Spotify’s EQUAL program, launched in 2021 to amplify women artists globally, is expanding beyond music to include dedicated ambassador roles for podcast creators and authors. The initiative has supported more than 1,400 women artists across over 40 markets through editorial placements, marketing, and cultural moments.
The first EQUAL ambassadors for podcasting and audiobooks are Morgan Absher, host of the relationship and debate podcast Two Hot Takes, and romance author Grace Reilly, known for the Beyond the Play series and the recent title Yes, Chef. Both will be featured in the refreshed EQUAL hub in the U.S., where they are highlighting women-led podcasts and women-authored audiobooks. Later this month, they will also appear on EQUAL billboards in Times Square.
Podcast Ambassador: Morgan Absher
Absher launched Two Hot Takes independently, building an audience around candid discussions of internet dilemmas and debates. Reflecting on her role, she said: “I am beyond honored. I started my podcast truly from the ground up, with just a little help from my loved ones. No podcasting production company, no platform or notoriety, just a regular girl who was unemployed and couldn’t get a job in healthcare due to a pandemic.”
She added: “Back then, it felt like there were only a handful of women-led podcasts I could look to for guidance. Now, week after week, I see more women-led podcasts on the charts alongside my own, which is huge given how outnumbered we are in the field. I hope my story inspires more people to take the leap and pursue their own creative passions.”
Absher also shared her dream podcast guest, pre-show playlist, and the “ultimate hot take” that still sparks debate among her listeners:
Dream podcast guest, dead or alive: Michelle Obama. She’s the total package and I think she’d have such great, intelligent, balanced advice on everything from relationships to parenting to work.
Pre-show playlist: I’ve been into the girlies that belt it out with a side of orchestra: RAYE and Faouzia are top of the playlist. Then we’ve got Zara Larsson for some good pump-up, get-your-nerves-out music. And last but not least, GIMS. I don’t speak French, but his voice can pull you out of any funk.
Ultimate hot take: Probably the story about the woman who threw wine on her mom at her brother’s wedding. Her mom showed up wearing white, so she took it upon herself to pour some red wine on her to inspire an outfit change. I thought it was a stroke of genius and pretty justified, but some commenters and even my guest thought she went too far. I still stand with my take five years later, though. It also shows you the beauty of the show: everyone can have their own take, and it lends itself to a bigger conversation that betters us all.
Biggest relationship green flag: Someone who doesn’t get defensive when you try to talk about your feelings, something you didn’t like, or other conflicts. We love a good, healthy communicator in this house!
Her advice to her younger self: “Trust yourself and your ability to chase a dream. I talked about starting a podcast for over a year before I finally did. ‘I can’t do it without a co-host. Who’s going to listen? No one cares about these stories.’ Those thoughts plagued me. Now my only regret is not starting Two Hot Takes sooner. Podcasting has such a low barrier to entry; the real barrier is inaction. So find your passion, start small, and don’t lose focus.”
Audiobook Ambassador: Grace Reilly
Reilly’s romance novels are known for their emotional depth and happy endings. Her next audio-first novella, Have Your Cake, will be released on September 22 via SAB, Spotify Audiobooks’ in-house production arm and creative partner.
On being named the first EQUAL author ambassador, Reilly said: “I’m thrilled that Spotify is expanding this incredible program, and to be the first EQUAL ambassador for audiobooks is such an honor! It’s beyond exciting to be part of a program that works to uplift women and push for gender equity in the arts.”
She also shared her dream book-club guest, the one genre she’d read forever, and why weddings are a perfect story engine:
Dream book-club guest, dead or alive: Lisa Kleypas.
If I could read just one genre for the rest of my life: Romance! I love how it encompasses all kinds of love stories. It’s truly so diverse and I believe there’s something out there for everyone.
The audiobook I recommend to everyone: Sky Daddy by Kate Folk. Trust me on this.
Favorite meal from Yes, Chef: Jack’s grilled cheese. It’s simple yet elevated, my favorite type of food.
Favorite Beyond the Play couple: Cooper and Penny, my sweet, passionate nerds.
Why weddings make such a great engine for a story: Weddings are the perfect setting for drama. The guests coming together to celebrate the couple are often from different eras in their lives, and the festivities are full of traditions and once-in-a-lifetime moments. There’s so much potential for big emotions, tension, and conflict: all ingredients for an irresistible story.
Her advice to her younger self: “Be patient and keep going. You can’t influence the outcome, but you can control the process.”
