So many good Podcasts
so little time...
This week on my day off I went to work in my little community garden plot. It has been years since I had a garden and I’ve been dying to dig in the dirt. Moreover I’ve really been trying to become a more mindful consumer, be it food, clothing, etc. I like to eventize things as you know, so I grabbed my garden clogs, garden toolbag, and my garden apron ( something I sewed years ago after purchasing a “how to sew an apron book”…I know, insert hand to forehead emoji.)
My plan was to weed thoroughly ( there was way more growth than what you see in this initial pic), till the dirt, throw in some compost, and plant some seeds. I felt fully prepared in that I had consulted the Farmer’s Almanac for the area and the timing to plant each of the veggies I hoped to grow. Right now seeds are the only thing I could plant, no starters as we still might get a couple more frosts. Despite this preparation I did not foresee the amount of weeding I was going to have to do. It’s not a big plot ya’ll, as you can see #92 is the front of the two in the pic. After 2 1/2 hours of weeding I had to go to an appt. Needless to say I did NOT get to check off tilling, composting, and planting. I did leave feeling somewhat accomplished in the time I did spend.
What on earth does this have to do with podcasts? Well, I do enjoy the sounds of nature, however on this day in the garden it was rather noisy. Two plots to the right they had just inserted a couple of sonic mole spike. I know, what in the actual hell is that? It is suppose to deter critters from getting into your garden and reaping the rewards of your hard work. They do let off an annoying beeping/buzzing sound. All to say my ear buds went in and I started to consume a couple favorite podcasts while I pulled weeds. Seriously, one of my favorite things to do. During Covid when my professional world shut down, I picked up a side hustle doing trail work for the city to keep a paycheck coming in. This was my intro to the podcast world and I haven’t stopped ever since.
Here are some favorites I listen to…
These six are just a few in regular rotation. I have an hour commute each way to consume content as well as when I’m gardening or painting in my studio. I typically stick to music when I work out, but if I’m hiking occasionally I’ll put one ear bud in and listen to one of Alie Ward’s “Ologies” episodes. There are so many to choose from that have to do with nature and animals. Great, what we called in the outdoor guiding biz KOA (knowledge of area) to have in your back pocket. Also, she is pretty hilarious in her delivery. https://www.alieward.com/ologies
Just today on my drive to teach back to back spin and yoga classes I listened to the “Wiser than Me” episode where Julia Louis Dreyfus interviews Diana Nyad. If you didn’t see the movie and you don’t know who this woman is, hop on here immediately!
https://lemonadamedia.com/show/wiser-than-me-with-julia-louis-dreyfus/
First off, Julia ( no we aren’t on a first name basis, but I have loved her for decades…I mean, Elaine, Selena…she is fantastic!) has such a way with words and so classy in how she articulates her questions for her interviews. The format is her interviewing woman who are later in their life and wiser beyond their years. It is simply amazing and can not only make me laugh but also make me cry. Good tears ya’ll! She ends her interviews with a call to her mother and they chat about the guest. It is so GOOD.
Next up This American Life. Hosted by Ira Glass, content explores stories of human nature, some ironic, some humorous, but split into “acts” like a play following a general theme. https://www.thisamericanlife.org/
Radio Lab, I accidentally discovered on a trip to Nepal. I was looking for something to listen to when I was adjusting to the time change. Honestly, I thought it would lull me to sleep and what actually happened, it intrigued me and kept me up interested in the topic they were researching/discussing. Think of this as your science class podcast. The delivery can be witty and keep you on the edge of your seat. https://radiolab.org/
This one is a bit newer and was added into rotation a year ago. I was on a road trip with a bestie and she introduced me to it. The Moth, devoted to the craft of storytelling, is where people are given a topic and a time limit to tell their story. I love this so much I have made it a goal to figure out when and where this year I can tell a story. The thought of getting up on stage is frightening and exhilarating. The story hour typically has a theme and they run the gamut from serious to silly. https://themoth.org/listen
Last but certainly not least, the silliest of all…The Handsome Pod. Like I said if you are in a silly mood, you have come to the right place. Three comedians/performers just chatting off the cuff and honestly there isn’t an episode I listen to where I don’t laugh out loud at least once if not continually. They talk about their lives, current projects they are working on, it is very authentic and because of their authenticity brings some rather outrageously funny phrases into the vernacular. I would definitely consider myself a “peanut butter bitch”. Go give it a listen… https://handsomepod.com/
Like I said these are just a handful for now, I’ll be back to give you some more. With summer coming, so too are the days of sitting at kids baseball games or swim meets and although we love them the are so LONG. My kids are grown, so I’ll stick to listening during my commute or garden time. Pop an ear bud in and find a new way to enjoy yourself.
SoHum,
T
