I’ve been off the radar for the past week. Any spare moment in the car, out walking, around the house has been spent hooked up to the memoir Alone: A Love Story. Michelle Parise’s lilting voice has been in my ear, regaling me with her epic tale of heartbreak and the breakdown of her marriage after an infidelity. I’ve never listened to a podcast with such obsession. I’m four episodes from the end of the 20 episode marathon. And it’s very much been my kind of marathon. Here’s why you should give it a listen, along with 4 others that are my current faves.
Alone: A Love Story
For when you have time on your hands and want to be swept away by a great story
Set to a kick-ass soundtrack, the story of Michelle’s relationship and its subsequent breakdown is completely addictive. It moves seamlessly back and forth to reveal more and more details of her love story. It’s also brutally honest. Michelle holds nothing back when sharing intimate details of her relationship with The Husband, later The Ex-Husband and her subsequent lovers. The story is sometimes sad, sometimes funny, awkward, moving and brave.
Being Boss
For when you need a no bullshit business boost or someone to talk some sense into you
I feel like I talk about his podcast a lot. Partly, that’s because since I’ve discovered it, I’ve been keenly exploring the very extensive back catalogue. Even though Kathleen and Emily have been recording since January 2015, there’s no need to listen in order. I just pick and choose the episode topics that interest me the most. Over the years, they’ve hosted some pretty inspiring guests too, like Brene Brown who spoke about creative vulnerability, and Danetha Doe who chatted money, mindset and energy. I feel a strange synchronicity with this podcast, where new episodes often align with some element of business that’s been on my mind. Spooky.
Chat 10 Looks 3
For when you’re behind on current events and the stuff everyone’s talking about
Annabel Crabb and Leigh Sales are funny. Really funny. Their conversation rambles, taking many twists and turns, but it’s always intelligent and entertaining. 30 minutes snappy episodes, where you get to eavesdrop on some highly engaging, witty chatting.
Making Oprah: The Inside Story of a TV Revolution
For when you’d love a bit of a history lesson and to celebrate your love of all things Oprah
I recently came across this fantastic WBEZ Chicago podcast Making Oprah. 30 years since Oprah debuted, it tracks her journey in a three-part series. It was fascinating to learn about the early days of the show, to hear from Oprah herself, rival Phil Donahue and a bunch of her former staffers. On my must-listen list is the latest WBEZ podcast Making Obama, a 6 part story of his climb from Chicago to national stage as US President. I can’t wait!
The Slow Home Podcast
For when you need to slow down, or when you feel disconnected
This podcast was recommended to me by a friend, who I consider to be fairly mindful and calm. I confess it took me a while to get around to it, but now I look forward to spending time with husband and wife Brooke and Ben as they talk topics such as, the joy of doing nothing, the importance of getting back into nature, presence over presents and many more. When I’m feeling a bit bogged down in ‘stuff’ or ‘busyness’, tuning into The Slow Home reminds me of the importance of slowing down and of reconnecting. Simple stuff, but somehow so hard to do sometimes.
Enjoy discovering a newbie or two from this list. There’s something there for whatever mood you find yourself in. I’d love to know some of your favourite podcasts, too.
Be in touch and tell me what I should listen to next!
