Hype
PODCASTS HAVE found their way into the rhythm of students’ lives.
From hours of commuting to late-night study sessions that turn into deep thinking hours, it has become normal to keep a podcast episode playing in the background.
With the rise of Filipino podcasts, driven by accessible platforms and relatable hosts, these audio programs have become an open space for conversations on relationships, personal growth, and everyday struggles that feel more sympathetic and human.
As this safe space continues to grow, so does the diversity of voices and viewpoints it offers. No matter what type of student you are—whether you’re the curious ones asking tons of questions, the barkada-first friend always excited for group hangouts, or the older friend everyone runs to for help and guidance—there’s a Filipino podcast that matches your vibe.
Ready to play your next favorite podcast? Let’s cue the list!
The Barkada-First Student: Chicks 2 Go
For some, college is all about grades and class standings. However, for those who live to make memories with their friends, Chicks 2 Go feels like the perfect match.
The name already signals the show’s witty, chaotic, and humorous energy. To no surprise, the podcast encapsulates the easy, laughter-filled conversations about life, relationships, and the in-betweens that friends have when they’re together.
Hosted by female comedians Hershey Neri and Ashley Rivera, the podcast doesn’t feel too scripted and produced, exuding a familiar vibe like sitting at the table with your own barkada. If you’re a student whose life in college mainly revolves around group chats, side quests, and inside jokes that you and your friends only understand, Chicks 2 Go is the perfect companion.
The Ate/Kuya Everyone Runs To: Paano Ba ‘To: The Podcast
Every class has that one person everyone runs to for advice—whether it’s for group tasks, campus life, or personal problems. They seem to have everything together, but sometimes… they don’t always know the answers.
Paano Ba ‘To: The Podcast, hosted by Bianca Gonzalez, can be their go-to audio guide. By answering “Paano Ba…” questions with celebrity and professional guests, the podcast highlights conversations about relationships, career paths, and personal growth. It doesn’t spoonfeed all the answers, but it provides insight and reassurance—a perfect match for the student who always gives advice but rarely has anyone to ask.
In between balancing deadlines, org work, and expectations of “having it all figured out,” even the most reliable students need a space to just pause and reflect. The host reminds listeners that it’s fine not to have all the answers immediately, and that figuring things out is part of the process, even for the ones everyone else looks up to.
The Curious-but-Sheltered Student: The Sexytime Podcast
College has an interesting way of transforming the most innocent students into the most curious detectives.
For most, topics about romance, intimacy, and sexuality still come with a hint of awkwardness—usually half-whispered between friends or privately Googled at 2:00 AM. The Sexytime Podcast fearlessly pushes that inhibition out the window, prompting discourse about these topics in a way that’s hilarious, judgment-free, and for some, brutally honest.
Hosted by sisters Belle and Ava Daza, the show tackles dating tips, sexual health, and almost anything students are too scared or shy to ask. For the curious but sheltered student, listening to these discussions feels like overhearing the most open, candid conversation your BFFs have ever had. But this time, someone else is courageous enough to ask the questions first.
The Chronically Online Student: Dogshow Divas
What often brings people together is a shared language—not the kind that relies on proper syntax or sophistication, but rooted in absurdity and shared experiences.
This is the heart of Macoy Dubs and Baus Rufo’s Dogshow Divas, which feels like a large “if you get it, you get it” experience. True to their brand of skits and humor, the podcast deviates from the structured format listeners usually expect. The hosts make use of their improv skills to tackle topics that flow from each other in unexpected and comical directions.
More than the comedy, though, Dogshow Divas connects with its audience through lighthearted discussions of common everyday experiences, current events, and online trends, speaking a language that only makes sense for those with an equally absurd amount of screen time. This comedic duo, along with their different guests, teaches us to find a way to laugh about life—regardless of random and stressful events one may experience.
The Friend Group Therapist: The Bare It All Podcast
Just like the Ate or Kuya figure in every friend group, there’s also the therapist who understands even more deeply, ready to listen without judgment and even offer attempts at psychoanalysis.
