I love podcasts. I love that I can take them with me wherever I go. I love that they are filled with such inspiration, humour and wisdom. And I love that they have this magical property of turning any dull task into a delight.
I used to try listening to podcasts on the bus to university but I found myself getting increasingly frustrated that I couldn’t turn the volume up loud enough so I could hear them speaking without bursting my eardrums in the process.
So I stopped listening altogether for a while.
Then, when I started driving myself to and from work, I rediscovered the joy of podcasts. They gave me something to look forward to as I left the house, in the dark, at an ungodly hour and joined the humming, early morning traffic.
Podcasts have this way of making mundane, daily tasks a pleasurable experience.
Suddenly, cleaning dishes, commuting to work or brushing your teeth becomes a time to relax and reflect. What once felt tedious becomes a routine I thoroughly enjoy.
I now find myself itching to go for a walk each day so that I can slip my earphones in and start listening to the next episode in my queue.
It’s exciting to me that podcasts are so rapidly growing in popularity. I’m delighted that more and more creatives are using this platform to share content.
I love reading blog posts but I find there is something really special about hearing a person’s words in their own voice.
As you know, I am a simple living enthusiast. I am passionate about slowing down, being mindful and living in the moment. And I love nothing more than connecting with or discovering other people who feel the same way.
I wanted to share with you some of the people who inspire my writing. These are my go-to podcasts, the ones I’ll always make time for. Some of them I’ve been listening to for years and some are fairly new to my collection.
All of them will inspire you to live intentionally, to not take anything for granted but instead to appreciate every precious moment you have.
The best simple living podcasts to encourage mindfulness:
The Glorious In The Mundane- Christy Nockels
Christy is a Christian musician and I’ve mentioned her lullaby album before in my post about ways to calm down when you are feeling anxious for no reason. I listen to her album on repeat on bad days.
And her podcast is just as beautiful as her music.
Each season she has a theme which she centres the episodes around such as ‘home’ or ‘postures of the heart.’
In every episode, she starts by telling a story from her everyday life. I know a lot of people who hosts podcasts do this, but I think Christy does it the best.
Her stories captivate your attention like your teacher did as she read to you while you all sat cross-legged on the mat. Her words have this way of making you feel lighter, softer and closer to God.
Christy will remind you to gently look for the beauty in the ordinary (hence the name, ‘glorious in the mundane.’) After listening to this podcast you will have a greater appreciation for the wonder of life, even in the dull moments.
My favourite episode: Build my life | Episode 25
The Next Right Thing- Emily P. Freeman
I came across this podcast last year when I was in the middle of job hunting and feeling so terribly lost (the theme of my twenties I feel.) I was drawn to the title because boy, did I need some help figuring out my next right thing.
Every episode of this podcast feels like a warm hug. A pat on the back. Someone giving you a little cheer as you drag yourself closer to the finish line.
Emily provides guidance and wisdom as we try to work out what to do next. She reminds us of the gentle nudges we often miss that are also known as our intuition.
This podcast will encourage you to take things slowly, to give yourself a little grace, to take the little steps that lead to big steps until you eventually find your rhythm.
My favourite episode: Stay in today | Episode 36
Hashtag Authentic- Sara Tasker
I stumbled across Sarah’s book and subsequently, blog through another blogger I follow.
Sarah is what you might call an Instagram guru. She runs her own beautiful blog, Instagram and a super successful business teaching others how to do the same.
Her podcast is so down to earth. You get the impression that she is one of the sweetest people on earth. She talks about mindfulness, creativity and social media in a way that brings together what can sometimes feel like polar opposites.
You will love this podcast if you are a fellow creative, a business owner, or someone who finds Instagram beautiful but impossibly confusing!
My favourite episode: Live in Manchester | Episode 67
Let It Out- Katie Dalebout
You may have seen Katie’s book ‘Let It Out’ around online. It’s a guide to journaling and one of the BEST journaling tool kits I’ve come across.
Her podcast has been one I have followed for a long time. What I love about it is that she doesn’t shy away from difficult subjects. She mainly focuses on health and well-being with topics such as self care, therapy, and body positivity.
Katie talks earnestly about a lot of things that are really rough about your twenties. She makes you feel like you are not alone. Her gentle, warm voice leaves you feeling comforted like you just caught up with an old friend.
The Commoner’s Communion- Strahan
Strahan is another Christian musician but he’s actually from New Zealand which makes me really happy. Not only does he create fun, folksy music but he is also an incredible speaker.
I’m disappointed to say he hasn’t released any new episodes of his podcast in quite awhile but I highly recommend you go and check out his older ones.
Strahan is one of those beautifully articulate, poetic, wordsy people who reminds you that everything is sacred and special. His podcast makes faith and Christianity more accessible and less old and stuffy.
My favourite episode: New | Episode 4
The Little Chapters- Jessica Rose Williams & Kayte Ferris
This is one I only just came across recently but I loved the episode so much I had to add it to this list.
I love how chatty and friendly these two ladies are. The conversation I listened to was really interesting and encouraging.
This podcast is very real and authentic, it will inspire you to reconsider some of the beliefs you hold and take actions to improve yourself.
My favourite episode: Abundance vs Lack | Episode 15
What are your favourite podcasts?
10 Comments
I’ve heard amazing things about Christy Nockel’s podcast! And same with Emily P. Freeman’s!! I’ll have to actually listen to some of their episodes now that you’ve recommended them too! Have you listened to The Popcast with Knox and Jamie? It’s really light and funny and ridiculous, which is a nice break when things feel heavy in life.
April 25, 2019 at 1:03 pmDefinitely give both of those podcasts a listen, you will love them! Yes the popcast is great. Sometimes I don’t understand a single thing they are referencing in the episodes because I’m not into pop culture enough but mostly I love them.
April 29, 2019 at 9:42 amI’m relatively new to podcasts, and this was just the list I’ve been looking for to get me started! I absolutely love The Little Chapters, and I can’t wait to check out others that you’ve listed.
April 30, 2019 at 6:50 amI hope you enjoy these ones as much as I do! Little Chapters is awesome. 🙂
April 30, 2019 at 12:23 pmI need to add all of these to my to-listen to list. I’m always amazed at how much I glean from listening to audio books and the meaning that lingers after hearing the message!
May 1, 2019 at 11:51 amSame! It definitely helps with my ability to write and create. They are a huge source of inspiration. I hope you enjoy these ones!
May 2, 2019 at 12:24 pmThese are great recommendations, thank you! I love Hashtag Authentic and the Little Chapters.
May 2, 2019 at 5:38 amI hope you find some new podcasts you like from this list too! 🙂
May 2, 2019 at 12:24 pmThe Slow Home Pod is one of my all time favorites! I am excited to give these a listen since the slow home pod is on a little break 🙂
May 8, 2019 at 8:56 amOh cool! Thanks for the recommendation, I’ll be sure to check that out. I hope you enjoy some of these podcasts too!
May 8, 2019 at 12:57 pm