As you guys know, I’m on a bit of a workout hiatus right now during my postpartum recovery. I absolutely miss my daily workouts and sweaty boot camp classes but taking things slow right now feels right and I’m enjoying the break. I also know from my experience with Chase that sometimes an extended period of time away from the gym makes me feel even MORE invigorated and excited about returning to my workouts when I’m ready.
I’m hoping to get my doctor’s approval to begin working out again within the next week (still nothing too intense!) but right now my physical activity is limited to walking outside. On the mornings when Chase is at summer camp, I try my best to get outside and walk with Ryder and Sadie and listen to a podcast or two. This little bit of exercise makes SUCH a difference in my attitude and energy going into the day and I also love taking some time to tune into podcasts that feel like an escape for me during a time when my thoughts are pretty much consumed by taking care of a baby and motherhood.
Though Ryder hates his car seat in the car, he’s been AMAZING in his car seat during our walks and almost always sleeps the entire time. I just try to make sure to nurse him and go for our walks after he’s had some play time so he’s sleepy. Since Ryder is content to sleep and Sadie isn’t exactly a riveting conversationalist, this leaves my walking time open for listening to my favorite podcasts.
I’ve had a few requests for a blog post featuring some of my current favorite podcasts so be sure to scroll on down to check them out if you’re looking for some new podcasts to try. I love a variety of podcasts but most of them tend to fall under the health and wellness, motherhood and self-improvement genres.
Aside from looking forward to listening to my favorite podcasts, one more thing that has helped motivate me to get outside and walk is some new workout gear that fits my body well during a time when I’m in between sizes. I recently had the opportunity to team up with Zappos and Brooks to try some of their latest apparel (I am wearing everything in a size up from my normal size) as well as Brooks’ new Levitate 2.
The Levitate 2 is the latest Levitate shoe from Brooks featuring a knit-style upper, a trend I’ve loved for a while in my sneakers because the knit fabric seems to prevent any uncomfortable rubbing along the top of my foot, heel and ankle. The shoe also includes a soft and stretchy foam heel tab to shield your heel from irritation which is key if you’re anything like me and prefer to wear low or no-show ankle socks.
The Levitate 2s feel supportive and springy on my morning walks and I love the way they feel much lighter than running shoes I’ve purchased in the past. Plus, I’m a sucker for the coral and sky blue color combination. (The shoes are also available in gray/black and coral/purple.)
And here’s a rundown of the apparel I was sent to review:
Brooks Array Shirt: This top is semi-fitted around the chest but forgiving in the belly area and incredibly comfortable. The DriLayer fabric is fantastic for wicking away sweat and the back has a flowy high slit for increased ventilation and cooling — essential in this summer heat!
Brooks Greenlight Capris: I was excited to try out these capris after reading about how much Janae (The Hungry Runner Girl) loves them and they did not disappoint. They have a wide elastic waistband and are form fitting but smoothing. They move with my body and stay in place during long walks… and also on days spent running around after a toddler and bouncing a newborn for hours on end. Because that’s what life looks like around here right now!
And now let’s dive into my favorite podcasts!!! Below you will find a short roundup of some of my current go-to podcasts that I enjoy listening to on my walks and also during nursing sessions, meal prep and more. I’m definitely on a huge podcast kick at the moment!
Favorite Podcasts
Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations: This podcast is amazing! There’s a reason people LOVE Oprah and while I never watched her show when it was on TV, I am ALL about her podcast. She interviews truly captivating people about topics that typically center around self-improvement, self-awareness, mindfulness, faith, happiness and living your best life. I highly recommend the episodes featuring interviews with Brene Brown, Shawn Achor, Joel Osteen and Gretchen Rubin.
Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me: I’ve mentioned this NPR news quiz podcast on the blog numerous times in the past because it is my all-time favorite! It’s a lighthearted take on current events featuring silly trivia questions and interesting and humorous interviews with various guests. The host and panelists on the show always crack me up and it’s always entertaining!
RISE: This podcast is hosted by Rachel Hollis, the author of the best-selling book Girl, Wash Your Face (I still need to read this book!) and quickly became a favorite of mine thanks to Rachel’s down-to-earth personality. The podcast is packed with great business tips for entrepreneurs as well as self-improvement takeaways. It’s always uplifting, informative and entertaining.
Happier: I discovered this podcast when I began walking in the morning after I had Chase and it was the perfect podcast to listen to after delivery because it helped me focus on my personal happiness during a time when I felt like all of my thoughts centered around our baby. I still enjoy listening to this one and almost always walk away with little tips and tricks for things I can do in my day to day life to improve my happiness.
