For five years, Spotify’s EQUAL program has helped amplify and celebrate women artists around the world. Since launching in 2021, EQUAL has supported more than 1,400 women artists across more than 40 markets through editorial programming, marketing campaigns, and cultural moments designed to help them reach new audiences.
Now, EQUAL is entering a new chapter. Building on its existing ambassador model for artists, the program is introducing dedicated ambassador roles for podcast creators and authors. The expansion kicks off with Morgan Absher, host of Two Hot Takes, and Grace Reilly, the romance author behind the popular Beyond the Play series and most recently, Yes, Chef.
As ambassadors, both will be featured across Spotify, including in the refreshed EQUAL hub in the U.S., where they’re highlighting the women-led podcasts and women-authored audiobooks they’re loving right now. Later this month, they’ll also take over Times Square in a pair of marquee EQUAL billboards.
To celebrate the launch, For the Record caught up with Morgan and Grace to talk favorite listens, hot takes, and happily-ever-afters. Get to know them below.
Morgan Absher brings the takes
Morgan embodies what EQUAL is all about: creators who build audiences through authenticity, community, and creative independence. On Two Hot Takes, she’s built a devoted following around the internet’s messiest relationship dilemmas, biggest debates, and, naturally, hottest takes.
Morgan Absher
Hometown: Duluth, MN.
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.
On my 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!
What being Spotify’s first EQUAL podcast ambassador means to me: 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. 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.
Advice to my 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.
Grace Reilly is serving romance
Grace represents the emerging women authors EQUAL is committed to supporting. Her stories are full of big feelings and happy endings—and her next audio-first novella, Have Your Cake, arrives September 22 from SAB, Spotify Audiobooks’ in-house production arm and creative partner.
Grace Reilly
Hometown: Northport, NY.
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.
What being Spotify’s first EQUAL author ambassador means to me: 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.
Advice to my younger self: Be patient and keep going. You can’t influence the outcome, but you can control the process.
Explore the EQUAL hub on Spotify to find music, podcasts, and audiobooks from women creators.
Recent Comments