I've enjoyed listening to podcasts for many years now. Listening to a podcast is a great way to multi-task and save some valuable time by learning new information while we're doing something else, such as commuting to work or cleaning the house.
I originally got hooked on the This American Life Podcast because I loved hearing the stories and voices of so many different types of people. And, of course, you can't beat a good true crime podcast for making the miles fly by when you're on a long road trip.
Jump to:
- 1. The Flipping 50 Show
- 2. Next Question with Katie Couric
- 3. Feisty Side of Fifty
- 4. Pursue Your Spark by Heike Yates
- 5. To 50 and Beyond
- 6. Fit n' Chips Chats
- 7. Women over 50 - A Life Redesigned
- 8. Midlife-A-Go-Go
- 9. Midlife Mixtape
- 10. Midlife Shmidlife
- 11. Reinventing Midlife with Jenn, Tara & Lana
- 12. The Experience 50 Podcast
- 13. This Unmillennial Life
- 14. Women in the Middle
- 15. Ladies Roadmap to Living Ageless
- 16. Fearlessly Facing Fifty
- 17. A Certain Age
- 18. Midlife Matters
- 19. Forties Stories
- 20. Crazy, Sexy Midlife Love
- My Original Podcast Suggestions
- Everything You Need to Know About Podcasts
- Pin it Now on Your Favorite Pinterest Board
However, it always seemed like the stories and voices of one group in particular were missing from the podcast world: the stories and voices of women over 50.
In 2015, when I originally shared a list of popular podcasts that I felt like midlife women would enjoy, I couldn't find any podcasts created by women in midlife. Instead, I came up with a list of some great podcasts that I felt women our age could relate to.
(My original list is at the end of this post along with some suggestions about the best way to listen to podcasts if you're unfamiliar with the concept.)
Related
- How to Successfully Reinvent Yourself After 40
- How to Be Happy Again: 15 Simple Ways You Can Improve Your Happiness Right Now
- All the Blogs for Midlife Women You Should be Reading Now
Well, cut to 2022! Women over 40 and 50 are podcasting and talking about the issues that speak directly to our lives. Some of these podcasts were actually around back in 2015, I just didn't know about them.
I want to make sure all women in midlife know about the podcasts that speak directly to their issues, so I've rounded up a list of the best podcasts made just for midlife women by midlife women.
I've been enjoying listening to these podcasts from women my age as they speak directly to the issues I'm interested in: surviving menopause, parenting almost grown children, starting new and exciting businesses, and taking our rightful place in society.
I hope you'll enjoy this list and find some new favorites. Let me know in the comments if there's a podcast I need to check out!
1. The Flipping 50 Show
Debra Atkinson's podcast is an offshoot of her extremely popular site focusing on fitness for women over 50. As you would expect, her podcast covers topics we need to understand if we want to maintain our fitness into our 50s and beyond. One recent episode discussed what to do if your knees bother you whenever you try to work out , a common problem for women getting back into exercising regularly.
2. Next Question with Katie Couric
Katie Couric jumped into the podcasting world in 2019 with her weekly show, Next Question, where she goes behind the news stories to examine in-depth the issues that affect us all. I especially enjoyed her recent conversation with Sharon Stone, who revealed how she's finally managed to overcome a traumatic upbringing and lean into her own power.
3. Feisty Side of Fifty
Eileen Williams's podcast discusses a wide range of topics of interest to women over 50 such as holistic health, dealing with grief, and relationships over 50 in these short episodes with renowned experts. A recent podcast episode featured an interview with Barbara Rose Brooker, who discussed how women over 50 can still live life to the fullest, no matter what age they are.
4. Pursue Your Spark by Heike Yates
Heike Yates is a fitness and nutrition coach for women over 50. She features interviews with experts on weight loss after 50, developing emotional resilience and loving life as we grow older. If you are the parent of a child in high school looking ahead to your empty nest, you'll want to check out her recent episode on 5 Tips to Thrive in Your (Almost) Nest.
5. To 50 and Beyond
Lori Massicott's podcast is devoted to helping Gen-Xers and baby boomers find joy in aging and confidence and freedom living alcohol-free. Even if you are just sober curious, you'll enjoy her upbeat perspective and tips on handling the struggles of life without relying on alcohol.
6. Fit n' Chips Chats
In this podcast for women over 40, Amanda Thebe talks each week with experts on topics of interest to pre- and post-menopausal women. Lots of good info in these episodes on staying fit and healthy as we age. I especially enjoyed her interview with Becks Armstrong, founder of the Clarity App, on how to manage menopausal symptoms by employing mindfulness skills.