The MindBodyGreen Podcast: On this podcast the founder and CEO of MindBodyGreen interviews people shaping the wellness world in a way that feels accessible, interesting and applicable to everyday life. It’s a great podcast that covers a variety of topics that center around mental and physical health and touches on nutrition, spirituality, self care, personal struggles, fitness and more.
The Healthy Moms Podcast: This podcast was created by Katie Wells of WellnessMama.com and touches on a wide variety of topics including motherhood, holistic health, natural living, and more. If you’re looking for a good episode to start with, I highly recommend Katie’s interview with Dr. Mark Hyman (episode #160), entitled “What The Heck Should I Eat?”
Healthy in Real Life: One of my closest blogging friends, Gina of The Fitnessista, started a podcast earlier this summer and it’s one I subscribed to immediately and listen to every single week. Gina is such a wonderful wealth of knowledge about all things health and fitness and her podcast is a great balance of entertaining and informative. I’ve listened to every episode (I loved the one about postpartum fitness) and find that the length is perfect (20-35 minutes) and it never feels like a huge commitment to listen to an episode since they’re all relatively short. If anything, I feel like the episodes always leave me wanting MORE which is a good thing since I’m never bored when listening to this podcast!
Babes and Babies: This podcast was started by two former Bachelor contestants and a Doula and the first time I listened to it, I admittedly had pretty low expectations but I ended up really loving it! Carly and Jade seem so normal and touch on a variety of women’s issues, motherhood and parenting topics ranging from postpartum struggles in the fourth trimester to breastfeeding, miscarriage and more. I think first-time moms in particular would love this one!
Additional Podcasts
For those interested in blogging and/or entrepreneurial podcasts, here are a few more favorites I listen to regularly that might be of interest:
Question of the Day
What are some of your go-to podcasts? What podcast genres typically appeal most to you?
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Thanks for this post, perfect timing! I recently started listening to podcasts while I walk and I’ve run out of episodes on the 2 podcasts I was listening to. Keeping it Real by Caroline and Sophie and Healthy in Real Life. I listed to 1 ep of Wait Wait don’t tell me yesterday after seeing it in on of your friday fave’s, I think.
Anyway…. thanks!
So glad to hear it!! Podcasts really are the perfect walk entertainment!
My husband and I saw Wait, Wait, Don’t tell me live last week. It was so funny. They definitely cut out a lot of jokes for the podcast, which of course, I should have realized, but didn’t. It really is the best podcast if you are looking for a light-hearted laugh!
I am SO JEALOUS!!!! I would LOVE to go to a live taping!!!
This is my favorite way to start my day too!! I take my dog on a 20-30 minute walk every single morning (and most evenings) and I’m always looking for new podcasts to keep me entertained. Thanks for this post! I haven’t listened to any of those, and I’m excited to add some new ones into my rotation.
I love Wait, Wait… also! I also like Ask Me Another, which I think you mentioned you listen to also.
My boyfriend is an NPR nerd, so he’s got me into these. But they also have some other interesting ones like “How I Built This.” I liked the one with the Bumble CEO, and have ones downloaded with CEOs from Chiptole, Lyft, Airbnb, and others. I think they’re really interesting to hear the backstory of how these crazy big companies came about.
I have also heard really good things about Dax Shephard’s new podcast, Armchair Expert. In the first one, he interviews his wife, Kristen Bell. I have it queued up for next time I need a podcast. (ps – if you’re looking for a show to watch while at home with the babe, Parenthood is so good!).
Also – The Moth!
I was going to suggest Armchair Expert too! It can definitely be a little R-rated (language and some content) but the couple episodes I’ve listened to so far have been awesome! Really interesting questions and topics are brought up and it provides a depth to celebrities that we don’t often see.
I also wholeheartedly second watching Parenthood. But be ready for the good, hard cries.
Armchair Expert is the best!! Dax is so honest and sincere. I highly, highly recommend the episode where he interviews his mom. Her life story is fascinating and I’m amazed at how well Dax turned out after having such a strange life.
I looooove The Armchair Expert!!! Just started the episode where he interviews a child psychologist about parenting techniques!
LOVE Babes and Babies and like you, had pretty low expectations at first. If you want something funny and lighthearted, The Popcast with Knox and Jamie is hysterical and you don’t have to be too knowledgeable about popculture. Serial and Up and Vanished are great ones for true crime if that’s something you’re into. I just downloaded a bunch of the Oprah ones thanks you! Can’t wait to start listening!
