If there’s one thing that we all have plenty of this year, it is definitely time. There may not be any tissues or Lysol wipes left in your local Target, but there are free podcasts on your phone. If you want to wind down with a history lesson or feel empowered to enact change or start your own business, check out some of the podcasts we are listening to at WPLN.

Encyclopedia Womannica

In social studies classes across the nation, students are taught about the founding fathers, inventors, political giants and innovators who usually share a common trait: being men! The CEO and Co-Founder of Wonder Media Network, Jenny Kaplan, remembers thinking in her history classes, “where are all the women?”, so she decided to tell the stories of all different kinds of women who have impacted human history. Take just five minutes out of your day to learn about different leading ladies, political mavericks, businesswomen, and so many more female legends who have paved the way for women today. Listen here.

 The Pollsters

Two of America’s leading pollsters and bipartisan dynamic duo, Republican Kristen Soltis Anderson and Democrat Margie Omero tackle some of the biggest issues in politics, pop culture, news, and entertainment. They dive deep into polling people across the country to dissect America’s opinion on trending topics. Through interviews with industry leaders, journalists, politicians and more, there’s so much to discover about policy and public opinion with The Pollsters!  

Not Your Average Feminist

Not Your Average Feminist is hosted by co-hosts Sarah Curran, Amanda Elliott, and Mary Crane. Each of these women bring extensive experience in politics and all things Washington D.C. as they discuss and reclaim the current feminist narrative. These women aren’t shy about their beliefs and the experiences that shaped them while discussing cultural and political issues. Addressing all sides of the issues they discuss, the hosts of Not Your Average Feminist do an excellent job presenting the facts as they are. Listen to both seasons on their website.

(If Sarah’s name sounds familiar, it’s because she’s one of WPLN’s very own—our Director of Programs & Partnerships!)

Women Rule

Politico’s Women Rule is a weekly podcast hosted by author Anna Palmer as she dives into the stories of successful women across the country. Palmer explores their paths to success, any obstacles they faced along the way, what they have learned and what leadership advice they have for other women. Through interviews with women leaders from a variety of backgrounds and industries, Palmer tackles various topics from conservative women representation in Congress to female entrepreneurship in fashion. Check out the show.

Side Hustle Pro

Hosted by Nicaila Matthews Okome, a former digital marketer at National Public Radio, Side Hustle Pro encourages women to follow their passion and start their own businesses. Featuring different African-American entrepreneurs, Okome and her guests discuss what it takes to run a business and be your own boss. Different podcast episodes discuss social media marketing, profitable business models, motherhood and entrepreneurship. Listen and follow your passion. 

The History Chicks

If five minutes of Encylopedia Womannica was too short for your liking, check out The History Chicks. Hosts Beckett Graham and Susan Vollenweider rewrite the rules of history class and only talk about women. Going as far back as ancient Egypt with Hatshepsut to more contemporary history such as creation of Barbie Dolls, these two historians have examined the lives of over one hundred women, characters, and symbols who have influenced what it means to be women in this day and age. In just about an hour, you will get an in-depth look at one woman each Wednesday who changed the world. Listen to The History Chicks.

She Leads Podcast

Hosted by Nicole Walker, the She Leads Podcast focuses on leadership empowerment for women of color. It features many different female leaders who provide insight on best practices and life lessons. Focusing on encouraging women to get active in their communities, Walker discusses what it means to be successful, different leadership styles, ageism’s effect on women leaders, and emotional intelligence. Check out the podcast here.