I’ll admit, I joined the podcast party a little late. But now that I’m at the party….I’m all in! I listen to podcasts on long runs, on car rides….really any time I can squeeze one in. I find myself bringing up topics from the podcasts in many conversations with friends and colleagues. I’ve asked many people for their favorites to listen to, and I’ve compiled those recommendations to share with you here. Happy listening!
For each podcast, I included the published podcast information in quotation marks, and then any personal recommendations my friends and I have about the podcast.
Humor:
Everything is Alive: “Everything is Alive is an unscripted interview show in which all the subjects are inanimate objects. In each episode, a different thing tells us its life story–and everything it says is true.” My friend Bethany wrote, “A good escape if you just need to laugh. ”
2 Dope Queens: “Phoebe Robinson and Jessica Williams are funny. They’re black. They’re BFFs. And they host a live comedy show in Brooklyn. Join the 2 Dope Queens, along with their favorite comedians, for stories about sex, romance, race, hair journeys, living in New York, and Billy Joel. Plus a whole bunch of other s**t.”
Health:
Fit & Chips Chats: “A weekly show that delves deep and dirty into topics that directly impact women over 40, from peri to post-menopause. Amanda Thebe is a force of nature for women who are experiencing menopause hell and want to start feeling healthy + fit in their 40s and beyond. Through her very frank articles, podcast and hilarious social media presence, she’s here to help you with informative advice, while making you laugh like a 20-year-old throughout.”
General:
Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: “A fairy tale podcast about the extraordinary women who inspire us. The show is based on Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, the global best-selling book series inspiring millions of girls and women around the world to dream bigger, aim higher, and fight harder.” While the target audience is tweens, my Mom and I couldn’t stop listening to these amazing stories on our last drive together!
Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations: “Awaken, discover and connect to the deeper meaning of the world around you with SuperSoul. Hear Oprah’s personal selection of her interviews with thought-leaders, best-selling authors, spiritual luminaries, as well as health and wellness experts. All designed to light you up, guide you through life’s big questions and help bring you one step closer to your best self.” Every episode of this podcast has left me with at least one moment that inspires bouts of introspection.
Dear Sugar Radio: “The cult-favorite advice column is back, this time speaking straight into your ears. The Sugars, Cheryl Strayed and Steve Almond, take on all your questions — no matter how deep or dark — and offer radical empathy in return. ”
Stuff You Should Know: “If you’ve ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.”
Skimm This: “In today’s world, context provides clarity. Skimm This breaks down the most important stories of the day and explains why they matter…all in 10 minutes.” If you’re a fan of The Skimm, this short podcast could be perfect for you!
Lifestyle:
What Should I Read Next? with Anne Bogel: “What Should I Read Next? is the show for every reader who has ever finished a book and faced the problem of not knowing what to read next. Each week, Anne Bogel, of the blog Modern Mrs. Darcy, interviews a reader about the books they love, the books they hate, and the books they’re reading now. Then, she makes recommendations about what to read next.”
The Lazy Genius Collective: “Being a person is hard, and The Lazy Genius Podcast is here to help you be a genius about the things that matter and lazy about the things that don’t. From laundry to cooking chicken to making new friends, Kendra is here to welcome you into an easier way.”
A Slob Comes Clean: “Reality-Based Cleaning and Organizing” My friend Janelle recommends this one, and she shared, “I love her methods because they are perfect for moms (especially with little ones who are frequently interrupted). If you have to walk away mid-closet cleaning, you don’t come back to a huge mess you were trying to organize. She also has really practical tips for daily maintenance and what to do when in crisis and functioning at a minimum. Episode 70 on “Less” is a good one.”
Parenting:
The Longest Shortest Time: “The parenting show for everyone. Stories about the surprises and absurdities of raising other humans—and being raised by them. The Longest Shortest Time is an award-winning podcast about parenthood in all of its forms. But you don’t need to be a parent to listen.”
Self Improvement:
Terrible, Thanks for Asking: “You know how every day someone asks “how are you?” And even if you’re totally dying inside, you just say “fine,” so everyone can go about their day? This show is the opposite of that. Hosted by author (It’s Okay to Laugh (Crying Is Cool Too)) and notable widow (her words) Nora McInerny, this is a funny/sad/uncomfortable podcast about talking honestly about our pain, our awkwardness, and our humanness, which is not an actual word.” My friend Bethany wrote, “Terrible, Thanks for Asking – by local Minneapolis woman Nora McInerny, talks honestly about pain and things that make us all human – with a touch of humor, too!”
Rise by Rachel Hollis: “Tangible and tactical tools for your life and business. Hosted by New York Times Best-Selling Author Rachel Hollis, RISE is a series of bold conversations with fellow business powerhouses and personal development leaders that provides the listener with real-life valuable takeaways.”
If you have any podcasts you love, please share them in the comments below!