Thanks for all of these recs! I was absolutely addicted to Serial when I was pregnant with Chase! And I’ll check out Popcast — that sounds right up my alley!
I love the Podcast-This American Life. The stories are always so interesting!
I am late to the game but just started Serial; it’s really good so far.
when I broke my elbow, I was only allowed to walk for about 5-6 weeks and at first I was dreading it, but then I came to really love my evening podcast walks!!! I have to listen to that MindBodyGreen one – My favorites are the Goal Digger Podcast and Almost 30!
My fav podcasts right now are Ali on the Run, Young House Love, and History Chicks. I really want to check out Rachel Hollis’s show (I haven’t read the book either but it’s on my list) and Gina’s podcast.
I love all health/entrepreneur/Mama podcasts like you! A few other faves- The Purpose Show, Skimm’D from the Couch and Forever 35!
Yay! Thanks for this! I’m currently 4.5 mos PP and I returned to CrossFit at the 6 week mark, hated it, and began walking (+ birthfit functional progressions) and that’s still all I do for the most part. Haha.
Anyways, I’ve been listening to Wellfed Women on my daily walks and absolutely love how uplifting they are – especially towards body image and body positivity. It came at a very vulnerable time in my life and I needed the message.
Thanks for sharing your picks, I look forward to listenting!
Hi!
These are definitely on my list of podcasts to listen to! I loved Girl, Wash Your Face!
Have you listened to Coffee & Crumbs? As a soon to be momma of 2 under 3, I love their fresh and REAL take on parenthood. They touch on a lot of great/informative/heavy topics in such a wonderful way. I think that you’d LOVE it!
A great podcast for kids is This Podcast Has Fleas. I listen with my 6 and 8 year old boys but Chase might enjoy it too someday. Alec Baldwin is the fish!
Why have I never thought to look into podcasts for kids!?! Thank you for this idea!! Do you have any recommendations for podcasts a three-year-old might enjoy?
We listen Disney Story Central podcast and Story Pirates on long car rides!
My faves are The Joe Rogan Experience for a wide range of topics in a long form interview format, plus Thr Birth Hour!! Great, varied birth stories that are so fun to listen to, preggo or not!
I love How I Built This! The Chicken Salad Chick episode was crazy good!
I listen to Babes and Babies every Monday! Ha! It’s so good! Even if you aren’t a fan of the Bachelor franchise, it’s a GREAT podcast for all things motherhood and womanhood!
Check out The Longest Shortest Time. It’s geared towards moms and families and has so many amazing stories. The creator came from This American Life.
I just had a friend recommend The Longest Shortest Time to me last week and definitely need to check it out. And I love This American Life!!
I’m sure you will love it! There is a new host as of this last year (still produced by the lady from TAM) and it’s so well put together. The stories are so diverse and thought-provoking. I’m excited for you to discover it!
I love The Longest Shortest Time, it’s fantastic, especially some of the older episodes.
I think you would love Coffee and Crumbs and The Lazy Genius.
Lazy genius is awesome!!
Thanks for sharing, I have been looking for a new podcast. When I was pregnant with my first and living in Chicago (such a walkable city!) I walked for miles every day. Now that I have a little one and have moved, I don’t get to walk nearly as much this pregnancy as I’d like. I had a few ‘me’ hours last month and used them to take a walk while listening to a podcast and it was honestly pure joy. I’m hoping to sneak away this Saturday, fingers crossed!
I am loving Dax Shepherd’s podcast- Armchair expert. Kristin Bell and Katie Couric have been my favorites so far.
I really miss the Blissful Bites podcast – I wish Nicole was still recording them! Food Blogger Pro is great for all things blogging related. I’ve learned so much from Bjork’s interviews.
The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey is my absolute fave. She is a Christian who interviews women in all different life phases. You would love the one where she had Catherine Lowe! Such a great faith story.
I also love Forever35 – talks a ton about self care.
And also have to second Dax’s Arm chair expert. Not one to listen to with littles around ? but he is hilarious and has had some really awesome guests. I also love how open and honest Dax is.
Ok and finally (eek I love podcasts!!) – My Favorite Murder. They are hilarious and dissect interesting and crazy murder cases.