Deeper than that, though, this friend understands the value of mental health and is willing to help others navigate their struggles through some thoughtful advice. The Bare It All Podcast, hosted by Dani Baretto-Panlilio, has been an avenue for its followers to find empowerment and hope with conversations that tackle mental health and coping with life’s struggles.
Just like that one friend who seems to make life somehow lighter through understanding and comfort, this podcast tells its listeners that they are heard, that there are other people out there who are carrying similar burdens, and that there is always a way out of the dark.
The Girl’s Girl Student: The Wonderful Beautiful Podcast
In a time when women remain subjected to unfair standards and gender inequality, it’s important to join forces, empower one another, and stand for the right to be heard.
In The Wonderful Beautiful Podcast, audiences can tune in to host Angel Veridiano as she tackles the struggles women deal with daily—from the most mundane to the most significant. It’s like listening to a fellow female friend, learning her stories, and gaining insight you can use in surpassing similar challenges.
This podcast is for the girl friend who stands by her girls and empowers them, be it in the fight against their own insecurities or the unrealistic expectations society imposes on them.
The “I’ll do it later” Crammer: Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast
Sometimes, we just want to drop what we’re doing and spend quality time doing anything but work. Still, even in those rare moments of downtime, we seek a semblance of productivity and opportunities to learn.
For the crammer in all of us, Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast hosted by Antoinette Jadaone and JP Habac is that much needed solace. In it, the two esteemed filmmakers give the audience a peek at their conversations, covering topics such as pop culture, the creative industry, love, and life.
Even with some episodes featuring screen icons such as Jodi Sta. Maria and Hilda Koronel, the relaxed atmosphere coupled with casual topics brings a certain energy that breaks down our perceptions of these stars and gives us key insights into their work and lives.
With a lively crowd of live viewers and the co-hosts’ witty banter, Ang Walang Kwentang Podcast believes it’s alright to put off work (responsibly!) and let our hair down. Despite the constant fear of deadlines and deliverables, we still deserve time to just be ourselves and have fun with our friends.
The Hopeless Romantic Student: Lecheng Pag-ibig To!
Experiencing casual dates, fleeting flings, hookup culture, and even the dreaded situationship, a college student’s love life is complicated, and sometimes, downright messy!
In this hectic time of feelings and connections, one podcast any hopeless romantic undergraduate can turn to is Lecheng Pag-Ibig To!, hosted by Sam YG and DJ Chacha. Brutally honest, mature, yet utterly amusing, the podcast aims to help listeners navigate the stormy seas of relationships. Besides the topic of love, the pair also discusses relevant issues, such as politics, Filipino culture, and the economy, with the quick wit of two adults who’ve seen it all.
Whether you’re dealing with a breakup, going through unsaid feelings, or just want real-talk handed straight to you, Lecheng Pag-Ibig To! is one podcast you do not want to skip.
The Late-Night Dorm Overthinker: yani’s room
Those late-night tambays at your friend’s place are precious moments in the lives of many college students. These hangouts are times to talk, get work done, overthink, or just be in the presence of good company. One such podcast that gives off that personable yet chill vibe is yani’s room.
Hosted by internet personality Yani Villarosa (or yanihatesu), the podcast explores a wide variety of topics ranging from pop culture to relatable Gen Z moments, and even the intimate musings of the host. Even when the episode features a guest, such as actor Elijah Canlas or content creator AC Soriano, the cushy vibes still dominate, turning what could be a rigid interview into something like friends just hanging out.
A true “bedroom” podcast, each episode feels more like chika sessions rather than the more polished studio sessions that dominate the industry, perfect for the night owls that need something earnest and comfy to relax to.
Comfort in shared struggles
Having hosts who speak the same language, share similar experiences, and discuss topics that relate to young listeners, these podcasts now feel less formal but rather a kind of conversation students share with their friends.
In the middle of all the heavy workload and even heavier struggles, college students find comfort not only within their circles but also from Filipino podcasts that seem to understand whatever role they play. With these podcasts, conversations aren’t simply words exchanged—they provide reassurance that there’s always someone out there figuring out the same things, going through the same journey.
