My favorite podcasts
I discovered podcasts back in the mid 2000s before they were really a thing. I love listening to so much great free content—in fact, I have so many podcasts in my queue that I usually listen to them at 1.8X speed! Podcasts help pass the time spent on commutes and chores like folding laundry and doing dishes.
If you are new to podcasts, think of them as radio shows available on demand. Most phones have an app already installed that will allow you to search for podcasts and subscribe, so that each time a new episode drops, it will automatically appear in your feed. I listen to so many podcasts that I choose to upgrade to a paid app (Overcast) so that I have more features, like the ability to set custom speeds for each podcast.
I always love hearing others’ podcast recommendations, so here are a few of mine. I have tried to include some of the less popular podcasts that may or may not already be on your radar.
Best Laid Plans: This is a podcast that, according to the tagline, considers all things planning and planning adjacent. The host is a physician in her early 40s and mom of three. I love her perspective, especially because we have many similarities in our stages of life.
Especially for: people who love paper and planners and productivity.
Everything Happens with Kate Bowler: I will give the caveat that I do not listen to every podcast every week; it depends on whether the featured guest and topic sparks my interest. This is an interview-style podcast with Duke Divinity School professor and writer Kate Bowler. She considers questions of faith, spirituality, and meaning making.
Especially for: people who want to consider life’s deeper questions
Happier with Gretchen Rubin: Gretchen and her sister Liz talk each week about strategies to make life happier. This is fun, smart, and practical.
Especially for: people who like to improve their day-to-day pain points
Pantsuits Politics: Hosts Sarah and Beth talk politics and current events. They bring compassion and curiosity to their discussions, which is a rarity in political conversations that can quickly turn bombastic.
Especially for: people wanting to stay current on today’s national news
The Simplified Podcast with Emily Ley: Emily Ley is an entrepreneur, writer, and mom who began a planner company and launched a podcast. Each episode considers ways to make life a little better or more meaningful, whether that means finding easy weeknight meals and summertime activities or making peace with changing body size.
Especially for: women wanting to bring beauty and intention to their daily living
Political Gabfest: Emily, John, and David have hosted this show for over a decade and have great chemistry. Listening to the show is like eavesdropping on the dinner table full of really smart people next to you at a restaurant. They discuss (and are not afraid to argue about!) current events.
Especially for: people who miss the debates they had with friends in college
Wiser than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus: This is a new podcast with host Julia interviewing women over 60. I hope it takes off! We so often miss out on the perspective of women of a certain age in Hollywood.
Especially for: people of all ages (we all can learn from these conversations!)
How I Built This with Guy Raz: This is a podcast where I will pick and choose whether to listen based on the interview, but for the episodes I choose to consume, I usually walk away learning a lot. Guy interviews entrepreneurs to ask them how they built their companies from the ground up. They all had humble beginnings and have made hugely successful companies. Their stories are inspiring and interesting. Some of my favorite brands featured have included Bobbi Brown, Annie's Boom Chickapop popcorn, and Bombas socks.
Especially for: people who have always wanted to start their own business.
Inside Trader Joe's: This one is just plain fun. The co-hosts are Trader Joe's employees that conduct a deep dive on different aspects of Trader Joe's. Why are Trader Joe's parking lot so small? Why will Trader Joe's only go to certain cities? Why are products discontinued? The podcast is full of fun banter and information for Trader Joe's fans.
Especially for: people who love Trader Joe's.
So tell me: Do you listen to podcasts? What are your favorites?