I used to be a podcast hater. With the never-ending noise in my head, I didn’t need another narrative thread to complicate things further. Then I started running, and suddenly my thoughts weren’t enough to distract me from the persistent refrain of “How much longer?”. Enter podcasts: my first attempt was to drown out my running self-pity. Fast forward to today, I genuinely enjoy running, and the podcasts have stuck. I have a few favorites that keep me company each week. Most of them are hosted by women because I much prefer for them to explain the world to me. Take “How to Fail with Elizabeth Day“, for instance. In her mid-thirties, Day found herself divorced, newly heartbroken, and reflecting on a life that didn’t align with her vision of the future. Instead of wallowing, the journalist took it as an opportunity to interview accomplished and well-known figures about their failures. Her very first guest? Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Ironically, the podcast became a massive success. The conversations are always engaging — often funny, always human — and I know I can count on Day to deliver. Then there’s “Copycats“, a cheeky counterpoint to the self-empowerment genre. This Berlin-based podcast by authors Julia Meyer-Brehm and Brit Noise dives into the good ideas of women and the men who have shamelessly stolen them. From art and science to pop culture and architecture, they unearth stories of blatant plagiarism and boldly call it out. They even have a name for these opportunists: The Audacity.
If you’re looking to discover more inspiring women, I recommend Katy Hessel’s “The Great Women Artists“. Hessel gives space to women throughout history who have too often been overlooked. From icons like Frida Kahlo to contemporary trailblazers like Pussy Riot’s Nadya Tolokonnikova, Hessel celebrates their contributions and often speaks with them directly. It’s an insightful and deeply satisfying listen. Lastly, there’s “Selbstbilder” (Self-Portraits), a collaboration between Rineke Dijkstra and Salwa Houmsi. Inspired by Dijkstra’s portraits — like those showcased at her Berlinische Galerie exhibition — the podcast explores how identity, self-image and worldview can shape our lives. Houmsi interviews figures from pop culture, posing simple yet profound questions like: “Who do you want to be?” “Are you at peace with yourself?” and “Who are you?” Light fare it is not, but it’s always worth the listen. These podcasts started as a distraction but became something much more: weekly companions that spark curiosity, laughter, and a deeper connection to the world around me.
Text: Inga Krumme / Photos: Jacquetta Clark & Karolina Grabowska
How To Fail With Elizabeth Day by Elizabeth Day
Copycats by Julia Meyer-Brehm and Brit Noise
The Great Women Artists by Katy Hessel
Selbstbilder by Berlinische Galerie and Salwa Houmsi
@howtofailpod
@elizabday
@copycatspodcast
@meyerwiedaslexikon
@britnoise
@thegreatwomenartists
@berlinischegalerie
@salwahoumsi
