Driving to work can be a drag. Whether you’re headed to a confining cube or you’re going to the job of your dreams, a long commute doesn’t exactly rev you up for the 8+ hours of work you have ahead of you. That’s why we’re recommending some majorly inspiring and interesting podcasts (all lady-led, of course) that’ll give you some real-life motivation, advice, and entertainment to empower you before you dive into the daily grind.
1. Girlboss Radio
Former Nasty Gal CEO Sophia Amoruso talks to other—you guessed it—girlbosses. When you’re heading into a job, whether you love or hate it, this podcast will motivate you to keep up the hustle. Not to mention, these successful ladies have some kickass advice for your day-to-day life too.
Our Episode Picks
For the Pop-Culture Junkie: Sarah Jessica Parker, actress, producer, entrepreneur For the 60-Hour Workweek Warrior: Arlan Hamilton, founding and managing partner of Backstage Capital For the Workout-Legging Addict: Tyler Haney, CEO of Outdoor Voices
2. Happier with Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen Rubin, a writer who studies happiness and human nature, and her sister, Elizabeth Craft, discuss the ins and outs of finding happiness in the chaos of daily life. They give straight-up advice for boosting happiness and discuss the value of self-reflection. For practical-minded women, these tidbits of advice and insights give tangible steps for increasing happiness and fostering good habits.
Our Episode Picks
For the Realist: “Remember, This Is Supposed to Be Fun” For the Post-It Queen: “Write It Down (Really)” For the Yoga-Pants Zealot: “Wear ‘Clothes’ Every Day”
3. Almost 30
Friends Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik, a playful duo from Los Angeles, chat about the fun of transitioning into adulthood and all that comes with it. For those approaching 30 (which can seem daunting), there’s so much—too much!—to figure out. Regardless of what you’re feeling uncertain about (whether it’s your health, your career, your relationships, your mental state, or all of the above), you can find a relatable episode that’ll encourage you and let you know you’re not alone.
Our Episode Picks
For the 420 Friendly: “Cannabis 101 + Why It’s Important” For the Yogi: “The Beats, The Sweat, The Tribe” For the Foodie: “‘Genius Foods’ + How Eating for Optimal Brain Health Will Make You Happier and More Productive”
4. Forever 35
If you’re over 30 and interested in what wellness can look like for you in this chapter of your life, listen to these two friends and self-described wellness addicts discuss how people in the real world (i.e., not wellness influencers) are trying their very best to be comprehensively well. They talk to women who are engaged in the pursuit of wellness from all angles—from maintaining practices that focus on their physical bodies to working with their minds and souls.
Our Episode Picks
For the Minimalist Mom: “Mother of Intention” with Emily Gould For the Naturalista: “Talking Natural Beauty” with Jessa Blades For the Serum Devotee: “Skincare Questions” with Courtney Chiusano
5. On Being with Krista Tippett
For the deep thinkers, Krista Tippett will get your gears turning as she discusses life’s big questions with interesting people. If you’re looking to go on a deep dive into your mind, listen to On Being for your fix of profound reflection.
Our Episode Picks
For the Artist: “The Normal, Daily Things We Fall in Love With” with Maira Kalman For the Self-Identity Seeker: “Finding My ‘I Am’” with Maria Shriver For the Writer: “Soul Food, Sex, and Space” with Nikki Giovanni
6. By the Book
Each week, Jolenta Greenberg, a producer and performer in New York City, and Kristen Meinzer, an audio producer and host, live according to the advice of a self-help book to determine if these authors know what they’re talking about or if they’re just selling a gimmick. For those who frequent the self-help section of their local bookstore or the cynics calling BS on Malcolm Gladwell, this podcast assesses the power of such literature to revolutionize your life.
Our Episode Picks
For the Eternally Messy: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up For the Real Housewives Fanatic: Class With the Countess For the Down-on-Her-Luck: You Are a Badass
7. Free Cookies
Hosted by real-life couple Kate Fagan, an ESPN reporter, and Kathryn Budig, a yoga teacher and foodie, this podcast shares “free cookies” about their respective areas of interest, plus deets on their relationship. Juicy.
Our Episode Picks
For the Sports Fan: “Abby Wambach Kicks Off Cookies” For the Barre Class Enthusiast: “Curtain Calls & Cookies” For the Yogi: “Cookies for Every Body”
8. Unladylike
Unladylike gets into the challenges, stigmas, and stereotypes women face in today’s society and what they’re doing to overcome them. Hosts Cristen Conger and Caroline Ervin bring on ladies who talk about self-empowerment and ignore the haters trying to tell them how to live their lives.
Our Episode Picks
For the Women Crushing on Fitness Influencers: “How to Get a Yoga Body” with Jessamyn Stanley For the Working Mom: “How to Nanny Up” With intelligent and genuine ladies like these paving the way, it makes sense that podcasts have become increasingly popular in the past couple of years. The right Beyoncé track can pump you up momentarily, but the right podcast can give you some sustainable motivation to work hard while making your daily commute more empowering.
