The Women in Our Headphones
The Women in Our Headphones
To close out Women’s History Month, we talk about some of our favorite Women-run podcasts that are pioneering the topic of Mental Health as a priority.
For 31 lovely days in March, we celebrate Women’s History Month. Now, we all know by now that women and girls run the world (Beyoncé cleared that up for us in 2011, thanks again, Bey), and they have proven it time and time again by creating, giving, educating, nurturing, and entertaining us daily. With that being said, women have historically been undervalued, underpaid, not believed, and not celebrated nearly as much as they should be. This fact makes the women who speak up in defense of themselves and other women, the women who talk about mental health, the women who promote self-care, the women who openly talk about sex, the women who talk about the medications they take… THAT much more powerful.
This Women’s History Month, we are shining a spotlight on those women who have created a platform for themselves to speak on differing Mental Health related topics in hopes of fortifying women and educate others via my personal favorite form of media: Podcasts. Some speak solely on mental health topics while most sprinkle it in authentically, making podcasts an accessible and fun way be reminded that self-care and mental health can be a priority (even if it’s followed by listening to hours of true crime!)
Below is a list of some of our favorite women-run podcasts that unapologetically discuss Women’s Mental Health and more.
TTFA podcast is hosted by Nora McInerny, an accomplished author, TED Talk speaker, and reluctant expert in difficult conversations. Nora implores her guests to have open and honest conversations with her regarding difficult topics in their lives such as loss, divorce, mental health struggles, and more. Despite heavy topics, Nora is incredible at finding humor, light, and hope in these situations.
The Tao of Self Confidence is hosted by Sheena Yap Chan who “interviews Asian women through their inner journey to self-confidence”. Through inspirational stories, advice, and riveting conversations, Sheena helps her listeners build up their self-confidence while creating stronger representation for Asian women.
Therapy for Black Girls is run and hosted by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a licensed psychologist whose work “focuses on making mental health topics more relevant and accesible for Black Women”. On the podcast, Dr. Harden Bradford covers a plethora mental topics while beautifully incorporating current events and pop culture into each discussion. The platform was created as a space to openly discuss and overcome the stigmas that can often prevent Black women and girls from seeking therapy.
Students of Mind, A Mental Health Podcast is hosted by Jayde Barber, a Psychology Student. Jayde provides a unique perspective as someone living with mental illnesses and dealing with the healthcare system while simultaneously working toward a degree in Psychology. The podcast strives to “provide mental health education and resources presented in a way that eliminates the barriers to accessing this type of information.”
My Favorite Murder (The OG women-run True Crime pod) is hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Week to week, Karen and Georgia research and report on a plethora true crime stories. However, their starpower is in their banter, their care, and their loud support for self-care, believing victims, therapy, and overcoming hardships. They’ve flipped the genre on its head with their care and ability to normalize mental health.
Cultivating H.E.R. Space is hosted by Dr. Dominique Broussard and Terri Lomax, a college professor/psychologist and a techie/motivational speaker who “initiate authentic conversations on everything from fibroids to fake friends”. Cultivating H.E.R. (Healing, Empowerment, Resilience) Space creates a space for Black women to just BE.
That’s Messed Up is hosted by Liza Treyger and Kara Klenk, two comedians turned “amateur detectives” for the pod. Each week, an episode of the iconic TV show, Law and Order SVU is covered, followed by the crime that it is based on, and then an interview someone involved with the series. These women, though hilariously, carefully and meticulously advocate for the rights of women, fight for victims to be believed, and always provide resources on how to educate ourselves or donate to causes for real-life victims.
Hey Girl is hosted by Alex Elle, an incredible writer, author, and storyteller. “Created with sisterhood and storytelling in mind, author Alex Elle sits down with people who inspire her.” From self-care to meditations, Alex sits down with friends, strangers, and more for honest, fun, and authentic conversations.