Gah!! You mentioned Rachel Hollis!! She is fabulous. Definitely read her book as she as another book coming out in March 2019 (Girl, Stop Apologizing)
I have so many go-to podcasts LOL I have an obsession BUT if I had to do a top few it would definitely be the Nourishing Women’s Podcast, That’s So Maven, Chasing Joy Podcast, From the Heart Conversations with YogaGirl, and The BalancedBlonde Soul on Fire! I gravitate towards health and wellness podcasts. I also love the Mind Body Green Podcast but don’t enjoy some of the guests personally because I don’t resonate. IVe so started listening to That’s So Retrograde and the Liveng Proof podcasts recently and I love those as well! Look at me, I’ve already recommended like 7 podcasts and there are still more I listen/ subscribe to! Maybe I have a podcast addiction, oops!
Lately I’ve been listening to “How I Built This” through NPR. It interviews entrepreneurs who have created very famous brands, such as the Larabar, Bob’s Red Mill, and even Ben & Jerry’s! Very entertaining and impressive how hard these people work to get a product that they believe in out there!
I love The Popcast!! It’s the best! I look forward to new episodes and even subscribe to get more content. They also do a Bachelorette recap which is amazing. They say they are “committed to informing you on the things that entertain, but do not matter”. It’s perfect!
I’ve been looking for some!! Going to have to try these out 🙂 Especially Gina’s!
I love podcast lists and can always use an updated post on this with comments, FYI 🙂 My favorites change all the time! Depending on my mood. Ideas are “How Stuff Works”, “Healthy in Real Life”, “No Limits”, and “The Simple Show”
I love Milk Street Radio with Christopher Kimball. It’s a food/cooking podcast and gets really interesting guests on!
My 2 go-to’s are From the Heart by Yoga Girl and Terrible, Thanks for Asking by Nora McInerny. I learned on WWDTM this week that the original Paleo folk ate toast 😉
I love Oprah’s podcast….have you checked out her newest one Masterclass? I just saw it pop up a few days ago and can’t wait to listen! Some of my favorites are Young house love has a podcast, The Purpose Show, God centered mom and For the love with Jen Hatmaker.
I have!! I listened to the episode that she did with the rock and thought it was good! I prefer the SuperSoul conversations podcast so far but will definitely continue to check out Master class, too!
If you like “wait wait, don’t tell me.” then you’ll love “Good job brain”. It’s a trivia show podcast hosted by four friends that make up fun trivia games for each other. It’s so much fun to listen to and I always feel like I’m hanging out with goods friends when I listen.
Thanks for the recommendations! Just curious, is the norm in your group of friends to send older children off to day programs e.g. summer camp or daycare or preschool while you have a newborn at home? I find that is the trend among my friends and no one who has a newborn keeps their older toddler at home with them during the day. I only have one child at the moment so I don’t have to face that decision; but I imagine having a newborn and a toddler full time at home would be unbelievably challenging! I know people do it all the time – but I don’t think I could.
One Bad Mother.
I can’t believe no ones mentioned that podcast yet- unless I missed it.
I’ve been listening to “The Living Experiment” a lot lately! Just a lot of info about living well in SO many aspects! Highly recommend it, it’s got Dallas Hartwig and Pilar G (idk how to spell her last name) as the hosts.
You can’t miss these podcasts –
Terrible, Thanks for Asking
Death, Sex, and Money
Criminal
Reply All
Heavyweight
They are so good!
Those sneakers look great and I love the different features! While I don’t typically listen to podcasts, there are certain singers/bands I love to listen to while working, exercising, or simply hanging out – Shawn Mendes, Kelly Clarkson, Cardi B, Beyonce, Ed Sheeran, Jason Mraz and numerous others.
A few “topical” podcasts I’ve enjoyed in spurts include “Planet Money” and “Make Me Smart” (which any post partum mom can use, right? lol). Though you won’t be cracking up listening to those as you do with Wait, Wait…, they do give an interesting focus on our world around us and are generally interesting. And neither of these are long podcasts so they are doable.
Just my .02. I hope you are enjoying the second baby and that he is healthy etc. You have such a beautiful family. Thanks for sharing them with us, the readers out here.
Hi Julie,
I have a general question about the direction of your blog. I’ve noticed your willingness to share about your personal life has decreased the past few months (understandably!). Is this on purpose, and do you plan to share less about your children and mom life going forward? I always enjoyed your openness, but I understand that may need to start to have more boundaries, particularly as your children grow and people become overly critical of you. I just kind of want to understand what to expect so that readers like me aren’t disappointed to see a change in your blogging style, and can accept you are going in a new direction.
