Over the past few years, podcasts have become as ubiquitous as TV, movies, and books. They're hands-free, portable, unobtrusive — i.e., perfect for commutes — and usually free. Oh, and the content itself is as wide-ranging as it is enjoyable. There's a podcast for everything. Want to learn about an obscure bit of history? Hear really smart people's thoughts on politics or pop culture? Creep yourself out with true-crime stories? Laugh hysterically to yourself on a quiet subway car? Yeah, there's a podcast for all of those things — and more.
But much like Netflix, there are approximately 17 billion options to choose from. Since we're big fans of hearing women tell their own stories, we decided to narrow the field to shows with female hosts. So, grab your earbuds and prepare your ears for some lady-powered awesomeness: Here are the best female-led podcasts.
Invisibilia
"Invisibilia" is a Latin term that means "all the invisible things." That's exactly what this podcast delves into: The unseen forces that shape human behavior. On each one-hour episode, creators Alix Spiegel and Lulu Miller — joined this season by Hanna Rosin — explore the ideas, beliefs, feelings, psychological mechanisms, and more that, while rarely examined, wield tremendous power in both our daily lives and society as a whole.
Start Here: "The New Norm," which reveals the power of social norms with two historical experiments: Teaching employees of Russia's first McDonald's to smile and oil-rig workers to cry.
Listen On : NPR
Photo: John W. Poole/Courtesy of NPR.
Women of the Hour
If you enjoy the musings of Lena Dunham, you will love this BuzzFeed production. Listen to the Girls creator's funny, intimate conversations with women about everything from sex and relationships to loving your body. Oh, and the guests aren't too shabby. You'll hear from awesome ladies like Emma Stone, trans activist Janet Mock, and author Zadie Smith.
Start Here: "Episode 2: Body" features model Emily Ratajkowski and SNL 's Aidy Bryant talking about their relationships with their appearances and how those relationships were formed from a young age to today.
Listen On:iTunes
Photo: Courtesy of Buzzfeed & iTunes.
Stuff Mom Never Told You
Cristen Conger and Caroline Ervin's cover just about every topic having to do with women, ever, on their lively show. They tackle big issues, like emotional cheating or LGBTQ representation in pop culture, but know when to spend time on bizarre corners of the world, like the lives of lady truckers or the history of female friends with benefits in the Victorian era.
Start Here: "Romantic Comedies 101" is a five-part installment about how Old Hollywood censorship rules led to the creation of the modern rom-com.
Listen On: Their website
Photo: Courtesy of Stuff Mom Never Told You.
Magic Lessons
Eat Pray Love author Elizabeth Gilbert penned a brilliant book last year about living a fearless, creative life. Her insightful podcast, about to enter its second season, explores more facets of that topic and adds new voices to the conversation. Listen to the likes of Cheryl Strayed and Neil Gaiman talk about the struggles and joys of living boldly.
Start Here: "Ep. 12: Brené Brown on 'Big Strong Magic'" is an eye-opening talk with the TED Talk phenomenon and scholar who champions the value of vulnerability.
Listen On: Gilbert's website or iTunes
Photo: Courtesy of elizabethgilbert.com/Riverhead Books.
Black Girls Talking
You're just as likely to hear hosts Alesia, Fatima, and Ramou — who have a lovely, natural rapport — gab about Empire or makeup trends as impostor syndrome or Black feminism. The witty trio gleans brilliant insights on topics in a down-to-earth manner. Their perspectives are valuable and their laughter is infectious.
Start Here: "Episode 52: Take A Nap, Kanye." Everybody has lot to say about Kanye, but BGT 's take on the pop-culture fixture is one of the most entertaining we've heard.
Listen On: Their site, iTunes, and Soundcloud
Photo: Courtesy of blackgirlstalking.com
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