A couple of weeks ago in a Vlog I shared how important walking is to my physical and mental health. When I consciously quit smoking nearly thirty-five years ago, walking was the replacement and ever since I’ve been getting up and walking every morning. I can’t even conceive of how I would have gotten through 2020 without that activity. And yes, having a walking buddy like Kloe my dog to join me is encouraging. But someone asked me how I can walk the exact same route each and every day—isn’t it boring!?! The answer to that is I have been saved by podcasts. In this post I decided it might be good to share some of my favorites with you in case you too would like some free inspiration, new and intriguing conversation ideas, and if you’re a writer a wealth of topics to explore.
Back 33 years ago when I started walking I mainly listened to music on my cassette deck—remember those? Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, yeah it was that decade. Then I discovered that I could listen to audio cassettes on different topics that caught my interest. Unfortunately it was relatively expensive and I was thrilled when I found out I could borrow some from the library. Fast forward a good twenty years and I discovered that with my hearing aids I can now stream a virtual avalanche of topics off of my iphone in the form of podcasts. The hardest part is deciding what topic to listen to on any given day.
With so many options I’m a bit picky. While you can find full length books, mysteries, comedies, news, science and just about everything to listen to, I nearly always devote my precious walking time to SMART ideas that capture my interests. If you read my short descriptions I’m guessing you can tell why I follow these great podcasts. While I don’t listen to every episode of every one of them, and occasionally I’ll try new ones, these are the ones I consistently seek out.
Unlocking Us with Brene Brown—If you’ve been reading SMART Living for any length of time you know I’m a big fan. In this podcast Brene does her best to share ideas about how we are all hardwired for connection and that requires courage, vulnerability, and conversation. Each episode is a “conversation with the people who are teaching her, challenging her, confusing her or even ticking her off a little.”
Insights at the Edge with Tami Simon—Tami is the founder and producer of Sounds True which offers transformational programs that “help people live a more genuine, loving and meaningful life.” On her podcasts she interviews those who are doing work on the “growing edge of their inner inquiry and outer contribution to the world.
The Good Life Project with Jonathan Fields—Is a podcast that is “inspirational, intimate and disarmingly-unfiltered conversations about living a fully-engaged, fiercely connected and in a meaning-drenched life.” Jonathan interviews fascinating people from all areas of life and nearly always makes me glad I listen.
Happier with Gretchen Rubin—Author Gretchen Rubin wants all to be happier and gets “more personal than ever as she brings her practical, manageable advice about happiness and good habits to this lively, thought-provoking podcast.”
The Goop with Gwyneth Paltrow—on this podcast Gwyneth and her podcast partner “chat with leading thinkers, culture changers and industry disruptors—from doctors to creatives, to CEOs to spiritual leaders—about shifting old paradigms and starting new conversations.”
On Being with Krista Tippett—Offers “groundbreaking conversations about the big questions of meaning—spiritual inquiry, science, social healing and the arts.”
Magic Lessons with Elizabeth Gilbert The podcast comes from Elizabeth Gilbert following the publishing of her book Magic Lessons. Her intentions is an effort to help a “batch of aspiring artists overcome their fears and create more joyfully.” No new podcasts since 2016 but her channel contains 22 great episodes from the past. Plus I often search her name and find more current interviews of Elizabeth on other podcasts.
Experts on Expert with Dax Shepard—I first started listening to Dax with his podcast “Armchair Expert” which has mostly morphed into Experts on Expert (although both podcasts are still available.) I love many of the interesting “experts” that he interviews where he celebrates “above all, the challenges and setbacks that ultimately lead to growth and betterment.”
The Tim Ferriss Show and Tribe of Mentors hosted by Tim Ferriss—I listen occasionally to Tim Ferriss because his interviews offer an intriguing blend of fascinating people, cutting edge ideas and practical hacks. Not all of them interest me but those with captivating topics nearly always prove to be fascinating.
Being Well with Dr. Rick Hanson and Forrest Hanson—I started listening to this podcast about a year ago after reading a book by Dr. Hanson. Along with his son Forrest, this podcast has a focus on “how we can become happier, build better relationships and get the most out of life.”
Obviously there are thousands of other podcasts available if you look. And again, I don’t listen to every episode in these ten podcasts. Some of them are a little heavier than others with advertising by their “sponsors.” But hey, I realize that the content they are sharing is free to me so I either listen or fast-forward through the commercials.
I also want to do a “shout-out” to a new friend named Mary I met online who is just starting a podcast with her husband Kevin. Their podcast named Growth Minded Marriage is, from what I can tell, a podcast with an emphasis on personal growth, living a rightsized life, and creating a healthy and happy marriage and family. If you want to support someone new to the experience, I invite you to check it out.
Of course I still like to read as much as possible. But let’s face it, reading takes a bit of time and definite attention. On the flip side, because I walk every single day I have approximately 30-40 minutes open to listening to ideas that educate me, ignite my imagination, and help me grow. What a gift! So even if you aren’t a walker but instead have a time in your life (commuting to work, driving any distance, cycling, running, exercising, etc.) where you can listen easily, I invite you to give it a try.
When I take the time to think about it, my world is filled with so many great things that bring me joy, educate me, encourage me and provide meaning and purpose. And yes, I think it is the same for most of us as well. Surely the SMART perspective is one where we share what works for each of us and offer it freely to one another. After all, we are all in this together.
I’m so impressed that you’ve walked every morning for 30+ years, Kathy! And listening to these podcasts while you go sounds like a great way to look after your mind and body at the same time. Thanks for sharing some of your favorites with us.
