On National Podcast Day, we’d like to honor one of 2020’s busiest groups of people: moms! We have compiled the ultimate list of podcasts for moms, parents, or really anybody raising kids in this day and age.
This year, parenting has not been an easy feat. With distance learning, working from home, and a multitude of other challenges, many moms out there could use a hand. And podcasts provide that, just a few clicks away.
Think of podcasts as a micro-vacation, but for the price of earbuds and packed with information you can fit into your busy schedule.
An expert point of view pairs perfectly with walking the dog or tackling a to do list. Nothing livens up a morning commute or Saturday errands like a good laugh. Especially as we’re spending more time apart, a relatable story can serve as a powerful, necessary reminder that we’re not alone.
Best podcasts for moms
Among the very best of the best, here are the top 20 podcasts for moms and parents of every listening preference.
Best podcasts for parenting in general
Raising Good Humans: 4.8/5 stars on Apple Podcasts
Dr. Aliza Pressman, developmental psychologist, professor, and mom, gives practical, “nobody’s perfect” parenting advice. Listeners love her podcast for the “no judgement” tone and expert guests speaking on a range of subjects. Plus, her primary focus is one everyone can get behind: how to raise good humans!
The Longest Shortest Time: 4.7/5 stars on Apple Podcasts
If you’re new to parenting podcasts, this is an excellent place to start. With hundreds of episodes and thousands of five-star reviews, The Longest Shortest Time earns its spot with engaging (sometimes celebrity) interviews and a fearless approach to tackling even tough topics. This podcast covers multiple stages of child development and all sorts of parenting challenges.
Mother Honesty: 4.8/5 stars on Apple Podcasts
Clocking in at about 27 minutes per episode, Mother Honesty acknowledges and celebrates the juggling act many moms face. It’s a quick, worthwhile listen, with busy women in mind. And, you guessed it, host Blessing Adesiyan takes a candid, supportive approach to exploring issues relevant to modern day parenting.
TiLT Parenting: 4.8/5 stars on Apple Podcasts
TiLT founder and activist Debbie Reber is passionate about empowering parents of differently-wired kids. She interviews experts on Asperger's, ADHD, twice exceptionalism, and mental health challenges like adolescent anxiety and depression. Listeners appreciate her compassion and practical resources, all delivered with kids’ success and well-being in mind.
The Adoption Connection: 4.9/5 stars on Apple Podcasts
Families come in all shapes and sizes, and The Adoption Connection specializes in adoptive parenting. Hosts Lisa Qualls and Melissa Corkum have “been around the block” in the adoption world; their podcast delves into the multifaceted aspects of adoption and foster care. To quote one listener, “I feel like these two are on my team.”
Best podcasts for parenting infants and young kids
Unruffled: 4.7/5 stars on Apple Podcasts
For any mom in the trenches of “the terrible twos,” this podcast is a lifeline. Unruffled provides tips, tricks, and resources for parenting infants and toddlers, all through host Janet Lansbury’s philosophy of respectful parenting.
More than one listener raves that this podcast brought them back from feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. Lansbury’s wisdom and expertise podcast has been recognized by The Washington Post, The Bump, Fatherly, and other prominent voices for good reason.
Little Sprigs: 4.7/5 stars on Apple Podcasts
Raising little ones is a task of joy and challenge, and Little Sprigs embraces both aspects of parenting this age group. A mindfulness mindset guides Little Sprigs’ approach to early childhood education and developing kids’ communication skills. From preparing for the first day of school to peacefully resolving sibling disputes, this podcast provides accessible expertise to support parents.
The Mom Hour: 4.8/5 stars on Apple Podcasts
Cohosts Meghan Francis and Connie Powers have eight (eight!) children between them. To quote these amazing ladies, “We’re not experts, we’re moms who’ve been there. We’re not perfect, we’re real.”
Meghan and Connie provide honest, “we get it” perspectives on everything from pregnancy to money saving tips to how to get your cool back if it’s temporarily left the building. Relatability, inclusivity, and encouragement make The Mom Hour a great listen.
Best podcasts for parenting teens
Fittingly, some of these podcasts contain mature content.
