Podcasts are a great way to balance all the things you need to do in a day, with a desire for more encouragement, wisdom, humor, practical advice, relevant information, and so much more! Keep reading for a list of ten podcasts worth your (valuable & limited) time!
Just this morning three of my favorite podcasts published new episodes. Listening to them was just the push I needed to finally share a post on podcasts.
If you are not listening to podcasts yet, then you, my friend, are missing out.
And I want to help you miss out no more.
This is so me.
Podcasts are like bright rays of sunshine in my day.
As I have thought about it, I think I have figured out why I love them so much. (And why I think you will too).
In the midst of doing all.the.things during the day, the time I spend listening to podcasts is unique.
Listening to podcasts can often be one of the only times my mind is stretched to think about new ideas– or even old ideas from a new perspective. I can listen to intelligent discussions on important issues and current events, even if the rest of my day does not afford many opportunities to browse news sites.
In addition to being mentally stimulating (which, to a mother whose main conversations involve snack requests or something bathroom related, is a big deal), podcasts are an excellent source of biblical encouragement, wisdom, homeschool inspiration, and so much more.
The best thing about all of this? I can play them on my bluetooth speaker while going about the everyday, ordinary parts of my day.
Not being able to do that would actually be a deal breaker.
So when do I make time for all these podcasts? That’s a good question. I’m glad you asked.
I regularly listen to podcasts…
- while washing dishes (I no longer have a dishwasher, so this is prime podcast time!)
- in the shower
- while folding laundry
- as I work on a sewing project
- in the car
- while I cook
- as I walk at the park while my kids play
Because I know how much I am benefited by listening to podcasts, I make it a priority to find ways and time to listen. And I have no problem asking my kids to limit questions during a podcast (if I’m washing the dishes or something).
My kids have asked before why I listen to podcasts so often, and it has been a good occasion to talk to them about how I still have so much to learn and how even mama needs to be encouraged and refreshed with biblical truth and lighthearted discussions. It is good for them to see that I am striving to make the most of my time to balance a desire to learn with a need to continue working hard on my other responsibilities.
Just in case you’re wondering, or if the list above seems a little extreme, of course not every quiet moment of my day is filled podcasts. I do savor quiet moments (rare as they are), and my children and I enjoy listening to audiobooks as well.
Ten Podcasts Worth Your Time
These are my favorite podcasts– the ones I listen to almost as soon as a new episode is published. There are a variety of genres here, so even if your interests are not quite the same, I feel confident that you can find at least one new podcast to try.
(in no particular order)
1. At Home Podcast
Every time a notification shows up on my phone that At Home has a new podcast, it’s like I’ve been given a gift. I LOVE this podcast. The women who join together to record these shows are both full of wisdom and are fun and engaging to listen to.
This podcast covers topics on marriage, motherhood, homeschooling, and more. Many of them have a Charlotte Mason lifestyle, which is another perk. Today’s episode on cleaning was really helpful, especially since even simple things like getting laundry put away can be overwhelming in this season of life.
Favorite Episodes:
- Every.single.one
- But really…
- If I had to pick a few…
- Food Culture Part 1 & 2
- The Early Years
- Promoting a Peaceful Marriage
2. Risen Motherhood
This is a newer podcast, but I have enjoyed every episode. The two hosts are young mothers who do an excellent job of applying the truth and hope of the gospel in the ordinary, beautiful, and challenging aspects of motherhood.
Favorite Episodes:
- Friendship and Motherhood
- Serving Others Right Where You’re At
- Intentional Motherhood: It’s the Little Things
3. Mortification of Spin
MoS is another podcast I get excited about when a new episode is published– which happens to be every Wednesday morning.
There are only a few podcasts I listen to with my husband, and this is one of them. The hosts (Carl Trueman, Todd Pruitt, and Aimee Byrd) have a great chemistry and are equally witty and intelligent. They discuss current issues in the Church, as well as occasional interviews and discussions on social issues.
Favorite Episodes:
- Life After an Unborn Child (this one hits close to home for me)
- Burnt Out (ministerial burnout)
- Counseling Wives of Addicts
4. Read-Aloud Revival
Chances are good that you have heard of Sarah Mackenzie’s fabulous podcast. Sarah is so delightful and her podcast is FULL of wonderful guests, book suggestions, and tips for “creating a family culture around books”. My eldest child also enjoys this podcast, especially the last segment where kids can record what their favorite books are.