Hi Christie! I actually started out with about 5 days a week, especially when it was really cold out (we lived in Colorado at the time). I’ve never been a fan of cold. Now, even when it’s really hot in the desert I just get up when it is barely light and it isn’t too bad. And I purposely got a dog that was very active and needed to walk as much as me! Of course now walking is an addiction and if I don’t get my “fix” my entire day feels off. Plus now I get to hear and enjoy so many inspiring ideas that it really pulls me out the door. Just listened to one again that I will likely use for next week’s blog post. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. `Kathy
One of my favourites is ‘Everything Happens’ with Kate Bowler. Kate is a prof at Duke U and is also a cancer survivor. Her interview style is supportive and empathic. Her podcast is part of Gretchen Rubin’s Onward Project.
Thank you Jeannette! I will check her out. ~Kathy
Hi, Kathy – I so agree with the power created by walking daily. Like you, I don’t know how I would have gotten through the past several months without morning walks.
I do have to confess that I am not a podcast follower. But, I have recently begun listening to audiobooks and am starting to get the hang of it. Thank you for sharing these sites with us — there are some great names here.
Hi Donna! I know you usually walk with Richard or someone else so I understand why it wouldn’t work for you. Thom used to walk with me most days but he has started riding his bike for his morning outing….and honestly, if he walks with me too much then I miss the input from my podcasts. What is so wonderful is that I find books that I want to read based upon the interviews I find…and like I mention in the posts, they nearly always give me a bunch of ideas to write about. ~Kathy
Thank you for your list! I also listen to podcasts on my daily walks (unless my husband joins me 🙂 ) so I’m always looking for good ones that are about an hour in length. My favorites are: This American Life, Serial, and Hidden Brain. I especially enjoyed Nice White Parents. It is a five-episode study of attempted integration of a school in New York. Even though I don’t have children or grandchildren, I found it fascinating. Just curious, what service do you use to access your podcasts? The one I use is a bit wonky.
Hi Janis! Thank you for your recommendations. I will check them out. I listen exclusively to Apple podcasts because I stream them on my iphone and run on Macintosh computers. They make it really easy with an iphone. There is an app and I just click on it and am led to those podcasts I subscribe to. I can also search for topics, people, concepts, etc. Pretty easy IMHO. ~Kathy
Thanks for this great list. I already subscribe to several of these and, like you, listen every day as I do my walks. Podcasts make the walking time more interesting. When I do the nature trails, I usually turn off any entertainment and listen to the birds and the trees.
Hi Jeanette. Exactly! When I’ve found someone that is being interviewed that I like (usually authors of new books) I will search for other podcasts that are doing interviews of them and then I find myself looking forward to getting out there so I can listen to them. It is a great motivator for me. There are so many awesome podcasts to listen to that sometimes it is difficult to choose. Do you have some you regularly listen to that you can recommend???? ~Kathy
Thank you Kathy! I feel overwhelmed with gratitude to receive a shout out. We realize that part of our best lived life is forming new connections with other humans who are following their passions and living a truly authentic life. It has been a tremendous joy to cross your path.
Hi Mary! You are welcome. One of the best things about the online community is that we can benefit each other when possible. And of course it is fun making new friends around the country/world. Plus, I think you and Kevin are doing a great job at getting a podcast going. It takes effort and dedication so I hope you find an audience that appreciates the wisdom that you have to share. ~Kathy
Thanks for the recommendations. I will definitely try out a few. I listen to podcasts when I do my back and knee exercises.
Hi Tom! I’m guessing that they would work very well for repetitive exercises as long as you can do them without too much focus. They sure do help the miles disappear when I’m walking in less than perfect weather so they very likely would help distract you enough while exercising to appreciate them. Of course you have to be picky about the topic or it sort of ruins the effect! ~Kathy
Thanks — great list! I knew about a couple of them, but most are new to me, and I like the idea of including them most days. I usually walk with somebody or do Zumba (online, of course), so I’ll have to find time other than a walk, but….
Hi Nancy. I suppose we all have to find a way to make it work for me. For example, I do listen to them in the car if I will be driving for some distance but I hardly ever listen to them when I’m not doing something else. It just doesn’t fit me I guess. And when Thom comes with me/us (Kloe and I) then I don’t listen. In some ways it becomes a sort of “me” time because I only listen to episodes that spark my interests. ~Kathy
Thanks for the info on podcasts, Kathy! I just discovered the pleasure of audiobooks for long drives through the the BC interior. I hesitate to listen to books or podcasts when I am out walking though…I fear I won’t be as aware of my surroundings as I should be…traffic, other people, etc. But I’ve never actually tried it. What are your thoughts on this?
Deb
Hi Deb! Yes, speaking of long drives. We just got home from Tucson where we spent the week celebrating Thom’s birthday by riding our e-bikes all over town. A bit cooler than we expected but it still turned out to be amazing. The drive home was about 5-6 hours and yes, guess what we listened to?
As far as safety, it does help that my neighborhood is pretty low key and safe so I don’t have to be too concerned…even with COVID I just watch my surroundings carefully. I think I have developed that habit through the years because I always walk a dog–there were others before Kloe–and you must always be watching for other dogs, people, little kids, etc. So I constantly scan my surroundings. Just like when you are driving and listening to audiobooks. You’re still paying close attention right? And any time I am needing/wanting a little nature fix, I just silence the sound and enjoy. It is also very nice when the temperature doesn’t cooperate…I can focus on something that inspires me rather than the heat/cold/rain/wind etc. So yes, we do need to be observant when walking at all times, but if my history is worth anything it is very doable. ~Kathy