Sometimes it feels like the more you try to silence something, the louder it becomes. And right now, when women’s rights are under attack more than ever, it’s no surprise that women are taking center stage in every industry.
Just look at Taylor Swift’s groundbreaking Eras Tour or Caitlin Clark’s record-setting season with the WNBA’s Indiana Fever. It’s clear: Women’s voices can’t be suppressed—they’re absolutely unstoppable.
We’re living in a moment in time that can be described as a Femmissance. It’s a powerful moment in time that’s not just about celebrating women’s voices but also their perspectives, their stories, and their contributions to society. The Femmissance is encouraging women everywhere to speak up, take action, and demand a seat at the table—one they’ve set and prepared, because let’s be honest, women are out here doing it all.
One of the clearest examples of the power of women is in the podcasting world. Unfiltered and unapologetic, women are showing up as creators, business leaders, and consumers, making their voices heard and driving change like never before. Podcast networks should be paying attention—because this is just the beginning.
Women are closing the gap
For so long, men have been at the forefront of traditional media—dominating the headlines, bylines, and broadcast booths. But things are changing. There is a shift that’s turning the media landscape on its head.
Women are closing the gap in a big way. In 2021, women held 43% of all media credits and bylines, according to the Women’s Media Center. And in podcasting, it’s the same story. Back in 2017, women hosted or co-hosted only one-third of the top 100 podcasts. Today, half of the top 10 podcasts are hosted by women. And it’s not just about who’s talking—it’s also about who’s listening. Edison Research found that the number of women podcast listeners has risen over the past few years from 44% of the population in 2017, to 48% in 2022.
So, what does this mean and why does it matter? It means that women aren’t just showing up; they’re making their voices heard and influencing the conversation. To push forward on the issues they care about, women need to be at the table, speaking out and shaping the narrative. Because true representation doesn’t just combat stereotypes—it builds understanding, belonging, and ultimately, a more equitable society.
In a world that has long silenced and overlooked women’s voices, podcasting is opening doors and giving women the mic.
Podcasting and listening with purpose
Why do women listen to podcasts? It’s not just for entertainment. Women crave authenticity, real connections, and meaningful engagement. They’re not here for the fluff—they want the truth, raw and uncut.
For so long, content has been filtered through the lens of what others assumed women wanted to hear. Now, content is being created by and for women, and it’s resonating in powerful ways. Those who aren’t speaking directly to the most influential audience (women) and joining the Femmissance are missing out. With the immense buying power women hold, they’ve become the audience everyone is vying to reach, and that alone is a form of power.
By tuning into woman-led podcasts, women are connecting, learning, and feeling empowered to drive change. Podcasting is now deeply embedded in the culture; it offers real opportunities to make an impact and pursue a higher purpose—on their own terms.
That purpose can take many forms. For some, it’s advocating for social justice and societal progress, pushing forward on issues that matter to women. For others, it’s about empowering families and victims, particularly those in marginalized communities who have felt left behind or forgotten.
In a world where voices can be drowned out, podcasting is giving women not just a platform, but a megaphone—and they’re using it to drive conversation.
A look at a top genre—true crime
A perfect example of this purposeful impact is in true crime—one of the most popular genres in podcasting. Women are nearly twice as likely as men to tune into true crime podcasts. It makes sense, given that women are often the victims of these crimes.
True crime podcasts offer more than just intrigue—they provide a sense of empowerment. By hearing the stories of other women and learning from their experiences, listeners gain valuable insights and practical strategies for their own safety. It’s empowerment in a tangible way.
True crime listeners aren’t seeking cheap thrills; they’re driven by compassion and empathy. They want content that centers on the victims and seeks justice.
They’re driven to use their listenership for good. According to a 2024 Edison Research survey, 55% of true crime podcast listeners promoted awareness of cases, others advocated for change, and roughly a quarter donated to victims’ families and causes. This kind of listener engagement can provide crucial support for unsolved cases and can be a catalyst for real-world impact.
Action over influence
Clearly, the Femmissance of podcasting is about more than just influence—it’s about action. It’s about celebrating women’s voices, stories, and contributions in a space that they are rapidly transforming. At audiochuck, for example, you’ll find women leading production teams and taking charge of content development, all working together to promote authentically diverse perspectives.
Building a media company isn’t easy. Creating a media empire that authentically uplifts and empowers female voices? Some say that’s even harder. But it’s not if it’s authentic and it’s worth the effort because the impact is real. The ladies are here to stay, and they’re changing the game—one podcast at a time.