Mother Daughter Date: 5/5 stars on Apple Podcasts
In a refreshing take on parenting podcasts, Jennifer Valentyne co-hosts this podcast with her teenage daughter, Georgia. Prepare to laugh along with these two as they have honest conversations on topics ranging from the cringe-worthily awkward to the truly heartwarming.
Mighty Parenting: 4.8/5 stars on Apple Podcasts
Parenting teens can feel like its own ball game, and Mighty Parenting helps listeners step up to the plate. This podcast rightfully prides itself on “real, raw, and relevant” talk about raising teenagers in a changing world. Listeners appreciate Mighty Parenting’s holistic approach to physical, emotional, and mental health at this age.
Their Own Devices: 5/5 stars on Apple Podcasts
Any parent feeling utterly out of their depth with the tech at their teen’s fingertips should start here. A former White House tech adviser and an adolescent medical doctor team up to demystify social media, cyberbullying, video game culture, and more.
Episodes like “Ready Player One: Learning Fortnite” and “There’s No Delete Button on the Internet” give easy to understand advice for parents navigating technology.
Best podcasts for food and nutrition
The Nourished Child: 4.7/5 stars on Apple Podcasts
Jill Castle, pediatric nutritionist, dietician, and mom, created The Nourished Child to help parents raise healthy kids. She provides insight on nutrition at every stage of life, from building healthy habits early on to keeping them in college, plus how parents can stay healthy themselves.
As one listener notes, “This podcast has changed how we eat, how I think about cooking and mealtimes, as well as changed some major aspects of my parenting.”
Didn’t I Just Feed You?!: 4.9/5 stars on Apple Podcasts
This candid podcast tackles topics like cooking for picky eaters and meal planning on a tight schedule/budget. Hosts Stacie Bills and Meghan Splawn whip up a healthy mix of guests including celebrity chefs and regular parents (who are the real experts, according to Stacie and Meghan).
Best podcasts for health, wellness, and self care
Get Your Glow Back : 4.7/5 stars on Apple Podcasts
This podcast acknowledges that sometimes, parenting can seem to eclipse other aspects of life. Get Your Glow Back focuses on helping women make time for themselves and build a healthy life balance. Some episodes deal with parenting, and some don’t, and listeners love that.
Dr. Mom: 4.9/5 stars on Apple Podcasts
Stephanie Greunke, Whole30’s registered dietitian, and Dr. Elana Roumell, a naturopathic doctor, podcast weekly about ways to keep kids and moms healthy.
From pregnancy to pediatrics, Dr. Mom provides a myriad of practical action steps and approachable advice—“I found this podcast when I was pregnant with my first child and have been following since then! I learned so much not just about questions I had during pregnancy but also eye opening topics for parenting and keeping a healthy lifestyle.”
The Shameless Mom Academy: 4.7/5 stars on Apple Podcasts
Host Sarah Dean brings 16 years of parenting and health & wellness coaching and to the table in The Shameless Mom Academy. Her goal is to encourage confidence and self-care through reflection and mindfulness. Listeners love Sarah for her frank approach to managing the mental and emotional workload of parenting.
Best podcasts for work-life balance
The Boss Mom: 4.6/5 stars on Apple Podcasts
Listeners have described The Boss Mom as “Pure Motivation. Amazing. Relatable,” and for good reason. The Boss Mom defines the working world in terms that are easy to relate to and relevant to 2020. This podcast features real stories and useful tips and tricks to balance building a business with family life.
Word of Mom Radio: 4.9/5 stars on Apple Podcasts
Prepare to hear the word “mompreneur” a lot in this inspirational, empowering podcast! World of Mom hosts real women in various business fields to share their success stories and the challenges they face every day.
Best humor podcasts, because moms need to laugh too!
Baby Steps: 4.9/5 stars on Apple Podcasts
This hilarious podcast shatters the facade of Instagram-perfect family life. After achieving viral success on YouTube, Ned and Ariel Fulmer tell it like it is and keep their audience laughing. They reassure listeners that it’s ok to not take parenting too seriously alongside fun, irreverent, and true storytelling.
(Barely) Surviving Motherhood: 4.8/5 stars on Apple Podcasts
This podcast gains its popularity through real talk, funny anecdotes, and an overall “breath of fresh air” take on parenting today. Each episode, hosts Cris and Rachel review new products in their engaging “Worth It” series, chat with experts, and discuss hot-button issues on everyone’s minds nowadays.
