Podcasts are taking the place of talk shows and in some cases television altogether. While it's fulfilling and entertaining to listen to podcasts alone, there's nothing like listening with a group of girlfriends.
Thanks to the hot topics and life lessons we can all relate to, it's not rare for a group chat to be on 10 as we recap the latest edition of our favorite podcasts. But they can go from 10 to 100 real quick when you listen to these podcasts together.
Check out 13 dope podcasts for you and your girlfriends.
Wanna Be
Formerly known as "Melanin Millennials", the main host Imrie lives across the pond in London, but we can still relate to what she has to say as she brings her millennial and melanin viewpoint on a variety of subjects. From the beloved Black Twitter from the Brit's perspective to all the struggles millennials are facing; all topped with a dose of shade. She and her guest co-hosts literally talk about everything like dealing with homelessness to being the only African-American in an office. Can you believe they cover all of this in less than 30 minutes? Yeesss.
Call Your Girlfriend
The name alone makes it clear this podcast is one you and your closest girlfriends can get into. The best part is that it caters to friends who don't live in the same city -- something that all too familiar in this wonderful world of adulting. Co-hosted by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman (and produced by Gina Delvac), these ladies don't hold back as they tackle everything from period cycles to dealing with issues in the workplace, all while keeping it entertaining. It's also a bonus that the hosting lineup is pretty diverse, so they provide a variety of viewpoints as they speak on all things women. You can check out new episodes on iTunes every Friday.
Sit With Us
Mean Girl enthusiasts already know the significance of the name of this podcast. But even if you've never seen the movie, it's clear the hosts take a pretty welcoming stance when it comes to celebrating one another as women. It's definitely the type of podcast any group of girlfriends needs to listen to as a unit. It goes without saying that they discuss everyday issues like motherhood and current events, but the main idea of the podcast is to tackle the mean girl mentality of social media and the Internet, which is amazing. Check out the most recent episodes on iTunes!
Hey, Girl
While Alex Elle hosts this podcast solo dolo, she brings in guests for each episode to have empowering conversations on topics we all vent about with our closest friends. And trust, they go deep; which is exactly why you should listen to this one with your girlfriends. From mental health awareness to being vulnerable with those you trust and simply taking care of yourself, "Hey, Girl" isn't afraid to go full strong on heavy and light subjects. Grab your friends and tune in on Sundays.
Black Girls Talking
The "Black Girls Talking" podcast is pretty much a clone of you and your girlfriends' best group chats. When you put four African American women together (hosts Alesia, Fatima, Aurelia, and Ramou) who dish on everything from entertainment and celebrities to finding the perfect body scrub, you get none other than Black Girls Talking. They come from different areas of life and have a lot of unique, hilarious, and crazy perspectives to bring to the table thanks to their life experiences. The format is simple as their motto is, "We are here to talk." And you and your girlfriends should definitely be there to listen and spark conversations with each other. You can check out episodes on the "Black Girls Talking" Soundcloud.
Another Round
First off, did you know Buzzfeed once had a podcast for us Black girls? It. Was. Life. The "Another Round" podcast with Helen and Tracy is another fave for not just me, but one that I love to listen to with my friends. And just because it was once produced and owned by a predominantly mainstream company doesn't mean that these ladies weren't doing it for the culture. They didn't leave anything out in their episodes as they opened up about not just race but other major hot topics like gender. And if you're still a proud awkward black, girl, you'll be happy to know they also dish on bad jokes, mangoes, and squirrels. While the podcast has since gone on hiatus, you can still indulge in previous episodes. Take a look on buzzfeed.com/anotherround.
Food Heaven
Whether you're a diehard foodie or nah, it's safe to say many conversations with girlfriends can turn into a serious discussion about food and our best attempt to swap recipes. The "Food Heaven" podcast is a dope one because the hosts, Wendy and Jess, not only give recipe ideas and whatnot but also offer suggestions on how to live a healthy lifestyle without tossing out delicious food. Raise your hand if you're still trying to achieve this balance as you work on your fitness. Even though a podcast for foodies sounds amazing, these ladies go beyond that and talk about other major topics like going into business with a friend. New episodes come out on Wednesdays!
