Happy Friday! Can you believe how far into the year we are?!? Like WOW. One of the the goals I set for myself this year was to explore and listen to more podcasts. So I wanted to share my Top 5.
SOME BACKGROUND
I was VERY late to the podcast scene. Like just started listening to them in November. For some reason the idea of podcasts seemed weird to me… I didn’t understand when people listened to them, why didn’t they just find a show to watch or read a book, what was the big hype about them all?? So many questions and when I am overwhelmed I shy away from things #workingonthat. So it took me a long long time to start exploring podcasts and figure out which ones I liked. As of today I have found dozens I love but there are certainly a hand full that I listen to daily/weekly.
Also, there are so many genera of podcasts. So, if you are new on the podcast train don’t be intimated. Start by exploring different categories that grab your attention.
One more thing… I can not listen/watch/read anything that is crime or suspense related. I get scared. Seriously scared. With Brendan traveling and being alone it is hard for me to go to sleep as I lay there thinking about all the things that could happen under the darkness of night. So… most of the ones I have fallen in love with are political #liberal, or thought provoking, inspiring or just plain interesting. In no particular order….
TOP 5 PODCASTS
The Daily Podcast 
: this one is written and produced by the New York Times. So it is pretty liberal (know what you are getting into). I love this one as it is a quick 20-30 min daily dose of hot political issues. They cover everything trending in the political scene. Each episode takes a current event and breaks it down… and often times provides a historical context for each issue. I use this as one of my daily news sources and typically listen on my drive home from dropping Declan off.
Malcolm Gladwell: 
Revisionist History: If this name rings a bell it is because he has written 5 New York Times Best Sellers books and is well known and respected in the social sciences world. This is probably my favorite podcast as it makes me think… about my life, about those who have paved the way before me and how I want to view things in the future. It takes a different approach and deeper look into people, historical events and/or an idea and begs the question as to what else have we forgotten or overlooked. It is only a two season podcast and each episode is about 45 mins so I tend to listen while I am taking the dog for a walk!
How I Built This with Guy Raz: 
An NPR classic. I love this podcast as it inspires me. As someone who is trying to build a brand and livelihood this podcast reminds me that the road is not easy but dreams are attainable. And what is better than that! The host, Guy Raz, has interviewed everyone from Kate Spade to Arthur Blank (co-founder of Home Depot and owner of Atlanta Falcons) to Jenn Hyman (found of Rent the Runway) to Alexis Ohanian & Steve Hoffman (co-founders of Reddit). Each episode I listen to pushes me to remember goal and work hard.
Ear Hustle: 
this is my favorite podcast. By far. For those who may not know I am OBSESSED with gangs. All things gangs; gang mentality, gang culture, prison gangs. And this podcast is written, produced and recorded from San Quentin State Prison. One of the two hosts is an actual inmate incarcerated and serving time for attempted second degree robbery. They interview inmates, they talk about life behind bars and there is discussions about gangs. So naturally I love this one. But you don’t need to be a gang lover to enjoy this. It gives you a glimpse into prison life and lets you in on some of the secrets.
Dissect- A Serialized Music Podcast: 
because I have no musical talent and am envious of those who do. This podcast takes Kanye West’s album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, and dissects each song. The host goes into detail about what inspired each song, how the song was composed and complied and the impact it has on modern day music. I have learned a ton about how music, rap music specifically, is created and produced. There are two seasons and I have only gotten through the first. I listen to this one on walks with Rubble.
There are so many other that I love like This American Life and Pod Save America. I have really embraced this notion of listening instead of watching and I am finding I absolutely love it. Next up is to explore some more motivational and devotional style podcasts. If you have any suggestions leave them in the comments below!!! Happy listening!
With Love,
