5 Must Listen Podcasts for Female Filmmakers
This is dramatic, but podcasts have changed my life. I’ve learned so much about filmmaking from podcasts, and as a woman in Hollywood, I’m always looking for a good podcast from the female perspective that’s going to hype me up or teach me something about working in this business. So I put together this list of 5 Must Listen Podcasts for female filmmakers.
But before we get into it-
Female Filmmakers… or just Filmmakers?
Y’all, I flip flop on this one depending on the day. Sometimes I fully embrace the “female filmmaker” identity, and other days I resent the fact that the specification is needed. Today is a day where I’m embracing it and feeling the girl power, but I do want to acknowledge that this is a crunchy one for me! And I reserve the right to change my opinion tomorrow.
On To the 5 Must Listen Podcasts for Female Filmmakers
PS If you listen to any of these podcasts and love them, please leave them a rating/review! You’d be surprised how big a difference that makes in the overall success of a podcast, so spread the love!
The Chaat Room
The Chaat Room is one of those podcasts that I listen to and feel like I’m friends with the hosts, you know what I mean? Hosts Keertana Sastry and Nikitha Menon are funny, self-aware, and extremely relatable. They “interview South Asians in Hollywood, on and off the screen. These are the people who turned their *cue disapproving auntie voice* hobbies and passions into careers, and we them the question we’re all wondering: how the f*ck did you do it?!”
To be honest, I am not the target audience of this podcast! And that is one of the things that makes it special and makes me such a big fan. In an industry that struggles so severely with representation, it is so refreshing to hear their perspective and I find it extremely relatable.
Listen to this if you want to be inspired by go-getters and laugh a little along the way.
Tune in here.
Pull It Together
Pull It Together is “a podcast for women redefining what it means to be a creative on their own terms. Through honest conversations, diverse community and inspiring interviews, we are breaking the mold and debunking myths of being a creative.”
Um, redefining what it means to be a creative on their own terms? I LOVE that. Host Alex Matteo is positive, energetic, and all together sparkly. She is a (BROADWAY!!) actress and her guests span many industries. Listening to this podcast always leaves me feeling a little more positive, and for that I’d highly recommend it.
A Brighter Lens
A Brighter lens “is a podcast that aims to spotlight women, trans, and non-binary folx in film at different stages in their careers through thoughtful discussion. By holding a space for underrepresented creators to share their knowledge, experience, and creative inspiration, we hope to make the process of filmmaking more accessible and cultivate a community dedicated to collaboration and support in the film industry.”
I started listening to this podcast back when it was called “A Female Lens,” and I really appreciate their effort to be more inclusive. We’re all learning and evolving!
Some of my favorite episodes include interviews Lynn Shelton and Alma Har’el (I mean, c’mon. With guests like these, you HAVE to tune in) and my pal Keylee Koop Sudduth. Hosts Larkin Bell and Jennifer Zahlit are professional and insightful, and you’ll love this podcast if you want to cut straight to the good stuff without a lot of fluff and chatter.
What’s a Grip
What’s a Grip is hosted by Jillian Terwedo and Annie McGrath. On the podcast, they “interview below-the-line professionals in the film & television industry in an effort to demystify the on-set and studio-side roles that contribute to the filmmaking process.”
As someone that works in film (and let’s be real, a recovering nice girl) I feel a lot of shame whenever I don’t know what a certain job is or does. This podcast does a really good job breaking down various roles. It’s an excellent listen for anyone that is interested in working in film in some capacity, even if you’re not exactly sure what you want to be doing. Also great for those like me that love learning about the intricacies that go into other people’s jobs, but might be too ashamed to ask. (Let’s work on this one together, okay? Asking questions is a good thing!)
Tune in here.
What’s Your Secret
Shameless plug here. This is podcast is hosted by yours truly. What’s Your Secret is a podcast for womxn on a mission to live a fulfilled, happy life while pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. I interview film creatives about what works for them, how they got where they are, and their so-called secrets to happiness and success. Tune in for honest, relatable conversations about balancing mental health with a career in the film industry, how to find “success,” navigating imposter syndrome, how to be happy on the journey, and so much more.
Tune in here.
I want to know: what podcasts need to be added to my must listen podcasts for female filmmakers? Let me know! In the meantime, don’t forget: you’re doing a great job.
