Podcast Pals
© Kendra Appleton 2019
Between my full time 9-5 job, my writing, weekly commuting and also being married to a business owner who works 6 days a week, I spend a good portion of my week alone. This is something I’ve learnt to manage and make work for me in a number of ways, but the best tool I use to feel less isolated in my own company is listening to podcasts.
Beginning in 2014, whilst trekking back and forth to see my now husband, in a different state, the discovery of podcasts for me was a wonderful thing. To start with I was mainly consuming true crime and story podcasts, and over the years have leaned into lifestyle and interview podcasts as well.
These are my top 5 podcasts, (in no particular order) that help to make me feel connected and entertained during my solo hours and hopefully can do the same for you. Click through using the buttons to get listening.
Generation Why
My first love as far as podcasts go! Aaron & Justin have been putting out episodes since 2012 and their coverage of true crime cases is something that in my opinion only gets better and better! From conspiracies, to murders, and mysteries, the duo keep it fresh and both offer their own takes on the topics. If you’re a true crime fan, it’s a podcast that you will certainly enjoy.
Unpublished
I’ve followed fellow writer, Aimee McNee on instagram (@inspiredtowrite) for close to two years now- eagerly lapping up her sharing of her own creative life, the ups, the downs and in-between! When she began her podcast last year, it was one I began listening to as soon as an episode would drop. Aimee discusses her own writing journey, habits and experiences as well as interviewing other creatives about their work and journeys. If you’re a creative mind, particularly if you are a writer, Unpublished is waiting for you with the perfect mix of inspiration, realness and wisdom in each episode.
The Slow Home Podcast With Brooke McAlry
The Slow Home Podcast is something I stumbled upon while doing house work in our humble little cottage one day (hanging washing if you really wanted to know). I hadn’t really been exposed to the concept of ‘slow living’ prior to listening, but immediately felt drawn to the calming host and the topics came back to simplifying one’s life. Brooke often interviews other like minded people, who are embracing and implementing ‘slow’ in their own ways as well as hosting with her husband, Ben McAlry while they take on monthly experiments with their own lives and slow living methods. The podcast is on a break currently but there is a plethora of back catalogue to keep you cool, calm and slow in the meantime.
Shameless
Melbourne journalists Michelle Andrews and Zara McDonald tapped into something brilliant when they started their own podcast just over a year ago, their tag line is the best summary, “The podcast for smart women, who love dumb stuff”. Covering current news issues with a keen interest on pop culture, these two don’t shy away from heavy topics, guilty pleasures and acknowledging their own process of learning along the way. They’re refreshing, relatable and feel like friends in your ears. The ground they have already covered in the last year is absolutely immense and impressive.
Your Creative Start
Prompted by an instagram story of Jasmine Dowling (@jasminedowling) to listen to a business oriented podcast aimed at creatives, I have recently been enjoying many episodes hosted by Jaharn Giles. Often interviewing other creative freelancers, Jaharn’s conversations bring out the best information right from the source for new comers to the open and vast world of being a creative freelancer. Jaharn also releases shorter episodes where she will cover a specific topic herself. If you are a creative of any sort, do yourself a favour by listening to this virtual leg up full of insightful information and opinions!