Level Up Your Listening: 5 Inspiring Podcasts by Women Leaders

When you need motivation that’s more powerful than your morning coffee, podcasts can be the perfect pick-me-up. They’re easy to fit into the in-between moments, whether you’re commuting, getting ready for the day, or sneaking in a quick walk. Here’s a round up of five that are in my playlist.

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Believe it or not, as of 2025, there are more than 4.5 million podcasts in the world! That’s a whole lot of voices in your earbuds. With so many options, it can be tough to figure out which ones are actually worth your time.

Personally, I love listening to episodes while I’m getting ready in the morning. It’s like having a mini masterclass or pep talk before the day begins. My only knock? Most of these shows include ads but honestly, some of them have introduced me to new tools and resources I wouldn’t have found otherwise.

So if you like listening to podcasts as much as I do, here are a few of my favorites for women, by women leaders and entrepreneurs. It’s a curated list for inspiration, growth, and a little bit of perspective when you need it most.

Aspire with Emma GredeASPIRE PODCAST

Emma Grede is the co-founder of Good American and founding partner of SKIMS (gotta love a Kardashian connection!). She hosts Aspire, a weekly audio-video show with unfiltered conversations on ambition, resilience, and leadership. Guests include Michelle Obama, Mellody Hobson, Jay Shetty, Mark Cuban, and Michael Rubin.

Why I love it: I personally love her energy, background and that she’s a working mom with bold ambition. You don’t just get glossy success stories…you hear the real stuff. Wins, missteps, resilience, and lessons you can take with you, whether you’re shifting careers, starting a business, or simply redefining your path.

Listen & watch here.

The Liz Moody Podcast (formerly Healthier Together)Liz Moody Podcast

Bestselling author and journalist Liz Moody tackles all things wellness—from mental health and productivity to skincare, nutrition, and relationships. Her style? Fact-checked, research-backed, and approachable.

Why I love it: What makes the podcast stand out is Liz’s journalistic skill in fact-checking, empathetic delivery, and translating complex science into practical, everyday steps. It’s perfect for listeners looking for trustworthy, enjoyable, and life-improving wellness content. When I was dealing with insomnia, one of her episodes actually helped me get information that I shared with my doctor that helped me figure out a solution.

Listen & watch here.

Moments That Make Us with Melinda French GatesMelinda French Gates with Michelle Obama

Melinda French Gates, philanthropist, author, and advocate for women and families, hosts, a YouTube-only series that dives into the pivotal experiences that shape who we become. Now in it’s second season, she brings conversations with Serena Williams, Jamie Lee Curtis, Robin Roberts, and activist Amanda Nguyen, each reflecting on defining moments of resilience, humor, and transformation.

Why I love it: She shines a spotlight on women living big, meaningful lives, women who aren’t afraid to share their wisdom, missteps, and lessons learned along the way. The stories feel both intimate and universal, reminding us that growth often comes from unexpected turning points. It is equal parts inspiring and grounding, like sitting in on conversations you didn’t know you needed.

Listen & watch here.

Into The Wild with Renée WarrenInto the wild podcast

Renée Warren, award-winning entrepreneur and author, hosts Into The Wild, a weekly podcast for women redefining success on their own terms. With roots in her We Wild Women PR and coaching company, the show is all about helping women push past imposter syndrome, shift limiting mindsets, and launch businesses that thrive.

Why I love it: Renée blends her 25+ years of entrepreneurial and PR experience with candid conversations and solo insights. She has a way of making big, sometimes intimidating business strategies feel actionable and human. Each episode offers both inspiration and concrete steps for building clarity, confidence, and sustainable growth. It is a go-to if you want to stop overthinking, start moving forward, and create a business that actually reflects your values.

Listen & watch here.

Coaching Real Leaders with Muriel WilkinsCoaching real leaders podcast

Hosted by seasoned executive coach Muriel Wilkins, Coaching Real Leaders is a semi-monthly podcast from Harvard Business Review that takes listeners inside real coaching sessions with high-performing professionals. The conversations tackle tough career crossroads, from scaling a business and navigating peer competition to defining a leadership brand and setting healthier boundaries.

Why I love it: You are essentially eavesdropping on executive coaching in action. Muriel’s style is both empathetic and practical, asking the hard questions that help leaders see their challenges differently. Each episode delivers insights you can immediately apply to your own career, whether you are managing conflict, preparing for a bigger role, or simply trying to lead with more clarity and confidence.

Listen here.

So whether you’re in need of career advice, a mindset reset, or just the reminder that even the most accomplished women have their struggles, these shows are worth a spot in your podcast rotation. Any others you would recommend to add to our playlist? Share in the comments below!

Thanks for reading and sharing! xx

Danielle Cullivan Signature

Danielle Cullivan

Career Insight Studio

Danielle Cullivan is a seasoned leader in tech with over 20 years of experience in Fortune 500 companies. She is also the creator of Career Insight Studio, a career and lifestyle blog dedicated to providing insights and new perspectives for working women. Danielle lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, cheers on her son in college, and supports her daughter as she launches her career.

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A little Career Insight Studio inspo to start the week…
Progress over perfection.
It’s the pep talk I give myself every. single. day.
Show up.
Experiment.
Learn.
Grow.
Because the messy first draft is still a step forward. 
And moving forward is the whole point.
So take the step. 
Hit publish. 
Raise your hand. 
Send the email.
Ask for the help you need.
It’s not comfortable but your future self will thank you. 
At least that’s what I say to myself on repeat these days 😉
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