I found my love of podcasts during my years as a PhD student. Hundreds & thousands of hours were spent alone with my cells (for experiments) at my atomic force microscope in a darkened, silenced room (light and sound interfered with my measurements). The company of podcasts stopped the silence and kept me engaged as I performed repetitive tasks over the days, weeks and months. From history to comedy, I listened to it all (there was a lot of time to kill!).
Fast forward two career changes, these days, my companion in the studio is typically an upbeat or classical music playlist playing in the background. With that being said, podcasts are still a big part of my daily routine and I continue to listen to them as I go for a walk, am in the car driving, or going about my household chores.
Whether I’m looking to be entertained, be motivated and inspired, or to learn something new, there’s something for everyone – and for every mood.
I’ve rounded up my top 5 podcasts, so all you have to do is hit play on your favourite listening app. Check them out below.
Ask an Artist
What you can expect
The podcast run by artists, for artists. In each episode, co-hosts Peter Keagan and Tom Shepherd/ Laura Boswell, discuss a topic relevant for artists forging their art careers. Honestly and generously sharing their experiences and insights as working artists, they make the art world accessible (and financially-viable) to aspiring creatives!
3 words to describe the podcast
Genuine, insightful and accessible.
What I love about it
This podcast has been my best resource in navigating the path to become a professional artist. I’ve found it to be an incredibly helpful guide as I forge my own path and finding this podcast early on was a blessing. I started listening from episode 1 and was up-to-date in a matter of months (there were over 100 episodes available!). The conversational style between the hosts (and guests) is a pleasure to listening to. Each episode feels like a chat over tea and biscuits with my mentors, Peter, Tom and Laura!
Art Juice
What you can expect
A podcast for artists, aspiring creatives, and art lovers. Alice Sheridan and Louise Fletcher share their thoughts on art, life and everything in between. Covering a topics and inviting guests that speak to the realities of the artist life, this podcast is a light-hearted and a candid companion on each listener’s creative journey.
3 words to describe the podcast
Honest, generous and humorous.
What I love about it
Every episode feels like a catch-up over coffee with fellow artist friends. Alice and Louise are so open and generous with what they share. I love being able to follow the different approaches of two full-time artists, from their ideas and inspiration to the everyday and mundane. Whilst being thoroughly entertained listening to this podcast, I’m also continuously learning and reflecting on my own journey as an artist. This podcast is the perfect light-hearted companion to my week – humorous, fun and easy to listen to.
How to Fail with Elizabeth Day
What you can expect
A podcast that celebrates the things that haven’t gone right. In each episode, host Elizabeth Day explores 3 of their self-confessed failures with her guests and what they’ve learned from the experiences. Over the course of each episode, the sincere conversations with her interviewees make them completely relatable. From serial entrepreneurs, to Olympic athletes, to international pop stars, Elizabeth’s guests represent success in the full cross-section of industries.
3 words to describe the podcast
Heartfelt, motivational, generous.
What I love about it
I am completely in love with the premise of this podcast. Traditionally, we focus on success stories and forget/ ignore failures along the way. However, this podcast shines a much-needed spotlight on just that. As I listen to each episode, I find motivation to continue taking risks, chase my own artistic dreams, and learn from my failures as I walk this path. Interviewed with sincerity, heart and kindness, I love Elizabeth’s style and have listened to almost every episode (there are 16+ seasons)!
The Diary of a CEO
What you can expect
An unfiltered journey into the remarkable stories of the people that have defined culture, achieved greatness and created stories worth studying. In each episode, host Steven Bartlett sits down with influential people, experts and thinkers to satisfy his curiosities as he journeys towards a more enjoyable, more successful and more fulfilled life and career.
3 words to describe the podcast
Insightful, intellectual, and compelling.
What I love about it
I like to think that I’d be described as someone with a curious mind (hello 3 career changes!), similar to Steven Bartlett. As such, this podcast satisfies my craving for knowledge and understanding as I strive towards creating my own more enjoyable, more successful and more fulfilled life. The topics that Steven explores are right up my street. Moreover, I love the genuine way in which he speaks to his guests and gets rather tactical with learnings. Although each episode is longer than I’d normally like (1hr+), I come away being able to apply some of the learnings to shape my own life.
Today in Focus
What you can expect
Listen to the story behind the headlines for a deeper understanding of the news. In each episode, Nosheen Iqbal and Michael Safi dive into the story behind a today’s newspaper headlines. Covering stories from the UK and beyond, this podcast features high-quality reporting and provides its audiences with a better understanding of what’s happening in the world.
3 words to describe the podcast
Topical, informative, and relevant.
What I love about it
My weekdays start with me putting on the latest episode of Today in Focus and making my first cup of coffee. Whilst, I don’t dedicate much time reading the news, this podcast allows me to go beyond the headlines and understand topical issues in more depth. I’m a huge fan of the format, style of delivery, and the topics covered through this podcast. At just 30mins in length, it’s easy to fit this podcast into my day.
Whilst these are my go-to podcasts right now, I’m always open to recommendations.
What do you have playing in your ears?
I invite you to leave a comment and share what podcast(s) you’re currently listening to.
