Busy schedules, chaotic traffic and never-ending commitments make it difficult to plan any reading time on a regular day, especially for women who are forced to do far more unpaid, unacknowledged labour than their male counterparts. At the same time, it is also unacceptable to make this lack of learning a way of life. So, how do you find a balance? The answer to this is podcasts. With more and more Indian content emerging over the past few years on podcast platforms, it’s getting easier for the ones with no time to get their fill of learning and quality content every day. Some of the best podcasts for Indian women, especially, have come to the forefront this year and made our daily lives a lot more interesting.

Whether it’s on your daily commute, or during those tedious daily chores, putting on any of these podcasts will ensure that time flies and you learn something new every day. Here are some of the best podcasts for Indian women which you need to listen to, so that you go into the new decade a better person in every aspect.

1. She Says She’s Fine

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Touching upon one of the most unnecessarily taboo subjects in this country, She Says She’s Fine focusses on women’s health and issues that should be talked about openly. Most health issues that are specific to women are hidden away so much that it endangers their lives. This podcast is an attempt to normalise talking about women’s health and to make sure that women feel more and more comfortable talking about issues they face on a regular basis. Hosted by Dr Munjaal Kapadia, a gynaecologist based in Mumbai, this podcast also features guests who talk about different women’s health issues, both from a personal and professional viewpoint.

Click here to listen to this insightful podcast.

2. Fat. So?

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Fat shaming is the norm, in India and across the world. Fat jokes, blaming weight gain for all health issues, and making people feel like they don’t belong because they don’t fit the image of the perfect body, are all so normal that most people don’t even realise how horrible it feels. In this podcast, hosts Ameya and Pallavi talk about being fat and everything that comes with it. Done with feeling ashamed of their bodies, Ameya and Pallavi made it their mission to reclaim all the “bad” stuff about being fat and turning it into something great. They talk about their personal experiences with weight loss and gain, why sex is different or completely the same, they indulge in some seriously dark humour, and most importantly, they talk about why self-love is so damn important.

Click here to listen to this podcast, especially if you’re having a bad day and need to feel better about yourself.

3. Sanskaari Sass

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No matter how much the world talks about feminism, it isn’t enough. Which is why podcasts like these are so important, especially in a country like India where gender inequality in all aspects of life is still normal. Two women, Ruchika and Mallika, came together to discuss the various facets of feminism and how it applies to everything around us. From talking about disability and diversity, to women at work and elections, Sanskaari Sass is an informative podcast not just for women, but for all those who actually want to know more about feminism and why it’s important.

Click here to listen to Sanskaari Sass in all its sassiness.

4. Chuski Pop

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This podcast is like listening to your best friend talk about everything under the sun, from man buns to Margaret Atwood. Isn’t that a great way to cure a bad day or week or month? Hosted by Sweety and Pappu, Chuski Pop is a fortnightly podcast which features some of the most well known people in pop culture. Along with one of the best podcasts for Indian women, these women also make gorgeous art which you can purchase on their website.

Click here to listen to the latest episodes of this fun, refreshing podcast.

5. Moneycontrol Podcast

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To be wiser and smarter in the new year, it’s vital to know how to manage your money and everything that’s happening in the business sector. For the women of today, it’s not enough to just earn, it’s equally important to have a long-term, sustainable savings and retirement plan. To make smart choices in this regard, you need to know where to invest and when. While financial independence is necessary for everyone, it’s more important for Indian women who are still told that their rightful place is in the kitchen.

Click here to listen to this informative podcast by Moneycontrol.

6. Real Talk with Smriti Notani

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Writer and blogger Smriti Notani’s podcast talks about the real, very common struggles that we face at different times in our lives. Whether it’s dealing with the festive season when you’re not happy, or the consistent evil of office politics, Smriti Notani touches upon topics that we would talk to our friends about. But since no one has time to listen anymore, screaming “YESSS!” to yourself, alone in the car or at home, while listening to this podcast, is just as therapeutic.

Click here to listen to this delightful podcast.

7. Movie Wala Podcast

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This podcast is all about Bollywood and decoding its many, many aspects. Hosts Tanvi and Flo talk about the latest films, deep dive into the work of iconic directors and actors, and help their listeners rediscover the best parts of the Hindi film industry. If you love movie trivia, and smart discussions around Bollywood, Movie Wala Podcast will delight you.

Click here to listen to their latest episodes.

8. New Indian Woman

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This podcast is a realistic look at the struggles that Indian women face and the solutions to help other women overcome similar challenges. Through interviews and discussions with women from all walks of life, each episode proposes strategies which every woman can apply to her own life. You can also listen to the inspirational stories of women who dared to dream and fulfil their dreams, no matter how long it took. Perfect for a dose of much-needed motivation as we step into a new decade!

Click here to listen to this inspirational series.