Podcasts are proof that no one uses their free time more efficiently than a working mother.
When a resource as precious as time is limited, we have to be creative in how each waking minute is spent. I love to read, I really do. But truthfully, the last time I read a book from cover to cover was probably four years ago- if I’m being generous. There is just no brain space or energy left at the end of the day to allow for it.
That’s where podcasts come into play. Multitasking on the way into work or while folding laundry with a news briefing, informative life lesson, or parenting support? At the cost of nothing? Sign me up!
Nowadays, it seems as though everyone and their mother has a podcast. The options are endless. Sifting through the lists can feel daunting, and listening to a not-so-great podcast can feel like a huge waste of time.
Here are a few of my favorites to get you through that bumper to bumper Colorado commute, or the endless piles of laundry!
Podcasts for Parents
1. The Motherly Podcast. This podcast was released earlier this year, and like their blog, it does not disappoint! You will hear honest conversations with politicians, actresses, entrepreneurs, and authors that are genuine and relatable. Parents and non-parents alike enjoy this one for its relevant subject matter and empowering female themes.
2. Coffee and Crumbs Podcast. This podcast serves as an audible version of the beautifully written stories and essays found on their site. Listening to this one feels kind of like you’re hanging out with a few friends who are super positive, uplifting, and kind. These lovely women have ten children between the three of them, and definitely have some helpful insights into parenting.
3. Unruffled. Janet Lansbury delivers expert advice on all sorts of parenting concerns. This one is especially helpful if you are looking for advice on how to handle different developmental concerns brought on by different childhood phases. I guarantee you she has an episode on a topic you’ve been wondering about.
4. The Longest Shortest Time. Hillary Frank of This American Life created this heartfelt podcast to help parents build community and to feel less alone. Covering topics that span from infancy to adulthood through stories that are bound to captivate your attention, this is a must listen.
5. What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood. Two comedian moms with three children each talk about their own parenting woes and interview experts on relevant topics. Their conversations are relatable and real, and definitely help me to feel a little less alone on the parenting journey.
6. The Pump and Dump Podcast. The famous Denverites who founded the Pump and Dump Show discuss topics that moms and our pre-child identities can relate to. I swear I learn something new and practical every time I listen. They are still pretty new, with just over 25 episodes, but so far, so good!
7. Nursing and Cursing. When this podcast is playing, I truly feel as though I am hanging out with my five best mom friends, talking about our crazy lives together, and reading each others minds. A must listen, relatable mom podcast.
8. The Mom Hour. Another five-star rated podcast that has been around since 2015. These two moms have eight kids, between them both. Sometimes you need some practical tips for getting through the day without spending crazy amounts of money on parenting books or therapy.
9. Mom Brain. The interesting and entertaining hosts Hilaria Baldwin and Daphne Oz interview interesting and entertaining guests ranging from celebrities to doctors on topics I find useful.
Podcasts for When You’re Not Being a Mom
1. TED Radio Hour. I dare anyone to come away from listening to this one not a better person. NPR does a great job presenting speakers on different global topics, as well as personal narratives that leave you just a little bit wiser and more self-aware.
2. This American Life. This is a tried and true podcast that has withstood the test of time, as it has been around since before hipsters were even a thing. Each week, a different theme is presented, along with stories, essays, and insights from a few different perspectives. Several spawns, including Serial and S-town have since come about, and are also super attention-grabbing.
3. The Goop Podcast. This podcast is my longstanding favorite. It is a self-care staple, and helps keep me in the know with all that goopy stuff. Gwyneth Paltrow and her chief content officer, Elise Loehnen, do a fantastic job getting us to shift old paradigms through their thoughtful interviews with guests that I always adore. The recent episode with Brene Brown is a must-listen for sure.
4. Experts on Expert with Dax Shepard. Dax is a relatable interviewer with an impressive guest list. I love hearing his perspective on the various topics and find most of the episodes interesting and worth while. My favorite episode is the one where he interviews John Gottman.
5. Stuff you should Know. This is another classic podcast with a longstanding history of good ratings. Josh and Chuck have a humorous, yet well-researched take on interesting and strange topis. Come away with useful knowledge about stuff we should all know. The recent episode on birth order was super interesting.
6. Invisibilia. This one makes you think, and changes how you see yourself. “No easy questions, just the right answers” is their slogan, and it is exactly that.
7. The Daily. It has always been a fantasy of mine to leisurely wake up each morning and read the paper with a cup of coffee. This podcast almost makes this a reality. The Daily is a New York Times news briefing with mostly unbiased reporting that helps me to be more aware of current events. Episodes are 30 minutes long, making it the perfect amount of time to digest important information, should your brain be functioning enough to absorb.
8. Colorado Matters. Colorado Public Radio’s podcast focuses on issues most relevant to our state. I consider this a must-listen because we should all be more aware of the happenings in our communities.
9. How I Built This. Another NPR win. (And this post is not sponsored by NPR, I promise.) Guy Raz interviews innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists to better learn about the movements they built.
