Here’s the big news – I’ve FINALLY launched the podcast I’ve been dreaming about doing for the last 2 and a half years! If you follow me on Instagram you’ll already know since I’ve been bombarding my stories and grid with photos of microphones and me looking uncomfortable in oversized headphones, but you may be wondering what all the fuss is about and why I’m such a podcast advocate. Truth is, I really believe they can save your sanity…
I cannot remember where the idea came from that I would like to host my own podcast. I can only tell you that the first one I ever subscribed to was for learning Italian back in 2008 when podcasts were still shiny and new! I loved learning for free and I used my 1+ hour commute to brush up on my language skills. Fast forward to when I became a mother in 2017 I was looking for a way to not return to teaching English after maternity leave and to do something that made me feel good about myself whilst I was tired, at times struggling as a new mum and wondering what I would then do with my life.
PODCASTS TO THE RESCUE
Again, I turned to podcasts and subscribed to She Means Business. I think it started with the book of the same name by Carrie Green. From the moment I started listening, I loved each episode because my mind had been opened, not only to the new knowledge I was gaining but also to the possibilities available to me.
On a practical level, there are many things that become tricky when you have a baby, like learning to make yourself a coffee one-handed because your little one screams every time you put them down. Life can become a repetitive cycle of nappy changes, sleeping (or not), feeding and housework but by downloading podcasts, I kept my sanity even on the toughest days. I used the boring bits of my routine – like hanging out the washing or hours spent breastfeeding on the sofa – to fill my mind with podcast episodes that would help me grow and by the end of the day, I felt like I’d actually DONE something! I felt like I’d done something for ME.
TURN MUNDANE INTO MAGIC
Even now, with 2 children under 5, podcasts are my escape, a world where I can learn, grow, switch off, switch on, dream, question or focus. To this day, if I’m emptying the dishwasher, folding the washing or cleaning the bathroom, you can bet I’m also learning something as I go. I’ve transformed a totally mundane experience into something that feels more like magic and it’s so easy because podcasts can fit into your life with no effort. You can choose by subject category, show, episode length, guest or host.
CHOOSE FOR YOUR MOOD
I regularly mix things up depending on my mood and how much time I’ve got. My favourites are usually around personal development, coaching and interviews with interesting/inspiring people but there are SO many different kinds now including whole fiction series, advice on mental health, business, career development, languages sex and relationships… literally, there is something for every interest.
HERE ARE 10 PODCASTS I’M LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW…
What are your favourites? Have I convinced you to give podcasts a try? Hope you’ll find something to get stuck into on your next walk or take your mind off housework!
Zoe x