Ohhhhhh man. Is it really only early February? I’m already so busy with work, my hobbies, my social life, and my projects. I feel my most anxious or stressed when I have ideas and task reminders flitting around my mind like fireflies.
I’ve recently picked up a new hobby: listening to podcasts. It helps me to slow down, make notes, chill out, or get my mind off of my current worries.
This has really helped me and I thought I’d share the podcasts I’ve started listening to. I’ve got different categories in mind in case you’re looking for a specific type of podcast.
Remember, you can download apps on your phone and you can subscribe to as many podcasts as you like—for free! You can subscribe via iTunes or through the app and the rest is easy.
Check out these great podcasts, and be sure to share your personal favorites in the comments or on Facebook!
Feel-Good Podcasts on Life & Creativity
There are a lot of crazy things going on that can make us feel like we’re off-track, stressed, or anxious. We just set our resolutions for the new year, America just got a new president, and everything from all aspects of our lives can shake us.
Problems or negative feelings one one problem can bleed into the other—so sometimes you need a hobby that can clear your mind so you can tackle the icky and tricky stuff. Here are some podcasts that help lift the brain fog:
Around the Table: This popular podcast features best friend conversations between Jacey Verdicchio and Maggie McDaris. They talk about every life principle under the sun—from having good taste to quitting perfectionism. They share their life experiences to help you make sense of yours.
The Prodigal Sisters: I became friends with Brett through blogging and social media, so this is pretty biased—but this podcast is simply delightful. It’s aimed to help millennial women through life’s “STUFF” with an extra hint of religion (Christianity/Presbyterian) included. Brett W. Tubbs and Sarah J. Kehr are cheerful and thought-provoking, so you can find episodes to help you feel some positive vibes during your commute.
Awesome with Alison: Alison Faulkner is a self-made business woman. She’s also locally known for throwing wild dance parties. So, if you’re looking for life and business insights from a mom that likes to work hard and play hard, you’ll love this podcast. Her husband, who runs his own music studio, is the co-host and offers some of his advice, too.
Podcasts for Writers
I’m sure there are a lot of great podcasts out there by writers for writers, but here are my top two favorites.
I Don’t Even Own a Television: If you really want to feel good about your writing, definitely give this podcast a try. Each episode takes apart notably bad novels. Basically, you never want your novel featured on this podcast.
If you’re looking for ways to improve your writing and rise above the criticism, this podcast is a fun, indirect way to do so. It’s also just a fun podcast about commiserating about bad books and what makes them truly awful.
Writing Excuses: The episodes are meant to be short so you spend more time actually writing than listening to authors talk about writing. This podcast is run by Brandon Sanderson, Mary Robinette Kowal, Mary Anne Mohanraj, Howard Taylor, Dan Wells, and Wesley Chu. If you admire their writing, or want pro tips from writers who have “made it,” then subscribe to this podcast.
Podcasts for Understanding Politics
Before, during, and after the election, I had so many thoughts swirl around in my mind. Politics will be a point of contention, but this past election left many people angry and frustrated.
It’s so hard to tell what is right, what is wrong, and who’s got the whole story. To get the whole picture, and look towards the future with optimism, give these podcasts a try:
Stuff You Missed in History Class: This podcast is already ideal for anyone doing research for nonfiction or historical fiction novels, but has interesting historical insights for everyone else, too. The hosts, Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Frey, create episodes that are fascinating and off the beaten path.
NPR Politics: This weekly podcast is great for budding activists or anyone interested in catching up with current politics. These episodes can help parse through what is hyperbolic and what is standard for politics with a central leaning. I’d recommend relying on Facebook less and giving this podcast a listen for political insight.
Can He Do That?: This podcast, created through Washington Post, discuses President Trump’s actions and whether or not they’re appropriate or presidential. This podcast, much like NPR Politics, relies on professional insight to show what is legal and what is debatable.
So here are my recommendations. If you want to see all the recommendations so far, here’s all the previous posts:
But, since I’m so new to podcasts, I would love to hear your suggestions. What do you listen to, and what topics do you gravitate to? Please share below or via social media!