Tink Media’s Web of Women-Hosted Podcasts
Celebrating Women’s History Month 2023
In honor of Women’s History Month, the team at Tink Media wanted to celebrate some of our favorite women-hosted podcasts and the podcasts that those women love!
At Tink Media, you may have noticed that we’ve got a lot going on — podcast and audio-wise. We share tips and tricks for podcast marketing via our newsletter, Podcast Marketing Magic. We have a podcast recommendation call-in line. We turn that call-in line into a semi-regular podcast. We work with clients on marketing and growth ideas. And so much more.
But perhaps most importantly, we listen: to podcasts, industry news, and to each other. We are constantly sharing podcast recommendations within our company’s Slack channel. We find some of our favorite podcasts by way of personal recommendations right within that chat. So, for International Women’s History Month, we wanted to make that process public.
Tink team members shared their favorite women-hosted shows and then reached out to the hosts of those shows for their recommendations. The result is a web of podcast recommendations! We hope you enjoy our recommendations, and then explore our recommendations’ recommendations. Happy International Women’s History Month and happy, happy listening!
Lauren’s recommendation: FeMANism, Amy Hoggart and Sam Martin
“The first time I heard FeMANism, I thought it was two hilarious men playing the characters of idiotic mansplaining misogynists trying really hard to be feminists and thinking they are. They attempt to tackle topics like women’s safety and cycle tracking and get everything so, so wrong. It’s funny because they are so dedicated to push the jokes really far, but it’s sometimes depressing because it hits painfully close to home. When I found out this podcast was hosted by two women I almost shat my pants. They’ve altered the audio so it really sounds like two dimwitted men, but the brains behind the operation are Sam Martin and Jamie Hoggart. I enjoyed the first season so much that it was my pick in Tink’s Audio Delicacies last year. They’re back for a new season. Jamie is dealing with some “bogus” sexual harassment claims and Sam is expecting twins. (I can picture his fictional, pregnant wife exploding over his frustration when he says he’s going to renovate his house.)”
Amy and Sam’s recommendation: Sentimental Garbage, Caroline O’Donaghue
“This podcast is packed full of nostalgia for books and TV that I’ve loved at various points in my life, from Valley of the Dolls to Sex and The City. A feminist podcast of sorts, it examines and celebrates these “lady” books and shows with dynamite insight and respect for them as cultural works.”
Arielle’s recommendation: The Opportunist, Hannah Smith
“The Opportunist is SO consistent and captivating. If you love investigations into scams without the gore, this show is for you. Hannah Smith is an incredible host who brings professionalism and passion to the subject matter, whether it's a six-episode arch or a one-off presentation. The pacing of the show allows listeners to take it in without overwhelm, and will keep even seasoned true crime consumers on their toes.”
Hannah’s recommendation: Trust Me, Lola Blanc and Meagan Elizabeth
“I’m recommending Trust Me with hosts Lola Blanc and Meagan Elizabeth. It’s a podcast about cults hosted by two cult survivors. Since Lola and Meagan have first hand experience with high control groups, I value the sensitivity and insight they bring to the genre. The show is a true delight.”
Devin’s recommendation: Drilled, Amy Westervelt, head of Critical Frequency
“Amy makes climate stories compelling, personal, and accessible. Even when her stories involve complicated data or legal matters, she’s able to break it down so that anyone can follow it and everyone can understand why these stories matter so much. I feel her passion, but she remains relatable. I see her pursuing sometimes dangerous investigations, but she seems so fearless.”
Amy’s recommendation: Normal Gossip, Kelsey McKinney
“I'm obsessed with this show. It's such an excellent break from terrible news and the stories are so complicated and great and mindblowing. Also... I freakin love gossip.”
