Although results vary online, it is estimated that there are over two million active podcasts around the world! With this many podcasts floating around out there, you can find podcasts for every personality and interest. If you love getting down to the nitty-gritty of current social issues or learning about new and upcoming technology, then you’ve come to the right place! Today, we’ll be focusing on the ten best progressive podcasts by Dear Media.
The progressive podcasts featured below often discuss topics that are not featured in mainstream media. Each and every host does a phenomenal job of breaking down complicated topics. You’ll find that most of the podcast hosts mentioned in this blog are passionate advocates, change-makers, and thought-leaders. They talk about a variety of progressive issues like women’s rights, raising the minimum wage, racial equality, gender identity, sexual identity equality, how to influence culture, government policy, and so much more! Let’s dive right in!
12 Best Progressive Podcasts
The Career Contessa
There’s still a HUGE gender gap in the workforce, but more and more women are proving that they too can make a living in this so-called “man’s world.” The Career Contessa is a podcast dedicated to providing career advice for women. Host Lauren McGoodwin strives to help listeners progress in their careers, through conversations about everything from How to Optimize Your Brand For Success to How to Find A Job in 2024 and so much more.
The Dissenters
The Dissenters is an incredibly honest, powerful, inspiring podcast. Created by the one and only Debra Messing and Mandana Dayani, The Dissenters is one of the best podcasts for female entrepreneurs. In fact, each and every episode of this podcast features the story of someone who challenges the status quo. They take action into their own hands. Or they fight injustice and stand up for the people around them! These amazing stories of hardship and triumph will leave you feeling motivated and ready to take on whatever life might bring!
We Met At Acme
Sex, relationships, vulnerabiliy…these are just a few of the topics that you’ll hear about on We Met At Acme. While these topics are deemed too “taboo” for the mainstream media, they are some of podcast host Lindsey Metsalaar’s faaaavorite subjects! Lindsey looooves to debunk all those myths about sex, insecurities, and all her episodes are super relatable. So if you’re looking for a place to start, Would you Rather Be a Troll or Be Trolled? Ft. Audrey Peters is one of our favorite We Met at Acme episodes!
Barely Filtered
Barely Filtered is about to become your fav modern progressive podcast. Host Aurora Culpo is breaking stigmas one at a time, to prove that no matter how messy life can get, you don’t have to face your journey alone. Whether you’re struggling with ADHD, anxiety, and depression, or attempting to navigate relationships and mental health in an unstable community, you can redirect your journey toward healing and self discovery.
Say Yas to the Guest
Now here is a fun one! There is no way a list of progressive podcasts would be complete without mentioning Say Yas to the Guest with Patrick Starrr! This podcast covers a wide range of topics. So honestly the reason we’re including this show in our list is because of the diverse nature of guests. In fact, Patrick selects guests with incredible stories for a wide range of communities. Think LGBTQ+, drag queens, & varying ethnicities with seriously diverse backgrounds and stories. It’s SO empowering to hear their stories, how they overcome issues facing stigmatized groups. And how they ultimately crush it in life!
Looking Up
Meet Deepika Chopra – podcast host of Looking Up, optimism doctor, and visual imagery expert. Her podcast is about all things happiness, hope, resiliency, and…just being human! Deepika uses a progressive approach to healing by combining holistic medicine and actual science to help people manifest more happiness, positive energy, and an overall healthier state of mind. With Deepika, you may also find that happiness is just around the corner…
Absolutely Not
Heather McMahan takes everyday issues head on and looooves to bitch about every single one of life’s inconveniences. She doesn’t take ANY shit. And she’s also here to tell you why you shouldn’t either! Absolutely Not is hilarious and definitely one of the best female comedy podcasts around. So sit down with Heather to bitch about all things life, societal issues, current events, and more. Have a topic you really want to bitch about? Call in The Hotline and leave a voicemail about any topic you’d like Heather to address.
Mona-Vated
Mona Vand, the host of Mona-Vated, isn’t afraid to dig deep and have meaningful conversations that will empower you to make informed choices in every aspect of your life. In each episode of her podcast, Mona shares real-life stories and thought-provoking interviews. Tune in to gain knowledge on cultural issues and current events and how they can affect your self-growth.
If you’re not sure where to start, check out Dr Azita Sayan: The Power of Feminine Energy and Unleashing Inner Strength.
Breaking Beauty
If you’re looking for the scoop on any and allllll beauty technology and products, Breaking Beauty is THE podcast for you! Jill Dunn and Carlene Higgins, podcast hosts and beauty gurus, share their opinions about all the new and emerging beauty products out there. They always have the best recommendations and beauty secrets. Check out (Shhh!) The #DamnGood Holiday Gifts We Secretly Want For Ourselves to hear about all the latest and greatest advancements in beauty technology and more!
I Am America
I Am America, hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross, is a podcast that is guaranteed to broaden you understanding of various cultural issues. And open your eyes to the possibilities in front of you. In each episode, you’ll hear the remarkable story of someone with experiences that have changed the people around them.
I Am America was created out of the need for broader conversations about America as an inclusive nation. And one where, to this day, we all just want to feel connected and like we belong.
Real Pod
Real pod is one the best mental health podcasts out there. And we LOVE that each and every episode is super relatable, honest, and encouraging. Podcast host, Victoria Garrick, is a body-image advocate who uses her podcast to break stigmas around mental health. And promote self-love, body confidence, and all things mental health. Sit down with Victoria and her many special guests to hear real stories of success, failure, resilience, and challenge.
SHE MD
SHE MD is a weekly podcast dedicated to empowering and educating listeners on a wide-range of women’s health topics. We’re still wayyyy behind in women’s healthcare as a whole. And SHE MD (which stands for Strong, Healthy, and Empowered) strives to narrow the gap.
Each week, the hosts of SHE MD, world-renowned OBGYN, Dr. Thais Aliabadi, “Dr. A,” and women’s advocate and influencer Mary Alice Haney, sit down with celebrity guests and leading experts to have important convos that everyone, not just women, should hear.
To get an idea of what SHE MD is all about, check out Tiffany Haddish’s Incredible Journey From Foster Care To Comedy Legend, Overcoming Eight Miscarriages, And Conquering Endometriosis.
What is your favorite type of podcast?
As you can probably already tell, progressive podcasts can cover a huuuuuge variety of topics. We’ve heard episodes about everything including, but definitely not limited to, progressivie politics, sexuality, mental health, culture, the democratic party, relationships, and the list goes on and on! No matter what social issues, current events, or advancements in technology that you’re interested in, we can pretty much bet that there’s a podcast out there about the exact same topic. To wrap it up, we hope that our roundup of the best progressive podcasts has inspired you to take a listen to one (or more!) of the podcasts above. Step out of your comfort zone and try something new! And, as always, be sure to check back in for more super helpful blogs, intriguing content, and ground-breaking podcasts!