Podcast Recommendations by Jen
What’s the secret to making your least favorite activities bearable and your favorite ones more enjoyable? Well, I recommend podcasts my friends. Listen to these while you clean, do dishes, walk your dog, garden, workout (I could go on….).
Podcasts are an obsession of mine and I wanted to share my podcast recommendations that I listen to for motivation and entertainment. The advice, tips and positive mindset these put me into have changed my thinking. Hearing stories of other normal, everyday people working hard and making their dreams come true has made my thoughts focus on my success and what success I see achieving in the future.
Beyond that, I love the stories I hear on podcasts meant to entertain and tell a tale. Check out my top listened to podcasts below.
Entertaining and Storytelling
1) Armchair Expert with Dax Shepherd
My absolute favorite podcast. I’ve listened to every episode! As a Parenthood fan (the TV show), I was super impressed with Dax Shepherd’s performance as Crosby so when I first started this podcast I wasn’t surprised by how much I loved it. The honesty of the hosts, Dax and his pal Monica, is refreshing and so welcome in the fake face forward world we live in sometimes. They interview celebrities, but also experts in fields such as psychology, medicine and more. Dax gives his “armchair expert” theories on topics far and wide. It’s a must listen and my #1 podcast recommendation in the entertaining category.
Beyond this, the Armchair umbrella includes several spinoffs, including Armchaired and Dangerous, Monica & Jess Love Boys, Race to 270 and We are Supported By.
2) Revisionist History with Malcolm Gladwell
A very close second comes from my favorite book author, Malcolm Gladwell. If you haven’t read his books yet, where do I even start? Do yourself a favor and get to it! Gladwell’s style is to offer insights into topics such as how bad we are at understanding each other (Talking to Strangers), the power of the underdog (David & Goliath), and the 10,000 hour rule (Outliers). All of his books are a fascinating read.
Revisionist History podcast mimics his books on a smaller scale. I love how Gladwell offers a topic, tells one side of the story then juxtapositions it with a separate topic in the most genius way. Every episode is entertaining and you’ll be learning about subjects you didn’t know you needed to know. Believe me when I say you won’t want it to end!
A MUST LISTEN: Literally ANY Episode but I liked Season 3: Analysis, Parapraxis, Elvis
3) Terrible, Thanks for Asking
Nora McInerny has experienced heart-wrenching loss. In this podcast, Nora tells her story and interviews others who’ve experienced grief in its many forms. Talk about perspective on how to be grateful for your health and those you love. By sharing the stories of others, each episode is a wake up call to how lucky we are and how to live life to the fullest NOW.
Nora also has a perspective on grief, loss and death that is refreshing. She encourages people going through hard times and not be concerned with the “right” way to be. I’m so fortunate to not have gone through any loss the way the podcast guests have and I highly recommend listening to the stories for perspective if you are in the same boat. This podcast recommendation is not for the faint of heart and luckily there are disclaimers at the beginning of potentially triggering episodes.
Beyond that, Nora is hilarious and seems like a cool person you’d want to be friends with, you know?
A MUST LISTEN: Episode #0: Sad Nora and the Secret Baby
Start at the beginning to hear Nora’s story and work your way from there.
Motivating and Business
1) The Goal Digger Podcast with Jenna Kutcher
THE podcast that got me into podcasts. Jenna gears her content toward women entrepreneurs, successful strategies, and tips to motivate women to go after where their heart lies. Her guests are top-notch business people who have taken their ideas and catapulted them into reality. Each has a unique story followed by action steps and take-aways to help listeners reach full potential IF they are willing to follow through. Literally every subject you can think of is covered and her advice has largely helped me keep on track.
If you are an entrepreneur or are in any kind of marketing role, this is my top podcast recommendation!
A MUST LISTEN: Episode #131: 5 Big Lies that are Holding You Back
It’s a powerful episode – go listen now!
2) The Skinny Confidential, Him & Her
Lauryn Evarts & Michael Bosstick are a married couple living in LA. They are an entrepreneurial power couple who are doing big things in the way of influence. Lauryn runs a blog called The Skinny Confidential loaded with self-care & skin care advice – be sure to check it out!
The podcast features guests from the fitness, health, beauty and personal development worlds and let me tell you, they are top-notch. Lately, they are breaking into realms of taboo in society and boldly going where other’s won’t.
I love this podcast for the entertainment value and witty banter the couple dishes but I’ve also learned a ton from their guests. I love when a podcast helps me discover other helpful podcasts, books and valuable content.
Just a warning, don’t listen to this one in the car with kids or in earshot of them. While wildly entertaining for adults, some content is not suitable for kids.
I’ve been trying out intermittent fasting for about a month and this episode was super helpful!
3) Happier with Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen and her sister Elizabeth co-host this podcast full of nuggets of wisdom for tidying up, living with intention and hacking your way through everyday situations. Each has a theme, but the sisters cover numerous topics and the banter between the two is hilarious. It’s a lighter podcast full of wisdom and techniques to live a happier life.
I love to listen to this podcast while I’m running since it’s got a quicker pace with shorter subject spans and the content is light and easy to listen to.
A MUST LISTEN: Episode #159: Do Something Badly
It’s all about giving up the need for perfection and deciding you’re going to succeed at being bad at certain things. Sounds kind of backwards, but I found it enlightening & have put it to use in my everyday life.
4) Going Scared Podcast with Jessica Honegger
First off, Jessica owns a company called Noonday Collection that sells fair trade jewelry from women across the globe. Check the shop out, the items are gorgeous! Women who become ambassadors for her company and host trunk shows are typically earning extra for beautiful reasons, like adoption. The story behind the company is a good one – start here!
This podcast is newer but the content is extremely powerful. Guests of the Going Scared Podcast tell stories of faith, overcoming obstacles and becoming better versions of themselves. It’s about the moment of going scared and taking a huge risk. This is NOT geared specifically toward business owners and I highly recommend it if you’re looking for an uplifting podcast.
A MUST LISTEN: Episode #14 – When Friends Become Our Hands and Feet: Patrick Gray & Justin Skeesuck
YOU GUYS – I was walking Zoey around my neighborhood crying behind my sunglasses listening to this episode, it’s that powerful. It features two lifelong friends, one of which has a debilitating disease that’s left him paralyzed from the neck down. The two decided to conquer a 500 mile hike across Spain along the Camino de Santiago, which required Patrick to push Justin in a wheelchair. The courage and determination they have put me in awe.
Along the way, they learned powerful lessons and share them with Podcast listeners. Please, please, do yourself a favor and go listen to this episode now.
Podcast Recommendations on the Smaller Scale
The following podcasts may not have millions of listeners, but I’ve found a ton of value in them. Check each out and you may find one you love!
Net Worth it with Gretchen Heinen | Faith-based pursuit of wealth
Uplevel Together with Jasna Bursa | Content related to up-leveling your life and business
Lead Jenna with Jenna Redfield | Formerly Twin Cities Collective Podcast; I was a guest in 2019 and discussed photography!
Photo Biz Help with Natalie Jennings | Tips and advice for photographers of all levels; I was a guest in 2021!
The morale of the story is that there are thousands of podcasts covering pretty much every topic you can imagine. I’ve found them to be a huge benefit to becoming a better person, reaching for my goals and staying motivated. Search what interests you and you may be surprised what you find!