Switch, Pivot, Or Quit
How many times have you found yourself talking about career aspirations with your girlfriends? And vice versa? No matter what phase we are in life, it's no secret that we and our friends want to take level up. The "Switch, Pivot, or Quit" podcast gives tips of making a major career changes and/or quitting your job altogether. The host, Ahyiana Angel, can definitely speak from experience as she went from being a sports entertainment publicist to working as a published author and hosting a bomb podcast. Ahiyana, who has dubbed herself the Chief Encourager, can have you and your friends feeling right about your career and next steps. Tune in to her latest episodes on iTunes.
The Thick
Calling all girls with curves. The Thick is the podcast that us curvy girls have been needing for quite a while. Hosts plus-size model Tabria Majors and aspiring journalist Mindy J bring the laughs, the fashion and beauty tips, and of course the confidence and love of being thicker than a Snicker with their hilarious podcast. Since this one features two best friends, it only makes sense that you listen with yours. Don't be surprised if Mindy and Tabria become your BFFs in your head. Get in on the conversation and check out new episodes when they're released on Tuesdays.
MMHMM, GIRL
This one had me saying "yaass" before I even listened to it. And it, without a doubt, delivered on all of the expectations I had. The hosts Lola and Babz share their thoughts on pop culture, and of course love, sex, and relationships. They frequently have a glass of wine during their podcast so this one would be a great one for your next pizza and wine girls' night. Check out episodes on Acast and Stitcher. Sidebar: the producer of the podcast also released a new one called, "Amen, Praise God" earlier this year which is already getting quite the buzz around the internet. New episodes of this one premiere on Sundays.
Curls, Culture, Couture
It really doesn't get any better than these three topics that us women love. The hosts share their thoughts on beauty trends, entertainment stories, and fashion tips. The cool thing is they talk about their own experiences with their listeners as their main goal is to not just entertain but motivate, educate, and inspire. Don't be ashamed if you and your girlfriends find yourselves talking back to the show with your own thoughts and perspectives. The only downside is that the schedule is a little sporadic. You can catch up on previous episodes and listen to the new ones when they do air on the "Curls, Culture, Couture" iTunes channel.
The Happy Black Woman
Who doesn't want to be a happy Black woman? This podcast helps you and your friends reach this #goal. Host Rosetta Thurman's purpose is to inspire, motivate, and educate women with actionable item and steps on how to live your best life. While the journey of self-improvement and enhancement is a great one, what is it without sharing monumental moments with your close friends? Rosetta digs in deep with topics that help you and your friends reach your full potential, like tips on how to start a business, decluttering your life, and not settling for second best. Check out episodes on iTunes, Google Play, and Spotify.
Friends Like Us
Picture you and your friends sharing your thoughts on the hilarious and most relevant celebrity news of the day. That's exactly what "Friends Like Us" is. The podcast speaks to every type of friend in any group of girlfriends. While each of the four hosts are different, their one thing in common is that they're all comediennes. They've all had appearances on pretty legit shows like Jimmy Kimmel, Last Comic Standing, and Jay Leno. It's not surprising already have a huge following after grinding for quite a while. But if you and your girlfriends have yet to check them out on Stitcher, go for it!
The Read
Ah, Kid Fury and Crissle are friend goals, OK? They pretty much say everything we're thinking and might be too afraid to say out loud, even when it comes to conversations with girlfriends. Their delivery of news and advice are complete with a bit of shade and tea. They literally come for everyone, except Beyonce and Blue Ivy. This is a great podcast if you and your girlfriends are looking for a bit of comedic relief. Don't get left behind and tune in to new episodes every Thursday on iTunes.
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Kayla Nicole says she wore a dress that was once worn by Braxton herself for the Halloween costume. “It’s not a secret Toni is more on the petite side. I’m obsessed with all 5’2” of her,” she tells xoNecole via email. “But I’m 5’10'' and not missing any meals, honey, so to my surprise, when I got the dress and it actually fit, I knew it was destiny.”
