At the risk of publishing a blog post that is a little bit too “lifestyle blogger”-esque, I decided to share a few podcasts I’m obsessed with these last 4-6 months. I’ve been trying to get more creative to hack my 8-hour workdays and making the most of my commute each day (I drive). So what better way than to podcast every moment?
I’ve always been one to turn on the news, put on documentaries while doing something that “doesn’t require a lot of thinking” like cooking/baking, cleaning, etc. I feel like I need to make the most of every moment and fill it with as much learning (Yeah, I’m every parent’s dream daughter). Over the last few months, I’ve been asking for recommendations for a few podcasts to add to my list as I go through at least 4 1-hour podcasts a day. So if you have other podcast recommendations, please drop them in the comment section below!
Personally, I’m a huge fan of “education”-based (vs. commentary) podcasts – so anything from history, science, technology – those are a few right up my alley. This may not be everyone’s favourite genre’s so please be open-minded to the list I’m sharing below.
I listen to my podcast using Overcast which has been the highest rated free podcast app for iOS devices. I had an issue with it for a while where it wouldn’t download specific episodes for me to listen without wifi but 80% of the time it works, even with spotty wifi (i.e. when you’re out in Starbucks or something similar).
Here are a few of my favourites!
1. The History Chicks
We recently celebrated International Women Day so I think the best way to celebrate and be inspired by women every single damn day is to listen to the stories of some notable women throughout history. Catherine the Great, Jackie Kennedy, Mulan, Coco Chanel, Cleopatra, Jane Austen, Zelda Fitzgerald are some of the names you’ll see in this podcast. There’s tons more, covering women across geographies, ages, and time period.
If you want History 101, facts, on some badass women throughout history – this is the podcast to listen to. There are over 100 episodes so and each episode is around 1 hour long. Some episodes are broken out into two parts so that they are easier to digest.
2. BBC History Extra
This podcast is your history class, condensed into 40-60 minutes bits. In each episode, an expert/historian is usually “interviewed” so you’re getting the source information from the people who do this for a living. The topics covered range from everything to do with World Wars 1/2, pre-history, notable families throughout history (The Medicis, Richard III, etc) all the way to major events throughout world history.
As mentioned, each podcast covers a specific topic for 40-60 minutes long so it is more digestible and won’t make you fall asleep!
3. Stuff You Should Know
This award-winning podcast was what hooked me into listening to podcasts in the first place. With over 1000 episodes that range from anything between the CIA, neuroscience, evolution all the way to true crime stories, these 40 minute episodes are guaranteed to make you want to keep coming back! The unique range of topics / episodes like “How Cockroaches Work”, “What is exploding head syndrome?” and “What’s with this “Internet of Things”?” ensures that you leave each episode learning something new. Plus, a lot of these episodes are often relates to a current events, cultural shifts meaning that you’ll be adding a lot of interesting points in your next conversation!
4. Planet Money
Federal reserve, fiscal/monetary policies, interest rate, deflation, hyperinflation – these are words best left in the hands of Econ 101 students. But growing up with the Great Recession and feeling the first-hand impact of unaffordable homes, and stagnant wages, this podcast does an incredible job of breaking down difficult economic concepts and current policies (or policies/theories being debated) in a digestible and easy to understand manner. Each episode is only around 30 minutes long so you won’t feel too overwhelmed!
5. NPR How to Do Everything
I’m obsessed with what they bill as the half-advice, and half-survival guide podcast which at only 30 minutes long, means I go through the playlist way too quickly. Each episode covers all sorts of topic that you might be curious about. It’s one to pick up if you don’t want to spend too long on each episode (like Stuff You Should Know).
Do you listen to podcasts? If so, what are some of your favourite podcasts?