Women are killing it in every creative industry. You saw how they dominated the 2024 Grammys. So this year we’re amplifying women’s voices in audio, specifically in the Canadian podcasting world. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, laughter, or thought-provoking discussions, these women-led podcasts are totally worth checking out.
But What Do I Know, hosted by Chid Suzan, Urban Planner and Creator whose podcast was created as an ode to a phrase used to reduce and diminish women’s experiences. This podcast is a journey of self-discovery and overcoming self-doubt through affirming, learning and healing.
Favourite episode: The Sex Lives Of African Women Feat. Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah
Chid is joined by Feminist and Author, Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah for a conversation dedicated to Sexual Health Month. The two dig into the author’s book “The Sex Lives Of African Women”. From stories of freedom to self discovery this conversation is debunking myths and misconceptions regarding the way African Women talk about sex and sexuality.
Happy to See Me hosted by Erika Casupanan, the first Canadian and first Filipino winner of Survivor U.S. (season 41) and the first woman to win in seven seasons. Tackling self-doubt and championing the need for representation, Erika welcomes guests from pop culture, social media and reality TV for inspirational interviews and relatable pep talks. Erika has been spotlighting stories of those who have overcome and celebrating the real people behind the public personas.
Favourite episode: Mattea Roach on their journey to Jeopardy and beyond
Mattea Roach is the “winningest” Canadian in Jeopardy history. They job Erika to discuss their incredible 23-game winning streak, quickly becoming a Canadian media darling and how they deal with getting recognized. Plus, get insight into how this champ prepared for Jeopardy and how you can get them on your trivia team (spoiler: you probably can’t).
The Secret Life of Canada, hosted by Leah Simone Bowen and Falen Johnson: Explore the hidden corners of Canadian history with hosts Leah Simone Bowen and Falen Johnson. From untold stories of Indigenous communities to forgotten tales of immigrant experiences, this podcast offers a fresh perspective on Canada’s past and present.
Favourite episode: Crash course on Mary Ann Shadd
Abolitionist, activist, teacher and trailblazer Mary Ann Shadd wore many hats in her extraordinary life. In this episode, Leah and Falen take a look at the story of the first Black woman in North America to publish a newspaper and one of the first female journalists in Canada.
The Funny Thing About Ghosts, hosted by Sarah Hillier, a hilarious Second City improviser who was once dubbed “Toronto’s answer to Amy Poehler.” Sarah talks to comedians, improvisers and experts about ghosts, paranormal events, and other weird things that freak us out. Sarah has an infectious laugh and a lovable bubbly personality. Listening to this podcast feels like hanging out with a goofy friend who just really wants to meet a ghost.
Favourite episode: Check your aura with Ann Pornel
Another wonderfully bubbly personality, Ann Pornel, co-host of the Great Canadian Baking Show, joins Sarah in this episode to discuss ouija boards and Ann’s history with tarot readings. This one’s for all the paranormal girlies out there. Sarah and Ann have so much and you can tell their friendship goes way back. The dynamic is off the charts!
And She Looked Up hosted by Melissa Hartfiel. A home for Canadian women who create for a living. This is a podcast created to encourage, inspire and connect with other creative women – all while sharing advice and guidance on how to start, run and grow your own creative business. A great resource for women looking to make a career out of their creative passions!
Favourite episode: Overcoming Perfectionism and Burnout with Therapist Yu Tong Hannah Lin
Toronto-based registered social worker and psychotherapist, Yu Tong Hannah Lin, explores how we, as working creatives, can manage and overcome the ongoing challenges that perfectionism and burnout present to our work. Hannah shares valuable insights that help us understand and identify when perfectionism and/or burnout are creeping into our lives and businesses (and what to do when it’s impacting our work).
It’s Become a Whole Thing hosted by Emily Rose, content creator and author from Montreal. This podcast is a look at the best and worst moments of unscripted TV history. Emily dives deep into everything from cult documentaries to trashy early 2000s reality TV. It’s high-brow analysis of the low-brow trash we love. It’s like a hot tea sesh but socially critical and insightful!
Favourite episode: Pretty Baby: The Shocking Story of Brooke Shields
Emily and her best friend, Sammy, unpack the powerful documentary about Brooke Shields. In the movie, Brooke Shields reflects on how she made it out alive after becoming the biggest child star of the 1980s. From her controlling mother who set her up to pose nude in Playboy at age 9, to her breakout role playing a child prostitute at age 11, to becoming the biggest model/actor of the decade in the 1980s to raising two daughters, becoming the first big name to de-stigmatize postpartum depression. She looks back at what has changed about the way society sexualizes women and what remains the same.
