“The Bechdel Cast” is technically a feminist film podcast, but I consider it the epitome of a comedy podcast. Hosts Caitlyn Durante and Jamie Loftus examine popular films from an intersectional feminist lens. They use the Bechdel test as a jumping off point for a discussion about the socio-political implications of your favorite films. Both women are talented comedians with a clean and kind sense of humor that always hits. The premise sounds intellectually heavy, but their sense of humor makes every conversation engaging and inviting. If you’re into movies at all you have to give it a chance!
“The Bechdel Cast”
“What'sHerName” 30
BONUS POD ALERT! Not into films, but big into social justice? Check out Jamie Loftus’ 10-episode deep dive on Vladimir Nabikov’s “Lolita.” Simply titled “Lolita Podcast,” Loftus examines the novel for its underlying social content and how all following adaptations totally got it wrong. This podcast is much heavier and explores issues of sexual abuse, so trigger warning for content.
“What’sHerName” is another new podcast I found, but it excites the deepest part of me. Each episode, Dr. Katie Nelson and Olivia Meikle tell the stories of fantastic women in history that have been overlooked until now. And, yes, you read that right, doctor! This is not at all a casual podcast like the other four. Each episode is a well-produced retelling of real stories about spectacular women, complete with sound effects and background music. Both hosts bring in relevant sources and guests to celebrate each woman’s history. Best of all, the podcast is deeply calming. I consider it a sort of lyrical, informative ASMR. Listening to it makes me feel like I’m engaging in something from PBS when I was a kid. Big Mister Roger vibes. With midterms nearing their close, relax your spirit and expand your knowledge with “What’sHerName!”
