Yesterday was international podcast day, and I thought I’d share a few of the podcasts that are inspiring me / teaching me something / keeping me company while I’m stitching. Embroidery-stitching, not knitting-stitching as the photo might suggest. Sadly, there’s no time for knitting at the moment. I actually started that scarf in the photo a year ago and it’s still not finished. Go figure. :-)
So, podcasts! I like interview style podcasts, where you get to hear the stories of artists, designers etc. My favourite podcasts of this type all have one thing in common: the guest(s) do the majority of the talking and the host gets out of the way. I get really annoyed listening to podcasts where the host just goes on and on – about the topic at hand and, even worse, about their personal life, dogs, vacations whatever. Save it for the aftershow people! :-)
I also like learning something – it makes me feel like I’m multitasking. :-)
In no particular order, here are some podcasts I listen to:
What’s Your Story – hosted by Meighan O’Toole. “I sit down with artists, makers and creative individuals to talk about their work, hear about their stories and anything else that comes up in between.” Wonderful, thoughtful conversations.
Here’s The Thing – hosted by Alec Baldwin (yes, the Alec Baldwin). “…a series of intimate and honest conversations hosted by Alec Baldwin. Alec talks with artists, policy makers and performers – to hear their stories, what inspires their creations, what decisions changed their careers, and what relationships influenced their work.” The stories are interesting and Baldwin’s voice is very soothing to listen to.
The History of English Podcast – hosted by Kevin Stroud. “The Spoken History of A Global Language.” Starting way back with the proto Indo-European language and then slowly moving towards Modern English. Some of it I was familiar with already and some is new to me. Fascinating stuff. I’m really tempted to binge-listen to this podcast, but I’m forcing myself to space it out a bit so I can enjoy it for longer.
Happier with Gretchen Rubin – hosted by Gretchen Rubin. “Rubin discusses good habits and happiness with her sister Elizabeth Craft.” I’ve been following Gretchen rubin’s blog for a long time, but I was kinda hesitant about the podcast. I think maybe it was because of the sisters on a podcast concept. I was afraid it wouldn’t feel relevant. But it turns out that it’s a great set up. If you’re interested in habits and happiness, give it a listen.
The Craft Planner Podcast – hosted by Sandi Sawa Hazlewood. This podcast is another great interview style podcast. Sandi speaks to lots of quilters/sewers/textile artists. If there’s a quilter you love s/he may just appear on this podcast. I was excited to listen to the Denyse Schmidt interview a little while back. :-)
The Good Life Project – hosted by Jonathan Fields. “In-depth, unscripted, deeply-inspiring conversations and insights from acclaimed artists, entrepreneurs, makers and world-shakers.” More interviews. With people who seem to live very…purposeful lives. The conversations always have great depth to them and I always take away some insight about life and how to live it a little better.
Fresh Rag – hosted by Dave Conrey. “The No BS, Straight Talk Approach to Earning More from Your Creative Pursuits.” Interviews with artists, crafters and makers, Mainly focused on the business side of things but also gereat insights into the creative process. And with the occasional swear word, just saying.
Creating Your Own Path – hosted by Jennifer Snyder. “In asking others about their journeys, I’ve found that we creatives often veer off course, forge our own paths and don’t always fit a particular mold. We tend to be a multifaceted bunch and this interview series seeks to find common ground amongst us all. Prepare to be challenged, inspired and motivated.” Another podcast with great questions and room for the guests to talk about their journey. And speaking of journey, Jennifer often travels to different cities to interview her guests in person. I think that adds an extra layer to the podcast.
The Infinite Monkey Cage – hosted by Brian Cox and Robin Ince. “Witty, irreverent look at the world through scientists’ eyes.” Not a podcast per se, but you can subscribe to it (or download it), so I’m including it. The show has a panel of different guests who discuss various topics. Often some of the guests are comedians or other non scientists and that makes for very entertaining discussions.
The Life Scientific – hosted by Jim Al-Khalili. “Professor Jim Al-Khalili talks to leading scientists about their life and work, finding out what inspires and motivates them and asking what their discoveries might do for mankind.” Also not a podcast as such, but it’s good stuff to listen to if you’re interested in contemporary science and scientists.
Right, that’s it. A few things to keep your thoughts occupied while you stitch/run/do the dishes/drive cross country. Of course, now I’d love to know which podcasts you listen to. What inspires you?
