Video might have killed the radio star, but the tides have turned and podcasts are now centre stage. From hilarious to haunting, inspirational to infuriating, women are creating some of the best content out there. So whether you’re walking off the turkey and ham this Christmas, or want to snuggle up on the couch, we’ve picked out our five female-led favourites for you to listen to and enjoy.

Culture

Desert Island Discs

Desert Island Discs is an iconic BBC radio programme that has been running since 1942. Guided by the soothing voice of Kirsty Young, famous guests are asked to choose the eight songs that they would choose to take if they were to be cast away on a desert island. The guests explain their choices with personal anecdotes and endearing insights. A particularly brilliant episode features the fabulous Jo Malone.

Feminism

The Guilty Feminist

Comedian, host, and empowering voice-of-reason, Deborah Frances-White is onto a winner with her podcast that addresses 21st-century feminism in a refreshingly accessible way. Despite the nature of the issues discussed, the host and her panel members do not take themselves too seriously as each episode begins with hilarious, unfeminist confessions using the tagline “I’m a feminist, but…”.  

Comedy

The Alison Spittle Show

Alison Spittle is a Midlands native and eclectic comedian with an interesting take on the world. Each month, Alison talks to a guest in front of a live audience in a chat show that dissects the Irish experience and all the tea, shame and hilarity that it brings. Should you find yourself in need of a bit of light comic relief over the holidays, this is one to turn to.

Self-Improvement & Inspiration

Sparking Change With Dil

Having hosted a decade-long show on Newstalk, Dil Wickremasinghe returns to the airwaves to shine a light on the latest topical social justice and mental health stories. With insightful interviews and interesting perspectives, the aim of this show is to inspire positive social change, one conversation at a time.

Business

#GirlBoss Radio with Sophia Amoruso

In this podcast for the business-minded and future-focused, entrepreneur Sophia Amoruso interviews boundary-pushing women who’ve made their mark in their respective fields. She probes them to share advice from the life lessons they’ve learned along the way. Expect hilarious quips and vulnerable, honest conversations with successful women that never fail to inspire.

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