9 women-led podcasts to tune into in 2022

Did you know that India is the third-largest consumer of podcasts, with 57.6 million monthly listeners? While this platform offers a screen-free way to consume stories, news, and interviews, it also gives a voice to women to speak their minds and make a point.

Since the podcast trend is spreading like wildfire in India (and abroad), we would love to hop on to this opportunity to introduce you to some of the best women-led podcasts that aren’t just inspiring, but also funny and gripping. These audio stories delve into conversations about issues of social justice, feminism, books, cinema, and so much more. 

Give these women-led podcasts a listen while you’re hustling on that treadmill, doing house chores, or commuting back home from work!

9 podcasts by women that must be on your radar: 

1. Fat. So? 

People often fat shame without realising it. Have you been a victim of fat-shaming jokes and comments? Have people made fun of the kind of clothes you choose to wear or do your friends guilt-trip you by giving you diet advice? Then tune in to this podcast for some perspective.

This podcast, hosted by Ameya Nagarajan and Pallavi Nath, throws light on what comes with being fat – the pain, the joy, the learning, the unlearning, and the silver linings. In an effort to battle fatphobia, the hosts talk about body image issues in women, societal norms, working hard at self-love, failing at weight loss, loneliness, food, love, and sex.

Click here to listen to this podcast, especially if you’re having a bad day and want someone to relate to! 

2. Vision-Nari 

Well, as much as we love how punny the name is, we also love that through this podcast, host Swati Rawat features lesser-known women who have done inspiring work in their careers.

Vision-Nari points the spotlight on women leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries across various fields of work, to learn about their lives, inspirations, and aspirations. 

An avid podcast listener herself, Swati realised that there aren’t many Indian women who make it to the cover of 30 Under 30, because they do not get the recognition they should. Hence, Vision-Nari was born, and today, it is quite a hit! 

You can listen to this podcast on Spotify to feel inspired and find your professional calling.

3. Real Talk 

As the name suggests, Smriti Notani’s Real Talk explores real, everyday emotions that women feel, issues that we go through, and how we choose to deal with them. Whether it’s dealing with the pressure of being happy during festivities, or the consistent evil that office politics is, Smriti touches upon topics that we would talk to our friends about. 

But, since no one has time to listen anymore, screaming, ‘Yesss, this is exactly how I feel’  to yourself alone in the car or at home while listening to Real Talk can be just as therapeutic. Smriti believes that her podcasts give her a platform to express unfiltered opinions that women resonate with. 

Tune in to hear about everyday politics, casual sexism, marriage, and mental health, among other things.

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4. Chuski Pop 

Here’s another relatable podcast hosted by two very relatable women. Chuski Pop, a fortnightly podcast by Sweety and Pappu, features some of the most well-known people in pop culture and talks about everything under the sun. Listening to the hosts here is like baring your soul to your BFF. 

From discussing man buns to issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, all with wit and fun, this podcast has it all. Oh, and along with curating audio content for Indian women, Sweety and Pappu also make gorgeous art which you can purchase on their website.

Click here to stay updated with their latest episodes!

5. Movie Wala Podcast 

Listen up, cinephiles! If you like a good, meaty discussion about Bollywood films, then Movie Wala Podcast is for you. Hosted by Tanvi and Flo, it decodes the many aspects of B-town with genuine takes. 

They deep dive into the work of iconic directors and actors and help their listeners rediscover the best things about the Hindi film industry. There are segments of them picking a movie, talking about their favourite songs and scenes, gossiping, and discussing why they picked what they did. 

If you love movie trivia and smart discussions around Bollywood, Movie Wala Podcast will delight you with every episode.

Click here to listen to their latest episodes.

6. Books & Beyond 

One of the best literary podcasts in the country, Books And Beyond By Bound India features some of the finest authors and their works. Hosts Tara Khandelwal and Michelle D’costa interview them to talk about their creative processes, inspirations, and writing routines.

If you’re a budding writer who is keen on knowing the tricks of the trade, then tuning into this might help. Their episodes are power-packed with writing tips, book recommendations, and informative sessions by authors like Manu Pillai, Samit Basu, Avni Doshi, and even celebrity authors like Tahira Kashyap Khurrana. 

You can stream their literary podcasts here.

7. Financial Feminist 

Gone are the days when women had to depend on their male partners for financial support. Thanks to podcasts like these (and feminism, duh), women can now prepare for financial independence and ways to achieve it.

In this podcast, host Tori Dunlap guides her listeners on how to make more money, spend less, and feel financially confident in a society that has only taught us to depend on someone else. 

Through solo episodes and special guest interviews, you’ll walk away with resources to get, save, and grow money to gain financial freedom and kick some patriarchal ass at the same time.

Click here to become financially stronger! 

8. The Life Of Science by IVM Podcasts 

You don’t really get to see many women in STEM-related fields as they’re often a minority here, or are made to feel like it. However, there are quite a few women-led podcasts on science-related topics. One of them is The Life Of Science by IVM podcasts, which is hosted by Kavita Rajwade.  

Podcasts here feature women who are microbiologists, physicists, neuroscientists, and even mathematicians, talking about the history of women in STEM careers. They share their experiences and struggles, highlight their learnings, and tell you how you can build a career in STEM. 

 If you’ve ever been told that you’re unfit to take up a career in scientific fields because of your gender, tune in to these podcasts to feel motivated. 

9. De Taali

One of my personal favorites, De Taali: Life of a Transgender, hosted by Fida Khan, is full of comedy, drama, emotion, and inspiration. The podcast digs into the lives of transgender persons and answers a lot of burning questions about the Hijra community, while also focusing on their everyday trials and tribulations.  

Fida ropes in speakers from various backgrounds of the community to host conversations that throw the spotlight on the physical and psychological well-being of transgender people, commercial issues, how the workplace still doesn’t give them the chance they deserve, and how people associate Hijras with clapping in traffic signals.

The mission of the podcast is to sensitise people about the community and become more accepting of them. Hear Fida speak as she becomes the voice of her community through De Taali! 

Listen to these women-led podcasts on the go and tell us which one inspired you the most! If you know of more women who are curating motivating podcasts, tell us about them in the comments below. 

You’re invited! Join the Kool Kanya women-only career Community where you can network, ask questions, share your opinions, collaborate on projects, and discover new opportunities. Join now.