There are two kinds of people in this world – those who listen to podcasts and those who don’t. Ok, well, maybe it’s not that simple. A few years ago, I started listening to podcasts and I have come to love them. My husband would always talk to me about things that he had listened to on the train during his commute to and from the city. “Did you hear about this?” he would ask. Nope, I hadn’t. Moms of young kids don’t hear much other than talk about young kids and their various activities and body functions.
I figured it was time for me to check out podcasts and try to reconnect with the world. I clicked on that purple app icon on my phone to see what I could find. News, stories, fitness, mystery, and parenting tips abounded! This was an amazing discovery for me.
Podcasts have let me in on the world around me without ever having to leave my house. I listen while I am doing dishes, folding laundry, or walking. Whenever I am in the car alone and have some time to listen to a show, I will. I hope that during this time of year, you have some time to download an episode and get hooked into a great story while you hunker down at home!
For Moms:
1. The Mom Hour – Hosted by two moms who have eight kids between them, this show is something that many moms can relate to. They talk about everything from sleep schedules to high school graduation. With over 80 episodes to choose from, there’s sure to be something to connect with.
2. The Wellness Mama Podcast – For all you natural mamas out there, the Healthy Moms Podcast is a great resource for information on “real food, stress, sleep, fitness, toxins, natural living, and much more.”
3. One Bad Mother Podcast – is “a comedy podcast about motherhood and how unnatural it sometimes is. We aren’t all magical vessels! Join us every week as we deal with the thrills and embarrassments of motherhood and strive for less judging, and more laughing.”
4. We Turned Out Okay Podcast – Podcaster, teacher and mom, Karen shares stories and ideas each week that help everyone feel connected in parenthood. She brings on guests and covers topics like family schedules, childhood anxiety, and talking to kids about current events.
5. Embracing Holland – A podcast for those parenting special needs children – “When our sons received their diagnoses, like many special needs parents, we grieved, we bargained, we petitioned, and we isolated. We were each handed the “Welcome to Holland” poem as an introduction to the new place that happened to be filled with acronyms, jargon, therapy, appointments, and uncertainty. As the dust settled, we looked around and began to see our surroundings through a new lens. We launched into the disability world and discovered that our lives were not over, quite the opposite. A new life was before us, one filled with people, places and things we would have never known, including a new level of empathy, sensitivity, and understanding. With open minds and hearts, we started this podcast to show other families new and further down the path, that there is so much good being done because of the detour to this new foreign land. Join as we embark on “Embracing Holland.””
6. The Mighty Mommy’s Quick and Dirty Tips – Just like the title implies, this podcast has short episodes that are perfect to listen to when you find yourself with a few quiet minutes. These tips run the full range of parenting from pregnancy to sending your child off to college. “8 Ways to Instill Confidence in Your Toddler” and “6 Strategies for Dealing With an Angry Child” are some of the latest great finds.
7. Twin Talks – To all the parents out there who are doing double diaper duty, this one’s for you! This podcast shares stories from parents of multiples, trials of pregnancy with multiples and everything from the NICU to traveling with twins.
8. Mindful Mama – This podcast is “about becoming a less irritable, more joyful parent. We know that you cannot give what you do not have. And when you are thriving, when you have calm and peace within – then you can give it to your children.” I think we all probably could have used this before March 2020, but is probably even needed more now.
9. Stories Podcast – This is a great place to hear stories come to life for your little ones. This podcast offers 5-20 minute stories for kids that are great to listen to in the car or before bed. You can find classic tales like “Jack and the Beanstalk” to their latest “The Gordian Knot.”
For Everyone:
1. Serial – This has got to be the most famous podcast of all time. There are three seasons of this show. Each one takes on a different story told from multiple perspectives. Season one deals with a murder mystery, season two tells the story of Bowe Bergdahll, a notorious American POW, and season three takes a look at ordinary court cases.
2. Freakonomics Radio – This is a great show about anything and everything. Most new episodes deal with navigating through a pandemic. They explore how cities and businesses are fairing along with how society is dealing with compassion.
3. Crimetown – If you liked “The Jinx” on HBO, this series is for you. They investigate the culture of crime in different American cities. The first season is about Providence, RI and the second season is about Detroit, MI. These short episodes will keep you engaged.
4. This American Life – This award winning podcast has stories that we can all relate to. In the past I have heard stories about the economy, education, politics, families, parenting, friendships and more. It’s a weekly, one hour program.
5. Another Mother Runner – This is one of my favorite podcasts of all time. These two ladies are moms, runners, authors, and entrepreneurs. Although the word “runner” is in the title, you don’t have to be a marathoner to take advantage of their words of wisdom and girl talk. This is a podcast for everyone.
6. Wait, Wait…Don’t Tell Me! – If you are in the car for a while and need some entertainment, this weekly pop culture quiz show is the way to go. The host and guests are always engaging and it’s a fun way to catch up on current events.
7. Criminal – A podcast about crimes, but more complex crimes. This focuses on stories of people “who’ve done wrong, been wronged, and/or got caught somewhere in between.” This podcast has been running a few years and offers over 150 episodes.
8. Moms and Murder – Two friends share their takes on well-known and even lesser know true crimes. A great option for true crime lovers!
