20 Best Podcasts for Women to Listen to in 2023

For many people, podcasting has become a go-to way to consume entertainment—and that includes women. We make up nearly half (48%) of the monthly podcast listeners in the U.S., according to the Women’s Podcast Report from Edison Research and SXM media, 

And because women make up such a large (and important!) part of the audience, there are a huge number of podcasts out there that are created by women, hosted by women, and/or cover issues that women want to know about.

But with so many podcasts out there, it can be hard to find the right one. Well, if you’ve been trying to find the right podcast for you, you’re in luck! We’ve gathered 20 of the best podcasts for women across a variety of categories—so whether you’re looking to learn how to overcome imposter syndrome, get tips for how to land your next big promotion, or get immersed in a real-life mystery, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.

Best Podcasts for Women: Business

1. Work Appropriate

Navigating the world of work can be complicated, and sometimes you just need some guidance—which is why author Anne Helen Petersen launched this podcast. With guest appearances from the “smartest people Anne knows,” Work Appropriate provides a wealth of humorous and practical workplace advice based on listeners’ questions.

Where to listen: Work Appropriate Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

2. Side Hustle Pro

Looking to turn your side hustle into your main hustle? Side Hustle Pro, hosted by full-time entrepreneur Nicaila Matthews Okome, spotlights bold, Black women entrepreneurs who’ve scaled from side hustles to profitable businesses. In each weekly episode, Nicaila interviews inspiring Black women entrepreneurs who share actionable strategies for starting small and turning your passion into a business.

Where to listen: Side Hustle Pro Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

3. PRETTYSMART

Each week on PRETTYSMART, journalist Danielle Robay invites a guest to tackle a new idea and hold up a mirror to our culture. These entrepreneurs, authors, politicians, and celebrities “put a new spin on Pretty” with thought-provoking conversations on the issues facing women today, asking questions about what works for us and what we can work to change.

Where to listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Audible

4. 9 to 5ish with theSkimm

On this weekly podcast, Carly Zakin and Danielle Weisberg, co-founders and co-CEOs of theSkimm, speak with the female business leaders for their insights, stories, and advice on all-things-career, from how to find your creative partner to conquering self doubt to how to handle feedback (and use it to grow).

Where to listen: 9 to 5ish with theSkimm Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

5. Women at Work

It’s no secret that many women face gender discrimination throughout their careers. In this podcast, Harvard Business Review staffers Amy Bernstein, Amy Gallo, and Emily Caulfield host discuss issues women face at work—particularly those issues that aren’t discussed at work—to learn where we’re at and how to move forward. Expect expert interviews, personal stories about the hosts’ own experiences, and actionable advice to help you succeed on your career path—despite any obstacles you might face along the way.

Where to listen: Women at Work Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

6. The Broad Experience

The Broad Experience was one of the first podcasts to discuss issues women face in the workplace. Hosted by writer and radio reporter Ashley Milne-Tyte, this podcast focuses on how women of different ages and backgrounds attempt to navigate the unique challenges of women in the workplace, including race and class, choosing to be a professional without kids, and working in women-only workspaces. 

Where to listen: The Broad Experience Website | Apple Podcasts

Best Podcasts for Women: Personal Development

7. We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle

Life is hard. Managing relationships, battling illness and addiction, caring for loved ones, searching for peace, joy, and purpose…these are all hard things. On We Can Do Hard Things, Glennon Doyle, author of Untamed, joins her wife, Abby Wambach, and sister, Amanda Doyle, to do the thing that makes those things a little easier: talk honestly about the hard to laugh, cry, and help each other push through difficulties—to reminding us that even though life can be hard, we can do hard things.

Where to listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Audible

8. Too Smart For This

Alexis Barber, ex-YouTube and Google employee, hosts this podcast for “smart and superficial girls everywhere.” With each show, Alexis holds candid conversations about the realities of life as an ambitious 20-something #MaterialGirl and shares gems of wisdom from a variety of guests, giving women tangible tips to shake off society’s expectations and create a life that’s truly their own.

Where to listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify

9. UnF*ck Your Brain

Even high-achieving women struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome. But they don’t have to! In the the UnF*ck Your Brain podcast, host Kara Lowentheil, J.D., a master certified confidence coach, teaches listeners cognitive psychology-backed strategies for letting go of self-criticism and improving your life.

