Since many of us are currently self-isolating, we thought it would be an ideal time for a fresh podcast round-up this spring.
Whether you’re cooking, tackling a home improvement project, or going on a walk to decompress from the madness, we’ve listed a few podcasts that will keep you inspired and entertained below.
Be Inspired
Unlocking Us
Brené Brown’s much-anticipated podcast, Unlocking Us, is as wonderful as we expected it would be. She explores topics like anxiety, how to stay connected during this time of isolation, and the importance of authenticity. Most episodes feature guests (Alicia Keys and Glennon Doyle are two of note), but when she records solo, it’s just as delightful. Her poignant words and soothing voice are just what we all need right now.
Recommended Episode: Brené on Anxiety, Calm + Over/Under-Functioning
Second Life
In her popular Second Life podcast, Hillary Kerr regularly sits down with women to discuss the sometimes circuitous and always interesting paths that their careers have taken. Her interviews include a variety of creatives, CEOs, and founders. You’ll hear from people like Alison Roman, Jennifer Meyer, and Reese Witherspoon, just to name a few. It’s the perfect listen if you’re contemplating a career change or simply want to feel inspired.
Recommended Episode: Alison Roman: Cook, Best-Selling Author, and NYT Columnist
Learn Something New
The Wit & Delight Podcast
Kate Arends’s uplifting and lovely online aesthetic translates beautifully to her podcast, The Wit & Delight Podcast. Topics cover all sorts of real-life issues like relationships and compatibility, intuitive eating, and aging. Her innate curiosity shines through in each episode, and you’re sure to walk away having learned something new.
Recommended Episode: A Conversation on the Benefits of Creative Practice with Jill Elliott
The Femails
We couldn’t leave our own podcast off of this list! Our founder, Lauren McGoodwin, and at least one other Career Contessa teammate speak with various career experts about topics like how to manage finances during uncertainty, how to effectively work remotely, and how to gain motivation in the face of adversity. If you’re reeling because of this crisis, we hope this resource will help to provide some solace and a path forward.
Recommended Episode: How to Create Value and Gain Influence at Work
Ted Talks Daily
With concise episodes that tackle a wide variety of subjects, this podcast is the perfect way to consume thought-provoking media in a short amount of time. You’ll walk away having learned about a subject in more depth than you’ve thought of it before. Sleep science, co-parenting, museums, farming — there’s something here for everyone.
Recommended Episode: Why Sleep Matters Now More Than Ever
NPR Life Kit
Each episode on Life Kit shares tools to help you get your life together—in an engaging, non-judgemental way. They cover a variety of topics from health to money to parenting and everything in between. The episodes are also short which is perfect for this type of content. I usually find myself taking notes while I listen.
Recommended Episode: Short on Cash? Here's Some Advice For Families Stretching Their Budgets
Just for Fun
This Is Love
If you love Phoebe Judge from her wildly popular podcast, Criminal, This Is Love is just as intriguing but without the true-crime spin. Episodes don’t focus solely on romantic love; instead, they highlight stories about all kinds of love. The most recent episode, for example, dives deep into a story about wolves in Yellowstone National Park and had my heart swelling. Don’t skip out on this one if you’re looking for something heartwarming.
Recommended Episode: The Wolves
Even the Rich
This season of Even the Rich covers the story of the Murdoch family and will give you major Succession vibes. Hosts Aricia Skidmore-Williams and Brooke Siffrinn keep a story full of twists and turns light and intriguing. This short series is the perfect thing to get lost in if you just need to escape for a while.
Recommended Episode: The Murdochs - Rupert
Reply All
Reply All is certainly not a new addition to any podcast list, but one episode, in particular, is getting a lot of attention right now. Joanna Goddard from Cup of Jo posted that this episode was the perfect antidote to quarantine blues. I gave it a listen and have to agree. And if you like it, they have tons of others to dive into.
Recommended Episode: The Case of the Missing Hit
Cleaning and Organizing
Spark Joy
Employing Marie Kondo’s KonMari techniques, each episode of the Spark Joy podcast explains how to simplify your life. From organization apps to entertaining tips to a guide to digital minimalism, you’ll feel more in control of your surroundings after employing some of their advice.
Recommended Episode: KonMari Quick Tips: Social Media Joy
If you’re looking for more distraction or entertainment, we also rounded up a list of books we’re reading this spring—check it out here!
