How many of you listen to podcasts? I’ve been aware of them for a long time, but have only really started listening in the past couple of years. I started with the one most podcast fans started with - Serial. Season one was just so gripping, I immediately fell in love with the medium.
Since then my library has grown and I now have a playlist of wonderfully diverse podcasts to suit any mood. I thought I would share the ones that inspire me particularly, just incase you find them inspiring too.
Health
I like listening to health podcasts in the morning while I’m putting on my make-up and having breakfast. It feels like it sets me up for the day and makes me feel more inclined to make healthier choices throughout the day (well, sometimes).
Zestology - This is my favourite health podcast by far. Hosted by Tony Wrighton, it centres around ‘living life with more energy, vitality and motivation’. Tony interviews experts from various fields, from meditation teachers and yogis to cardiologists and bio hackers (yup, that’s a thing). There’s always something actionable you can take away and I think that’s what I love about it.
WELL / AWARE - I must admit, I’ve only listened to one episode of this and that’s something I fully intend to remedy. Looking at living life more mindfully, the subjects covered are right up my street - meditation, herbal remedies, self-care etc. The episodes are quite long, and I think that’s what daunts me, feels like they’ll take a few listens to finish as I rarely have hours of spare time to just sit and take it in. I’ll swap it in my morning routine and let you know how I get on…
Work
Another genre that is great to listen to in the morning! Gets your head in the game before you step into the office. I’ve started listening to podcasts about blogging too and find them really motivating.
The broad experience - A podcast about ‘women, the workplace and success’, the broad experience is a fascinating listen regardless of gender. From the language women tend to use in emails to how introverts can thrive in an office environment, every episode contains food for thought.
Make it happen - For bloggers and entrepreneurs, Make it happen is my current go-to work podcast. Since I decided to start Blue Jay of Happiness I’ve become somewhat of a blogging nerd, consuming every article on blogging I find, then I found this podcast.
Even though I’ve been blogging for 8 years, I’ve never looked at it as a potential business. And while I don’t intend to make money from this, it could become a stepping stone to something else in the future and being business minded about it makes sense. I find the podcast inspiring and think any blogger/creative should give it a listen.
Women/feminism
I know to some ‘feminism’ is a dirty word, but to me it simply means equality - and who in their right mind doesn’t want that?! I enjoy podcasts that celebrate women, especially when they do it in an intelligent and thought provoking way. For some reason I love listening to these in the bath, maybe it’s something about taking some time for me that goes well with the genre.
Letters to my fanny - OK I kinda hate the name of this one, but I love Cherry Healy, so I’ll forgive her. This is a new favourite, Cherry talks to women about all things, well, women. Being middle-aged, raising girls, feminism… it’s all honest, often hilarious and makes you want to do a little fist-pump.
Women of the hour - Ahhhh Lena Dunham. I know a lot of people don’t like her… but I really do. Talking to truly incredible women about anything and everything, I always come away from listening to Women of the hour with a smile on my face and a little glow of pride, which I think is her aim.
Life
As someone who finds people and the way they think fascinating, podcasts about life, love and people are mind porn. I listen to these before bed for a little escapism and perspective.
Strangers - A long time favourite of mine, Strangers looks at the twists and turns life can take for people you’ve never met. Lea Thau is a genuine host who isn’t afraid to share her personal life to the same extent as the guests on her show. I personally loved the ‘love hurts’ series where Leah explores her own romantic history and asks the difficult question, “why am I single?”.
Modern Love - A popular New York Times column is brought to life by actors and personalities. This is the writers dream podcast - listening to beautifully written true stories about love, life and redemption. Covering all facets of love, I couldn’t recommend it highly enough.
There are lots of others I could list, including some fantastic fiction podcasts, but I’ll save those for another time. I’m always interested to hear what other people listen to, so if you have any recommendations leave a comment below or give me a tweet - @BlueJayBlog.
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