Podcast recommendations for International Women’s Day

It is a well-known fact that women have been silenced throughout history. For centuries, women have been denied access to education, excluded from politics, confined to traditional gender roles, and their voices left unheard. Though many milestones have been met over time, there is still a way to go in achieving justice.

The emergence of podcast platforms has allowed women from all walks of life to be heard

International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8^th March every year, a day which reminds us of women’s achievements and contributions throughout history. The day raises awareness of gender equality issues across the world and highlights the ongoing challenges that women face in society.

Most importantly, International Women’s Day promotes women’s empowerment. Women make up approximately half the population, so their experiences, contributions and voices are crucial in making sure society is inclusive and representative. Women’s voices serve as role models for future generations, inspiring self-confidence, the pursuit of your dreams, and motivating you to achieve your aspirations.

Podcasts help break the silence that women have had to endure for years

The emergence of podcast platforms has allowed women from all walks of life to be heard. Podcasts create a safe space for women to discuss a wide range of topics and share their diverse perspectives and experiences.

What follows are some of my podcast recommendations which truly prove how important it is to bring women’s issues into the spotlight and have open and honest conversations about them. Podcasts help break the silence that women have had to endure for years.

The History Chicks

This first podcast, hosted by Beckett Graham and Susan Vollenwieder, explores a combination of all things women and all things history. In each episode, a historical female figure is examined from birth to death as well as her legacy. Some notable names include Marie Antoinette (Ep 01), Jane Austen (Ep 38), Frida Kahlo (Ep 42), Mulan (Ep 81), Louisa May Alcott (Ep 104) and many more. With over 200 episodes, The History Chicks podcast brings so many women into the spotlight, especially the ones who have been forgotten, ignored, and neglected.

You Can Sit With Us

You Can Sit With Us is a laid-back, friendly podcast hosted by Maggie Bustamante, Becky Habersberger, and Rachel Ann Cole. Their weekly episodes consist of discussions surrounding female friendships, current events, and the personal lives of the hosts. Their casual style and relaxed attitudes really make it feel like you’re sitting right there next to them. Some of their episodes have included conversations about relationships, weddings, moving in with your significant other, and deciding when to have children. Other episodes have included talking about birth control, honeymoons, and toxic friendships. Just simple discussions about everyday life are sometimes all we need to hear.

Podcasts have become an empowering platform for those who were once scared to be heard.

Stompcast episodes with Jessie Davies

Stompcast hosted by Dr Alex George, sees him and a star guest going out on a ‘stomp,’ in a location of their choice, to take a meander into their lives. The podcast takes you through uplifting and thought-provoking conversations with a soothing backdrop of nature’s many sounds. One of the guests that particularly caught my attention was Jessie Yendle, a woman who has lived her whole life with a stammer. The episode takes you through her feelings about her speech impediment and the incredible tools she’s developed to deal with her anxiety. I was particularly inspired by Jessie’s confidence to speak out on this podcast as she has previously spent her whole life afraid to use her voice. Podcasts have become an empowering platform for those who were once scared to be heard.

The Guilty Feminist

My final recommendation is The Guilty Feminist a podcast hosted by comedian Deborah Frances-White and recorded in front of a live audience. The episodes include powerful discussions on the noble goals of 21^st century feminists and the hypocrisies and insecurities that undermine them. Being an award-winning podcast, The Guilty Feminist has had 100 million downloads in seven years becoming something of a cultural phenomenon. Ever felt like you should be better at being a feminist? Give this podcast a go.

So, while women’s voices have been historically underrepresented, the emergence of female podcast hosts, guests, and contributors has ensured that all sorts of perspective and experiences are being represented in the world. Having women discuss their experiences on podcasts is a great way to educate the world on just how diverse it really is.