The episode was the perfect way for the multihyphenate to take control of her own narrative. By addressing the viral moment on her own platform, she was able to stir the conversation and keep the focus on her adoration for Braxton, an artist she says she grew up listening to and who still makes her most-played playlist every year. Elsewhere, she likely would’ve received questions about whether or not the costume was a subliminal aimed at her ex-boyfriend and his pop star fiancée. “I think that people will try to project their own narratives, right?” she said, hinting at this in the episode. “But, for me personally – I think it’s very important to say this in this moment – I’m not in the business of tearing other women down. I’m in the business of celebrating them.”
Kayla Nicole is among xoNecole’s It Girl 100 Class of 2025, powered by SheaMoisture, recognized in the Viral Voices category for her work in media and the trends she sets on our timelines, all while prioritizing her own mental and physical health. As she puts it: “Yes, I’m curating conversations on my podcast The Pre-Game, and cultivating community with my wellness brand Tribe Therepē.”
Despite being the frequent topic of conversation online, Kayla Nicole says she’s learning to take advantage of her growing social media platform without becoming consumed by it. “I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out,” she says.
On The Pre-Game, which launched earlier this year, she has positioned herself as listeners “homegirl.” “There’s definitely a delicate dance between being genuine and oversharing, and I’ve had to learn that the hard way. Now I share from a place of reflection, not reaction,” she says. “If it can help someone feel seen or less alone, I’ll talk about it within reason. But I’ve certainly learned to protect parts of my life that I cherish most. I share what serves connection but doesn’t cost me peace.
"I refuse to let the internet consume me. It’s supposed to be a resource and tool for connection, so if it becomes anything beyond that I will log out."
Credit: Malcolm Roberson
Throughout each episode, she sips a cocktail and addresses trending topics (even when they involve herself). It’s a platform the Pepperdine University alumnus has been preparing to have since she graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism, with a concentration in political science.
“I just knew I was going to end up on a local news network at the head anchor table, breaking high speed chases, and tossing it to the weather girl,” she says. Instead, she ended up working as an assistant at TMZ before covering sports as a freelance reporter. (She’s said she didn’t work for ESPN, despite previous reports saying otherwise.) The Pre-Game combines her love for pop culture and sports in a way that once felt inaccessible to her in traditional media.
She’s not just a podcaster, though. When she’s not behind the mic, taking acting classes or making her New York Fashion Week debut, Kayla Nicole is also busy elevating her wellness brand Tribe Therepē, where she shares her workouts and the workout equipment that helps her look chic while staying fit. She says the brand will add apparel to its line up in early 2026.
“Tribe Therepē has evolved into exactly what I have always envisioned. A community of women who care about being fit not just for the aesthetic, but for their mental and emotional well-being too. It’s grounded. It’s feminine. It’s strong,” she says. “And honestly, it's a reflection of where I am in my life right now. I feel so damn good - mentally, emotionally, and physically. And I am grateful to be in a space where I can pour that love and light back into the community that continues to pour into me.”
Tap into the full It Girl 100 Class of 2025 and meet all the women changing game this year and beyond. See the full list here.
Featured image by Malcolm Roberson
Meanwhile, frankincense and myrrh originate from the Middle East and Africa (you know, like the Bible does — some folks need to be reminded of that—eh hem — Trumpers) and ginger? It too helps with indigestion (which can definitely creep up at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner tables); plus, it’s a key ingredient for ginger snaps and gingerbread houses. So, as you can see, holiday-themed scents have a rhyme and reason to them.
Tying this all in together — several years ago, I penned an article for the platform entitled, “Are You Ready To Have Some Very Merry ‘Christmas Sex’?” Well, in the spirit of revisiting some of that content, with a bit of a twist, I decided to broach some traditional holiday scents from the perspective of which ones will do your libido a ton of good from now through New Year’s Eve (check out “Make This Your Best NYE. For Sex. EVER.”).
Are you ready to check some of them out, so that, whether it’s via a candle, a diffuser, some essential oil, or some DIY body cream (check out “How To Incorporate All Five Senses To Have The Best Sex Ever”), you can bring some extra festive ambiance into your own boudoir? Excellent.
