10 Podcasts I love and Keep Me Sane
I admit, I am GROSSLY late to the podcast train! Many years ago, when I was in the thick of changing diapers on my infant and dealing with two toddlers, friends would recommend parenting podcast episodes here and there to help me with whatever challenges I was experiencing as a mother of three boys. I just didn’t get the appeal of podcasts over searching for information online or reading books. It just didn’t seem efficient, when you could just GTS…you know, google-that-sh*t. Now, I totally get it! It is INFORMATION AND (BONUS!) ENTERTAINMENT rolled up into one awesome package.
It wasn’t until I got a new-to-me car in fall 2019 with Apple Car Play that I discovered the glorious escapism of podcasts (which also served me well during quarantine and long road trips with the fam). I love storytelling, compelling conversations, interviews, laughing and learning in general, so I am not sure why I didn’t adopt listening sooner! Podcasts bring all of these things into my life, especially when there are dishes to do, laundry to fold and children to pick up from school. Don’t laugh (actually, go ahead and laugh, it’s funny), but I even bought a waterproof JBL Bluetooth speaker so I can listen to podcasts IN THE SHOWER! I’m a little obsessed, right?!? I don’t regret that…just saying.
In conjunction with my creative practice and fitness regimen, podcasts help me quiet my busy, anxious brain and focus on something else….and still feel productive. Most of all, I love, love, love listening to podcasts while painting. I find myself laughing out loud uncontrollably or feeling my spirit lifting or my brain expanding or more connected to the outside world or generally less alone….you get the idea….
I am often asked what podcasts I like. So here it is…drumroll please… These are currently my favorite podcasts and why I love them.
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepherd and Monica Padman This podcast is equal parts guilty pleasure, smart, and laugh-out-loud funny. I have listened to every episode, so I guess you could call me an Armcherry! Yes, the initial hook were the celebrity interviews; I mean, isn’t that why we used to watch Oprah and Ellen until the kids took over the television in the house? This is even better because the interviews aren’t interrupted by commercials every four minutes. Most of the interview time is not spent promoting the guest’s latest project, but instead taking a deep dive into what makes the guests uniquely themselves. Actually many guests are experts in their field of work, and not in the film industry at all. My favorite part of the podcast is the sibling-like banter and special relationship between Dax and Monica. He calls her his soul mate and I see it. Their conversations are so organic, taking natural twists and turns. Monica often challenges Dax on his beliefs and holds him accountable for his missteps. This podcast would not be so special without her. I really appreciate her representing both a feminine point-of-view and the perspective of a daughter of immigrants from India. Dax and Monica’s level of honesty and vulnerability is off the charts…they provide validation that whatever messy sh*t you’re going through in your own life, there is strength embracing all your imperfections and mistakes; don’t take yourself too seriously. https://armchairexpertpod.com/
The Daily I hate the news. During quarantine, I reached my threshold and had to turn it off. I noticed my anxiety and heartrate increasing whenever I tried to see what was happening in our state, country, world and universe. I felt the doom and gloom; it was overwhelming and unhealthy. I love this podcast because I think it is informative without overtly trying to influence opinion. I listen, get the big picture of what’s happening and move on with my day. The reporting comes from a place of curiosity which I really appreciate. It’s people asking people questions and looking into important matters. The first hand accounts and investigations are very compelling. I find myself saying “Huh. Interesting. OMG I had no idea.” A LOT. https://www.nytimes.com/column/the-daily
Art Curious with Jennifer Dasal This is my favorite art related podcast, and this chick knows her sh*t! I AM a bit nostalgic for my Art History days at Rutgers College in New Brunswick, NJ (Go Scarlet Knights!) and a study abroad I did in Paris. There are so many things I never knew about pieces or were more recently brought to light in the art world since I graduated in 2000. P.S. This stuff is juicy and fascinating, even to a non-art history buff! Each season has a theme, which I love (Cursed art, anyone? No? Maybe shock art? It’s like True Crime meets fine art!). Who would have thought discussing art in an audio format would work so well? I find myself googling and inspecting images of the artwork while I am listening. The podcast highlights many female and marginalized groups which is so important as they are under represented in history books and art establishments like galleries for the longest time. It’s also my go-to podcast when I am actually working on paintings. Maybe subconsciously I am trying to channel the skills of these artists and have them work through me?! https://www.artcuriouspodcast.com/artcuriouspodcast
Smartless with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett These guys are just so eff-ing funny. That is all. Byeeeeeeeeee!!!! https://www.smartless.com/
