Ear Candy: My Favourite Podcasts

I was late to jump on the podcast train.

While on maternity leave, I first started listening to podcasts during late-night cluster feeds and mountains of laundry.  The presence of human voices made new motherhood a little less isolating. As a result, I was hooked.  Podcasts are fabulous resources that have the ability to educate, entertain and refocus your brain.  Not only are they easily accessible but you can listen to podcasts anywhere.  Whether you are going for a walk, commuting or winding down for the evening.  There is literally a podcast for everyone and everywhere.

And so, without further ado, here are some of my favourites.

1. WTF With Marc Maron.

The first podcast I ever listened to was the WTF podcast.  My husband had been trying to get me to listen to Marc Maron’s podcast for years.  After listening to his conversation with Mel Brooks, I was hooked. Maron has a rare ability to connect with the people with whom he is interviewing in a genuinely curious manner.  In addition to his interviewing style, he is also very open about his own struggles with depression and sobriety.  His vulnerability combined with his humility makes it very obvious why he is one of the top broadcasters in the podcasting universe.

2. RuPaul:  What’s the Tee. 

I love RuPaul.  While I still need to binge watch Drag Race on Netflix (I’ll get to it one day), this podcast is literally just sunshine and rainbows.  Together with his cohost Michelle Visage, this duo covers many topics such as pop culture, beauty advice and current events.  In  addition, they get some pretty amazing interviews with a variety of personalities. Although I wouldn’t describe this podcast as “Shakespeare” this duo has be cracking up while I’m getting ready in the morning.

3. Happier with Gretchen Rubin. 

When I need to reassess my priorities, I turn to Gretchen Rubin.  Every week and just under an hour (in addition to her mini podcasting sessions that are under a minute) Rubin uses her years of experience to explore and inspire audiences in useful and uplifting ways.  Every week topics such as changing habits, goal setting and personal growth are presented in a way that is entertaining and informative.

4. The Ben & Ashley I Almost Famous Podcast. 

I am an avid fan of The Bachelor franchise and when I just want to tune out and disengage from “reality”, I listen to Ben and Ashley.  This duo brings an honest yet hilarious perspective of the entire franchise with commentary of episodes, interviews with past contestants and sharing insider secrets from behind the scenes.    Looking for polished and professional?  Look away my friends.  This is the McDonald’s of podcasts and I’m loving it.

5. Oprah’s Super Soul Podcast. 

On the other end of the spectrum, Oprah’s podcast never fails to inspire creativity, hope and optimism.  She has a revolving door of internationally acclaimed guests (health and wellness experts, celebrities, humanitarians, just to name a few) who offer ideas on how to live a balanced life filled with purpose and meaning.  Each conversation provides a genuine insight about how to live consciously which I apply to all aspects of my life.

6. Anna Faris is Unqualified.

While she is mostly known for her acting roles in “Scary Movie”, “The House Bunny” or the television show “Mom”,  Anna Faris truly shines in her own podcast.  The show is a little mix of everything, including interviews, improv sketches and at the end, Anna chats over the phone with fans, providing “unqualified” advice abut their various life problems and dilemmas. She always has me giggling by the end of each episode.

7. How to Be Amazing with Michael Ian Black

My most recent find, featuring actor, writer and comedian Michael Ian Black.  While I’m mostly familiar with Black’s sarcastic and cynical side of comedy, I love that he uses each episode of his podcast to explore what it truly means to be “amazing”.  His latest interview with Renee Fleming was absolute perfection, taking the time to ask thoughtful questions about what it really means to be an artist.

8. Watchin’ Weight.

A podcast about Weight Watchers?  Yes please.  Every week Tab and Greg share the ins and outs of being on Weight Watchers and most recently the new Freestyle program.  The show features several segments including a recap of their individual weekly progress, recipe corners, and food reviews.  Not only are they hilarious but their honest discussions about weight loss is refreshing and optimistic  Their energy is infectious and I eagerly away their podcast every week.

9. Girlboss Radio with Sophia Amoruso.

When I found out Sophia Amoruso had a podcast, I immediately became a subscriber.  Her book, #Girlboss, was an inspiring story for any aspiring entrepreneur (the adapted Netflix series was also alot of fun to binge watch).  As I listen more each week, I find myself feeling inspired by her interviews with successful women from a variety of backgrounds.  The conversations are filled with solid advice and lessons for woman of all ages who are trying to find success and fulfillment in their own lives.

10. Earn Your Happy Podcast.

Until I had my son, I was never into the self-help genre.  Now that I have him in my life, I try and find every opportunity to be better.  With this in mind, The Earn Your Happy Podcast is a great tool for empowering women to be the best version of themselves.  Life coach Lori Harder covers weekly topics in her podcast that include fitness, motivation, goal setting and confidence.  Each week brings new lessons that are motivating and inspiring.

As you can see, there is a large selection of podcasts that fall under many genres.  While this is only a small snapshot of the ones I listen to,  I can’t wait to discover more (my husband told me Alan Alda is starting one!!!).  Do you have any favourite podcasts that you enjoy?  Please list them in the comments below.  If you try any of the ones I’ve mentioned, get in touch and let me know.

Happy listening!

Jen