Chances are you either have a podcast, are planning to host a podcast, or know someone who already does. This is a good thing — and a bad thing. Good because there’s more awesome content out there for us to enjoy. And bad because there’s a podcast discoverability problem; big-name podcasts get all of the top chart recommendations on iTunes while the small-name, indie pods stay towards the bottom.
The good news is there are people like me who listen to a lot of podcasts. In fact, I’ve been running a popular podcast recommendation email newsletter for a year, which curates podcasts around all kinds of unique topics.
As a spunky Jewish lady, I’m definitely interested in podcasts hosted by ladies full of chutzpah. So, if you’re looking for some traffic-time, gym-time, or cleaning-time ear entertainment, look no further. This list is for you.
Note: while all of the following podcasts are worth a listen, I’ve also added a chutzpah rating, a factor I define by: level of spunkiness by the hosts and the guests they interview, affinity for cursing and sex-related language, and ability to make you wish you were listening with headphones.
1. Guys We F****d – with Krystyna Hutchinson and Corinne Fisher
This podcast is full of chutzpah. These ladies are raunchy and say exactly what’s on their mind, no matter how inappropriate. This podcast is a sex-positive laugh-fest. It started out as a “let’s bring men onto the show who we’ve been in relationships with and talk about everything” and it evolved into a general discussion of sex, relationships, comedy, and life in New York City. It goes without saying, but for the sake of full disclosure, this is NSFW.
Jewish Cred: Corinne Fisher is Jewish and frequently talks about her Jewish parents back in New Jersey.
Chutzpah Rating: 10/10
2. Bad with Money with Gaby Dunn
Gaby Dunn has quite a web presence: a YouTube channel and an active Instagram and Twitter account make her very accessible to fans. Her podcast, Bad with Money, is presented with humor and truthfulness as she navigates the tough world of economics for millenials. Dunn is very open about her sexuality and her finances, and she teaches listeners practical lessons along the way.
Jewish Cred: Gaby Dunn grew up in Florida and went to David Posnack Jewish Day School.
Chutzpah Rating: 7/10
3. A Piece of Work – with Abbi Jacobson
This podcast was a shorter, arts-driven mini-series in which Abbi Jacobson (of Broad City fame) brought friends to the MoMa and talked about pieces of art. Abbi met and toured the museum with friends/actors such as Hannibal Buress and Tavi Gevinson, as well as MoMa curators. Jacobson actually studied fine art in college before moving towards a career in acting, so she has a great eye. But how can a podcast, an ear-experience about looking at art be exciting for listeners, you ask? Mix in Abbi Jacobson and you’ve got it.
Jewish Cred: Abbi Jacobson plays Abbi Abrams in Broad City, starring alongside Ilana Glazer, who plays Ilana Wexler. Together, they are four very proud *Jewesses.*
Chutzpah Rating: 4/10
4. Ronna and Beverly – with Jessica Chaffin and Jamie Denbo
Ronna Marlene Glickman and Beverly Ginsberg are characters created and embodied by actors/performers Jessica Chaffin and Jamie Denbo. Their podcast is hosted by EarWolf Podcast Network and in each episode, the duo interviews a celebrity guest and give out some pretty ridiculous advice. Chaffin and Denbo even perform their act live sometimes and it’s a chutz-pod dream!
Jewish Cred: Ronna and Beverly talk about shul, trips to Israel, their children becoming doctors and lawyers, and their precious grandkids.
Chutzpah Rating: 6/10
5. Invisibilia – with Lulu Miller, Hanna Rosin, and Alix Spiegel
This podcast tells stories and helps us see the world differently, through the lens of psychology. Hosts Lulu Miller, Hanna Rosin, and Alix Spiegel investigate far-reaching corners of the globe to uncover stories of psychological struggles and triumphs. For example, in the most recent season, the hosts traveled to the U.K. to meet an insect with a split personality. Really.
Jewish Cred: At least ⅔ of the hosts of this show are Jewish.
Chutzpah Rating: 3/10
6. On the Side – with Julie Yael Stern
In this podcast, New Yorker Julia Yael Stern interviews people about their side hustles. This is a great podcast if you’re looking for new things to become obsessed with. The people Stern interviews are so willing to share and are so passionate about what they do aside from their paid jobs.
Jewish Cred: Julia Yael Stern’s middle name is Yael.
Chutzpah Rating: 2/10
Header image from motmotstudio.tumblr.com
