We all listen to podcasts in different ways. Some people like to listen while working out. Other people rely on a podcast to get through a tough commute. I’m a person who listens to podcasts while I’m out hiking or doing something productive like folding laundry or cleaning up the kitchen. Lately, I’ve been taking notes in my journal while podcasting and have found it to quite relaxing. Maybe part of me just misses note taking at school. #lovespens
I like to tie my podcast listening to an activity because it can become an enjoyable part of a routine.
When I fall off the podcast train, some of my routines suffer!
Or is it the other way around?!?
Since some of you have asked, here are my Current Favorite Podcasts if you’re looking for something to listen to while you:
- work in the kitchen
- fold laundry
- clean up the kitchen
- commute on a train
- are stuck in traffic
- run your ass off on a treadmill
- hike up a mountain
- balance your bank account
- craft it up
- do whatever you do when you listen to podcasts
my podcast requirements:
- not too long
- something that will make me think
- something that will keep my attention
- something that will add value to my life
- humor is not required but thoroughly appreciated!
- can be something I pick up easily after missing a few episodes
The Minimalists
Right now, I am currently spending most of my chore time listening to the Minimalists Podcasts.
One of the mantras I’m working with is:
Work smarter, not harder.
This podcast is starting to remind me of the small things I can do to change my life…mostly mindset changes. I’m starting to put the pieces together on crafting a life that doesn’t involve me wasting time doing unnecessary/limiting maintenance.
Right now I’m new to this podcast, so I’m picking an episode at random. I keep listening because the way Joshua & Ryan simplify complex ideas draws me in. Sometimes their self-promotion annoys me (but also, RESPECT!!!), but I always leave with ideas/concepts to focus on as I declutter my life/house/brain. And while I’m sitting there folding laundry, it makes me evaluate the things we have and how much they end up owning us. Getting rid of stuff that clutters my house and my mind means that I have more time to do things that I couldn’t do before…like easily manage the things I have.
Some of my favorite episodes so far are:
Stress / Impulses / Essential / Noise / Mental Clutter
Invisibilia
One of my favorites! Storytelling + scientific research= Invisibilia.
Lulu Miller, Hanna Rosin and Alix Spiegel explain the invisible forces that control human behavior. THIS IS THE STUFF THAT I LOOOOOOOVE. Science is presented in story form. That’s how my brain can digest it! I listen to this one mostly in the car for some reason. Not sure why, but my brain processes what they say better when I’m in motion. Cooper has even listened/enjoyed a few.
Some of my favorite episodes:
The Secret Emotional Life of Clothes / Our Computers, Ourselves / The Secret History of Thoughts
Radiolab
Radiolab is one of those podcasts where if you don’t choose the RIGHT episode to start with, you might lose out on the whole show. The first episode I listened to was a live show with an audience while I was on a plane once (IT WAS LOUD!) and it was DEFINITELY not my jam. I am grateful that I gave it a second try because it’s one of my faves. I go back and forth between listening to this podcast & Invisibilia because I get the same, WHOA that’s cool! I had noooooo idea— feeling. (that is one of my favorite feelings)
Some of my favorite episodes:
The Fix / Debatable / On the Edge
Art for Your Ear
Danielle of The Jealous Curator started a podcast called Art for Your Ear. She interviews artists on their work/process/creative work lives. I find it totally inspirational and love being introduced to new/cool artwork in the process. It’s a good podcast to listen to while you’re working on something creative.
this episode really spoke to me:
The Jess Lively Show
I mostly listen to The Jess Lively Show because I am in awe of her drive. She was meant to podcast. I can clearly feel it and I love her dedication to the craft. To be honest with you, I haven’t been keeping up-to-date with her podcasts, but she still remains in my reader. She is my go-to when I need encouragement/uplifting advice. Some of her shows are quite empowering and her lineup of guests is pretty choice too!
Elise Gets Crafty
If you also love hearing about other artists’ business owners processes, you’ll love Elise Gets Crafty. There is a thoughtful exchange between Elise and whoever she is interviewing. (She interviewed me once!) She asks such helpful questions about how people do things and why they do them. I really appreciate the honesty both Elise and her guests offer up. If you’re someone who makes things and runs a small business, I definitely recommend.
Uhh Yeah Dude
America through the eyes of two American Americans. This one is a bit of an acquired taste. Seth Romatelli & Jonathan Larroquette (son of John Larroquette!) have been podcasting for YEARS, so their body of work is quite massive. I think I started listening to them when they were on their 200th episode and now they are currently at 557! They go off on tangents and are at times, wildly inappropriate. Every few episodes, I find myself CACKLING. I like to think that Uhh Yeah Dude is like a male version of The Joy the Baker podcast….but without any filters / if we didn’t give AF / if my mom didn’t listen.
Uhh Yeah Dude makes me feel like I’m hanging out with my bros. They’re just dudes…talking…reading headlines and making commentary. Seth gets wound up. Jah is a cool cat, until he’s not. They are a Libra/Leo combination, so I like seeing how they compliment each other. (Cooper is a Libra & I’m a Leo).
They even do live podcasts that are funnier in person. Seatbelts!
***def not for kids. language!***
This American Life
Doesn’t everyone love This American Life? Not all of the episodes resonate with me, but when they do, THEY DO! When I’m on a hike and I need a good brain reset, I get sucked into one of the stories on This American Life.
My all time favorite episode was: Notes on Camp
Story Pirates Radio
Cooper and I listen to Story Pirates Radio when we have a good drive ahead of us. The premise is that a child submits a story, they read the story and then they adapt the story/embellish it and turn it into a performance. I think it’s probably really close to the radio programs my mom & dad grew up on. I like that they interview the readers afterward and talk about their process/motivation behind the story. It gives Cooper and me a lot to talk about since he also loves reading and writing.
Brains On!
Another podcast for our mother/son driving time that we enjoy is Brains On! Again, it gives us something to talk about and it keeps our attention! They’re so creative in the way they deal with each topic. It kind of reminds me of Mythbusters in some weird way.
ALSO:
I also really enjoyed listening to the first season of Serial. I tried to listen to the first two episodes of the second season and I just couldn’t get into it. Did you finish it? Do I NEEEEED to listen to it?
To answer your questions, and I’m sure they’ll come up…..like…
What happened to the Joy the Baker Podcast that you used to record with your maj, Joy the Baker??!!
We have taken an unexpectedly LONG break! What happened? Life events/work/growth happened and the energy we put into producing quality podcasts wasn’t sustainable for our schedules. We stopped for a bit and then we were like….how did we ever do this??! And…. how did we ever do this thing (real talk: for free + shelling out money for site/podcast hosting) when our time is limited and we’re putting everything we can into our family/book/blogs? We really miss the connection we had with our listeners, so we’re dreaming up a way to do it again! If you’re interested in listening to us in the future, thank you for your patience. Hopefully, when we record again, it will be worth the wait.
Soooooooooo- What are you listening to?
I’m sure you’re gonna say, My Favorite Murderer, right? I listened to the first episode and thought—-oh my god, I am going to have a panic attack and never leave my house again. Will that always be the case? Do I want to subject myself to that?
Tell me what has your ear these days.
