Best Podcasts For Women Over 50

By Rachel Lankester, Founder Magnificent Midlife

I absolutely love podcasts and listen to them all the time. I thought it only fair to share some of my favorites, my personal list of the best podcasts for women over 50 or just generally in midlife. Especially if you’re a bit like me and love to learn about new things, people and ideas!

Usually I listen to podcasts on regular speed if I want to take the time to indulge in the speaker or their ideas. But sometimes I listen on 1.5 time speed if I’m pretty sure I can ingest the cool content at speed without losing any of its goodness. Either way I listen when I’m walking, running, driving, flying (that was in a different life), and when wandering around the house doing random things like cleaning or cooking.

I’ve been so inspired by podcasts that I even started my own! And of course, being a midlife woman creating content to inspire and empower midlife women, my podcast, called the Magnificent Midlife Podcast is the absolute bestest in the whole wide world ever for midlife women! You can listen on the player below!

So I’m just putting that out there first! But here are others I really, really recommend. They’re not necessarily about midlife or even about women, but if you’re anything like me, which means curious, multi-passionate and just hungry to learn about anything and everything, these are almost as magnificent as mine!

1. Unlocking Us

Who wouldn’t want to listen to Brené Brown whenever and wherever possible? And of course she has the most amazing guests. I love every episode but especially the one with Harriet Lerner on the art of apologizing. As I started listening I realised I’d read Harriet’s book The Dance of Intimacy as recommended by a marriage guidance counsellor many moons ago.

It was a book that changed my life. And Brené was raving about another of Harriet’s books The Dance of Anger which I promptly bought. There is just so much good stuff here. Brené also has her Dare to Lead podcast which is also full of candid conversations and practical advice.

2. Menopodcast

If you’re in perimenopause and wondering what’s happened to your life, this is a good place to get lots of information about menopause; the good, the bad and the ugly. But with a generally pretty positive spin which is what I prefer. The wonderful and hilariously funny hosts, Sarah and Julia must be good at picking guests too, because they’ve had me on three times! This was one of the most popular podcasts for women talking about menopause. Sadly they’re not recording any more, but if you’re looking to take a deep dive on all things menopause, this is a good one to listen to.

3. The Hotflash Inc

This is one of the very best podcasts out there currently looking in depth at menopause and the general health of older women. Award-winning journalist Ann Marie McQueen is on a mission to cut through the confusing narratives out there about menopause and get to the true truth. She does the research that we don’t have time for. This is a great podcast full of informative interviews and reliable health research. One of my current favorite podcasts.

4. Fortunately with Fi and Jane

These two are guaranteed to put a smile on my face. I love both these two broadcasters and putting them together was a stroke of genius. Prepare to giggle out loud and be very well entertained by two magnificent midlife women. They’ve now moved from a radio show at the BBC over to Times Radio where they are Off Air With Jane And Fi.

5. Twisting the Plot

If you’ve ever wondered if your best years are behind you and are unsure of how to do things differently in the second half of your life, this is the podcast for you. Two New York psychotherapists pick apart the narratives we wrap ourselves up in and share stories of women twisting their plots at every opportunity. Full of practical tips for the older woman and demonstrating that anything is possible when it comes to personal development – at any age.

6. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This?

This is a new podcast quickly gaining traction. It’s particularly about women’s health at all stages of life and includes some fascinating real-life stories. Presented by new academic podcast host, Professor Joyce Harper, who’s not afraid to ask difficult questions and have a truly honest conversation with her interesting guests.

7. Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

I love this podcast from Dr Rangan Chatterjee all about how to live a healthy life. He’s a general practitioner in the UK, but takes a completely holistic approach to physical health, mental health and personal growth, sharing truly expert advice from wellness experts to help everyone achieve better health. There’s always some something to learn from this weekly podcast and I often find myself sharing it with people I care about!

8. Sh*gged, Married, Annoyed

Okay this one is a little out of left field, but when I need a really good laugh, this is the podcast I turn to. Admittedly it does get ruder and ruder as time goes on. So if you’re of a sensitive disposition, I wouldn’t recommend this one. But if you’re able to put any and all sensitivities to one side, there is nothing funnier than Chris and Rosie Ramsay prattling on together in their kitchen about life, the universe and revolting things and people. You’re pretty much guaranteed a laughter-filled podcast episode. But don’t say I didn’t warn you! This has now turned into live event and TV shows – such is the power of a good podcast!

9. The Tim Ferriss Show

This one has absolutely nothing to do with midlife and not that often women either. But it’s the first podcast I ever listened to and I learnt so much from it. I’ve discovered many new writers, ideas and other interesting people through listening to it. Stoicism for example! And he’s interviewed Brené Brown too. Tim’s podcasts are very long and I got into the habit of listening to them at 1.5x speed. Currently I’m listening to them at normal speed but if you want to get through lots of ideas in a shorter time period, try speeding him up.

10. Zestful Ageing

I reckon this is one of the best of the podcasts focusing specifically on ageing, of which there are a few. I really enjoy Nicole Christina’s approach and enthusiasm, and the diverse people she interviews on her show. She’s really getting the message out (she’s listened to in 88 countries) about how ageing is something to be embraced and enjoyed, while at the same time, not being afraid to tackle the difficult issues that come along with it too. Something very special for all of us in our golden years, determined to live our very best lives.

11. This American Life

This is another one that has nothing to do with midlife or women. But if you enjoy learning about different people and experiences, this is a fabulous podcast in which to indulge. It’s particularly good on long car journeys! The stories just grab you by the throat and capture your imagination. For anyone who is endlessly curious and likes a good story. As you might imagine, there is a wide range of topics on this top podcast.

12. How To Own The Room & How To Fail

I’ve put these two in joint position at #12. I can’t really choose between them and they’re both fantastic. How to Own the Room is by Viv Groskop and How to Fail is by Elizabeth Day. Both these podcasts grew out of books their hosts have written. I love the presentation style of these real interview experts who are each a best-selling author too. It’s a delight to listen to them interview other fascinating individuals with riveting personal stories. Elizabeth Day did some wonderful pandemic podcasts which I found really useful. Both these podcast feature straight talk with their fascinating guests.

There are many more podcasts I could include. So here are some more popular podcasts for older women for your listening delight:

Midlife A-Go-Go, Your Empty Nest Coach, Your Next Chapter, Liberté – Free to Be, She Means Business, Teenage Kicks, The Broad Experience, The Guilty Feminist, Hot Flashes and Cool Topics, Work Like A Woman.

And don’t forget the best one ever: Magnificent Midlife Podcast celebrating older women and talking all things midlife!