I’ve been in a weird in-between-jobs staycation-type situation for the past month now, which has given me lots and lots of time to listen to podcasts (I’m subscribed to 38 different podcasts right now, which is another story altogether…). What I’ve found is a dearth of female-hosted podcasts on creativity/inspiration/making a living by making your own work. So I’m planning on starting my own podcast, and will hopefully have an episode or two ready by the time I start my new (dream) job in a few weeks.

I got the bug by being a guest host on my friend Shane’s podcast, The Hosea Hustle, and it was all very silly and not as scary as I built it up to be (since I can get quite anxious in most social settings). I think about 4 people have listened to the episode so far, but it was lots of fun.

So while I work on getting my own podcast together, here are 5 female-hosted podcasts I enjoy and inspire what I want to do (in no particular order):

1. Bad with Money with Gaby Dunn: I frequently read blog posts on The Billfold, which updates daily with stories about money-related issues. It’s irritating that there’s such a taboo on discussing money and salaries, and the Billfold is doing its damnest to break that down. Bad with Money was mentioned in an article and I was hooked from the first episode. Gaby’s got great guests on her show, and I feel a bit better about my own financial ineptitude after each listen.     Stitcher   |     iTunes
2. Sooo Many White Guys: Phoebe Robinson is one of the cohosts on the amazing stand-up comedy podcast 2 Dope Queens, so I was excited to hear she was starting her own podcast with executive producer Ilana Glazer of Broad City fame (which happens to be one of my favorite TV shows). Sooo Many White Guys is an interview-based show, with different non-white guy guests joining Phoebe each week. Phoebe is a very open and likable host, and this podcast has THE catchiest intro music of anything I listen to. (They had a remix contest because the theme song is so popular with listeners).     WNYC Website     |     iTunes
3. Nerdette: I’m only a few episodes in to this one, and I’m starting with the first episodes from 2013 (because I have completion-ist tendencies), but I already know I’ll be sticking with this show for the long haul. After trying to listen to several bro-y pop culture/comics podcasts, Nerdette is a breath of fresh air. They talk about TV shows, movies, and book recommendations (my favorite) in a friendly and funny manner.     Soundcloud     |     iTunes
4. Design Matters with Debbie Millman: This show has been happening for over a decade so I’m not sure what took me so long to find it, but I’m glad I did. Debbie does extensive research on her guests (who are well known artists, designers, musicians, writers, etc.) and asks insightful questions. Plus she has a really pleasant, soothing voice and is a consummate professional (and kick-ass lady designer). Her interviews are a joy to listen to, and I will eventually get around to listening to everything she has put out because it is an incredible show.     Soundcloud     |     iTunes
5. Death, Sex + Money: Anna Sale is another killer interviewer, and I love this show because it focuses on everything that is taboo to talk about in modern society. She has such a warm and engaging personality that her guests really open up about their lives, which leads to some fascinating stories. There have been a few interesting guest-hosted episodes while Anna’s been on maternity leave, but I am very excited to have her back on hosting duties.     WNYC Website     |     iTunes

Do you have any podcast recommendations? Let me know in the comments!