I'm a rather new podcast listener. Since I have worked from home for the better part of ten years, my commute has been minimal as has my workout routine.
But about eighteen months ago, I hired a health coach. Being accountable each week to her in terms of how much I moved my body each day turned into me being accountable to myself and prioritizing the importance of starting each day on my terms.
These days, five to six days a week, I take our miniature schnauzer, Murphy for about a 30-minute (usually 3,500 steps) walk around our neighborhood. It's become MY time to think, listen, pray, and wake up the day.
I've found several podcasts that are in my weekly rotation and so many more that I have been recommended to by friends and colleagues so this list is sure to grow.
If you too, are somewhat new to podcasts, here are a few listening tips I've tried for myself, which make listening even more enjoyable for me:
I usually listen at 1.25 speed. Depends on the host and guest if the faster speed is helpful, but generally listening at a quicker pace allows me to get most of a full podcast completed in my 30ish minutes allotted.
I listen for highlights. I had to reset my mind to not think I had to listen so intently to be able to write a paper on the episode or verbatim repeat the interview specifics. No one is going to test me on the full content of the podcast so I listen for nuggets that help, make me think, or are a genuine delight.
Related to 1 and 2 above, I allow myself to feel free to skip portions if it's not getting to a conversation that I'm really interested in. The 15-second fast-forward icon in Spotify is my BFF every morning.
Below are my current go-to's with a quick note of why I enjoy them in a regular rotation:
The Mel Robbins Podcast. Why? Because she is Mel Robbins. Get to the point, cut the around, and say it like it is, Mel Robbins. Not all episodes are a home run for me but more times than not, a morning with Mel gets me moving on something I should've started or changed a long time ago.
The Anxious Achiever. A well-done LinkedIn podcast that merges personal challenges with anxiety and panic with how that shows up in the professional world. I find this show to be honest about the challenges and positive on how to use your anxiety professionally.
We Can Do Hard Things. Glennon Doyle and her crew. Nearly every episode has some honest and amazing takeaway and it's a regular text to my cross-country friends if they heard this week's show yet. No topic is off limits and they dive deep with experts and themselves.
For the Love with Jen Hatmaker. I have loved Jen's books for years and her style has me laughing a lot of the time. She runs mini-seasons and focuses on an area of life like family or friendship for a handful of episodes then moves to the next.
Happier with Gretchen Rubin. I love a good personality test and Gretchen Rubin's is right up there. This podcast is usually not more than 30 minutes and her relationship with her cohost and sister is so delightful. They follow a well-established outline of each show so you know what to expect and it moves right along with great tips and information.
UnF*ck Your Brain. This one will not be for everyone but that's ok. She focuses on feminist coaching and how society impacts so much of what we think in life. She is well-researched and straightforward and I learn something with each listen that I definitely would not have come to on my own.
Making Space with Hoda Kotb. A feel-good show with a master interviewer. She tends to have famous guests with hero-type stories but also finds the tender moments and the relatable traits that endear these celebrities to me even more.
Think Fast, Talk Smart. A Stanford Graduate School of Business professor talks with guests and brings in research that gets to the heart of professional communication every day. From email etiquette to 360* reviews, I find this podcast helpful from big issues to small in business communication.
Hidden Brain. A fascinating podcast about human interaction and the science of storytelling. This podcast leaves me thinking and connecting behavior with how we react and direct all types of relationships.
Unlocking Us with Brene Brown. (no longer publishing but so many past episodes still resonate and apply!) Such a classic and so much wisdom and heart in each episode. If you haven't spent time reading or listening to Brene, this is a great place to start.
My podcast player of choice is Spotify but add these to your rotation from anywhere you get your daily fix.
