At times such as these, where the future is uncertain, human interaction is happening through apps such as Zoom and Houseparty, and workouts happen solely in the comfort of your own home, it’s no surprise we are consuming Netflix at a faster rate than seems humanely possible [I’m averaging 1.5-2 a day. Season length dependent]. However, in an attempt to stay productive, positive and passionate as a womxn – and working woman at that – I refreshed my podcast library and got to listening.
I have to admit I was late to the podcast game, much to my self-proclaimed early adopter title. It was the lovely ladies over in NYC, Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams of 2 Dope Queens that got me hooked to the medium. But it wasn’t long till I had subscribed to a host of shows. Unsurprisingly, my list mirrored that of my Spotify history: it was largely focused on the female experience. From mental health to culture, feminism to professional vocations, I taped into the lives of boss bitches with stories to tell, and today I realise I need to hear these witty and insightful rants and rambles more than ever.
Below is my list of recommended listenings…
Hey, Cool Life! is a minipod [can we just take a minute to appreciate the title of this sub-genre], hosted by New York Times Bestselling author Mary H.K. Choi. The millennial Korean-American writer, editor and journalist focuses in on mental health and creativity through the eyes of a very relatable woman just trying to keep things afloat.
She also runs Hey, Cool Job! Essentially it’s about jobs, and some cool people that have them. She’s had guests such as “New York Times’s Jenna Wortham, Mero from the number one late-night show in history Desus & Mero, porn legend Asa Akira, comedian Joel Kim Booster.”
LISTEN HERE.
Black Girl In Om was created by Lauren Ash and Zakkiyyah Najeebah as an extension of their mindful lifestyle. They discuss amongst themselves, and with others, their vision of holistic wellness for women of colour. What I find most interesting about the two of them, is their dedication to self-awareness and self-love. Expect conversations with intriguing yogis, holistic lifestylists and clean beauty experts.
LISTEN HERE.
The Goodness Podcast recently launched in January, and is an extension of the well-loved, well-read online magazine of the same name based in Dubai. It celebrates inspirational women living in the Middle East, such as its very own host, Goodness co-founder Noor Tehini, who is on a mission of fostering an honest and real conversation around the topics that matter the most to the women of the region.
LISTEN HERE.
Call Your Girlfriend coincidently feels ultra topical at a time when all friendships are doing the whole long distance thing, thanks to self isolation etc. This podcast’s premise is that co-hosts – best friends living in different cities – Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman, as well as producer Gina Delvac, who check in weekly to discuss intricacies of pop culture and the latest in politics.
LISTEN HERE.
For a hilarious escape from the anxiety we call reality right now, try Natalie Wall’s Awkward Sex and The City. A comedian and storyteller based in New York City, Wall, chats to guests about real-life sexual exploits, adventures, discoveries, and revelations.
LISTEN HERE.The Last Bohemians is pure inspiration. It’s created by Kate Hutchinson and produced by an all-female audio team, and features what they call “female firebrands and maverick outsiders.” Women who lived on the edge and who still refuse to play by the rules. Expect to hear from subversive musicians and rock’n’roll groupies, groundbreaking artists and game-changing style icons.
LISTEN HERE.
