Women-hosted podcasts to listen to in 2026

By now, brands, creators, and media companies have realized podcasts are a leading medium for learning, entertainment, and connection. It's the best way to get closer with your audience. In the U.S., roughly 52% of women consume podcasts in some form, and about 45% listen every month. That means tens of millions of women are tuning in regularly across topics and formats.

Despite this audience growth, the creator side still reflects a gender gap. Research shows that there are nearly twice as many male podcast creators as female, even though women are just as likely to listen.

That makes it especially meaningful when women take the mic and lead conversations that connect deeply with listeners, challenge norms, and bring fresh perspectives. Below are some of the top women-hosted podcasts worth your time, whether you’re looking for insights, laughs, inspiration, or just a great conversation.

Call Her Daddy

Chances are, when you think of a woman podcast host, you'll definitely think of Alexandra Cooper. Call Her Daddy exploded from its Barstool roots into a cultural phenomenon. Known for its raw, honest discussions about relationships, sexuality, and life, the show shares incredible personal stories from guests, along with big-picture themes around empowerment and mental health. With huge audiences and major platform deals, it’s one of the most influential podcasts of the past decade.

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Good Hang is the chance to sit down with some of the funniest voices in comedy and share a few laughs. Amy Poehler brings her signature wit and warmth to conversations with guests across comedy, culture, and life. The show hits that sweet spot between funny and thoughtful, making it a refreshing take on the interview format. Good Hang really hit the spotlight after it won the first Golden Globes for Best Podcast.

In Her Ellement by BCG

Not only a woman-hosted podcast, but In Her Ellement is also produced by an all-women team of Lower Street’s finest.  On the show, AI and digital expert Suchi Srinivasan and fintech practice leader Kamila Rakhimova of Boston Consulting Group invite us to tune into empowering stories of when women found their element. They bring together inspiring women from diverse industries to share their stories, insights, and expertise. It's like a virtual gathering of trailblazers, where you can learn about the latest trends in technology, finance, and leadership from the best in the business. 

The Reading Culture Pod by Beanstack

Discover the joy of reading and foster a love for literature with Jordan Lloyd Bookey, mother, avid reader, and co-founder of Zoobean. Produced by Lower Street, The Reading Culture podcast brings together avid readers and authors of all backgrounds. Jordan engages in insightful conversations with diverse authors about their reading journeys, perspectives on children's and young adult literature, and the motivations driving their literary explorations. Each episode even includes a themed reading challenge crafted by the featured author, offering inspiration for readers of all ages. 

1440 Explores

Sometimes you want more than sound bites. 1440 Explores takes on big ideas and shares all you need to know. They're a show for the instatiably curious. Hosted by Sony Kassam of 1440, every epsiode grabs your attention and makes you scroll for more. It's a great documentary-style approach to the little curiosities we wonder about daily.

The New Rules of Business by Chief

Chief Co-Founders Carolyn Childers and Lindsay Kaplan chat with leading experts in business and academia. Through thought-provoking discussions, they break down trends and leadership issues and talk ways to shake up old-school business ideas. The podcast, now in its fourth season, focuses on topics like neurodiversity in the workplace and evolving leadership strategies, aiming to empower professionals to navigate the ever-changing landscape of modern business effectively. Have a listen and learn how to lead when the old rules just don’t apply.

Unlocking Us with Brene Brown

Brene Brown is a name most of us already know, and her podcast is worth a listen for all audiences. She’s spent over 20 years studying the emotions and experiences that bring meaning and purpose to our lives. She’s learned that we are hardwired for connection, and connecting requires courage, vulnerability, and conversation. 

That’s exactly what she hopes to create through her podcast. It is a raw conversation with guests from all backgrounds to reveal what it means to be human. There’s no topic she isn’t afraid to confront.

The Guilty Feminist

Comedian and writer Deborah Frances-White hosts the award-winning podcast (and live show)The Guilty Feminist, a show about life as 21st-century feminists and the hypocrisies and insecurities that undermine them. It’s hilarious and relatable, and has successfully taken things well beyond the mic to create a supportive community with manylive events.

Forever35

Forever35, hosted by Doree Shafrir and Elise Hu, is a self-care-meets-cultural commentary podcast. Whether they’re talking beauty, work, burnout, or the little rituals that help us get through the day, their conversations guide us as we get older, and as they say hopefully wiser.

