Since most podcast directories don’t exactly render an opinion either way, we rounded up the best podcasts for women according to the top voices in the media.
These are the shows women are clicking on the most when they open their favorite podcast players. If you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out our list of the best podcasts hosted by women.
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1. Crime Junkie
Host Ashley Flowers, alongside her friend Brit Prawat, delivers compelling true crime narratives every Monday. Crime Junkie is the first thing many women click on when they open their favorite podcast listening apps. The show stands out for its thorough research and storytelling approach, covering everything from high-profile cases to lesser-known mysteries. Perfect for those who find themselves constantly researching crime stories long after hearing about them.
2. We Can Do Hard Things
In this refreshingly honest podcast, author Glennon Doyle teams up with her wife Abby Wambach and sister Amanda Doyle to tackle life’s challenges head-on. We Can Do Hard Things creates an intimate atmosphere where nothing is off-limits – from relationships and parenting to anxiety and social justice. Their conversational style makes listeners feel like they’re sitting with friends who understand life’s complexities.
3. The Guilty Feminist
Comedian Deborah Frances-White hosts this hilarious live-recorded show that explores the noble aims of modern feminism alongside the everyday contradictions we all experience. Each episode of The Guilty Feminist begins with the signature “I’m a feminist, but…” confessions that set the tone for honest conversations about trying to navigate feminist ideals in a complicated world.
4. Thanks for Asking
Author Nora McInerny created this uniquely vulnerable call-in show where listeners can share how they’re genuinely doing – beyond the typical “I’m fine” responses. Thanks for Asking creates space for authentic human connection through difficult experiences, offering both emotional support and practical perspective. For those that can’t get enough of her podcast, additional content is available through Nora’s Substack and Patreon community.
5. Womanica
This compact yet powerful podcast delivers 5-minute daily episodes highlighting remarkable women throughout history. Womanica addresses the historical gender gap in education by showcasing women whose stories deserve wider recognition. The concise format makes it perfect for busy listeners who want to incorporate learning into their daily routines.
6. The History Chicks : A Women’s History Podcast
This award-winning show delves deep into women’s history through engaging, well-researched episodes. The History Chicks brings historical women to life through detailed storytelling enhanced with pop culture references and thoughtful analysis. Each approximately hour-long episode provides a comprehensive look at remarkable women from ancient times to the modern era.
7. IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson
Former First Lady Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson offer their perspectives on various life challenges submitted by listeners. Their distinctive approach combines practical advice with personal anecdotes, addressing everything from relationship issues to career decisions. The sibling dynamic brings warmth and authenticity to their guidance.
8. Her Dinero Matters
Financial counselor Jen Hemphill hosts this award-winning podcast focused on financial empowerment with a unique bilingual and Latina perspective. Her Dinero Matters makes money management accessible through actionable advice and inspiring stories from diverse guests. It’s designed to build financial confidence regardless of your starting point or previous setbacks.
9. Highest Self Podcast
Consistently ranking as a top spirituality podcast, Sahara Rose’s Highest Self Podcast explores personal growth through a modern spiritual lens. Topics range from discovering your purpose to embracing your sensuality and overcoming life’s challenges. Her approach makes spiritual concepts relevant and applicable to contemporary life, offering practical wisdom for personal transformation.
10. The Joe Rogan Experience
Comedian Joe Rogan’s long-form interview podcast features conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds – scientists, comedians, athletes, and more. Known for its unstructured format and in-depth discussions, the show is a top choice among female podcast listeners. The show covers everything from comedy and MMA to philosophy and current events, often running several hours per episode.
Check out These Women Hosted Podcasts Right Here on RSS.com
The Nourished Woman Podcast
The Nourished Woman podcast is hosted by Gabby Borgerink, Holistic Nutritionist, who is passionate about women’s health & hormones. In her episodes she opens up the conversation about women’s issues, relationships, entrepreneurship and more.
The Female Founders Network
The Female Founders Network Podcast is a global, women-only entrepreneurial and leadership podcast sponsored by Invoice2go. In each episode, hosts Nat Brown and Sylvie Hall interview an entrepreneur, small business owner, or industry leader, helping them share their story and offer tips and tricks for listeners.
Ready to Start Your Own Podcast?
Ready to add your voice to the growing niche of podcasts for women? Here’s a quick guide to help you launch your own show that resonates with female audiences:
Finding Your Unique Voice
Identify your niche: The most successful women’s podcasts fill a specific need. Consider what unique perspective or expertise you bring. Are you passionate about women in business, motherhood challenges, feminist history, or wellness for women?
Research current podcasts: Listen to popular women’s podcasts to understand what works, but look for gaps in content that your show could fill. What conversations aren’t happening that should be?
Define your audience: Be specific about who you’re speaking to. Is it working mothers, women entrepreneurs, women navigating health challenges, or young women starting their careers?
If you’re thinking about starting a podcast for women, we recommend first watching our video “7 Essential Things to Know Before Starting a Podcast“
Creating Content That Connects
Authentic storytelling: Women audiences value authenticity and relatable content more than male audiences. We recommend you share personal experiences when appropriate to relate to your audience in an authentic way.
Diverse perspectives: Include guests from various backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints.
Consistent value: Each episode should provide either practical information, emotional support, entertainment, or inspiration.
Safe space approach: Consider how to make your podcast a judgment-free zone where difficult topics can be discussed openly.
Launching Your Show with Impact
Choose the right equipment: You don’t need expensive gear to start a quality podcast for women. What equipment will you need to start a podcast? We suggest you begin with essentials like a good microphone and headphones, and free recording and editing software like Audacity or GarageBand. Then, upgrade as your audience grows.
Select a reliable hosting platform: Look for a podcast hosting platform that offers unlimited storage, detailed analytics, and seamless distribution to all major podcast directories. RSS.com provides all these features and more, making it ideal for podcasts for women at any stage of growth.
Create compelling artwork: Your podcast cover art is often the first impression potential listeners have of your show. Design visuals that appeal to your target audience while clearly communicating what your podcast is about.
Plan your launch strategy: Consider releasing 3-5 episodes at launch to give new listeners enough content to engage with. Promote your podcast across platforms where your target audience spends their time.
Before you can have one of the most popular RSS feeds, you’ll need a few tools to launch. Lost on what you need to get started? We’ve got you covered in our video “Podcast Setup for Beginners (Gear, Software, Hosting & More)“
Growing Your Female Audience
Leverage social media: Create content specifically tailored to different platforms where women in your target demographic are active. Instagram and Pinterest typically perform well for podcasts targeting women. Check out our guide The BEST ways to Promote Your Podcast on Social Media for some ideas to help you promote your show everywhere.
Engage with your community: Respond to comments, ask for listener feedback, and create opportunities for audience participation. Consider creating a Facebook group or membership community for deeper engagement.
Collaborate with other podcasters: Guest appearances on other shows that share your target audience can significantly expand your reach within the podcasts for women category.
Analyze your performance: Use podcast analytics to understand which topics resonate most with your audience, when they listen, and how they find your show. Let this data guide your content development.
Also see our video “Understanding Podcast Analytics: Get The Insights You Need to Grow 🌱”
Bottom line: The podcasting world needs more diverse women’s voices. Your unique perspective could become exactly what your future listeners have been searching for. Read our guide How to Start a New Podcast in 7 Easy Steps for more ideas to launch your show.
With unlimited audio storage, episode scheduling, social media integration, and unmatched customer support, RSS.com is the #1 way to start and grow a podcast.
