Alte FriedmanNo longer a child, but not yet an adult is a common feeling for women in their 20s and having a medium where they can relate to similar women is a great way to experience this time. Dedicated to uncovering mysteries, discussing mental health, work, relationships and sex, these podcasts are essential for women going through their 20s.
#1 My Favorite Murder
The co-hosts of My Favorite Murder, Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark, bring so much more than just murder to the table. The gruesome stories they tell inspire personal antidotes and advice on jobs, mental health, addiction, family dynamics, friendships and more. Karen and Georgia aren’t afraid to get vulnerable and their sincerity is palpable.
The podcast is inspiring, especially to women in their 20s. We get to hear from two strong and successful women who constantly remind us to Fuck politeness and advocate for ourselves and our well-being. Hearing about their own misadventures makes me feel less alone, like I’m not the only person experiencing difficulties at this stage in my life.
#2 Do The Thing By Melissa Urban
The Whole 30 founder, Melissa Urban, started this podcast to address the (mostly mental) roadblocks people encounter on their journey toward a fulfilled life. She covers a broad range like becoming more confident, beating perfectionism and imposter syndrome, and checking in with your internal dialogue as an act of self-care. I discovered this podcast at age 29 but feel like it’s propelled my personal growth tremendously — I can’t wait to enter my 30’s feeling bulletproof in areas of life I’ve always struggled with. Every woman in her 20’s could benefit from Melissa Hartwig’s actionable strategies to get your “mind right”.
#3 Plus Mommy Podcast
Sixty percent of women are plus-size in their childbearing years, yet its not often discussed. Host, Jen McLellan, set to change this and created her podcast to create a space where plus-size women can go to get all the info they need related to pregnancy, motherhood and body-love. When Jen was pregnant with her son, she quickly realized there was a lot of misinformation out there on being plus-size and pregnant, mainly the stereotype that women of size are destined to struggle with infertility, miscarriage and pregnancy complications.
On her podcast, Jen share’s plus-size birth stories to help normalize the experience and talks with experts, as well as provides guidance on things like how to raise body positive kids, breastfeeding, exercise, must-have products and much more.
#4 First Draft With Sarah Enni
Sarah Enni interviews creative people about their process and her style of conversation leads to candid and thoughtful revelations about her guests’ work and process – it’s so much more than a promo stop for them. Think of it like Longform meets Bullseye, but from the perspective of a female YA author who meticulously walks us through her guests’ lives and moves them to talk about their work in ways they’ve never shared before.
#5 Freedom Lifestyle Podcast
The Freedom Lifestyle Podcast features inspiring stories of millennial women who are living and working flexibly, on their own terms. Great for women in their 20s who are curious about how to create their own freedom lifestyle as a freelancer, remote worker, entrepreneur or digital nomad.
#6 The Wishbeads Podcast
The Wishbeads Podcast consists of funny, honest, amazing conversations with customers, friends, and fans. We talk about their Wishstories – true stories, discoveries, and inspiration to keep going and wishing BIG.
And another fun thing? This podcast is filmed inside my reissue 1961 Shasta Airflyte Trailer and we put the video version of the podcast on Youtube if you’re more of a visual learner! What I hope you get from The Wishbeads Podcast (and how it’s different from other self-help podcasts)
I hope that you see yourself and your wishes in the stories we share. Of course, you’ll hear self-help tips, advice for manifesting your wishes and using the law of attraction. But more than that, I want you to see evidence of what’s possible.
Seeing and hearing other people’s moments of inspiration, can provide the support to keep going. I want you to see the signs, stay positive, and believe that anything is possible.
#7 Backstage Chats With Women In Music
This new podcast is a production of Backstage Chats Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating gender disparity in the music industry. We amplify the voices and careers of women in music and raise funds for scholarship grants that support the next generation of female music makers.
Why is this a great podcast for women in their 20s?
Each episode is designed to help women unleash their inner rock stars! The stories, struggles, and achievements discussed on the show are relatable to 20-somethings who struggle daily with not only gender bias but also mental health, beauty ideals, breaking away from parental expectations, facing the unknown, and more. Plus, listeners get to know rising stars (and behind the scenes gurus) and add their music to playlists for on-going entertainment and inspiration.
