Eating More Calories and Protein is a Game-Changer

I've been struggling with my weight for decades and just got back into working out. Normally try to eat 1500-1800 calories a day but apparently that's where I've been going wrong.

Recently I've been following a bunch of bodybuilder podcasts. They are always saying stuff like "to make gains at the gym, you have to eat more calories and protein to fuel your workouts and muscle growth." It's all male-focused channels, but since I've started following that type of meal plan (by eating more) I've had so much more success. It's honestly been a complete game changer. I never would have imagined that I could eat 2500-3000 calories for weight maintenance. It's like some weird alternate universe.

Any recommendations on women strength training or bodybuilding podcasts or Youtube channels would be greatly appreciated.