I listen to at least one podcast every day, and I’ve been doing so for the past 6 years. In that time, the popularity of podcasts exploded. There is a podcast for any topic you might enjoy. I’ve followed along with some of the pop culture podcast phenomenons like Serial and S-Town, but here are a few I’m currently listening to on a semi-regular basis. If you don’t listen to any podcasts, just go to the podcast app on your phone or download Overcast from the app store and search for a podcast or genre and add them to your queue!
The World and Everything In It – This is my daily news listen. I’ll put it on while I’m in the shower or getting ready, and in about 30 minutes I feel like I’m caught up on current events – and then some. World has some special features like “the Monday legal docket” which updates you on important Supreme Court cases and “Whitehouse Wednesday” to discuss relevant happenings with the Presidency. My favorite though, is “Culture Friday” where John Stonestreet discusses issues of faith and culture. **This podcast, along with World Magazine, is the news from a Biblical worldview. If that’s your jam, give it a try.
The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey – This really is like listening in on a happy hour convo between a couple of friends. Jamie’s hosted a number of women – some popular figures and some not as well-known, and it’s always entertaining. I have two comments – First, if you listen to enough of these, they do start to sound the same, and I think that’s due to my second complaint – Jamie doesn’t really ask her guests any tough questions. It’s more of a ra-ra, cheerleading time for her guest. So I don’t listen to every episode anymore, but if I’m looking to kill an hour or it’s someone I want to hear, I’ll give it a listen. A few favorite episodes – #177 Kat Harris, #52 Kirsten Dickerson, #112 Tara Leigh Cobble
The Next Right Thing – This is my current favorite. I’ve always been a fan of Emily’s writing, both on her blog and her books – I recommend “A Million Little Ways
Off Camera with Sam Jones – Sam Jones interviews his subjects (artists from TV, film and music) with knowledge, candor and enthusiasm, and it’s pure fun to experience along with him. My husband and I listen to Sam’s interviews when we’re traveling together, because we both enjoy them. I wouldn’t listen to these with kids around, as there are expletives in just about every episode. A few of our favorites – Nick Offerman, Ron Howard, Mindy Kaling, and Connie Briton.
What Should I Read Next – I’ve followed Anne’s blog “Modern Mrs. Darcy,” for years. Her summer reading guide gives me so many wonderful recommendations for year round pleasure reading. On her podcast, Anne talks with a reader about three books they love and a book they hate, and then makes three suggestions for books they should read next. It’s entertaining as well as educational. I’ve learned about many books through this podcast, plus I always love hearing other people talk books. Her most recent episode #125 “Gateway books to hook a Netflix addict” is for you if you don’t consider yourself a reader at all!! Check it out!
Another reading podcast. Are you surprised? I grew up in a read-aloud home, and I’ve been reading aloud to my kids since they were babies. I started out using Honey for a Child’s Heart
for suggestions and tips on what to read aloud at what age. The read aloud revival podcast is one of those where I don’t listen to every episode, but I’ll pick ones that sound interesting or apply to my kids current ages. Sarah Mackenzie offers practical tips for making reading aloud to your kids a regular part of their lives in her podcast, blog and new book
.