Thank you!
Hi Kate! Right now I feel like I’m having a more difficult time sharing day-in-the-life posts because I basically chip away at writing blog posts in tiny fragments of time when I have a moment so by the time I’d share what a day looks like, I’d be sharing it days (or even a week!) later which feels just kind of silly for me (and I honestly forget what happened days ago right now — haha!) so more topical blog posts just seem a bit easier for me to work on for a few days when I have time if that makes any sense!! I definitely DO hope to keep plenty of personal posts on this blog but it just might take a little bit of time to find my groove right now since this feels like a transitional time with a new baby in the mix. As for your question about the kids on the blog — I absolutely do feel more guarded about what I am sharing as they (particularly Chase at the moment) get older and when I receive very harshly-worded comments over the tiniest things, it can make me want to pull back and not share as much. I just try to follow my gut with what feels right to share and will likely just continue to evaluate things as they get older. I know that’s not a black and white answer but since blogging is always changing and I admittedly do feel an increased desire for privacy for my boys in certain aspects, I am just not sure what the future will look like as they grow up! Sorry for such a long-winded response but I guess the short answer is I’m not sure and am planning to follow my gut related to how much I share about them but do REALLY hope to keep personal posts a big part of this blog. Also, thank you so much for asking this question in such a supportive way!
I have just recently gotten into listening to podcasts but am still trying to find ones that I really enjoy. Your blog post is in perfect timing! So many of the ones on your list look interesting, can’t wait to listen to them! Thank you!
So glad to hear this! Hope you find a few that you enjoy!!
What stroller/ car seat combo are you using?
The Chicco Tre jogging stroller with the Chicco Fit2 car seat! We love both!!
I’m a big fan of Oprah’s podcast. She has amazing interviewing skills and I always feel motivated after listening to her podcasts.
Agreed!! She is such a good interviewer and always seems to ask such thought-provoking questions.
I love the Longest Shortest Time. Each week it tells the story of a different parent. They explore everything child related in an organic, real and funny way. I am also addicted to Binge Mode’s deep dive into Harry Potter.
I am def going to check out Oprah’s Super Soul now.
I had no idea about the Babes and Babies podcast! I’m going to have to give it a try! Also, I love the shoes and shirt! Definitely adding to my birthday list!
Thanks for the recommendations! I’m due with baby #1 in November and plan to take her for walks around the indoor track near my house through the winter – these will come in very handy 🙂 I started listening to Gina’s podcast after you recommended it before and LOVE it – since they’re only 30-ish min I can time my walks perfectly.
Hope life with 2 is treating you well so far! You look healthy and happy.
I’m so obsessed with podcasts these days ( I have two young kids as well). So I love hearing about new ones….I downloaded The Super Soulful conversations after you suggested it and I love it so much!! I also listen to the Skinny Confidential, The Purpose Show and Coffee & Kettlebells – which I loved the one that you were on! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your list!
I think I’m one of the people who may have mentioned I’d love to see a post about recommendations – so thanks for this! I’m ALL IN.
I’ve been an Oprah fan since the very first episode of her talk show, so I’m thrilled that people are loving her Super Soul Sunday podcast – love it! The show is so good too (and free on facebook if you don’t have OWN.) I got to see her in person twice, and they were defining and magical moments! She’s definitely one of the people I’d like to “have dinner with” per that popular getting-to-know-you question. Her and J.K. Rowling are on my list! One of my friends has luckily met her personally, so I tell her if I rub her arm, maybe it will give me good luck, and I can meet Oprah too! lol
If Brooks shoes reads this – I’d love to see a shoe with massive cushioning in the forefoot area! Pretty please? I love their shoes, but I need forefoot cushioning due to injuries etc. (Like the kind of cushioning that makes you feel like you’re bounding off the moon in low gravity!)
Thanks for another great post as always.
I like Happier by Gretchen and then I also found ‘Change Agent’ by Charles Duhigg -I listened to all 5 episodes on the way down and back to a conference a few hours away. Loved his book The Power of Habit – and the podcasts are all really interesting about how people try to change something in their life. Check it out!
Walking while listening to podcasts? That’s definitely a great idea. Thank you so much for posting this.
Totally in love with Healthy In Real Life (best running buddy!), I’ll explore your other suggestions!
Hi Julie! My current favorite podcast that I think you would love is called Off Book. It’s an improvised musical podcast (each episode is a musical they’ve come up with on the spot), and it’s HILARIOUS.