Catholic Podcasts for the Modern Woman

Do you listen to podcasts?

I remember several years ago when podcasts were a brand-new thing in the world of communication media. It blew my mind away how many different types of categories there were and all the options available to choose from. Almost instantly, I was hooked when it came to this particular type of media.

I started to subscribe to lots of new shows: culture, news and politics, lifestyle, faith and spirituality, etc. While my tastes have changed over the past few years, there are still a handful of shows I keep coming back to.

We all know there can be a lot negativity sometimes in culture and media. I have found it important when choosing to listen and eventually subscribe to a new podcast, I really need to make sure that it encourages, inspires, and feeds my soul and spirit.

As women of faith, it is important to be mindful and intentional to the podcasts we listen and follow.

Here is a handful of my favorite Catholic podcasts. I hope you find something you love!

1. Catholic Stuff You Should Know

What happens when you put four young priests on a set of microphones? Really, the possibilities are endless!

A funny, relevant podcast on all things Catholic culture, faith, and interesting tidbits you may have never known before. I have learned more from this show about different saints I never heard about growing up. What I love about this show is the dynamics among the different co-hosts, and I always am learning something new about my faith.

2. The Gathering Place

This podcast hosted by Blessed is She and co-run together with Beth Davis and Jenna Guizar. They rotate the 30 minute show between a different guest or answering your call-in questions. They chat about everything from prayer, community, and faith. Pour yourself a hot cup of coffee or tea and listen in. This is how I start every Friday morning as I make my morning coffee.

3. Abiding Together

Hosted by three women, Michelle Benzinger, Sr. Miriam James Heidland, and Heather Khym, the listener feels like you’re sitting down with a couple of close friends over some warm drinks at a local coffee shop. Dynamic, yet laid back, all of their personalities play off each other, which makes for honest, interesting conversations on faith, culture, and personal insights. These three women are the real deal and their show is one of my favorites.

4. The Catholic Feminist

There is a lot of talk in the culture (and even the Church sometimes) about what feminism is or is not. The tagline for the show is “a podcast for strong Catholic women who want to be inspired, informed, and intentional.”

Each week the host, Claire Swinarski, brings on a different Catholic woman doing unique, creative things in right in her life where has placed her. The topics are wide ranging, inspirational, and intentional to show that there is no “one way” to be a Catholic woman in the modern world.

5. Fountains of Carrots

Two Catholic moms, Haley Stewart and Christy Isinger, talk about any and everything from: books, liturgical living, vocation and calling, and faith and spirituality. These ladies do a fabulous job of having both male and female guests on the show from all walks of life and career choices. While hosted by two women, I do think it is a show even men could find enjoyable.

6. Do Something Beautiful

Former contestant on America’s Top Model, Leah Darrow took the name of her podcast from the words of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, "Do something beautiful for God."

She interviews different men and women on the beautiful things for God they are doing right in their daily lives. Dynamic, engaging, and encouraging, this is a regular one I always make sure I have time to catch when a new episode is out.

7. The Jennifer Fulwiler Show

Jennifer Fulwiler is one of my most favorite people to follow on social media, especially on InstaStories. She is down-to-earth, hysterically funny, and the real deal on Catholic family life in the trenches. She hosts a daily radio show on Sirius XM Satellite Radio and regularly releases a highlight of her guests on her podcast.

What I love is that Jen interviews both men and women, Catholic and non-Catholic folks alike! Energetic and spunky, she keeps things very entertaining!

Are any of you podcast fans? Do you have any particular favorite shows that you like or follow? What are other ones that I should be aware of and add to my own list?

Feature image of the hosts of the Abiding Together podcast: Sister Miriam James Heidland, Heather Khym, and Michelle Benzinger.