions

“The Motherhood Sessions” is a compelling and deeply empathetic podcast that began captivating audiences in April 2019, under the guidance of its host, Dr. Alexandra Sacks, a renowned reproductive psychiatrist who specializes in the emotional and psychological experiences of motherhood. Dr. Sacks brings her extensive expertise to the podcast, offering a safe space for mothers to share their stories and challenges without fear of judgment.

The format of the podcast involves intimate, one-on-one therapy sessions between Dr. Sacks and her guests, who are real mothers grappling with the complexities of motherhood. These guests come from diverse backgrounds and share a wide range of experiences, from navigating postpartum depression and anxiety to dealing with the identity shifts that come with becoming a parent, thus reflecting the myriad ways motherhood can impact women.

Released bi-weekly, “The Motherhood Sessions” focuses on unearthing the untold and often overlooked aspects of motherhood, offering profound insights into the psychological transformation women undergo. Dr. Sacks expertly facilitates conversations that are not only therapeutic for her guests but also deeply resonant for listeners who may be experiencing similar struggles. The podcast serves women by validating their experiences and emotions related to motherhood, an area often glossed over by society’s idealized narratives of parenting.

Through her empathetic approach, Dr. Sacks encourages a broader understanding and acknowledgment of the emotional labor of motherhood, promoting mental health awareness and support for mothers. “The Motherhood Sessions” stands out as a crucial resource in the landscape of parenting discussions, offering solace, understanding, and professional guidance to women at all stages of their motherhood journey, helping them feel less isolated and more supported in their experiences.

Lost Women of Science

“Lost Women of Science” is a groundbreaking podcast series that began illuminating the untold stories of remarkable but overlooked women in the science field in 2021. Spearheaded by host Katie Hafner, an esteemed journalist with a keen interest in the intersections of science, technology, and society, the podcast embarks on a mission to bring to light the contributions of female scientists who have not received their due recognition. Each season of the podcast delves deep into the life and work of one woman, unpacking her achievements, the challenges she faced, and the legacy she leaves behind. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Hafner and her team resurrect the narratives of these pioneering women, making a compelling case for their rightful place in the annals of scientific history.

The podcast is meticulously crafted, with episodes released in a serialized format that allows for an in-depth exploration of each subject’s life and work. “Lost Women of Science” serves a dual purpose: it educates its audience on significant scientific contributions that have been overlooked and provides an empowering narrative that highlights the resilience and perseverance of women in the face of systemic barriers in the science community.

By focusing on these forgotten heroines, the podcast not only honors their contributions but also serves as an inspiration for women and girls in science today, encouraging them to pursue their passions and break through the glass ceiling. Through its engaging narratives, “Lost Women of Science” plays a critical role in rewriting the history of science to include the women who have helped shape it, making it an invaluable resource for anyone interested in science, history, and the advancement of women.

Stuff Mom Never Told You

“Stuff Mom Never Told You” is an illuminating podcast that has been engaging listeners since its inception in 2009, under the umbrella of HowStuffWorks and later continuing its legacy with iHeartRadio. Originally hosted by Molly Edmonds and Cristen Conger, the podcast has evolved over the years, with Anney Reese and Samantha McVey currently at the helm, continuing the mission of delving into issues related to gender, equality, and womanhood through a feminist lens.

The podcast covers a wide array of topics, from the history of women in various fields to current social issues, health, science, and culture, all centered around understanding the female experience. Guests on the podcast have included experts, activists, and thought leaders across different domains, providing rich, diverse perspectives that enrich the conversations. Through these discussions, “Stuff Mom Never Told You” offers its listeners a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding women’s lives and the societal structures that shape them.

Episodes are released twice a week, ensuring a steady flow of thought-provoking content around women’s issues. “Stuff Mom Never Told You” serves its audience by not only educating them on a variety of topics that are often overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream discussions but also by empowering women (and men) to question and challenge societal norms. The podcast fosters a community of curious, informed listeners who are encouraged to think critically about the world around them.

Through its accessible and engaging format, “Stuff Mom Never Told You” acts as a catalyst for change, inspiring its audience to advocate for equality and to embrace a more inclusive and equitable perspective on gender. By highlighting the achievements and struggles of women throughout history and in contemporary society, the podcast plays a vital role in amplifying voices that have been marginalized and in promoting a deeper understanding of what it means to be a woman in today’s world.

Locatora Radio [A Radiophonic Novela]

Locatora Radio [A Radiophonic Novela], initiated by co-hosts Mala Muñoz and Diosa Femme in 2016, is a pioneering podcast that blends the format of a traditional radio show with the narrative depth of a novel, hence the term “radiophonic novela.” The podcast is celebrated for its vibrant and incisive exploration of the lives, struggles, and triumphs of women of color. While Black women and other women of color are interviewed, there is a particular focus on Latinas and the broader Latinx community.

Mala and Diosa, both of whom are activists and self-proclaimed “Locatoras,” bring their unique voices and perspectives to the forefront, creating a space where the complexities of identity, culture, and femininity are discussed openly and with nuance. Over the years, Locatora Radio has hosted a wide range of guests, including scholars, artists, writers, and activists, all of whom contribute to the rich tapestry of stories and insights shared on the podcast.

Releasing episodes on a monthly basis, Locatora Radio serves as a critical platform for amplifying the voices of Latinas and women of color, offering listeners narratives that are often overlooked by mainstream media. The podcast focuses on a variety of topics, including mental health, sexuality, feminist theory, and pop culture, all through a decolonial lens that challenges patriarchal and Eurocentric narratives.

By doing so, Mala and Diosa have cultivated a dedicated following of listeners who find solace, empowerment, and community in the episodes of Locatora Radio. The podcast not only serves women by providing content that reflects their experiences and struggles but also educates and inspires action towards social justice and equality. While this is not currently a bilingual podcast, it does aim to create a more inclusive and equitable world for women of color, where their stories are heard, valued, and celebrated.

The DesignDash Podcast

The DesignDash Podcast is an exciting new addition to the podcasting world, slated to launch following an announcement that has generated significant anticipation among audiences looking for inspiration and guidance on crafting fulfilling lives. Hosted by Melissa Grove and Laura Umansky, the podcast will feature a series of interviews with inspiring women who have taken bold steps to design lives they truly love. These guests, drawn from various backgrounds and professions, share their insights, triumphs, and challenges, offering listeners a comprehensive look at what it means to live a life without compromise.

Focusing on both professional and personal self development, The DesignDash Podcast aims to serve as a resource for listeners eager to take control of their lives, offering strategies, inspiration, and real-world advice. The podcast’s mission resonates particularly with women seeking to balance their careers with their personal aspirations. We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of modern life without judgement or compromise.

Our creators’ commitment to sharing a rich tapestry of experiences ensures that our podcast will offer regular insights into achieving a thoughtfully integrated, fulfilling life. Through its interviews and discussions, The DesignDash Podcast is set to empower our audience of amazing women. We’re all about designing a life you love!

Stay tuned for the release of The DesignDash Podcast’s first block of episodes—coming to you on International Women’s Day 2024.

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