If I share a story or a nugget of wisdom with someone in my family, chances are good that I’ll start the conversation with, “So, I was listening to this podcast…” And, hypothetically speaking, that may lead to a bit of eye-rolling from certain teenagers!
You can find a podcast out there for any topic you’re interested in. I’ve developed quite a list that I listen to on a regular basis. Since I have an iPhone, I subscribe to my favorites in iTunes so that they automatically download to my podcast app when there’s a new episode.
I listen to podcasts while I’m working around the house, when I walk for exercise, and in the car. I realize that, depending on your stage of life, you may not have as much quiet time as I do right now. In that case, shorter podcasts might be the way to go. Most of the ones I listen to range from 20 minutes to roughly an hour. Sometimes I have to break the longer ones down into two listening sessions. You can also increase the playback speed of a podcast, which would get you through more episodes in a shorter amount of time.
At the moment, the ten shows listed below are my favorites. When new episodes show up, I scan the title and description to see if it’s a topic that interests me. If not, I just delete that episode. I don’t feel obligated to listen to every single one (nor do I have the time to do that!) Therefore, I can’t say that I endorse all episodes of any podcasts, but overall, I really enjoy those that I’ve listed.
1. The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey. Jamie seems very relatable and down-to-earth. She sounds like someone you’d love to have as a friend, and I’m sure she’s lots of fun to hang out with! She’s also a great interviewer, and usually has guests with interesting stories or helpful information to share.
2. The Big Boo Cast. This podcast is purely for entertainment purposes! Melanie and Sophie just make me laugh. They’re likely to talk about college football, beauty products, fashion, and whatever is currently going on in their lives. If you’re not sure if you would enjoy their podcast, just check out their blogs at Big Mama and Boo Mama as their podcast is in the same tone as their blogs. Again, I don’t endorse 100% of the content, but do enjoy their bi-weekly (or so) podcasts.
3. Grit ‘n’ Grace: Good Girls Breaking Bad Rules. Amy and Cheri are “recovering perfectionists” who share their struggles and point us to ways we can grow in our faith. Sometimes they have guests, and other times it’s just the two of them encouraging listeners on a particular topic.
4. Parenting Today’s Teens with Mark Gregston. This is a one-minute podcast on weekdays, and a half-hour podcast on Saturdays. I enjoy the practical advice Mark gives; you can tell he’s had a lot of experience dealing with teenagers!
5. Clutter Free Academy with Kathi Lipp. This one isn’t totally about decluttering your home, though it wouldn’t bother me if it was, as I like being challenged in that area! Kathi talks with her co-host or other guests about clearing out the clutter in every part of your life, not just in your actual house.
6. Family Life Today. Dennis Rainey and Bob Lepine offer helpful resources and practical ideas for building families. They cover a wide-range of topics, all geared toward encouraging and equipping Christians in their husband/wife and parent/child relationships.
7. Inspired to Action. While Kat hasn’t been podcasting as frequently lately, when she does, I enjoy the guests she has. Kat’s also a good interviewer, and usually highlights content to encourage and inspire moms.
8. The Mom Hour. Sarah Powers and Meagan Francis co-host this podcast and offer tips and tricks they’ve put into practice in their own lives. Between the two of them, they have children in nearly every age range, so I like the sensible advice they share.
9. The Dave Ramsey Show. Dave broadcasts all three hours of his daily show on a podcast. It’s rare that I get through all three, but I usually listen to at least one hour. While I’ve read most of his books and know all about the money principles he teaches, I like the daily motivation to stay on track financially.
10. Focus on the Family Daily Broadcast. I definitely pick and choose episodes here, depending on the topic of the day. As you’d expect, those that focus on improving your marriage and guests who tackle parenting strategies get listened to regularly.
Bonus podcast: Christy Wright’s Business Boutique. If you’re a woman with a hobby you’d like to turn into a business, or if you already have a small business, I think you’ll find Christy’s podcast extremely helpful and inspiring!
If you have a favorite podcast, please let me know in the comments. I’m always looking for new listening material!
Related posts:
5 Marriage Books Every Wife Should Read
3 Tips for Embracing Your Current Season of Life
My Top 3 Books on Raising Teenagers
I think I would enjoy listening to podcasts, but I don’t feel like I have the time — the quiet time, that is. 🙂 But maybe I can do like you do and subscribe to ones that sound interesting and just listen to the episodes that I might like. I’m going to have to think about that. Thanks! I’ll let you know what happens.
Okay, so I downloaded the app you recommended and then spent hours and hours searching through old podcasts for Family Life Today to find ones that I would like to listen to. (I didn’t really spend quite that much time. 🙂 ) I used to listen to Family Life Today on the radio so that one appealed to me. I’ve got a bunch to listen to; now I just have to figure out when I can listen to them because I like to really listen to these things, and being interrupted by my children exasperates me. Not that it’s their fault. But maybe when I’m cooking supper or something. I’m certainly thinking about it! Thanks for this idea!
Yes, I have fallen into the rabbit hole of searching through old podcast episodes before!! I hope that you find a small pocket of time to listen, and that you find it beneficial. I know exactly what you mean by being a bit exasperated when you get interrupted while listening – been there before, too! 😉
I’m not a podcast-listener, either (add that to my lack of leisure reading:-D) but I do enjoy hearing what your favorites are about!