Pitch Playground by 4.0

Pitch Playground gives listeners front-row access to how real founders pitch real investors. Every episode of their season invited education innovators and social entrepreneurs to share their best ideas for transforming learning with $50,000. And in the end, one guest wins that price to put their plan into action. Host Nicole Jarbo is CEO of 4.0, as well as a serial entrepreneur and former educator. She brings a great energy to the show that inspires guests and listeners alike.

The History Chicks

Beckett Graham and Susan Vollenweider created this show for listeners who want a different look at history. Each episode explores a remarkable woman’s life in history, from queens and rebels to writers and scientists. They take research seriously and love to mix a bit of pop culture in there for us, just to keep things extra interesting.  

Science of Service

This show is all about the ups and downs of the hospitality management industry, offering real stories, practical advice, and lessons from people who’ve been there. But what makes it such a good listen is host Rachel Stainton. She's a restaurant operations storyteller who excels at making the complex and technical engaging and impactful. Guests love Rachel, you can tell from every episode, they are so willing to open up and share their stories with her, that it feels as if you are right there sharing a meal with them both.

Financial Feminist by Her First 100k

Financial Feminist is a refreshing take on personal finance, led by money expert Tori Dunlap. Through personal chats and interviews, Tori guides you on making more money, spending wisely, and feeling empowered financially. Her approach is all about smashing the patriarchy and promoting gender equality through feminist finance. 

What Makes Us Stronger by Women for Women International

At times a hard one to listen to, but it’s a truly inspiring podcast, showing a different woman's perspective on the conflicts of our world.

What Makes Us Stronger tells the stories of courageous women who’ve lived through unbelievably difficult times of world conflict. Each episode explores how these individuals took on new roles and found the strength to keep going. The podcast makes every listener reflect on the questions: What makes us resilient in times of crisis? And how does conflict and hardship shape who we are? 

Hosted by Nisha Singh, Global Policy and Advocacy Manager at Women for Women International.

The Hidden Economics of Remarkable Women (HERO) by Foreign Policy

The Hidden Economics of Remarkable Women (HERO) podcast is a compelling series that explores the impact of women on economic change. Hosted by Reena Ninan, the podcast explores how women are driving transformation through their economic endeavors. Partnering with journalists and experts, the podcast sheds light on the significant role women play in strengthening economies and creating positive change. Through insightful discussions and data, HERO highlights the importance of empowering women for economic growth and societal progress.

The Breakout by the Abbracci Group

Get ready to unleash your personal growth with Dr. Keri Ohlrich and Kelly Guenther and their guests. The Breakout explores how individuals have gone against the grain and broken out of boxes that held them back. Through incredible stories, this podcast explores various topics such as self-help, leadership, personal development, building success, setting boundaries, growing confidence, mindset change, and overcoming obstacles. This show encourages us to escape expectations and shows listeners just how to do it on their own journey.  

Where Are You Going? 

Named 'Best Podcasts of the Year 2023' by the Financial Times, Observer, Pod Bible and The Week, and for good reason. Where are you going? is a truly original podcast. Every episode host Catherine Carr interrupts people as they go about their everyday lives and asks simply: “Where are you going?”

The conversations that follow are always unpredictable: sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking, silly, romantic, or occasionally downright ‘stop-you-in-your-tracks’ surprising. You never know what story will be coming next. 

Woman’s Hour by the BBC

We couldn’t forget about the Woman's Hour by the BBC. A renowned radio program turned into a modern podcast. The program itself has a rich history, having been on air for 75 years, creating content tailored for and about women. Woman's Hour covers a wide range of topics relevant to women's lives. Over the years, Woman's Hour has been a significant voice in addressing issues important to women and celebrating their experiences and achievements.

I Weigh with Jameela Jamil

On I Weigh, Jameela challenges societal norms through conversations with thought-leaders, performers, activists, influencers, and friends about their own experiences and stories with their mental health. She has a great way of opening up vulnerable discussion, but bringing us plenty of laughs along the way. I Weigh amplifies and empowers diverse voices to celebrate progress, not perfection.

Big Careers, Small Children by Leaders Plus

Big Careers, Small Children is the podcast for ambitious parents.  It helps mums find a balance between progressing the careers they love whilst being present with their children. Through honest conversations with host Verena Hefti MBE, senior leaders divulge what they have learned on their own journey of combining big careers with family.

Host Verena and her organization Leaders Plus unapologetically help more mums (and dads with significant caring responsibilities) get to senior leadership positions, because only by helping parents progress in their careers can we have true gender equality at the top and address the gender pay gap.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed this collection of women-hosted podcasts. Did I miss one of your favorites? Connect with us on LinkedIn and let me know what women-led podcasts you are listening to!