Shreya’s recommendation: Let’s Talk About Myths, Baby!, Liv Albert
“This show is one of the podcasts that got me into podcasts. It’s a retelling of Greek (and occasionally Roman) myths with a generous serving of feminist sass. From 2018 to now, this podcast has been a constant for me. Liv’s storytelling, research, and commentary is superb. As a meta note: I’ve followed Liv’s journey from being a podcaster as a side-hustle to a full-time podcaster and author. I’ve learned so much from her as a creator.”
Liv’s recommendation: Ancient History Fangirl, Jenny Williamson and Genn McMenemy
“I love AHFG not only because they're good friends of mine but because they're making ancient history fun! They cover moments and people from all over the ancient world and take a particular interest in things like gender and breaking down pre-existing (and problematic!) ideas about ancient people and their cultures.”
Aakshi’s recommendation: It's Nice To Hear You, Yves D. Ropper aka Heather Li
“I found this show on Lauren and Adela's podcast, Feed The Queue, and ended up listening to all the episodes in two days. I love LOVE in all shapes and forms, and this one focuses on the romantic kind. How do we find it? What do we look for? And why? And what can we learn about ourselves through this process? It's Nice to Hear You helps you explore these questions by letting you accompany host Yves D. Ropper, an anonymous persona embodied by creator Heather Li, in listening in on the journey four pairs go on as they meet each other only through their voices. It's a show about matchmaking, falling in love, reflections on today's dating culture, and more. A note: I hope you can listen to this with your friends. I did and am so grateful for the conversations it started between us.”
Heather’s recommendation: Land of the Giants: Dating Games, Sangeeta Singh Kurtz and Lakshmi Rengarajan
“This show is a great primer into the multi billion dollar dating industry. The 2 hosts Sangeeta Singh-Kurtz and Lakshmi Rengarajan take a deep dive into the history and business behind the world of online dating. They raise unintended consequences that the business model of online dating has created and also surface what's next in the future for the industry in light of dating burnout and new technologies. I particularly love the thoughtful weaving of diverse commentary from data scientists, psychologists, and single people who use these tools. The last episode in particular was my favorite, which shed a light onto entirely new modalities of online dating (like having your AI avatar date in the metaverse on your behalf!)”
Anne’s recommendation: Janus Descending, Jordan Cobb
Andreea’s recommendation: The Heart, Kaitlin Prest
"The Heart is one of the first shows that I listened to that got me interested in podcasting back in 2018. It is an absolute work of art that opens up many doors for creative storytelling. The beautiful thing about audio as an expressive form is how sounds, music, and voices all come together to create spaces for learning, reflection, and understanding. And this podcast does it like no other! Don't get me wrong, I love a good conversational pod, but this type of storytelling holds a special place in my heart.”
Kaitlin’s recommendation: We Are Not the Virus, Aliya Pabani
“This show is about the housing crisis and follows someone who goes from being a journalist documenting the encampments in Toronto to being an organizer entrenched in the community. It's artfully made by Aliya Pabani who is a deeply talented maker and sound magician.”
Fay’s recommendation: Humanized with Blue Telusma, Blue Telusma
Holly’s recommendation: The Loudest Girl in the World, Lauren Ober
“We all wonder if there’s something that makes us different from others. For some of us, we KNOW something does, but what we don’t know is how to explain it. Enter Lauren Ober, sharing her rare gift for putting into words the ineffable sensations of a neurodivergent mind. Listening to her story and journey towards an autism diagnosis, I couldn't help but feel a strong connection with my own experiences with severe OCD. There simply aren’t enough podcasts telling neurodivergent stories and I hope everyone has a chance to take a deep breath, listen to this show, shake up your ideas of the word neurodivergence.”
Lauren’s recommendation: The Paddlefish Caviar Heist, Helen Hollyman
“I love a smart true crime show where no one goes missing, is murdered or otherwise harmed. So this show - hosted by journalist Helen Hollyman - which combines the politics of conservation, the luxury food market and the Russian mafia, is totally up my alley. Who knew I would become so invested in the goings-on of a small Ozark town?!”