It all started with my inherent desire to repel men.
In a new era of adulthood known as my twenties, I started exploring different podcasts last semester as a replacement for tunes I was tired of hearing. I’ve been reading and loving Man Repeller for several years, but listening to the podcast was a whole new experience and I’ve never stopped since. Listening to a podcast is like having a pal you can turn on and shut up whenever you want, they’re packed with life lessons, and they tend to be hysterically funny. These are some of my favorite library buddies as of late.
Oh Boy by Man Repeller and Monocycle with Leandra Medine
Oh boy, are you in for a treat (ha, ha). Oh Boy, the first podcast I listened to, spotlights a variety of awesome folks with all sorts of amazing careers. Listening to Oh Boy has introduced me to new brands, music, and movies that I love, and I love hearing how successful people got to their current state (for most of them, it was neither boring nor easy). Monocycle is Man Repeller founder Leandra Medine’s personal podcast on the site, where she discusses everything from getting dressed in the morning to her struggle to get pregnant. She’s both funny and personal: no matter what your mood is, there is a Monocycle to match it.
Girlboss Radio with Sophia Amoruso
Like Oh Boy, Girlboss Radio features primarily interviews the guests are all #girlbosses. Whether you aspire to be a CEO or an editor-in-chief, a boss-ass blogger or a politician, there’s an inspiring episode of #Girlboss Radio for you to love. Also, if you haven’t read host and Nasty Gal Sophia Amoruso’s books Girlboss and Nasty Galaxy, you should do so immediately. They’re enlightening, funny, and pink. What more could you ask for
Women of the Hour
I love this podcast because it’s half Lena Dunham discussing her own life experience and half her conversations with other cool ladies like Emma Stone and Jemima Kirke. Like Leandra, Lena is very open and honest with her listeners, which makes it comforting as well as funny. Also, I love the sound of her voice. It’s perfect for study hour(s).
2 Dope Queens and Sooo Many White Guys
2 Dope Queens, hosted by comedians Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams, more or less a series of recorded real-life comedy bits with friends in their field. Bonus: Broad City’s Ilana Glazer makes some fantastic cameo appearances #yasqueen. Sooo Many White Guys, a spinoff of 2 Dope Queens features interviews with musicians, artists, authors, and everyone but white dudes (just kidding, there is one white dude… but the rest you have to hear for yourself). Both podcasts take silly spins on serious topics, such as their experiences as black women, issues in the LGBTQ+ community, and so much more.
Ladies Who Lunch
Perhaps I love this podcast because I love lunch, but this podcast is too good for words. Hosted by You Tubers Ingrid Nilsen and Cat Valdes, this humor-filled podcast is all about relationships, feminism, social no-nos, the quarter-life crisis, and everything else you would talk to your best friend about over lunch.
Call Your Girlfriend
This friend-tastic podcast is dedicated to long-distance female friendship, but hosts Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman offer great advice that is applicable to all types of relationships. They’re also very cool, very accomplished women—Aminatou, a digital strategist, was featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in tech, and Ann is a freelance journalist and New York magazine columnist. Everyone should take a moment to listen to what these ladies have to say.
The Kenyon Review Podcast and The Pinnacle
For those who don’t like to laugh while they study (I’m only judging a little) these two mildly academic podcasts are perfect for you. The KR Podcast features interviews with different authors who visit Kenyon (Stephanie Danler’s is my favorite!) and The Pinnacle discusses a different aspect of Kenyon’s history. There’s nothing like learning while you’re learning!
I hope these babies hook you like they hooked me and make your study sessions more fun than you ever knew they could be.
Image Credit: Business Insider, Tumblr