I love a good long run. I often spend at least part of it just listening to my own breath and footfall and enjoying the world around me and when I'm out on the trails I almost never have anything in my earbuds, but out on the road I do crave a distraction. I listen to music sometimes, but because I love a good story I frequently turn to podcasts and save the tunes for speedwork days when I need the extra push and concentration (check back for that post soon). If you're looking for something new to get you through your run these are my current podcast favorites.
Two quick side notes: when I'm running, for safety sake, I only ever use one earbud. That way I can still stay aware of my surroundings. I've had too many close calls with distracted drivers, dogs, or just strangers I'd rather avoid. Also, if you are new to podcasts I use the itunes podcast app on my iphone and have also tried the Stitcher app. On to the list!
Pop Culture:
Relevant Podcast: I like to listen to this one for a long run because their podcast can run up to 1.5-2 hours; with a mix of pop culture, music news, humor and longer interviews with musicians and faith leaders I can be entertained for an entire run and then some. My favorite segment is "Slices" where each cast member brings a pop culture news story to share and discuss with the group of 3-5 hosts. Bonus-this podcast comes out on Friday nights so its ready for my weekend run!
The Popcast: For a good laugh and nothing serious, or as hosts Knox and Jamie call it, "the things that delight, but do not matter" the Popcast delves into current pop culture happenings and in-depth discussions on ridiculous topics like: Best and Worst Fictional Neighbors, Roles that Ruined Actors, The Nos of Love, etc. My favorite segment is at the end of each episode when each host presents their "Red Lights" and "Green Lights" of the week. Essentially disses and recommendations. This easy on the ears podcast runs about an hour and is pure escapism.
SortaAwesome: Sorta Awesome is a hosted by Megan Tietz and a rotating crew of friends. Not totally a "mom" pod, but definitely geared toward my demo of the 30-something woman! It delves into different topics of the day from cooking, to books, movies and self improvement. Fun girlfriend geared chat for your ears. Also about an hour.
Other: The Baby Sitters Club Club : totally what it sounds like and also totally not. If you read these books as a young person, it's for you. WTF with Marc Maron : the OG and completely different than any of the rest above. 2 Dope Queens.
News & Politics
The Daily: This podcast from the NY Times provides in-depth reporting on the latest in politics and news of the day. If I feel the need for news I appreciate this straight forward look at current events with host Michael Barbaro. It's about 20 minutes so perfect for a short mid week run.
Pantsuit Politics: This podcast discusses our current politic climate with a good dose of civility. The two hosts, one from the right (Beth) and one from the left (Sarah), take their motto "No shouting. No insults. Plenty of nuance" seriously. They have new episodes on Tuesdays and Fridays and occasional deeper look episodes that tell the history of certain political events, laws and structures.
Other: NPR Politics
Running
Human Race: Human Race from Runner's World magazine provides amazing storytelling. Like its title suggests it consists of all manner of long form human interest stories about runners. Episodes are usually about 30-40 minutes
C-Tolle Run: Olympian and fellow Minnesotan Carrie Tollefson takes you out on the run with amazing names in the running world. From Shalane Flannigan to local runners like newscaster Kelcey Carlson it's all about the love of the run. This is a newer podcast with the twist that Carrie interviews the runners while out on a run, because everyone knows that's when you runner's really open up!
Other Running Podcasts: Another Mother Runner the first running podcast I listened to and made me feel like one of the tribe. Marathon Training Academy
Other:
Reply All: Closer look at technology news that's great for a low tech mom like me. Always informative and fun. The hosts are clever and inviting and the topics are broad but relatable. Can't recommend this enough! I think anyone would enjoy this podcast. I always get sucked in to their "Yes. Yes. No." segment.
Totally Married: Elizabeth and Andy discuss life, marriage and parenthood. It's like sitting down with friends for a chat. They answer listener questions with their "unqualified advice" and keep me smiling.
Other "Other" Podcasts: What Should I Read Next?: this one has drastically increased my "to be read" list. A Cast of Kings: Recaps of Game of Thrones when it is airing new episodes. (I'm a nerd.) Criminal: might not be the best thing to listen to if you are jumpy. Lore: this one is definitely not for the jumpy!
So there you have it! My current list of podcast favorites. Do you listen to podcasts? If so, what are your favorites? What should I check out?