One Big Podcast Roundup

 

I started a new book over the weekend and came across some really powerful words that gave way to a beautiful Sunday evening conversation with Andrew. The chapter I read was called, “Why Am I So Busy?,” which first of all really intrigued me, but what really captured my attention was a subject the author unwrapped beyond the issue busyness, having more to do with the mind and what we choose to fill it with. She said:

 

“When we look at the outside world, we are looking at a small part that interests us. The world we see is not the entire universe but a limited one that the mind cares about. However, to our minds, that small world is the entire universe. Our reality is not the infinitely stretching cosmos but the small part we choose to focus on. Reality exists because our minds exist. Without the mind, there would be no universe. … When your mind is joyful and compassionate, the world is too. When your mind is full of negative thoughts, the world appears negative, too. When you feel overwhelmed and busy, remember that you are not powerless. When your mind rests, the world also rests.”

– Haemin Sunim from The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down

I love the idea that what or mind focuses on, so too becomes our world, and that we as human beings have the power in our grips to choose and change that reality. I suppose one could make a strong argument how the power of personal choice can lead to very dangerous situations, but that’s precisely why it is important to me that I choose well, and focus my energy on filling my mind with things that contribute to a fuller, more compassionate way of living.

Because I spend so much time at home, and because a very large portion of that time is spent with youngin’s, I have no shame in admitting I crave adult stimulation and intellectual conversations practically all day. Outside of playdates and chats with moms on the playground, I have found podcasts to be a thought-provoking source of comfort as I go about my day when the kids are napping or outdoors playing. I don’t listen to podcasts all day, but I do have them on from time to time, and depending on my mood or what I want to fill my mind with, I have a little list that I return to of things podcasts I enjoy. I appreciate the rich inner dialogue that some of the following podcasts encourage, as they’ve lead to many of Andrew and I’s late night conversations after the kids have gone to bed. Instead of giving you a full write up of each podcast, I’ve listed what kind of listener would be drawn to its content. Hope you can find something in here to enjoy!

 

For the Homebodies and the Gardeners…

For the Mamas and the Papas…

  • The Longest Shortest Time | for those who know want to know more about the surprising struggles of parenthood
  • Quiet | for those of us introverted folk who are raising humans
  • Pratfalls of Parenting  | for those who are both creatives and parents
  • Zen Parenting | for those who want to weave self-awareness and empathy as they parenting
  • Unruffled | for those who appreciate a respectful approach when handling parenting issues
  • Little Sprigs | for those who crave insight into being a more mindful parent
  • TED Talks Kids | for those seeking inspiration for their family
  • The Mason Jar | for those who homeschool and want perspective on charlotte mason educational philosophies

For the Ever-Curious…

  • On Being | for those who seek to unearth big meaning and understand ways of the world
  • Creating Your Own Path | for those who are creatives and makers
  • Design Matters | for those who appreciate and are inspired by art and design
  • TED Radio Hour | for those who want to engage with thought-provoking topics
  • Invisibilia | for those who are interested in the deep, innermost corners of the mind

For the Foodies…

  • The Splendid Table | for those who love to eat and appreciate food beyond the recipes
  • Burnt Toast | for those who want to learn more about how food interests with our lives
  • Spilled Milk | for those who want to laugh and who love to cook
  • Radio Cherry Bombe | for those who don’t have a lot of time but love food stories

 

What podcasts are you currently into? They don’t have to be from one of the categories I enjoy because goodness, there are so many wonderful ones out there! I have friends that have really been in to Serial and S-Town. Have you heard of those? Let me hear your top favs!

 

  • Bella - Risen MotherhoodReplyCancel

  • Kazuko - Love this post ❤️I just subscribed to a whole bunch from your list, and I can’t wait to listen them! Thank you! My top 3 currently are: 1. How I Built This / 2. Mystery Show / 3. Modern LoveReplyCancel

  • Katie - Thank you so much for this categorized podcast list! I’ve been on the hunt for a comprehensive list by subject of recommended podcasts! I can’t wait to dig in! This is perfect, happy Tuesday to you 🤗ReplyCancel

  • Anitra Sweet - Loved this! I am going to check a few out. I’m such a book reader that I’ve had trouble getting into podcasts. Also, I think you meant quality over quantity for the simple sophisticate 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Ana Henriques - On that busy note…I had fully intended to begin your book club but realised that it slipped away from me and that it is okay that is something I’ll get to when I get to (does that make sense?). As always, you provide a breathe of fresh air and a many things to ponder. I too am at home and very much crave adult intellectual conversation…to the point where I think I’ve been trying too hard to make friends and feeling quite anxious about it. I am trying to slow myself down and take care over my plot of land (we have developed our little garden out back into a mostly herb garden, which I’m so excited about! It includes Eucalyptus and Verbena– two of my favourite scents). Thank you for your lovely and thoughtful notes and recommendations!ReplyCancel