Where to listen: UnF*ck Your Brain Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Audible

Best Podcasts for Women: Culture

10. You’re Wrong About

On this podcast, journalist Sarah Marshall and her guests reconsider a person or event that was miscast in the public imagination—and examine that person or event from a new perspective in an attempt to set right what we once got wrong.

Where to listen: You're Wrong About Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

11. Sounds Like A Cult

Sounds Like A Cult is a weekly podcast that analyzes the modern “cults” we all follow. Hosted by comedian Isa Medina and cult expert Amanda Montell, each week explores a new group—from Soul Cycle to Disney Adults—that sounds like a cult…but is it? 

Where to listen: Sounds Like A Cult Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Audible

12. Pantsuit Politics

Pantsuit Politics, hosted by Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, tackle political discussions with “grace and respect.” With new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday, Sarah and Beth help listeners unpack current news and events—with a spirit of “curiosity over conflict.”

Where to listen: Pantsuit Politics Website | Apple Podcasts

Best Podcasts for Women: Health and Wellness

13. Maintenance Phase

Maintenance Phase is not your typical wellness podcast. Hosted by writer and fat activist Aubrey Gordon and journalist Michael Hobbes, Maintenance Phase’s aim is to debunk commonly held misconceptions and “junk science” in the health and wellness world—including health fads, wellness scams, and ineffective (and, in some cases, dangerous) nutrition advice.

Where to listen: Maintenance Phase Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts

14. Food Heaven Podcast

In the Food Heaven Podcast, registered dietician nutritionists Wendy Lopez and Jessica Jones speak with different health and nutrition experts each week to learn about how we can live healthier and more balanced lives—without relying on restrictive diets or quick fixes. Weekly topics cover a variety of food and health-related issues—like food and culture, intuitive eating, and body acceptance—with a focus on helping listeners create a sustainable (and inclusive!) path to wellness.

Where to listen: The Food Heaven Podcast Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Audible

15. Terrible, Thanks for Asking

Hosted by author Nora McInerny, Terrible, Thanks for Asking explores what it really feels like to go through the hard things in life—no sugar coating. In each episode, Nora explores concepts of grief, pain, and being not okay through personal stories. On Terrible, Thanks for Asking, real people get honest about how they’re doing, resulting in a listening experience that’s sometimes sad, sometimes funny, and always human.

Where to listen: Terrible, Thanks for Asking Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

16. Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter

After experiencing medical misinformation first-hand, host and OB/GYN Dr. Jen Gunter launched the Body Stuff podcast to correct the lies you’ve been told about your health—including those seemingly backed by scientific sources. Each episode tackles a different topic of misinformation to give you a better understanding of how your body works—and how you can best support it.

Where to listen: Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

Best Podcasts for Women: True Crime

17. Morbid

Are you into true crime, creepy history, and all things spooky? If so, you’ll want to check out Morbid. Hosted by Alaina Urquhart, an autopsy technician and author, and Ash Kelley, a hairstylist, this aunt-and-niece duo present heavily researched stories with a healthy dose of humor.

Where to listen: Morbid Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Audible

18. My Favorite Murder

Hosted by comedians Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, true crime comedy podcast My Favorite Murder is one of the podcasting world’s biggest success stories. In every weekly episode, each host tells the other about their favorite true crimes—including hometown crime stories from friends and listeners—as the other host reacts and provides commentary. In addition to the true crime element, My Favorite Murder is also a listener favorite thanks to the hosts’ banter and hilarious observations.

Where to listen: My Favorite Murder Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify

19. Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie is one of the true crime world’s most popular podcasts. Hosted by Ashley Flowers (and co-hosted by Brit Prawat), each weekly episode covers Ashley’s latest true crime obsession—and, thanks to the straightforward and engaging storytelling, does so in a way that leaves you feeling like you’re talking true crime with your best friend.

Where to listen: Crime Junkie Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube

20. Women & Crime

Women & Crime is a podcast hosted by two criminologists: Dr. Meghan Sacks and Dr. Amy Shlosberg. In each episode, Dr. Sacks and Dr. Shlosberg leverage their expertise to cover a new female-focused story, examining the story from a variety of angles—including the psychology of offenders and how women fare in the criminal justice system. The show also often highlights and celebrates women who have left their mark on the system.

Where to listen: Women & Crime Website | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | YouTube

Are we missing a great podcast for women on this list? Tell us about your favorite podcast in the comments!