We LOVE reading aloud in our home, and it is only fitting that we would enjoy a podcast about books. Read-aloud revival is a must-listen for any family with kids!
Favorite Episodes:
- so hard to pick with this one too…
- #38: On Dads, Boys, & the Importance of Building a Family Culture Around Books
- #42: Inspiring Parents in Children’s Literature: A Conversation with Greta Eskridge
- #17: On Living a Storyformed Life
5. The Briefing
Al Mohler (president of Southern Seminary), records daily podcasts discussing current events from a Christian perspective. Mohler is incredibly intelligent, not to mention well-informed, and I always appreciate his perspective and insights into what is going on in the Christian culture, our country, and the world.
I like to play these every morning while I make breakfast since a new one is published every morning, typically by seven a.m.
There are no favorite episodes since each episode is based on events from each week.
6. Upside Down Podcast
More than any other podcast on this list, this podcast pushes and challenges me to think critically and consider more deeply how to live with an “others” mindset. I cannot say I have agreed with everything, but there is nothing wrong with that. We should all be willing to have “honest conversations” and have our eyes opened to perspectives and experiences different than our own.
Favorite Episodes:
7. A Delectable Education
As a Charlotte Mason homeschooler, A Delectable Education has been incredibly helpful in teaching me more about Charlotte Mason’s methods and how to practically implement them in our home. If you are wondering more about Charlotte Mason or if you have a specific question about an aspect of her principles, this podcast would be a great place to start.
Favorite Episodes:
- #48: Writing: Copywork, Dictation, and Written Narration
- #62: Afternoons
- #1: Why Use the Charlotte Mason Philosophy
8. The Simple Show
Tsh’s podcast might have been the first podcast I listened to regularly. Actually, I think her blog may have been one of the first blogs I ever followed, too. Tsh’s podcast is fun, interesting, and lighthearted.
Favorite Episodes:
- #21: Neighbor’s Table with Sarah Harmeyer
- #50: A Christmas Carol & Home
- #30: The More of Less with Joshua Becker
9. At Home with Sally
Sally Clarkson is so wonderfully inspiring and encouraging. Her heart for mothers and women comes through so clearly in her books and in her podcasts. Listening to At Home with Sally is like a balm to my soul when I am feeling frazzled, drained, or simply in need of some wise words from an older woman.
Favorite Episodes:
- #28: Seeing Mealtimes as Special Training Ground
- #39: Resting in the Transcendence of God
- #54: The Secrets of Friendship
10. Sheologians
This one is new to me, but I am slowly working my way through past episodes. This podcast is the marriage of funk and theology with a hilarious, snarky baby.
No favorites yet! But if you want a taste of the hostess’ snark, then listen to Not a Better Love Story Than Twilight. I also really enjoyed a recent episode on magic and miracles called Double, Double Toil and Causing Trouble, (in part, I’m sure, thanks to the Harry Potter background music).
There are so many more podcasts I could mention! But, as time is limited, the ten I listed are the ones I personally prioritize. In the past, I have tried listening to podcasts on crafting, blogging, and cooking. But I have had to narrow down the podcasts I consistently listen to.
A few other podcasts worth mentioning that I am subscribed to (and listen to periodically), are Your Morning Basket (a homeschool podcast), The God-Centered Mom, Ask Pastor John (short Q&A podcast with John Piper), and Cultivating the Lovely.
Do you listen to podcasts? Which are your favorites?
When do you find time to listen?
Thanks for the shout out! We’re so glad you recently found us! And we love and listen to so many of these shows as well!
I would definitely throw “The Mason Jar” on CiRCE Institue’s channel. It’s my favorite on homeschooling.
OH that’s a great one too! I used to listen to it, but have not listened in a while. I’m glad it’s in the comments now!
“Truth in Love” – weekly, short, full of great insight on counseling myself or others. Produced by ACBC – biblicalcounseling.org
In the market with Janet parshall – awesome for current events!!
Revive our heats with Nancy Leigh