  • Hannah Vazquez - I love podcasts too for the same reasons you said! I really like The Mason Jar, but haven’t heard of the others (but am going to look a few up!). I really like Schole Sisters as well for homeschooling. Others are Inspired to Action and Simplified Organization (both for mama’s). My favorites are always changing based on what I’m thinking and learning about. 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Jacqueline Beach - Podcast roundups – one of my favorite topics ever !!
    On Being #1 fave always and forever. I ❤️ A bunch of the others you mentioned (Unruffled – SO GOOD) and I’ll look up the ones I didn’t recognize – thank you!! Can’t wait to read the comments too.
    I used to listen to The Simple Show and What Should I Read Next a ton – taking a little break from them now.
    Current faves are The Librarian is In; The Lively Show; About Race; Tara Brach.ReplyCancel

  • Alex H - Ooh! I love a few of those and looking forward to checking out a few new ones! My favorite is the Dream Freedom Beauty Podcast. So so good.ReplyCancel

    • Jackie - oooh, that sounds right up my alley. Thanks for mentioning!!ReplyCancel

  • Sarah Neron - I really appreciate this list. I find it kinda tricky to find a good pod cast, that I can keep on listening to. I was a huge Serial fan, burned through those like lightening! Totally off topic…do you buy all your books, take them out from the library? Borrow? Do you keep them all afterwards, and if so how do you store them?ReplyCancel

  • stefanie - thank you so much for taking the time to round these up!ReplyCancel

  • Katherine - Since staying home full-time with my children late last year I have been listening to a ton of podcasts. Your point about podcasts serving as a bit of “adult conversation” rings so true. But I have to say, after listening to a steady stream of interesting people talking about interesting things for the past few months I feel like I have learned so much.

    On Being is one of my favourites, always and forever (Did you listen to the one recently with Marie Howe – reading the two poems at the end? So good.)

    I also love the Read Aloud Revival and The Liturgists.ReplyCancel

  • Kizzy - Great list, I love listening to podcasts whilst working or do chores at home. Some new ones here for me to try out.ReplyCancel

  • Kayla - I’m always on the hunt for new podcasts and love the ones you recommended. A few I’m listening to lately are the NPR Politics Podcast, Dear Sugar, Call Your Girlfriend, Bon Appetit, and two good ones that are binge worthy were Missing Richard Simmons and S-Town.ReplyCancel

  • Luce - Hi thank you for that amazing list !!! I am new at listening podcasts but oh how I love it and how it calms me down. Sometimes i feel that i could listen to my favorites all day which is 1. impossible with a 3 year old at home and 2. it would maybe isolate me as i love being in this quiet bubble listening and learning something new. so I hear from time to time podcasts from the wild and free community, it inspires me so so much. and because i’m rignt now in my third trimester i enjoyed listening to the birth hour and some incredible birth stories. Can’t wait to dig in the ones you’ve shared. thanks again.ReplyCancel

  • Eleanor - Goodness these are wonderful thank you! As a fellow mom of three I welcome some grown up voices! Started listening GHS gardening today and it already enriched my day <3ReplyCancel

  • Dacy - How did I not know Susan Cain had a podcast??! Her book changed my life, or at least my perspective on myself. Thanks for this great list.ReplyCancel

  • Kristie - I don’t really listen to podcasts, since I usually read or listen to music, but I’m so excited about this list. I have a feeling I will find something inspiring within it. Thank you so much for putting together and sharing with us 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Erin - Since the election, I have found great companionship in the Pantsuit Politics podcast. Its two women (both mamas), having a nuanced conversation about current events. Each of the hostesses identifies on different ends of the political spectrum, and it has helped keep me informed of the news in a way that does not send me down a depressing spiral.

    I’ve also really been wanting to start listening to Have Company. It’s a series of interviews with different makers. Since I haven’t actually started, I can’t really offer a personal recommendation, but I’ve heard lots of good things from lots of people I trust!ReplyCancel

  • Lauryssa Rieger - This is a fantastic post! One of my favorite podcasts is called Slow Home Podcast. I highly suggest it!ReplyCancel

  • Emily - A very favorite of mine is The Living Room, by Love + Radio.

    Embedded, by Kelly McEvers and Presidential (Washington Post, for a healthy dose of US history) are both excellent.ReplyCancel

    • admin - Emily, thank you for adding more suggestions! x AmandaReplyCancel

  • Bifrost Photography | Link Round-Up - […] ♥ Once our little one arrives, I have a feeling that I will be delving into this big podcast roundup by Amanda! […]ReplyCancel

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