There are a lot of ways to get information these days. While there is a surplus of information coming at us fast and furious through our screens, sometimes it is helpful to give our eyes a break. Podcasts are a great way to be entertained and keep up to date with new parenting and other general information. It also serves as a pleasant way to pass the time during mundane housework or long commutes.
Here are some podcasts I have been listening to lately that have helped me become a better person and parent.
1. We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle
This is more than a parenting podcast. It is more of a “how to do life” podcast. Glennon, author of the New York Times best sellers Love Warrior and Untamed, teams up with her wife, soccer gold medalist Abby Wambach, and sister, Amanda Doyle. They discuss many of life’s common, yet complicated, questions. She often invites experts onto her podcast to engage in carefully curated, amusing, and stimulating discussions. Chances are, you will listen to this podcast and feel seen, laugh, and learn something new. Or, in the very least, come away with a confidence that you can and are already doing hard things, indeed.
2. Good Inside with Dr. Becky Kennedy
After listening to Dr. Becky’s interview on Glennon’s podcast, I couldn’t get enough. I was pleased to find she has her own podcast where she walks you through common parenting dilemmas. She provides easy to remember scripts to help navigate what to say during “tricky” situations. Her podcast and her Instagram page have been game changers for me. Now, if only she’d come out with a book. Oh, wait.
3. Where should we begin? with Esther Perel
Oh man, where do I even begin when telling you about this eye-opening, jaw-dropping podcast by the great psychotherapist, Esther Perel? I have quickly concluded that becoming a better parent often involves becoming a better person. The insights I’ve had into my own life while listening to Esther navigate therapy sessions with real couples has been so valuable in my own self-improvement work. Although some sessions may involve scenarios that may seem irrelevant at first, there is always something applicable that gets unraveled.
It also helps foster connection and understanding with others around the world as she interviews a diverse range of couples from all over the globe. Esther seamlessly weaves in her cultural competence into her client interactions, while modeling non-judgmental acceptance in an admirable way. Also, did I mention she is fluent in nine languages?! I can’t say enough good things about the work she is putting into the world.
4. Unlocking Us with Brené Brown
I’d be hard-pressed not to mention the marvelous Brené Brown. She has two wonderful podcasts on the menu including Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead. While Dare to Lead includes wonderful interviews and insight on leadership geared towards the workplace, isn’t motherhood one of the most important leadership roles? Much of the information she shares is applicable to day-to-day life.
However, my preferred podcast of Brené’s is, Unlocking Us. Brown demonstrates her work on vulnerability through her discussions, choices, and actions. Her interviews are done with such humility, sincerity, and curiosity. I come away not only thinking about the stimulating topics and discussion but also with an example of integrity to follow in my own life. Brené is a mentor by example, and I am so very grateful for her work.
Other honorable mentions include:
5. Motherly
While covering a vast array of topics concerning the modern mother, listen to inspiring and honest interviews of mothers, leaders, and experts hosted by journalist, Liz Tenety.
6. Strollercoaster
Hosted by CNN and NBC news anchor, Lynn Smith, this podcast boasts episodes featuring fun, entertaining, and relatable parenting stories.
7. ParentData
Emily Oster, an economics professor, mom, and research scholar, provides easy to digest summaries of evidenced-based parenting data to help navigate informed decision making.
8. Nedra Tawwab
While Nedra Tawwab, therapist and author of the best seller, Set Boundaries, Find Peace, doesn’t have her own podcast, this queen of boundaries is a guest on a variety of podcasts. The way she describes and illuminates the benefits, and the application of boundary setting is a life-lesson worth hearing repeatedly.
9. ReThinking
TED speaker, author, professor, and organizational psychologist, Adam Grant, questions the greatest thinkers and creators of our time. Always backing insights with hard data, Adam will help you challenge your own beliefs. This podcast, along with his book, Think Again, is life-training in insight, curiosity, and open-mindedness. Learning how to think is tricky, and even more difficult is teaching your kids how to think. His work is a great place to start and is definitely worth a listen. At least think about it.
What are your favorite parenting podcasts?
