Friday Finds: 5 Podcasts You Don’t Want to Miss

It’s Friday, so I am linking up with Courtney at Eat, Pray, Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed Up for What and Mar at Mar on the Run for their weekly linkup. Each Friday, they host a link up — a “Friday Five.” This week’s topic is “Five Race Day Surprises.” I am going to go off topic and go with “5 Podcasts You Don’t Want to Miss.” Why? Because I was having trouble thinking of positive race day surprises. I am filled with thoughts of rain storms, wardrobe malfunctions and other mishaps. I am looking forward to reading others’ posts, though, to see what surprises they’ve had.

When I was in San Francisco earlier this week, I re-heard one of my favorite Ted Radio Show podcast episodes. I thought it would be fun to share 5 podcasts/episodes that I loved.

ted_sq-3426270a541795b78233a698dd7965d407545cf3-s400-c851. Ted Radio Hour – Transformation (July 24, 2015 Original broadcast date: September 19, 2014) Are we simply the sum of our experiences? Or can we choose our own path? In this hour, TED speakers share stories of undergoing remarkable transformations despite extraordinary challenges. This was one of the first Ted Radio Hour shows that I listened to twice – now three times. The story about the transgender model and the rock climber who lost his legs were stunning, amazing and inspiring all at once. Listen and then listen again!

KcpePw1o_400x4002. Death, Sex and Money with Anna SaleThere are many episodes I recommend of this great podcast. Two of my faves are This Senator Saved My Love Life and Cheating Happens. Recently, they did a live telecast for their one year anniversary called Two Couples, One Poet, a Rock Band and a Dog. They say, “We gathered two married couples, one Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, a dog, a rock band, and a turquoise couch onstage for our first ever live show. Hear what went down.” I loved this show – especially when they had listeners explaining what they were doing one year before (it was an anniversary show). It really made me think. The whole episode (and all of the series) are really worth listening to!

One-Part-Podcast3. One Part PodcastJessica Murnane hosts a great weekly podcast and describes it this way, “A weekly conversation with some of the most interesting and inspiring minds in wellness, music, food, fashion, business, and design. You’ll hear revealing stories of successes and setbacks. Some sweet motivational secrets. And a whole lot of actionable advice.” She is on a brief hiatus but if you haven’t listened, start at the beginning. There are many I recommend but especially Finding the Beginning of Your Story with Claire Bidwell Smith and Battling Anxiety and Starter Guide to Meditation with Eva Daiberl. Check out the great “One Part Pledge” episode with Rose Lazar of Great Lakes Goods and dare yourself not to compare!

952044185-2634. Mystery Show – This podcast is simply described as, “a podcast where Starlee Kine solves mysteries and The only rule is that the answer to your mystery can’t be found by just Googling.” I loved the third episode of Mystery Show called “The Belt Buckle” which was surprisingly touching and captivating. It is the story of a found object and the search for its rightful owner. The first episode of this new show started slow for me, but I am now a big fan. Check it out!

mothlogo_400x4005. The Moth is a podcast of “true stories told live.” Moth shows are “renowned for the great range of human experience they showcase.” Each show starts with a theme. The shows “dance between documentary and theater, creating a unique, intimate, and often enlightening experience for the audience.” Many days when I listen to The Moth, I can be seen running down the lakefront path laughing, crying or just absorbed in a great story. I recently loved Charlie Ravioli by Adam Gopnik and Snow White in a Fur Coat by Alana Kinarsky. But like many good things, it is hard for me to pick a favorite.

There are many runners up on my recent faves list. Other shows I enjoy include This American Life, Start Up, Re: Sound from the Third Coast International Audio Festival, New Yorker Fiction, Reply All and Note to Self. Yes, I know that is a long list!

What are your fave podcasts and when do you listen??

PS. Don’t miss my awesome giveaways and lots of others in the Giveaway Roundup!