My Top Five Favorite Podcasts

photo courtesy of Death to the Stock Photo

Hi there ! Jennifer here with some thoughts on podcasts and a quick list of my favorites.

I’ve started listening to podcasts a few years ago. I love listening because I almost always learn something new, or I am introduced to someone that I’ve not heard of. I love listening to podcasts so much more than watching TV.

When we lived in Florida I spent A LOT of time in the car. That’s where I listened the most. Since we’ve been living in Charlotte, I spend a lot less time in the car, so I’m always searching for time to listen. I am not someone who can put on a podcast while I sew or scrapbook…my mind wanders too much and I’m not focused on what’s being said. I like to listen, hear, and learn from what’s being said.  

I’ve learned that longer podcasts don’t work as well for me right now because I listen in much shorter time segments of 15-20 minutes. Episodes that are 30-40 minutes are just about right for me. Shows longer than an hour get too broken up, so I’m finding I’m falling behind on those.

I’ve been trying to train myself to listen to podcasts only when I’m on the elliptical. I was thinking that would entice me to exercise. Ummm, not so much.

I mentioned in this post that summer time is travel time for my family and me. When I’m traveling things are usually pretty busy, except on travel days. Sitting in the airport and hours on a plane is a great time to catch up on some of the podcasts I love most.

Which ones are my faves? I’m so glad you asked!

My top five favorite podcasts (in no particular order):

Paperclipping Roundtable

This is the first podcast that I started listening to. It’s a fun one dedicated to discussing all things scrapbooking. The host is Noell Hyman (and her husband, Izzy, who is the producer) usually have two guests who are involved in the scrapbook industry on the show to discuss the topic of the week. The show generally runs about 1 hour 20 minutes. If you like scrapbooking, it’s definitely worth a listen.

Elise Gets Crafty

Elise Blaha Cripe has been blogging for years, and now she has a podcast! Her show centers around small business ownership, goal setting, blogging, and creativity. I do not own a small business (never say never) but I love all that I’ve learned by listening to Elise and her guests. I’ve been introduced to several of people I had never heard of, and I love that. One thing that I especially love is that her episodes are 30-40 minutes each. Really, I pretty much love anything that Elise does.

The Lively Show

This podcast is hosted by Jess Lively, and I’d say this one falls under the self improvement category. This podcast is happy. It makes me happy, and it starts with happy music. I can’t help but smile when I hear her intro music! Jess interviews people from a variety of backgrounds, and they all have some interesting life experience to share. The Lively Show is centered around discussing topics that help us live life with more intention.

I’ve learned of so many new people from this show, more than any other show! This podcast ranges in time from 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on who she’s talking with. If you are at all interested in living life with more intention, then give this podcast a listen!

The TED Radio Hour 

I love this show! My kids love this show!  If you like listening to TED talks, you’ll love this show too! It’s hosted by Guy Raz, and each episode is a compilation of three or four TED talks of the same category. It’s broken up into sections with Guy interviewing each TED speaker in the studio, while also sharing segments of their TED talk. (Sounds confusing, I know, but it’s not. I promise.)

I’ve listened to shows on animals, Maslow’s human needs, success, fear, and so much more. Most of the shows are just over 50 minutes in length. This is a podcast where I almost always walk away knowing more about one subject than before I listened. I love the way it’s done, and I think it’s intelligent. I also think it’s worth your time.

The Scrap Gals Podcast

Listening to these two friends talk scrapbooking is so fun! Traci and Tiffany are best friends who love to scrap, and their passion and friendship shows through 100%! I laugh out loud along with them as they discuss their scrapbooking topic of the week. There are some episodes where I find myself wishing I could invite them over for drinks and some scrapbooking time together. They are funny, relatable, and passionate about their craft.

This show runs a little long (these girls can talk!) usually around an hour to an hour and a half. The Scrap Gals Podcast is definitely entertaining. They’re two scrapbooking friends you didn’t know you had!

I have other podcasts on my list that I listen to when the topic is particularly good or when I’m in the mood to switch things up a bit. I’d love to add some quilting podcasts to my list. Do you have any suggestions?

What podcasts are you enjoying? Be sure to let me know in the comments!