
“Gimme some of that podcast love, baby…”
Everyone and their mother has a podcast lately. It’s both wonderful and terrible, because much like the Amazon e-book store, it’s quite a slog finding good ones.
Of course, we vainly and whole-heartedly recommend our own show, The Oral History Podcast, but here is a list of ones we listen to regularly ourselves. What’s interesting is what they all have in common, too. Scroll down to the bottom of the list if you can’t figure it out…
Another Round
Description: “Heben Nigatu and Tracy Clayton cover everything from race, gender and pop culture to squirrels, mangoes, and bad jokes, all in one boozy show.”
Additional Thoughts: “Heben and Tracy are funny as hell, display much candor on mental illness and self-care issues, and are excellent interviewers.” – Christa
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Death Sex & Money
Description: “A podcast hosted by Anna Sale about the big questions and hard choices that are often left out of polite conversation.”
Additional Thoughts: “Anna Sale is a bomb interviewer who finds lots of fascinating people to talk to and who has introduced me to a ton of artists and performers I wouldn’t know about otherwise. Stories are followed up on and listener-submitted stories are featured in every episode. It’s a very intimate look at how people feel about death sex and/or money and I never miss a show.” – Carrie
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Double X Gabfest
Description: “Audio programming from Double X, Slate’s blog founded by women but not just for women.”
Additional Thoughts: “A good highlight reel of current events as they affect women and feminism, with lots of discussion on feminist debates, new and old, as well as a close look at popular culture and books. I especially enjoy June Thomas’ insight on, well, EVERYTHING. A good starting place for baby feminists and culture critics.” – Carrie
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How To Make Me Come
Description: “”How to Make Me Come” explores issues linked to and inspired by female orgasm.”
Additional Thoughts: “Very candid discussion of the sexual lives and thoughts of real people. There were only 19 episodes made, unfortunately, but the open discussion is singular and fresh, and a concept I hope others will reprise.” – Carrie
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In Bed With Susie Bright
Description: “In Bed is Susie’s notorious weekly audio show – all about sex, culture, media, and politics- from a refreshingly sexual point of view! You can’t hear it on the radio – you can only get it on the Internet. Commercial-free. Uncensored.”
Additional Thoughts: “You have to pay to listen to this show, but it’s well worth the money. Get a taste with some free samples available here. Susie Bright has one of the best minds when it comes to sexual politics and culture. Invest in your own sexual self-interest & listen.” – Carrie
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A Novel Chat
Description: “Follow along with Aneeqah, Willa, and Emily as they discuss all things young adult books. Featuring insightful yet fun conversations, you’ll get to hear about various young adult novels, and the themes surrounding them. If you’re looking to find your next read or just listen in on a fun conversation, then tune in for some good times. From reading to publishing to all things life, these gals will sure to keep you entertained and also make you think a little deeper about a variety of books.”
Additional Thoughts: “This is a very new show and one produced by actual teenaged readers. I’m excited to see what they’ll produce next and will definitely be referring it to my teenaged students.” – Carrie
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On Being
Description: “On Being takes up the big questions of meaning with scientists and theologians, artists and teachers — some you know and others you’ll love to meet. Updated every Thursday, Krista Tippett with a new discovery about the immensity of our lives.”
Additional Thoughts: I have listened to this show since 2001, when it was called “Speaking of Faith” and though I’ve got no religious life at the moment, I still find it a fascinating listen. I especially like the shows that get super exegetical about religious texts because though I don’t miss most of my former religious life, I do miss listening to smart people hold forth on the Bible.” – Carrie
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Only Human
Description: “Only Human is a podcast about making the most of our health, whether we’re training for a marathon, overcoming an illness, or trying not to go broke paying for healthcare. Hosted by Mary Harris, Only Human is a show where we’re not afraid to have uncomfortable conversations, and experiment with possible solutions.”
Additional Thoughts: “I’m not a big fan of medical anything (shows set in hospitals, going to hospitals) but this is a very short, thoughtful look at health issues, both familiar and weird, which is a nice combination for a podcast, I think.” – Carrie
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This Creative Life
Description: “Author Sara Zarr in conversation with other writers, with a focus on the practical and psychological aspects of creativity, the creative process, and the strange landscape where art meets commerce. Past guests include the author of If I Stay, Gayle Forman; literary agent Michael Bourret; and filmmaker Scott Derrickson.”
Additional Thoughts: “A thoughtful look at creative process and creative obstacles, as well as discussion of living a creative life and how this kind of career affects all areas of one’s life.” – Christa
main show page

“I got my ears on and I’m listening to every word you say, sweetheart.”
…what do all these podcasts have in common?
female content creators, hello