1. Vanilla
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When it comes to holiday desserts, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find recipes that don’t include vanilla — and that alone explains why it is considered to be a traditional holiday scent. As far as your libido goes, vanilla is absolutely considered to be an aphrodisiac — partly because its sweet scent is considered to be very sensual. Some studies even reveal that vanillin (the active ingredient in vanilla) is able to increase sexual arousal and improve erectile dysfunction in men. So, if you adore the smell, here is more incentive to use it.
2. Frankincense
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Although, typically, when people think about frankincense (and myrrh), it’s in the context of the gifts that the wise men brought Christ after he was born; it’s a part of the biblical Christmas story. However, frankincense goes much deeper than that. Sexually, since it has an earthy and spicy scent, some people like to use it to meditate (check out “What Exactly Is 'Orgasmic Meditation'?”). Also, since it has the ability to put you in a better mood, soothe and soften your skin and maintain your oral health — with the help of frankincense, every touch and kiss can be that much…sexier.
3. Cinnamon
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I already gave cinnamon a shout-out in the intro. Personally, I’ve been a fan of it, in the sex department, for a long time now (check out “12 ‘Sex Condiments’ That Can Make Coitus Even More...Delicious”). When it’s in oil form, it can be very sweet to the taste while sending a warm sensation throughout the body — which is why the giver and receiver of oral sex can benefit from its usage. Beyond that, cinnamon helps to increase blood flow to your genital region, elevate sexual desire and, some studies say that it can even help improve fertility. Beautiful.
4. Peppermint
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If there’s a signature candy for the holiday season, it’s probably a candy cane — which automatically puts peppermint in the running for being an official holiday scent. Pretty much, in any form, it’s got your sex life’s back because it’s hailed as being a sexual stimulant; in part, because its smell is so invigorating. Plus, it helps to (eh hem) ease headaches, it gives you more energy and it can definitely help to freshen your breath. Also, that minty sensation? The same thing that I said about cinnamon can apply to peppermint too (if you catch my drift).
5. Ginger
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Whether it’s in a meal or in your bedroom, ginger is going to produce results that are hella spicy. On the sex tip, science has praised ginger for being able to increase sexual arousal, improve blood circulation (which intensifies orgasms) and strengthen fertility for many years. Scent-wise, I find it to be one that both men and women enjoy because it is both woodsy and sweet. So, if you’ve got some massage oil in mind, adding some ginger is a way to please you both.
6. Pomegranate
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September through December is the time of year when pomegranates are considered to be in season. And, as someone who is a Rosh Hashanah observer, I have a personal adoration for them because I am aware of the various things that they symbolize in Hebrew culture including the fact that they are a fruit that represents love and fertility. So yeah, they would absolutely be an aphrodisiac — one that is perfect for this time of the year. While consuming it helps to boost testosterone levels in both men and women, the floral bittersweet smell that it produces can help to reduce stress while promoting relaxation (like most floral scents do) — and the more relaxed you are, the easier it is to climax.
7. Nutmeg
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Another signature seasoning during the holiday season is nutmeg. It’s perfect in Thanksgiving sweet potato (or pumpkin) pie and Christmas morning French toast. And yes, it can also make your sex life better. If you consume it, it can intensify your libido and, overall, its warm-meets-spicy-meets-sweet smell is so inviting that it is considered to be a pretty seductive scent.
8. Cloves
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I ain’t got not one lie to tell you — if you’ve got a toothache, put some clove oil on that bad boy and send me a Christmas present for putting you on game. Aside from that, as I round all of this out, cloves are another holiday scent that can do wonders for your sex life. For men, it has the ability to significantly increase sexual arousal and improve stamina and endurance. For men and women alike, it also has a reputation for strengthening sexual desire. And for women solely? Well, if you want an all-natural way to increase natural lubrication down below — the scent and and feel (in DILUTED oil form) can make that happen. It can make the holidays especially special…if you know what I mean.
Ah yes — the atmosphere of the holidays and what it can do.
Take it all in! Scent ‘n whatever stimulating that comes with it! #wink
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