Now that I spend 2 hours a day commuting to and from work, my early morning starts are far from interesting. First is the loud, bumpy bus journey into town followed by a delayed train and a 15 minute walk to the office – sounds fun right? Well this is what I have to put up with until I can afford to drive. I have never been a morning person so despite me knowing it could be worse, it’s still feels like a drag most days.
With this in mind I wanted to make the most out of the time I had before and after work by turning it into something productive! At that point Ali Caitrin was turning 3 and I was looking for ways to help me up my productivity and organise myself. A few people online recommended I tried a podcast and since then I’ve not looked back!
If you’re looking to give podcasts a go but are not sure where to start, here are my top 6 creative podcasts for commutes! Also it’s purely a coincidence that the majority of these podcasts are hosted by women. A very happy one at that!
Hashtag Authentic
Known by many as the Queen of Instagram, I’m sure most online creatives will have heard of Sara Tasker. Not only she is an amazing photographer but a creative coach, writer, mother and of course a podcaster! She shares her wisdom on how make the most of Instagram with the dreaded algorithm and chats with other creatives about the lessons they’ve learned since creating their own brand. It’s hard to believe she’s only done this podcast for a year but I can’t wait to see what the next year brings to Hashtag Authentic!
Favourite episodes: Brand Styling & The Psychology of Colour with Fiona Humberstone and Stopping the Glorification of Busy with Jen Carrington
Elise Gets Crafty
This particular series is a new addition to my subscribe list and one I’m glad to have found! Without sounding creepy, her voice is quite calming to listen to and perfect for when I’m in need of a more quiet start to the day. But don’t fret because her episodes on setting goals and getting motivated are so insightful and valuable to anyone wanting to achieve big things!
Favourite episodes: On Blogging with Purpose and On One Little Word for 2018
Make It Happen
I originally found Jen’s podcast through Hashtag Authentic after listening to their first episode together. It was fascinating hearing from a creative coach’s perspective and I was hooked from the start! I especially love the mini episodes where she shares her thoughts on how we can reach our career goals on our own terms.
Highly recommend her Weekly Letters too, especially for those in the need of some motivational emails coming into their inbox!
Favourite episodes: Redefining Your Work Week, The Books That Have Shaped My Creative Work & Life and Listening To Your Gut & Ignoring The Noise Online
Ctrl Alt Delete
Emma’s podcast was the first one I discovered and one I had heard about the most from other people! I’m part envious, part grateful for the fact that she is able to interview brilliant actors, writers, activists and creators of the world. From books, the internet and feminism to mental health, money and education, Emma tackles it all in an open and honest way that we all deserve to hear!
Favourite episodes: Money Isn’t A Taboo Subject with Anne Boden and How to Build Your Own Brand with Otegha Uwagba
TED Talks Daily
Personally I have never been to a TED talk before but with this podcast I feel like I’m right there in the audience. There are episodes uploaded every weekday of talks given by inspirational people around the world. The great thing is there is something for everyone and you can learn something new all the time – what more could a listener ask for?
Favourite episodes: Strange Answers to The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson and Your Elusive Creative Genius by Elizabeth Gilbert
Not interested in podcasts for creatives? Not to worry, here are a few more podcasts I’m loving right now:
- For fans of Harry Potter, why not try Witch, Please or Harry Potter and the Sacred Text? All muggles are welcome.
- Looking for something more book related? Check out the Banging Book Club who read and review books about sex and gender!
- How about learning how to change the way you think about money and budgeting? Honest Money Conversations is great for doing that just!
- Got the travel bug? Sam Sparrow from As The Sparrow Flies has recently launched The Travelust Podcast sharing her top travel tips.
No matter what you’re interested in, believe me when I say there is a podcast for everyone! Alternatively if I happen to have missed your favourite podcast, let me know in the comments so I can add it to my never-ending subscribe list. You can never have too much to listen to.
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Hey Ali, a good selection. I’m a big fan of “Making it” with Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett and David Picciuto
Author
I’m glad you enjoyed the post Andy! Also I’ve not heard of Making It so I’ll definitely check that out, thanks for the recommendation 🙂
I absolutely loved reading this! I’ve been on st he lookout for podcast recommendations and this is perfect! I’ve listened to Ted Talks before and they are a great insight into the global topics xx.
Rebecca | http://www.rebeccasreviews.com
Author
Ted Talks are great right? I find that I learn something new that I wouldn’t have gone out of my way to learn, it’s always so valuable that way 🙂
I have never listened to podcast but I feel like i really should! I am either listen to music or reading or both int he tube! But reading when you are standing is not the easiest ahah xx corinne
Author
I get what you mean, I find it more difficult to read during commutes because of all the changes I have to make. Listening to a podcast means I can zone out a little but still be aware of my surroundings lol! Let me know if you decide to give them a go 🙂
Great selection! I love podcasts, I usually listen to audiobooks but podcasts are so good for something different! My favourites are My Dad Wrote a Porno and I loved Serial 🙂
Beautiful photos 💕
Hels xx
http://www.thehelsproject.com
Author
Thank you I’m actually quite proud of the photos for this 😉 and I still need to try audiobooks out but I can definitely see how they’re so popular! Also My Dad Wrote a Porno sounds hilarious lol!
I feel your pain about the long commute to work! My journey to and from uni used to be three hours long, I wish I had known of some of these podcasts then. But with so many unique variations, I’ll never be bored on my way to work again – thank you! xx
Rachel | kyvbey.blogspot.com
Author
Wow that’s a big chunk out of your day so I hope you don’t have to do that anymore! And I’m so glad you found the post useful, even if the podcasts I’ve mentioned aren’t for you there are hundreds of more – I’m sure you would find one for you 🙂
Great selection here, thanks for sharing! I also love Ted talks, they’re so interesting!
Alys
https://alysjournals.wordpress.com/
Podcasts always interested me, but it can be very hard to find something if you’re a newbie like me. Since my morning commute has changed with more bus-time instead of train-time (and I can’t read in the bus as I get motion sick) a podcast would be perfect to change these grey mornings into something more productive. So thank you for sharing! I love how diverse these also are with their topics. I’m actually reading The Psychopath Test by Jon Ronson at the moment so that’s a good one to begin with… 😉
Love,
Dominique
http://www.fashionedbypluche.blogspot.com
These sound great. I keep forgetting about podcasts and must try and listen more. I am working from home tomorrow so will give it a whirl. I like Rhett and Link, but will search your recommendations xx
Stacey | http://simplystacey.co.uk
Thanks for posting this! Will listen to some of these when I have some free time 🙂 x
They sound really great. I think I need to start to listen to podcasts.
http://littlemissmelanie.com
Interesting, I’ll have to check these out! I’m especially excited about the Harry Potter one!!
Thanks for sharing!
xo E.
http://www.holaitserica.com
Ohh I’ve never tried ‘Elise Gets Crafty’ – I’ve added to my list! I’ve been really enjoying Cate in the Kitchens new podcast – nice to have something foody! x
Hey Ali,
Thanks for sharing your inspirational creative Podcasts lists- I’ll definitely be checking them out for some extra motivation, to help get me through this dreary time of year. Might I also recommend Cheryl Strayed interview on Control, Alt, Delete titled on Writing, Quotes and Online Tribes. It’s pretty neat too.