The Podcast Post

I've been a podcast listener for about three and a half years now; I started listening back when Serial first took over the world. Tolar and I discovered Serial when we were driving home on a long car trip and we were hooked from episode one! Since then, I've enjoyed adding podcasts to my life as often as I can.

You can listen for entertainment, for spiritual growth, for business advice, for encouragement and on and on. If there is a topic you are interested in, I'm sure there is a podcast devoted to it. Every Wednesday I am in the car BY MYSELF for two hours (and it is glorious!) and I fill that time with podcasts. I've compiled a list of my all time favorite podcasts below. 

The beautiful thing about podcasts is that you can listen to them just about anywhere! Of course I love to listen to them in the car, but I also enjoy listening while I fold laundry or make dinner. With a podcast, you can work on something while you listen and you don't have to worry about missing something important because you couldn't look up at a particular moment. Turn that idle time into time for YOU and find a podcast that speaks straight to your heart. The opportunities for growth, just by listening to a podcast are endless.

Inspiring

The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey - Quite possibly my favorite podcast. Jamie talks with guests about anything and everything and she does it in such a natural, relaxed way that you feel like you are sitting around a table with your girlfriends. I've felt deeply when listening to the stories shared and laughed quite a lot. Such a feel good, encouraging podcast to listen to. If you want to start anywhere - start here.

Rise - If you aren't a fan of Rachel Hollis, I'm not sure we can be friends. Seriously, anything this gal touches turns to gold. She's witty, she's a fabulous storyteller, she makes you feel, she gets you fired up for your dreams...just check her out. (And also buy her book "Girl Wash Your Face." If you listen to it on audible, it's just like a podcast)

For The Love with Jen Hatmaker - Similar to the two podcasts above, this is an excellent podcast to catch that brings so much truth and realness to the airwaves. I'm all about Jen Hatmaker's vibe lately - which is to love EVERYONE.

Goal Digger - Have you heard of Jenna Kutcher? She's a beast when it comes to running a business and she will inspire the HECK out of you. She's been podcasting for awhile and has quite the library of episodes banked. Want to know about building a social media presence? Listen to her - she knows her stuff.

Motherhood
Coffee + Crumbs - This podcast is put together by moms who share all sorts of stories about raising little ones. There is plenty of practical advice, awesome episodes on how to talk to your kids about tough subjects and lots of encouragement. Make sure to listen to the episode titled "Talking With Kids About Tricky People with Sam Sutherland" from July 2; it is chock full of awesome information.

True Crime 
Up and Vanished - Hands down one of the best podcasts I've ever listened to. The second season just started and I haven't yet listened to it, but the first season is incredible. Everything is done by a filmmaker and his storytelling is captivating. The first season unfolded as he was putting the podcast together, so don't google anything or you will find spoilers. 

Serial - If you don't know what Serial is, I'm sure you have been living under a rock. Check it out, get hooked and decide for yourself if you agree with the outcome.

Dirty John - This is a short series that I finished in just 2 days! I was hooked from the beginning listening to how John manipulated people in his life. The story is phenomenal and I highly recommend it!

Pop Culture
The Morning Toast - The hosts, Claudia and Jackie, deliver celebrity gossip and news every weekday morning. They are funny, quite witty and have some killer fashion sense. 

Off The Vine - If you are a Bachelor/Bachelorette fan then you will probably want to catch this one. Kaitlyn Bristowe is the host and she often has Bachelor cast members on to spill the beans. She keeps things real and her banter with her guests is the best.