7. Women over 50 - A Life Redesigned
Shelly Drymon's podcast encourages women over 50 to design a life they will enjoy, rather than passively accepting whatever twists and turns life throws at us. She shares stories from real people who have overcome challenges in their life and are now thriving and reaches out to experts for practical advice on living your best life after 50.
8. Midlife-A-Go-Go
On her podcast, Valerie Albarda has an in-depth and honest conversation with other women over 40 and 50 about issues that affect us such as overcoming the stigma of menopause and re-entering the job market as well as sharing her own life experiences and inspiring thoughts about living your best life in midlife. This podcast is on hiatus right now, but her old podcast episodes are still available and just as relevant now.
9. Midlife Mixtape
If you're in the years between being hip and breaking one, you'll love this sweet podcast. Nancy Davis Kho talks about life and the music we loved with fellow Gen-Xers. If you've ever dreamed of taking a year off to explore new experiences and regroup, you'll especially enjoy the episode with financial planner Lisette Smith on planning for a midlife gap year. The show notes include a free guide to planning your own midlife gap year.
10. Midlife Shmidlife
Liz Applegate and her guests look to the future in this inspiring podcast filled with the personal stories and lessons learned from women over 40 and 50 finding their way in midlife. Liz is an industry expert in guiding women entrepreneurs over 50 so many of the episodes share of common theme of women who started their own businesses in midlife.
11. Reinventing Midlife with Jenn, Tara & Lana
Three Gen-X women talk on this podcast about their lives over 40 and their take on the world around them.
12. The Experience 50 Podcast
On this podcast, Mary Rogers is here to help women over 50 navigate this time of life, which is often the most unscripted time of our lives. She and her guests talk about a variety of topics to help you find your best path.
13. This Unmillennial Life
If you struggle with adult acne and wrinkles at the same time, and want to know all about the latest ways to lose weight, stay healthy, and live longer, then you'll love this fun and information-packed podcast. Host Regan Jones is the new BFF for all women over 40. She frequently interviews wellness experts on topics that plague midlife women, such as overcoming dreaded menopausal insomnia.
14. Women in the Middle
In this weekly talk show, life coach Suzy Rosenstein and her guests share tips on overcoming midlife funk, loving your life over 50 and living a joyful life free of regrets.
15. Ladies Roadmap to Living Ageless
JoJami and Lana interview guests and share stories in order to empower and inform midlife women about how to improve their lives and live a healthier, more vibrant life.
16. Fearlessly Facing Fifty
Amy Schmidt helps take the fear out of turning fifty by bringing guests on to share their stories and knowledge so women can learn that midlife can be an opportunity rather than a crisis.
17. A Certain Age
A Certain Age is new but seems like it will be a fun addition to this list. Host Katie Fogarty brings on a variety of women to talk about career, beauty, family, books, money, wellness, fashion, and fun. I especially enjoyed her episode with Terri Cheney on managing your mental health as you age. We need more candid conversations around the topic of mental illness in women over 50, especially these days.
18. Midlife Matters
Julie, Marie and Mindy discuss issues that affect midlife women such parenting teens and aging well.
19. Forties Stories
I really like the premise of this unique podcast which is just what its name suggests. On each episode, host Christy Maguire invites a woman on the show for a deep dive into what she's learned or experienced in her forties.
20. Crazy, Sexy Midlife Love
If you are over 40, single, and dating, you'll love Crazy, Sexy Midlife Love. Hosts Devin and Morgana met at 45 and married at 47. Now, they've set a goal to get married 100 times in 100 different countries. If you've ever wondered just what an over 40 man is looking for in a woman, check out the episode with author Matt Zinman on What Makes a Midlife Man Fall in Forever Love.
My Original Podcast Suggestions
So what podcasts did I suggest originally? Sadly, a few are no longer updating but I still enjoy listening to these shows when I get a chance. You might like them as well.
The Tim Ferris Show. Irreverent, Informative, and Entertaining. I always learn something or am challenged by something and frequently it's both.
The Untrapped Life. This podcast is no longer being updated but the older episodes are all about following your dreams and making them come true. You might want to download all the episodes and listen from the beginning.
Happier with Gretchen Rubin. Gretchen just recently started a podcast with her sister that I'm enjoying very much. Each episode covers ways we can bring a bit more happiness into our lives.
Side Hustle School and The Side Hustle Show. These two podcasts have such similar names that I've just got to combine them into one entry. They're similar in content but while the Side Hustle School tells the stories of people who have managed to turn a second job or hobby into a full-time career, the Side Hustle Show interviews folks who are making money with full- or part-time gigs and focuses on providing actionable advice for people who want to follow along.
