The world of podcasts used to be dominated by men. But there has been a surge in women-led podcasts targeted at a Gen-X audience, many created and narrated by women in their 40s and 50s. They range from serious to self-help to hilarious. Themes include pop culture, nostalgia, literature, history, technology, navigating mid-life including finance and workplace culture. Here are six compelling and relatable podcasts to listen to now.
Good Hang with Amy Poehler
Spotify, YouTube
Who doesn’t love Amy? When she recently won the Golden Globe for Best Podcast (a new category), she said she was new to this medium and jumped into it without much knowledge (something a man might never admit on national TV). She described “Good Hang” as filling our world with a little bit more love and laughter — laughing with people, not at them. Her first podcast was an interview with Tina Fey — a Gen Xer who always entertains with wit and insight. Interview subjects range in age and include Quinta Brunson, Ian Garten, Ariana Grande and Olivia Colman. They all share stories about their work, friends and what makes them laugh. While listening to “Good Hang,” Poehler wants you to have a good time.
GenX Stories
Spotify, Apple, Google
Why has Gen X been labeled The Lost Generation? This fun and frank podcast is brimming with deeply personal stories about our unique generation. It focuses on who we are and how we are in 2026. Eve, Lori, Chris and Courtney provide a nostalgic look back at 1980s and 1990s music, our generational lifestyle and Gen X’s unique identity and cultural shifts. Their goal is to answer the question: What’s next for this generation?
What Should I Read Next?
Spotify, Apple
Do you have a “To Be Read” pile on your nightstand or Kindle? If you’re the type of reader who finishes one book before deciding on the next, you could peruse reviews, browse in a bookstore or online. My daughter gets her book recommendations on TikTok. I get advice from podcast host Anne Bogel, author of the blog Modern Mrs. Darcy (referring to a Jane Austen character). Bogel targets bookworms in an informative, insightful and entertaining way. On her podcast, Bogel recommends what you should read next by interviewing librarians, booksellers and authors, covering all genres. Rather than relying on celebrities’ tastes, she gets first-hand recommendations from people in the book business. You’ll discover who has the same reading tastes as you do in this literary matchmaking discussion. You can also check out her second podcast, "One Great Book."
Momma’s Motivational Messages — Inspirational Messages for Stressed-Out Generation-X Women