Podcasts are a complete life-line. Not only do they make doing the washing up/ironing/weeding the garden much more bearable, they're a silver lining during a packed commute, the perfect remedy when we're struggling to nod off.
And with their rise in popularity have come some truly inspiring podcasts for women, from both new and established voices.
These amazing women will bring a whole new dimension to your commute, workout or sunbathing session. They’ll definitely make you think. These brilliant podcasts for women might even change your life…
Our favourite podcasts for women, created by amazing females
Eat, Pray, Love author Elizabeth Gilbert is best known for abandoning her comfortable, middle class life to travel across Italy, India and Indonesia. But you needn’t go that far: borrow a little of Elizabeth’s boldness by listening to her weekly podcast, which aims to awaken your inner artist. She interviews innovators, influencers and creative souls from all walks of life, ranging from pastors to playwrights.
Hosted by appearance researchers Nadia Craddock and Jade Parnell, the official podcast of the world-leading Centre for Appearance Research is a must-listen for all women. Nadia and Jade explore the latest evidence on how modern life affects body image, delving into everything from yoga to breast cancer, social media to surgery, online dating to diet culture.
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Elizabeth Day is on a mission: to teach us to celebrate the things that don’t go to plan. Each week she interviews a different guest, diving headfirst into their biggest failures – and what they taught them about success. She’s grilled everyone from Andy McNab (who was arrested for burglary and withstood six weeks of torture in Iraq before becoming a bestselling author) to Korean ‘super-monk’ Haemin Sunim.
Feeling lost? Oprah’s here to help. In her podcast, she interviews thought leaders, health experts and authors on awakening, discovering and connecting to the deeper meaning of the world around you. Each episode covers key issues around identity, purpose and finding spiritual fulfilment. Cue lightbulb moments all round.
British-American journalist Ashley Milne-Tyte says her fortnightly podcast about women in the workplace is ‘a combination of interviews and storytelling’. Rightly called ‘important’ as well as ‘fascinating’ by listeners, it covers topics like working through menopause and how to juggle your career with caring for an ageing parent.
Hosted by legendary presenters Jenni Murray and Jane Garvey, BBC Radio 4’s iconic Woman’s Hour radio programme is now available to download as a daily podcast. The show dishes up a female perspective on everything from workwear to infidelity, lipstick to true crime.
A humorous, heartfelt celebration of midlife, set to ‘a really good beat’, Midlife Mixtape is presented by Nancy Davis Kho, author of The Happiness Project. She speaks to a huge range of inspiring fellow GenXers, from Everychild Foundation and Giving Circle founder Jacqueline Jacobs to happiness expert Jonathan Rauch, dispensing hard-won wisdom on empty nesting, finding meaning and redefining success.
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Mentor and multi-million-dollar entrepreneur Mary Rogers describes herself as 'proudly middle aged'. But she’s also the first to admit that she doesn’t know it all. She created Experience 50 to teach fellow 50-somethings all the ‘grown up’ things they should probably already know (but don’t). She covers everything from sugar, alcohol and gut health to dealing with dark days and how to do a ‘midlife pivot’.
Forever35 presenters Kate and Doree discuss the big stuff – caring for yourself during a divorce and carving out your own version of success – as well as the little things that count for a lot – books, films and skincare tips. Featuring a new guest host each week, it’s an uplifting exploration – and celebration – of the way things take on new meaning as we age.
Presented by researcher Jennifer Gale, Fit’n Fifty Plus gives you the nitty gritty lowdown on getting – and staying – fit and healthy as a woman over 50. Jennifer grills experts and special guests on everything from the effect of menopause on your brain to what to look for in a wearable device. There’s even a bit of tantric sex thrown in for good measure.
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The UK’s first 100 per cent female line up music festival is coming soon – and it’s in the prettiest location
The female celebrities you didn’t realise were charity patrons revealed
The Bronte Festival of Women’s Writing is covering the #MeToo movement and words from working class female writers
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