Our ears can’t get enough of these captivating conversations and mini women’s history lessons.
As the podcast landscape continues to expand, each day brings forth an array of new voices, ideas, and stories, making the task of choosing your listening material a bit tricky. How do you pick which true crime series to binge, when there are seemingly dozens released every day?
And even if you filter your search, there’s still an overwhelming embarrassment of riches to sift through. It seems like everyone has a podcast these days. But if you’re looking for female-centric stories in particular, look no further. We’re making your search a bit easier by highlighting the top five women-led podcasts that steer us through captivating dialogues and thought-provoking tales.
From unraveling the historical evolution of feminism to exploring the art of transformation during midlife and beyond, these podcasts offer a diverse range of content, all neatly packaged into bite-sized episodes ranging from 5 to 30 minutes. Feast your ears on these great shows:
5 Best Women-Led Podcasts
Now What? with Brooke Shields
iHeartPodcasts
We love discovering the stories behind midlife reinventions, whether they’re sparked by a health crisis, an evolving curiosity, or the need to navigate a failure. On her podcast, Brooke Shields explores fascinating and elemental questions like, “What’s next?” and “Now what?” alongside influential figures like: Selma Blair, actress and symbol of resilience; Kris Jenner, the mastermind behind a global empire; Monica Lewinsky, an emblem of strength in adversity; and the iconic Twiggy, a timeless model of grace. And those conversations transform into enlightening 30-minute episodes.
You and Me Both with Hillary Clinton
iHeartPodcasts
Hillary is back! This season, as always, she’ll be having candid, thought-provoking, and sometimes humorous conversations with people she admires. She’ll also be talking to guests about one of her favorite subjects: getting things done. We’ll hear from folks in positions of power, like Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Massachusetts governor Maura Healey, legendary author Judy Blume, and writer and humorist Fran Lebowitz — as well as more athletes, authors, artists, and activists who are doing “the work.” These candid, heartwarming conversations are an absolute must-listen each week.
Family Secrets with Dani Shapiro
iHeartPodcasts
Have you ever stumbled upon a family secret that rocked your world? Those moments are precisely what bestselling author Dani Shapiro delves into on her podcast. Amid tales of betrayal, heartbreak, mental health struggles, and life’s tough challenges, you’ll uncover valuable lessons in conquering your fears and navigating adversity. Don’t miss the new season, starting November 1st.
Womanica
Wonder Media Podcasts/iHeartPodcasts
If you’re a history enthusiast with just five minutes to spare, Womanica is your perfect podcast. On each episode, host Jenny Kaplan delves into the awe-inspiring stories of women who’ve shaped our world. From ancient goddesses like Artemis and Kali to trailblazers like former Cosmo editor-in-chief Helen Gurley Brown and lesser-known heroines, these characters are the focal point for short episodes that’ll leave you feeling empowered and well-informed.
Stuff Mom Never Told You with Anney Reese and Samantha McVey
iHeartPodcasts
What does feminism even mean in 2023? More importantly, where did it all start, and who’s at the forefront of the ongoing conversation? These are the compelling questions tackled by Anney Reese and Samantha McVey in their debut book, Stuff Mom Never Told You. Whether feminism intrigues you or leaves you perplexed, you’ll find answers and information in this weekly podcast. The hosts unpack everything, from recent events (like the significance of Sophie Turner’s divorce from Joe Jonas) to historical retrospectives on movements like the “Pantsuit Revolution” and beyond. Tune in to unravel the multifaceted world of feminism.