#8 Under The Influence
Influencers have taken over social media – and basically, the world. I find this podcast really interesting as it looks at influencers through the lens of business marketing and so many of the guests a truly inspiring and intelligent, and so good wat what they do!
#9 Pretty Okay
I’m dreaming of making my creative side hustle my full time business so I can have a more flexible lifestyle and work from home. This podcast is hosted by two ladies who do just that and share their tips as well as the dirty truth to this dream lifestyle.
#10 Regular Girls
This hilariously funny podcast is just 2 regular girls talking about everything and anything from reality tv to the best make up to use. It’s a must listen!
#11 The College Investor Audio Show
Robert Farrington, called The Millennial Money Expert, talks about money in a way I haven’t really heard before–Instead of cutting expenses and living a frugal life, he advocates side hustling and entrepreneurship to earn extra money to achieve financial goals. He’s very engaging and has lived the tale, so to speak, so he reaches young people where they are and teaches great financial principles. Very helpful!
#12 Good Financial Cents Podcast
Jeff Rose, the moderator of this popular show, is a compelling spokesman for taking on your personal finance woes. Most of his shows take the you think you know, but you don’t angle, and give good, practical advice and information. He’s got a lot to teach young people to help them avoid problems in the near-term and to begin with the end in mind so they build security in the long term.
#13 The Same 24 Hours
This podcast is a great resource of inspiration, life journeys, and how to achieve goals, as told by the accomplished guests, the host Meredith (who is an inspiration in her own right) and “what they do with their 24 hours that makes them different.”
#14 The Cut
This is a great podcast to listen to for a wide range of topics that relate to women, discussed by women and created by women.
#15 Heavyweight
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry… you’re fall weirdly in love with the hosts voice. It’s kind of like the adult version of chicken soup for the soul, but less cheesy.
#16 The Confused Millennial By Rachel Ritlop
Rachel dives deep into topics like avoiding conflict, co-creating your reality, and self-awareness. Drawing from her life experiences as well as subject matter experts, she shares powerful advice for women in their twenties who want more out of life. Her podcast is a powerful resource for anyone who has ever felt like an outcast because they’ve wanted more or thought differently.
#17 F*Ck Anxiety & Get Sh*T Done
Living your life with anxiety? Of course you are, this podcast explains why. Want to feel less stressed, overwhelmed and worried? You are in the right place. Your host, Vikki, Anxiety Coach, serial re-locator, financier turned entrepreneur, is on a mission to teach you how to live your best life, by facing anxiety head on. Avoiding it isn’t working. Negative self-talk & judgement isn’t working. If you are ready to do the work to F*CK Anxiety & Get Sh*t done, this podcast is for you. Through this podcast you will learn actionable tools to gain control of your mind and your anxiety, stop procrastination, and feel confident, calm and in control. It will blow your mind. Literally.
#18 The Fashion Craving
The Fashion Craving is a conversational podcast featuring two sisters that discusses fashion from “the old, to the new, to the deliciously interesting”. The Fashion Craving offers listeners a fun, feministic, and at times naughty way to learn about fashion.
#19 Pretty Basic
With a combined social following of over 28 million followers, best friends Alisha Marie and Remi Cruz welcome you inside their daily life for a special helping of the tea you’re not getting from their channels. Think of having a sleepover with your best friends, fun and open conversation, discussing what it’s really like to be a YouTuber, behind the scenes stories from their shoots, and of course lots of boy drama.
#20 The Creative Influencer
Perfect for women in their 20s who want to learn more about what it takes to make it as a social media influencer and creator. The Creative Influencer is a weekly podcast where we discuss all things creative with an emphasis on Influencers. The podcast is hosted by Jon Pfeiffer, an entertainment attorney in Santa Monica, California. Jon interviews influencers, creatives, and the professionals who work with them.
#21 In Happier News
It’s a weekly show of all the positive news and good stuff going on in the world in 10 minutes or less. Perfect for the busy 20-something year old that wants a boost of happiness on their commute or on the go. Have something cool and inspiring to talk about at happy hour with your friends instead of the bad news of the day.
