From Bibliophile to Podcast Lover

For those of you that know me, confessing that I am a bibliophile will come as no surprise to you.  I am a knowledge nerd and I looove a good story, so I am usually reading 3-4 books at once.  I begin to panic if I don't have at least two books waiting in the wings.  I've never been one to like audio books or e books.  I want to feel the pages between my fingers and oh, that smell.... I mean I think it is one of the best around! Can I get an Amen! 
So, the fact that I have come to love podcasts may seem like blasphemy.  But hold on, let me qualify this.... Podcasts are a great way to find out about new books to read, learn while i'm driving around town, get me psyched up for the day or chilled out at night.  They fuel my interests, peak my curiosity and basically podcasts are another great way to nourish my brain and my soul.  Just this week I heard Mary Oliver's sweet voice reading some of her most treasured poems over on Krista Tippett's "On Being" podcast.  oh! the joy!
So, I've shared some of my favorites over on my website home page, but today I want to give you a little my insight into my 5 favorite and maybe, just maybe, convince you to give podcasts a little love.  

• Number 5 is the "Happier Podcast" with Gretchen Rubin.  This is a favorite because some of the episodes are little tidbits (like 2-4 minutes long).  Her longest ones are not over 40 minutes so they are great to listen to when starting your day. The topics are light and ideas easy to consider.  She takes on topics such as "having a signature color and scent" to "how to persuade your spouse to do more work around the house.  She has also just kicked off the Happier Book Club which satisfies the bibliophile in me.
• Number 4 is "SuperSoul Conversations" with Oprah Winfrey.  I mean literally everyone from Bradley Cooper to Depak Chopra, Michelle Obama to Julia Roberts have been on the podcast.  This is actually where I find a lot of my books for future reading.  The episodes are about an hour and I love them when I'm driving.
• Number 3 is Krista Tippett's "On Being" podcast. To be honest I have just recently fallen in love with it.  I mean the episode with Mary Oliver is a must listen and the episode with Glennon Doyle and Abby Wombach on courage will have you laughing and crying. It's also a great one for traveling.  Her relaxed interview style makes the episodes seem like sitting down with a good friend.
• Number 2 is "Yogaland" with Andrea Feretti.  If you are a yoga teacher or student, this is a must listen.  Have a notepad handy because there is so much great information that you will want to remember.  Topics include everything from yoga sutras to self care, tips for poses and staying sane on social media. I especially enjoy when her husband Jason joins her (his yoga knowledge has made me curious and shifted my teaching and practice several times).  So, grab a cuppa, a pen and your journal and settle in .  You won't want to miss a word.
• My Number 1 Podcast is "For the Love" with Jen Hatmaker.  I mean tuning in to her is like a coffee date with your sister or your bestie.  She is funny, honest and thought provoking. She has such an authentic voice. Her episodes are set up in 6-8 week series; For the Love of Books, For the Love of Television, For the Love of Music, For the Love of Exploring our Faith.... you get the idea. Her show notes over on her web page are also amazing.  So no need to take notes, just hop over there after the episode. I love to listen to her when I'm getting ready in the mornings, cooking dinner, or enjoying a great cup of coffee.  She is one you won't want to miss! 

Give them a listen.  Let me know what you think. This bibliophile would love to hear about your favorites!

---