Sometime in late 2015 I became a lady obsessed with podcasts. I listen to them while I workout, while I edit, and sometimes while my husband is working nights, when I attempt to fall asleep but can’t stop listening to every creak and drip in the house. I started out listening to anything and everything, but over the past year have really started to narrow down to my favourites that I listen to religiously. It’s a pretty eclectic mix of business stuff, photography and some more lighthearted general stuff, but I thought I’d share in case you’re looking for some new ones to add to your repertoire. Or maybe you’ve never listened to podcasts before and aren’t sure where to start – hopefully this will give you a launching off point.

Today’s journal entry will be part 1: general interest. These are my favourite non-business podcasts, with my favourite photography/business podcasts coming up next week.

Stuff Mom Never Told You

I don’t know how these girls keep up with it all, but they seem to discuss every topic under the sun. It’s a bit opinion and a bit research based and always leaves me thinking about things that I probably wouldn’t have thought of otherwise, like sexist emojis and how Oprah wasn’t built in a day. Really stuff Mom never told you, right?

I don’t catch every episode as they release a couple a week, but generally pick up every second or third one.

Favourite episode: the feminization of yogurt was fascinating and made me rethink those commercials about how delicious banana cream pie yogurt is. (And for the record I am a firm believer that healthy and dessert should just be kept separate for everyone’s sanity!).

 

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Magic Lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert
I know the book Big Magic received a lot of hype, but it was for good reason – because it was fricking good! If you’re a creative person who is trying to find time or a place for your art, I know it’ll speak to you. Even if you aren’t, I’m betting you’d enjoy it. The podcast is an extension of the book, with Elizabeth Gilbert interviewing creatives who are stuck in some way, shape or form, and then helping them with her own advice and that of experts. Experts such as Cheryl Strayed (of WILD fame) and Brene Brown (who’s talk about why critics aren’t the ones who count is one of my all time faves) make each episode feel very unique and with its own perspective on things. I didn’t enjoy season 2 as much as season 1, but all are still worth the listen.

Favourite episodes: Pursue your passions like a MOFO with Cheryl Strayed. There was so much about working and motherhood that spoke to me – how to balance (or not balance!) both while staying sane.

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Young House Love Has a Podcast

I was a regular reader of the YHL blog, so when I found out they had a podcast I was maybe a little more excited than I probably should have been. Somehow John & Sherry have managed to make interior design and home DIY work over the air waves. And the best part is that they are as funny talking as they are writing! If you have even a small interest in DIY and/or home renovation then I’m betting you’d be into this podcast. Given that we seem to be in constant reno rotation at our house, I like listening in each week to try and gleam any small nuggets of wisdom.

Favourite episodes: the yellow jacket story in this episode had me laughing out loud while running around the track at the gym, and the episode about what they learnt from quitting blogging was full of things to think about.

 

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Death, Sex & Money

When I’m done listening to an episode of Death, Sex & Money I’m usually left contemplating topics I don’t think of regularly, which is sometimes exactly what I need to shift mindsets. It’s a show about the things that make people uncomfortable – death, sex and money. The things you shouldn’t bring up at a dinner party or with someone you just met. The topics are really varied and I  enjoy how they often follow up with past guests to see where they are now (because I do NOT like cliffhangers).

Favourite episode: An Astronaut’s Husband Left Behind  – an interview with Dr. Johnathon Clark who lost his wife on the Columbia shuttle explosion. It’s a love story and tragedy, intermixed with thoughts on parenting through grief.

 

Are any of these your favourites too? Any you love that you’d like to share with me? I’m always up for listening to something new while editing. Leave a comment and let me know!

Want some recommendations for business & photography podcasts too? Check them out here.

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