The GOOP Podcast I know, I know. You’re thinking I DO NOT want to listen to a podcast about vaginas and sex toys. It’s not that…I promise! This podcast somehow calms me, has me breathing deeper and slows my heart rate. The topics are so interesting and important; definitely in my life experience, considered taboo to discuss openly. Even though I think the target audience is women, I think men would really benefit from listening to it. I will say that again. MEN, YOU WILL BENEFIT FROM LISTENING. Happy wife, happy life….that’s true, but many of the topics on this podcast have more to do with observing ourselves, understanding how our journeys shape us and how we connect to one another and overall how to improve quality of life. So, yeah, it’s not about Gwyneth Paltrow and her company’s latest face cream or “hands off my vagina” fundraiser candle (although that sounds pretty awesome too). https://goop.com/the-goop-podcast/
NPR Fresh Air I remember years and years ago, when I first graduated college, I would catch Fresh Air on the radio of my 1985 Volvo sedan (yup, the one that you always see in movies set in suburbia) while commuting to and from my corporate job. There is just something special about Terry Gross. Her voice! It is just so soothing to me. I think she is a great host…equal parts witty, intelligent, warm, natural and fierce. I only came to learn recently she has been the host of Fresh Air since 1975! I am so grateful I can listen to her interviews and Fresh Air on demand. One of the things I like about Fresh Air is how the content extends across many segments of life from global current affairs to entertainment and arts, culture and prominent figures in many, many fields. It is so informative and entertaining at the same time. https://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/
Dear Chelsea with Chelsea Handler I had a major dry spell reading books when my kids were little. I really missed reading but COULD NOT get through a book. I would either lose interest, fall asleep or just lack the time. To get my reading mojo back, I picked out some fast so-called “brainless” reads. Chelsea Handler’s books were the remedy for me! The books are so funny, smart (not brainless). It was my gateway to falling in love with books again. In the process I grew to appreciate Chelsea and respect the work she has done to create awareness around empowering women. I found her podcast recently, which is reminiscent of those classic “Dear Abby” advice columns. Of course it is the 2022 version of an advice column: FUN, irreverent, unapologetic, and honest. https://www.chelseahandler.com/
Hashtag Authentic with Sara Tasker This podcast is for anyone on any kind of creative journey. Whether you’re someone who creates full-time or it is your side hustle…whether you are a hobbyist, crafter or established artist, we all know it can be a real roller coaster. One day you feel exhilarated, motivated and inspired. Things are just working! Then, a roadblock (mental or otherwise) stalls your state of flow. Having some tools to deal with this ebb and flow is essential. I find myself listening to Sara interviewing her guests when I need encouragement, permission to suck (perfection paralysis, anyone?), to squash the self doubt and practical tips for achieving goals. I’ve listened to so many episodes I might be able to speak with an English accent soon. https://meandorla.co.uk/the-podcast
Sibling Revelry with Kate Hudson and Oliver Hudson Sadly, there haven’t been any new episodes lately! Fingers-crossed, Kate and Oliver will be back interviewing siblings soon. I really miss Kate’s contagious laugh and Oliver’s self deprecation to make other people laugh (relatable!)…and the way they just break out it song (and NAIL it, like every freakin’ time!). Anyway, I love the premise of this podcast because it shows all families have their own special dynamics, quirks, baggage and weirdness (also relatable). They interview siblings, usually one who is a public figure, and ask questions about what it was like growing up in their family dynamic and with one another. Listening to this podcast is like sitting in on a Thanksgiving dinner when brothers and sisters are reminiscing about all the crazy childhood stories. The age difference between Kate and Oliver is similar to me and my brother, so it really resonates. Their sweet connection and relationship with each other and their family members isn’t simple but their commitment to being close and keeping their families even closer is really beautiful. https://www.siblingrevelrypodcast.com/
Revisionist History with Malcolm Gladwell If you’ve read any of Malcolm Gladwell’s books like Outliers, Talking to Strangers or The Tipping Point, you know the deal. He’s made a business out of questioning what we accept to be true. What I absolutely know to be true is I love being surprised with counterintuitive knowledge. You know, it is the stuff you find yourself still contemplating and processing hours and days later. This is another podcast that has been on a bit of a hiatus and I hope that means they have been working hard on the next season for more blow-your-mind episodes. https://www.pushkin.fm/show/revisionist-history/
Are there any podcasts I should be listening to that you love? Send me your recommendations using the form below!
I would love to hear from you!
