Cheerful Inspiration // Four Podcasts for Creatives

I have always loved books and magazines, but lately I’ve become obsessed with a new kind of media: podcasts.

Most days, I take a walk in the morning or afternoon, and podcasts are the perfect accompaniment. They keep my trusted route from becoming too staid and are an excellent way to fit in a little bit of work-related inspiration while I take a break from sitting in front of the computer to get some fresh air. Sometimes I’ll even pop one on while I’m in the car driving to a meeting or photo shoot and it really does make the commute seem faster…or at the very least, less mundane.

I’m always on the lookout for new voices, but these four podcasts for creatives I love because the hosts and guests feel like the best kind of friends. They make an at-home workday feel a little less lonely, because they share of themselves honestly and transparently. More than once, I’ve gone out for a walk to try to get my mind off of something, and one of these podcasts provides the answer I was seeking. If Pinterest is like inspiration crack, these four podcasts have been my inspiration juice – inspiring, and at the same time, bringing wholesome new ideas to the challenges I face every day.

After the Jump
by Grace Bonney

I mentioned this one briefly back in my list of favorite blogs, but Grace Bonney’s After the Jump is what got me on the podcast bandwagon to begin with. I love her authenticity and her willingness to discuss openly her ideas on business, design, social media, and personal challenges. Most episodes are around the 30 minute mark, and she often has guests who share their stories of making it in the creative world. My favorite episode to date was her interview with designer Jon Call, and I highly recommend it for any creative business owner.

The Lively Show
by Jess Lively

Full disclosure, I worked with Jess last year, but I was so excited when I learned she was launching a podcast! These episodes are interviews with other creative bloggers (and will probably branch into the wider creative community), but focuses on how their intentions have set them on a path for success. Peeking behind the scenes into what has and hasn’t worked for them has given me so many ideas on ways to approach my life and business with intention and hearing their raw honesty about the ups and downs of starting out is such a boost of hopefulness and possibility.

The School of Greatness
by Lewis Howes

This podcast has a full roster of authors, sports stars, and lifestyle experts, that there’s bound to be a little something for everyone in the mix. One of my favorite episodes was an interview with Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson, who was so upbeat about the challenges of making a comeback in her sport and the challenges of being a career athlete. A lot of the authors who come to be interviewed have new books out, so it’s also an excellent way to hear more about their work and find other media for inspiration.

The TED Radio Hour
by NPR

If you like TED talks (and I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t) the TED Radio Hour is an awesome extension of the ideas shared through the platform. By looking through the lens of a single idea and pulling from several talks about that theme, the TED Radio Hour exposes you to the best of TED while also providing a well-rounded analysis of the topic at hand. The beauty of this podcast is hearing experts talk about normal human struggles and psychology and will leave you with new methods to try in leaping over your daily hurdles.

I’m sure there are other podcasts I should be listening to…what are your favorites? If you haven’t tried podcasts, take a chance over the weekend! Go for a walk or put one on during your weekend drive…and see if it adds to your adventure!