My 5 Favorite Podcasts

If you've been paying attention, you've probably picked up on the fact that I'm *slightly* obsessed with podcasts. I have been for the past year or so, but my obsession has grown exponentially since moving to the Cape, as I now take my dog on 45 min-1 hr walks every day, I spend a lot more time painting and doing web design/logo design/etc., and I'm home a lot more than I was before. 

So, what do I do during all of this time, and while getting ready to go teach, and while working out? I listen to podcasts! I can't get enough! I'm always looking for new ones and simply adore all of my regulars. 

And when I say "regulars," I mean regulars.  I know the day that the new episode drops for all of the podcasts listed below. I listen to them within hours of their being released, and honestly, I feel like the hosts are my friends. I can't wait to hear from them every week and learn about what's going on in their lives. 

Does this sound a bit pathetic or weird? I hope not, as I know that there are many more out there like me, and I'm actually here today to convince you that you should start listening to more podcasts. They're entertaining, they're funny, you can learn a lot, and I feel that listening to a podcast while doing something that doesn't take 100% brainpower is a great way to become a more well-rounded, more learned individual--all from the comfort of your own earbuds!

That being said, my 5 favorite podcasts are below, and they're a total mish-mash of subject matter and theme, so if one doesn't sound like it's up your alley, just pick another and give it a try ;) 

MY 5 FAVORITE PODCASTS

1. The Elizabeth Laime Podcast Empire {Totally Laime, Totally Married, Totally Mommy}: Elizabeth Laime is a podcast queen and I love her! I listen to all 3 of her weekly podcasts, and if she did a fourth, I'd be over the moon and I'd subscribe without batting an eye. Here's a quick rundown: 

• Totally Laime: Elizabeth and her husband Andy have a conversation with a guest from the world of comedy (it's always really funny + very interesting!). 
• Totally Married: Elizabeth and Andy discuss the "ups-and-downs" of marriage and then give "un-qualified advice" to listeners who write in with questions. 
• Totally Mommy: Elizabeth and a rotating mommy co-host discuss motherhood and answer listener questions. I know it's weird that I listen to the mommy-focused podcast, but like I said, I'm a fan of everything Elizabeth does and I hope to be a parent someday!

2. After the Jump: This podcast is hosted by Grace Bonney, founder of Design*Sponge (an amazing design blog), and an extremely knowledgeable small biz owner and creative who has been working in the design industry/blog world for years. Each week, Grace interviews designers, store owners, and up-and-coming members of the creative community, in order to share information and insights into the world of independent artists and creators. A must-listen for anyone interested in art, design, creative entrepreneurship, and/or blogging. 

3. Jordan, Jesse, Go!:  Oh, you guys, Jordan and Jesse are the funniest. I adore them so much. I wasn't sure how to describe them, so I took to their website for this description: Jordan, Jesse, Go! is a freewheeling comedy podcast about life in your twenties and everything else. Your hosts are Jesse Thorn, "America's Radio Sweetheart," and Jordan Morris, "Boy Detective." I should note that they're both comedians, so the podcast is hysterical. I should also note that they're both in their thirties now, and Jesse has a kid, so that plays into the comedy at times. Love these guys. 

4. The Lively Show: This is a rather new podcast that I've really been enjoying as of late. Each week the host, blogger and small biz owner Jess Lively, interviews guests (often female bloggers/biz owners, but not always) about their life, their work, and their relationships. Jess says that the podcast is "designed to add a little extra intention to your everyday" and that each episode is meant to "uplift, inform, and inspire." I definitely think that she's achieving that goal and love hearing from all of the amazing individuals that she's had on so far ;) 

5. Tranquility du Jour: A podcast hosted by my personal mentor, friend, and fearless leader (at Tranquil Space), Kimberly Wilson! Kimberly discusses all things yoga, mindfulness, creativity, do-gooding, and personal style. She interviews extremely interesting guests, discusses subjects that I care about, and always makes me smile :) An easy listen during which you're sure to learn something. 

HONORABLE MENTONS:

• 99% Invisible
• TEDtalks Audio Podcast [Really ones of my faves, but I feel like it's kind of in a no-brainer category all it's own, so I didn't include it in my top 5]
• On Being
• Here's the Thing with Alec Baldwin
• ALL NPR Podcasts [But I don't count these as podcasts, since I have the NPR app and just listen to all of the programs that I love on that...] 

New to podcasts? You DO NOT have to be techy to listen to them! You can listen to them from your computer, or if you have an iPhone, you literally just open your "Podcasts" app, click on the "Store" button in the top left-hand corner, and then search for the podcast that you want. Once it shows up, select it, click "subscribe," and you're done. All new episodes will show up on your "My Podcasts" page each week. You can also go in and download past episodes, if you'd like.

Personally, I like to download the individual podcast episodes, so that I can listen to them on my walks/away from wifi without using any data, which you just do by clicking on the small arrow next to the name of the episode in your library. 

Also, FYI, I'm dying to start my own podcast. I think about it all the time. I'm not there yet (time and life-wise), but I really want to. It's a dream for the future, I guess...

Happy earbudding! Hope you learn a lot + laugh a lot...