Pocasts that aren't about men!

There’s something so easy about opening my phone and tapping on any of the regularly updating audio shows I have at my fingertips. The only problem is… there’s just way too many, and so many of them are cishet white guys who think their friends are just so funny that anyone would pay to listen to them. With this in mind, I’m gonna run through some of my favourite female-led podcasts! Of course, there are so many more out there but these are just some choice picks I genuinely love.

Politics, Identity, and Body Positivity - I Weigh with Jameela Jamil

I for sure fell deeply in love with Jameela almost six years ago when I first saw her on the Great British Bake Off Red Nose Day special (it also

features David Mitchell, Michael Sheen, and Sarah Brown). Since then, our screens have been graced by her presence on the absolute banger that is The Good Place

, which is possibly the least problematic show of all time. On her podcast, Jameela talks to celebrities, comedians, influencers, and politicians to discuss body image, personal identity, and the society that makes us feel ashamed of who we are. Most importantly, Jameela and her guests explore ways we can combat negative messages, whether online, in person, or internally.

Episode Highlight - Busy Phillips 23/10/2020

Women in Film - The Bechdel Cast

I have been listening to The Bechdel Cast for around for years now and, as a 16-year-old film student who really wasn’t seeing the representation she wanted on the curriculum, this podcast was my saving grace. Hosted by American comedians Jamie Loftus and Caitlin Durante (who has a Masters in Screenwriting), the Bechdel Cast talks to guests about a film of their choice, and examine all aspects of the production to explore how women are represented on screen. This show is funny and educational, and honestly makes you re-examine some of your favourite films - a must-listen for any feminist or film buff.

Episode Highlight - Saved! with Ellie Brigida and Leesa Charlotte 12/11/2020

True Crime - Drunk Women Solving Crime

“A true crime podcast with a twist… of lime!” If you love true crime but are sick of men who never realise that it’s always the husband, then this is the podcast for you! Comedians Hannah George, Catie Wilkins, and Taylor Glenn go over a new crime every week (whilst drinking) and even try to solve listener crimes! Plus if you truly need a sprinkle of men in your podcast, the women have a Men’s Month every year, in which they allow men on the pod for one month per year.

Episode Highlight - Poppy Hillstead & The Ubiquitous Naked Lady 30/09/2020

Gaming - The Polygon Show

If you are a modern gamer girl, there’s a high chance you are already a follower of the Polygon YouTube channel, but did you know that they also have a podcast? Simone de Rochefort, Allegra Frank, and Chelsea Stark come together every week to discuss what’s new and exciting in video games, and what it’s like to be a female gamer in a men’s world. Unfortunately for everyone, The Polygon Show has been on hiatus since 2019 but there are plans to start up again in the new year, so get in while you can!

Episode Highlight - The 2019 Polygon Show Awards - 13/12/2019

Games, Comics, and Nerd Culture - Black Girl Nerds

If you’re a black woman really into the show Lovecraft Country, then there is not a more perfect show for you; if not, still give it a listen because there really is something for everyone. Focusing on a heavily underrepresented group in nerd culture - women of colour - Black Girl Nerds provides a much-needed perspective on everything from films, to games, to politics, in a funny and interesting way. Also, they’re really very into the show Lovecraft Country right now.

Episode Highlight - Comedian Calise Hawkins and a Deep Dive into Marvel’s Shuri - 14/09/2020

Female Identity, Politics and Pop Culture - On the Rag

Brought to you by the cool folks at The Spinoff, On the Rag is basically an all-encompassing feminist podcast. Writer/comedians Alex Casey, Michèle A’Court, and Leonie Hayden come together every week to question anything and everything in the world of women with a picket sign in one hand and a glass of wine in the other. If the podcast on its own isn’t enough, since it only comes once a month, you can also check out On the Rag on YouTube and their blog!

Episode Highlight - Some cool tips on how to cope with the chaos - 07/04/2020

Comedy - Boners of the Heart

Two of my all-time favourite comedians, Rose Matafeo and Alice Snedden, join together to talk as mates about pretty much anything they feel like, which is what makes the podcast feel so friendly and intimate, as well as being laugh-out-loud funny. Even if you have never heard of either of these girls (I love them so you should honestly check them out), the podcast has such a fun and easy energy, that it doesn’t even matter; you can jump in at any time and feel like you’ve known them forever.

Episode Highlight - Leave It All In - 06/10/2020

Children’s - Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

Based on the best-selling book of the same name, this podcast alternates between 20-minute tales of female bravery and empowerment from all over the world, and mini-talks from inspiring women from fields such as sports, music, and graphic design. This is a must-listen for any young girl who needs some awesome women to look up to.

Episode Highlight - Marjane Satrapi read by Liz Montague - 24/11/2020