My job as a copywriter means that most of my day at work is spent typing away at a computer. And our department’s unhealthy obsession with Slack means that we don’t talk too much out loud (look, you can’t speak a giphy of a kitten), so I usually have my headphones in. And since there’s only so many times I can listen to the music from Hamilton*, I generally turn to podcasts.
One thing I really like about podcasts is that, like other maker-focused platforms such as YouTube, there is room for a hugely diverse array of voices. Not relying on traditional production/publishing means that you can find podcasts about any topic, created by any type of person. While I listen to podcasts ranging from the paranormal to the musical to the educational to the financial, one of my favourite things about podcasts is how many are female-created and female-focused. Here are a few of my top picks:
*just kidding, I could listen to it on repeat for forever
Stuff Mom Never Told You
Who hosts it: Cristen Conger and Caroline Ervin
What it’s about: How Stuff Works has a number of podcasts (another one shows up later on this list!) but Stuff Mom Never Told You is definitely my favourite. Some episodes focus on historical events or figures that may have been misrepresented or ignored in popular media and education; others explain common things that often affect women like colorism, cuddling, and comics.
Check out this episode: Feminist Witchcraft
Ladies Who Lunch
Who hosts it: Ingrid Nilsen and Cat Valdes
What it’s about: Youtubers Ingrid (you might remember her beautiful coming out video last year) and Cat talk about friendship, feminism and other female-focused topics on this charming, friendly podcast. I love how obvious it is that the hosts are so close in real life, and I find it really relatable to listen to. I don’t really follow vloggers, but this podcast makes me want to start (so if anyone has recommendations, you know where to send ’em!).
Check out this episode: Feminism Now: Empowerment or Objectification?
Stuff You Missed In History Class
Who hosts it: Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Frey
What it’s about: My other favourite How Stuff Works podcast, the “stuff” isn’t always about women, but it often is, and when it’s not it’s usually about other marginalised groups in history. The topics are well-researched and always fascinating; even if your history class did teach you about the subjects, you’ll still learn something.
Check out this episode: The Great Moon Hoax of 1835 Part One & Part Two
Make It Happen
Who hosts it: Jen Carrington
What it’s about: Okay, I confess I only just started listening to this podcast so I’m recommending episode one because that’s all I’ve heard so far, but I already love it. Hosted by a creative mentor and featuring a variety of successful female creatives, I’m definitely looking forward to learning from this podcast and using it to make this very blog the best it can be!
Check out this episode: Sucessfully blogging for your creative business with Lauren Hooker of Elle & Company
CTRL, ALT, DELETE
Who hosts it: Emma Gannon
What it’s about: There are so many “interviewing awesome people” blogs that I tend not to listen to any of them week in and week out, and instead just wait until I see that someone’s interviewed an awesome person that I like, but after I listened to the episode of this podcast featuring the World’s Coolest Teen (tied with Amandla Stenberg), Rowan Blanchard, I had to listen to all the rest, including the interviews with people I had never heard of. Worth it.
Check out this episode: With Rowan Blanchard
Nerdette
Who hosts it: Tricia Bobeda and Greta Johnsen
What it’s about: Whatever you’re nerdy about, this podcast probably has something for you. Female and non-female guests and topics are about even, and it’s got every flavour of nerd love in exuberant, unapologetic style. It makes me feel like nerding out about things I never even thought I cared about.
Check out this episode: Nick Hornby on screenplays, nostalgia, & the beauty of sport
Plus, here’re a few podcasts that I haven’t gotten a chance to listen to yet, but I am excited to dive into soon: Buzzfeed’s Another Round (hosted by Heben Nigatu and Tracy Clayton), Girl On Guy (hosted by Aisha Tyler), Slumber Party With Allie & Georgia (hosted by Allie Ward and Georgia Hardstack) and Dear Sugar Radio (hosted by Cheryl Strayed and Steve Almond).
What are your favourite podcasts (particularly female-created/focused)? What types of podcasts do you like to listen to? What do you wish there was a podcast about?
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