Analog versus Digital. Listening to My Heart's Content.
I have developed a great love (and shall I say addiction) to podcasts and audiobooks. They have begun to take precedence over other things that fill my earbuds or car speakers. This area of my life has been a strange place the digital has won over the analog in the battle of analog versus digital.
I started with audiobooks last year... and that was a slower burn. Then something got me into podcasts (honestly can't put my finger on what got me started). Now I listen to podcasts daily. Not exaggerating- daily.
Every morning as I'm getting ready for work - I have a playlist of podcasts trying to impart me with some wisdom. I usually get through four podcasts before I'm all dolled up and in my car. In the car, I tend to get through only a portion of one before I pull into my office and switch it over to my earbuds.
Then I tend to listen to as many as are available throughout the course of my day- breaking it up with the occasional batch of music. When I've listened to all of the new episodes released by my favorites- I'll then switch to my audiobooks.
This has been my daily ritual since the start of this year.
I can't explain why I'm so hooked. Maybe it was that I stumbled across some empowering and uplifting podcasts when I need them most. Maybe it was that I stumbled across a couple of interesting ones (like the one about pens or the one about folklore - haha). I'm not sure.
I will tell you that the influx of encouragement and knowledge has moved my soul. I needed that- a little soul moving.
The Logistics
the little details that swayed me
I used to swear that physical books were the only way to go... but then I started noticing my poor posture while reading. It was aggravating my back and neck problems. Audiobooks fix that particular challenge. I still love a beautiful physical book- but switching between the physical copy and the audiobook helps dramatically.
I never felt I had enough time in the day to learn all the things and read all the books that I wanted. Podcasts and audiobooks give me the chance to squeeze more out of those moments you can't read a book. Big case and point- driving. While I used to insist on just listening to music- now I can listen to sermons or folklore or the news. Problem solved.Very similar to the previous point- I love the fact that I can now listen to the news while going about my normal day. My hubby and I don't have cable in our home- so we have a hard time just sitting and watching the news to stay up to date. (Plus I can easily listen to news sources on both the left and the right to get both side's perspectives easily.)
This one doesn't apply to audiobooks- but podcasts usually come without a price tag. I have started supporting some of my favorite podcasts- but that isn't necessary.
There are some awesome services for both audiobooks and podcasts. iTunes and Spotify, for example, are great tools for finding podcasts. I personally mainly use the podcast app on my iPhone for my podcasts. For audiobooks- I use Audible which has been pretty affordable (my husband and I share a family account). Public libraries also offer a great option through the Overdrive app (which you do have to have a library card to use). I could do a whole post about this- let me know if that sounds interesting at all.
My Current Personal List
Here are just a few of my current favorites lately. Not all of them may appeal to you- but I hope will give you a great jumping off point. You can find podcasts about nearly every topic under the sun.
spiritually empowering
(Notes about the Podcasts are from the iTunes descriptions... not all of them are as descriptive as others.)
Vibrant Happy Women
Join me [Dr. Jen Riday] as I interview some amazing women who are living vibrant, happy lives - even when life is hard. Learn how these strong women keep moving forward and create a life they love, despite their struggles.
Wonderfully Made
This podcast features authentic conversations with world-changing women who are living out their unique purpose. Join us as we interview female movers and shakers and be inspired to know your value and live life to the full.
The Robcast
Religion & Spirituality. The RobCast is a weekly podcast by Rob Bell.
Read Scripture
Read Scripture with Francis Chan, best-selling author of Crazy Love, Forgotten God, Erasing Hell, Multiply, and You and Me Forever. There is also an accompanying app with the podcast.
Our Daily Bread
The audio version of Our Daily Bread is an effective resource for those who desire constant awareness of God's Word and its significance in the life of the believer.
Any Book by Brené Brown
Uninvited
The enemy wants us to feel rejected, left out, lonely, and less than. When we allow him to speak lies through our rejection, he pickpockets our purpose. Cripples our courage. Dismantles our dreams. And blinds us to the beauty of Christ's powerful love.
Wild and Free
For all the fullness of God available to his daughters, we often feel limited by two defining insecurities: "I am too much," and "I am not enough." Coauthors and best friends Jess Connolly and Hayley Morgan have felt the same, until one essential question turned the tables on it all: If God is wild and free and he created women, what does this mean for us today?
interesting or entertaining
Lore
Lore is an award-winning, critically-acclaimed podcast about true life scary stories. Our fears have roots. Lore exposes the darker side of history, exploring the creatures, people, and places of our wildest nightmares.
How I Built This | NPR
How I Built This is a podcast about innovators, entrepreneurs, and idealists, and the stories behind the movements they built. Each episode is a narrative journey marked by triumphs, failures, serendipity and insight — told by the founders of some of the world's best known companies and brands.
Ungeniused
Ungeniused is a show dedicated to covering the weirdest articles found on Wikipedia. Stephen Hackett and Myke Hurley are here to explain topics and share
knowledge
you'll never be able to use in real life.
Unstyled | Refinery29
(parental advisory)
UnStyled is a weekly podcast hosted by Global Editor-In-Chief & Co-founder, Christene Barberich, exploring the funny, inspiring, sometimes heartbreaking tales of life, work, and love—as told through the things that we wear. Guests this season include Danielle Brooks, Jill Kargman, Norma Kamali, Leandra Medine, Stacy London and more
the news
Up First | NPR
NPR's Up First is the news you need to start your day. The biggest stories and ideas — from politics to pop culture — in 10 minutes. Hosted by Rachel Martin, David Greene and Steve Inskeep, with reporting and analysis from NPR News. Available weekdays by 6 a.m. ET.
The Daily | New York Times
This is how the news should sound. Twenty minutes a day, five days a week, hosted by Michael Barbaro and powered by New York Times journalism.
The World and Everything In It
This is WORLD Radio's daily half-hour audio news magazine, produced Monday-Friday. (This one you pay for I believe. Since my parents gifted us the membership- I'm not sure how much it costs.)
the niche topics
The Pen Addict
The Pen Addict is a weekly fix for all things stationery. Pens, pencils, paper, ink – you name it, and Brad Dowdy and Myke Hurley are into it. Join as they geek out over the analog tools they love so dearly.
The Art Supply Posse
This weekly podcast is all about reviewing art supplies, interviewing art makers and inspiring all of us to use our art tools more often.
Apple Byte | cnet
The Apple Byte covers the fact, the fiction, and everything inside the world of Apple. Brian Tong talks about the latest Apple announcements, the rumors, and he'll break down the good and bad of Apple with an edgy style. (There is a videocast version and regular podcast)