In a highly unscientific nationwide poll, parents — specifically, moms — have a few podcasts that they really, really, really love. And while plenty of us want to escape it all with some engrossing true crime — hello, Serial — there are a few podcasts out there that really help us to be better women, parents, and people. Or just make us laugh.
'The Michelle Obama Podcast'
The Michelle Obama Podcast launched July 29 on Spotify, and already it’s a hit. While the September 16 episode, Family Ties: On Raising Kids With Craig & Marian Robinson, was parenting-focused, the topics are wide-ranging. Really, it’s for anyone who loved Becoming.
'Office Ladies'
Office Ladies isn’t about parenting — and that’s the point. The Office co-stars Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey discuss behind-the-scenes shenanigans from the popular series. “I buy a bagel and coffee, and listen to it in my car while having breakfast once a week, says Lia Picard, a mother in Atlanta, Georgia.
'Nice White Parents'
“Nice White Parents is a must-listen for, well, white parents,” says Emily Farmer Popek, a mother of one in Oneonta, New York. The New York Times-produced podcast is about the challenges of public schools and "what is arguably the most powerful force shaping them."
'Travel With Rick Steves'
Sarah Shemkus, a mother in Gloucester, Massachusetts, says the Travel With Rick Steves podcast is helping her think beyond the pandemic. “He is so kind and soothing,” she says. “Plus I get to dream about all the places I will get to go when circumstances change.” And for parents, especially, talks regularly about how to travel with kids.
'Unlocking Us'
Brené Brown is a favorite in any medium, but some moms especially appreciate the podcast Unlocking Us. It showcases “conversations that unlock the deeply human part of who we are, so we can live, love, parent, and lead with more courage and heart.”
'Mom and Dad Are Fighting'
Elisa Murray, a mother of a 10-year-old in Seattle, Washington, has been listening to Mom and Dad Are Fighting for years. Hosted by Elizabeth Newcamp, Jamilah Lemieux, and Dan Kois, Murray says it is, in short, “funny, irreverent, honest, useful.”
'The Holderness Family'
Dr. Emily King, a mother and child psychologist in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a huge fan of The Holderness Family podcast. “They make funny videos on YouTube but tackle serious parenting stuff (with humor),” she explains. “I’ve been a guest a few times and they are great.”
'The Longest Shortest Time'
The Longest Shortest Time technically ended in December, much to many a mom’s chagrin, but that doesn’t mean you can’t reach into the vault, which is 229 episodes deep. Host Hillary Frank turned some of her learning during that time into the book Weird Parenting Wins.
'One Bad Mother'
One Bad Mother may very well be one of the best podcast names out there. It's hosted by Biz Ellis and Theresa Thorn, who are, in short, funny. There will be laughs.
'On Being'
Like Brené Brown’s Unlocking Us, On Being, with host Krista Tippett, is no parenting podcast but one that reminds us that we are far more complex, intelligent, and hungry for meaning than, say, our last 20 minutes might suggest.