#22 Caliphate
Caliphate is a podcast about a journalist who delves into the lives of Isis members. It’s enthralling to listen to and teaches listeners a lot about Isis and terrorism. Listeners will have the opportunity to get inside the heads of Isis members and find out what it’s like on the other side. Rukmini, the journalist, provides an entirely unbiased account of her efforts which really helps listeners to understand this complex topic better from the point of view of someone much closer to the action.
#23 Root Of Evil
True Crime podcasts are incredibly intriguing, suspenseful, and help to send a shiver down your spine. The 1947 Black Dahlia murder of actress Elizabeth Short, was equal parts gruesome and haunting due to how it ends. The Root of Evil is definitely worth a listen if you’re not faint of heart.
#24 I Don’T Get It Podcast
The I Don’t Get It Podcast is truly one of the best podcasts for woman in their 20s AND not just another Bachelor podcast. The Bachelor’s Ashley Iaconetti and Lauren Iaconetti and reality TV producer Naz Perez don’t get a lot about this world. These three outspoken millennials discuss the most embarrassing topics openly and honestly. Relationships, men, sex, virginity dating in the tech age, pop culture, and everyday annoyances, these ladies cover it all, and with no filter or shame! Bachelor alum frequently stop by to weigh in on these racy topics!
#25 Girl In Space
This is a fiction podcast about a scientist in space. It’s the story one woman’s journey of self-discovery as she encounters something that threatens her happy life alone aboard her spaceship. This show is geared more toward all ages and is entirely created by one woman – Sarah Rhea Werner, who also voices the protagonist. This show will make you smile and feel good.
#26 Sleep With Me
Many people have difficulty falling asleep. This podcast is the equivalent of putting you behind the wheel of a car at 4am while your most boring school professor delves into the underlying mechanics behind statistics – it’s literally designed to put you to sleep.
#27 Trailblazers Impact Podcast
Trailblazers Impact Podcast interviews ordinary women who have lived extraordinary lives. The women we interview share their inspirational secrets and provide hope and guidance to women of all ages in similar circumstances. TrailBlazers Impact chronicles struggles, successes and the impact of lessons learned from seasoned professionals who are at the top of their game. From entrepreneurs to corporate leaders, from attorneys to volunteers, from “firsts and onlys” to humanitarians, the women we interview have blazed a trail for others to follow.
#28 Room To Grow Podcast With Emily Gough
The Room to Grow Podcast provides a safe space for women to come together in shared experiences, and host Emily Gough is open, honest and real about how to learn from tough lessons learned along the way when life throws you into the unexpected.
Going deep into topics around mental health, relationships and infidelity, business, confidence, lifestyle, personal development and entrepreneurship, the entire premise is that there’s always more room to grow. Listeners will laugh, cry and be inspired to leave with tangible tips and strategies that will empower and change the way you look at the world along with how you show up for yourself, every single day.
The recommendations of products and books within this article where sourced from industry experts. Their names and websites are listed below.
Andie Levine from Slice Communications
April Tafoya from Fueling Function
Jenna Jefferys from Lex + Park
Heidi Vanderlee from Shark Party Media
Sam Laliberte from whatsyourfree
Christina Towle from N/A
Thea Wood from Backstage Chats Foundation
Kristin George from Hello Lovely
Catherine Griffing from West Magnolia Charm
Josh Elledge from SavingsAngel
Jessica Gore from N/A
Jaimmie Riley from Bone and Bred
Nicole Booz from GenTwenty
Vikki Yaffe from Vikki Louise Coaching
Caitlin MacLaughlin from The Fashion Craving
Michael Pfeiffer from Pfeiffer Law
Delilah Hart from Our Travel Mix
Adina Mahalli from EnlightenedReality
Courtney Bagby from Wave Podcast Network
Travis Vengroff from Fool & Scholar Productions
Nan McKay from JCR Public Relations
Emily Gough from Emily Gough Coaching
Check out this new podcast, Call Me Whenever (hosted by Indian and Nigerian best friends walking through life together). It really feels like you’re sitting in a funny Facetime call with old friends. Support women of color in creative spaces! https://open.spotify.com/show/58pZX9vyxKDrHWd417xUqt
Thank you for your recommendations! The podcasts are really inspiring.
I love the podcast format. I don’t have time to read with a busy schedule, but listening to podcasts on the go or while doing other things saves time.