The Lively Show. Jess Lively used to focus on offering a series of interesting conversations with thought leaders about relationships, success, and wellness. But she recently became the ultimate reinventor. She's currently traveling around the world and focusing on following her intuition.
How Did You Get into That? Another podcast that's no longer being updated that has a great back catalog of episodes. Each episode features an interview with a successful entrepreneur who discusses how they got to where they are now. Find an industry that looks interesting and download the episode to find out more.
Magic Lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert. How would you like the author of the ultimate reinvention book, Eat, Pray, Love, help you with your next step? Well, if you can't get that, you can get the next best thing with this podcast where Elizabeth advises women looking to make their next step and interviews experts such as Martha Beck on how to over obstacles along the way.
Smart Passive Income Podcast. I have found tons of genuinely interesting and useful information from Pat Flynn's podcasts and I've come to feel I'm doing myself a disservice by not paying closer attention to the information he's providing. I'll be listening to this more in the future when I'm not on the road and can take good notes.
Life on Purpose. Tips and interviews about living your life with more intention. Great to listen to if you feel like you've been reacting to much rather than acting.
Relaunch. Inspiring interviews with people who pivoted from one career to another.
Everything You Need to Know About Podcasts
So what's a podcast? How do I listen to one? What have you been talking about?
All good questions.
A podcast is basically a radio program you can download to your phone or mp3 player so you can listen to it any time you want. You can also subscribe to a podcast so that new episodes are automatically downloaded for you.
If you have an iPhone and want to download any of podcasts I mentioned in the article, the simplest way to do it is to open the Podcasts app on your phone and search for the podcast you want. When you find, tap the podcast and then select subscribe. You can also download earlier episodes at the time as well.
The BBC has a handy guide to podcasts. If you have further questions or podcasts of your own to recommend, please let me know in the comments!
Pin it Now on Your Favorite Pinterest Board
Laurie says
Great list! I will look up a couple of these today.
Loren says
Awesome podcasts. I will check out some of them.
Blaire Palmer says
I’d love you to listen to mine - A Brilliant Gamble is for midlife women escaping the rat race. https://www.abrilliantgamble.com/abg-podcast
Marie Perrigo says
A wonderful list! There aren’t nearly as many podcasts for women in the middle years as there are for younger women. I also have a podcast for moms parenting teens and young adults called Midlife Matters. Would love for you to check it out!
http://midlifematterspodcast.com/
Beth Webster says
I have a clean, free comedy podcast for women over 65 although 40% of my listeners are men! Yeah! find it at:
Google......Over65andtalking
Or: Over65andtalking.podbean.com
Love to be part of this!
Christy Maguire says
It's great that there are so many shows for women over 40, and that more women are adding their voice. I have a podcast called Forties Stories where 40-something women share their stories about navigating midlife. We're in the business of promoting compassion and connection - and busting negative stereotypes along the way! https://www.fortiesstories.com/
Katy - what a great resource you have here! Am looking forward to diving in.
Rachel Lankester says
Hello! Hoping you might add the Magnificent Midlife Podcast to your list. We're super cool! https://magnificentmidlife.com/podcast/
Jen McDonald says
Thank you for the mention of Reinventing Midlife! :)
Tini Wilson says
Are there any podcasts about interesting people over age 50 that just focus on what they do? I’m turned off by words like feisty, fierce, foxy. And by podcasts that focus on health and related topics. Boring. Tune into any millennial podcast and they’re doing fascinating things. I’d love to follow people my age who live in unorthodox ways(off the grid, etc), or talk about their travels without getting preached about staying safe. I follow millennial podcasts just because they are fun and interesting. Help!
Katy Kozee | Midlife Rambler says
I love this comment and think you have a great idea. I started Midlife Rambler for the same reason - I loved millennial blogs and wanted to bring similar content to readers over 40. Maybe the world is asking for your podcast!
Cat says
I'm 40 and would love to hear a podcast like this, exploring topics that aren't so mainstream. If anyone makes one or knows of one, please let us know!
Jill says
Great list! I am the co-host of Fit Strong Women over 50 podcast and hope you add us to your list.
Erica says
Forty Thrive with Jackie MacDougall is a recent discovery of mine that I am enjoying. I find it disappointing when I have to wait for an episode. It's good.
Linda Rendleman says
Love finding all these podcasts that motivate, inspire and tell women's stories of perseverance for living their authentic lives. Our audience, 55+ is growing. I hope you'll check out https://www.whatsnextforwomenlikeus.com/ Find it on iHeart and all the podcast channels.