It’s the question I can’t stop mulling over: Should I start a podcast? I have to admit, I’m very tempted. The content I’m listening to these days is so good—I love the idea of throwing my own voice into the mix to share a regular download about the things on my radar. My big question to you: If I started one, would you listen? And is there anything in particular you’d want to hear more from me about? I’m all ears. In the meantime, I thought I’d share the favorite podcasts I subscribe to—and love listening to the most right now.
One Part Podcast
Jessica Murnane is the blogger—and published author—behind this podcast, a compliment to her One Part Plant movement: an eating (and lifestyle) philosophy that drives home the healthy aspects of eating real, whole, plant-based foods. But Jessica goes beyond eating veggies here: One Part Podcast features deep dives into everything from mental health to career advice, empowerment and abuse, in conversations with the biggest names in food, wellness, business and design. Think: Candice Kumai and Laila Ali. Inspiring, heart-warming, and great recipe recommendations.
Goop
Yes, Gwyneth Paltrow’s wellness brand Goop is polarizing for many reasons, (see $1900 cashmere sweaters and the Jade Egg firestorm), but she’s also turned me on to incredible doctors doing innovative work and easy to make, healthful dinner ideas. Controversial or not, I’m definitely on Team Goop, and the new Goop podcast adds another (audio) layer to the mini empire Gwynnie’s built. Goop’s Chief Content Officer Elise Loehnen has chats with leading innovators, creatives and disrupters in the health, wellness, and psychology spaces, not to mention food, travel and the occasional celebrity. Gwyneth’s mom Blythe Danner, Sarah Jessica Parker and Oprah have all been featured.
Note to Self
For tech nerds having a human experience, and produced with the splendor of an NPR program, this podcast covers all of modern life’s questions—big or small. Some examples: “Is your phone actually watching you?”, “Have dating apps killed romance?”, and “Is it morally wrong to post pictures of your minor children online?” Host Manoush Zomorodi drives home the main point behind the biweekly broadcast—we should all question everything. It’s a must-listen.
Dear Sugars
It’s the advice column for modern times: Hosted by Cheryl Strayed (of Wild fame) and Steve Almond, the podcast tackles the deepest and darkest questions on your mind, acting as a sounding board for the lost, lonely and heartsick. Topics range from a woman’s invisible workload to how to move on when friendships unexpectedly end. The best part? You can even submit your own grievance by sending letters to dearsugars@nytimes.com.
Where Should We Begin
The chance to step inside iconic relationship therapist Esther Perel’s office, this podcast invites you to listen as anonymous—and incredibly brave—couples share the intimate details of their struggles. Topics include everything from infidelity to sexless-ness to loss, but it somehow feels empowering and is filled with lots of worthy takeaways for your own love life. There are currently two seasons with a third on the way.
Jen Gotch Is Okay… Sometimes
Instagram-famous Jen Gotch, is the founder of Ban.Do, a bright and cheery lifestyle brand with fun accessories designed to make you smile. But behind the scenes, Ban.Do’s founder struggles with anxiety, depression and relentless perfectionism. Tune in to this podcast to get everything from business advice to insight into her mental health. You’ll be charmed by her candor, humor and the occasional impromptu chat with her parents.
How I Built This
Leave it to NPR to dig deep on the stories behind the brilliant entrepreneurs and innovators. Hosted by Guy Raz, this podcast interviews everyone from the founders of Instagram to James Dyson—the man behind the iconic vacuum—and more to truly understand how their idea and multi-million dollar brands came to be.
What are your podcast faves? Let me know in the comments!