My Favorite Podcasts
As you may know by now, I am an avid reader. I read as much as I can, whenever I can. Being a mom of two toddlers, my daily routines are not always set up in a way where I can afford a luxury of curling up on the couch with the latest cool book whenever I want to. So, podcasts have moved to the top of my list of the best mom-life hacks. I don't have to use my eyes or hands to absorb content (like with holding a book), which gives me a lot of freedom to do other things.
• I can listen to podcasts when I am on the road (driving kids to school, store etc).
• I can listen when I cook ( this is my favorite time, it makes me feel like I am a master multitasker and a Martha Stewart combined … YEAH! ).
• I can listen when I do laundry or organize my house.
• I can pop in one AirPod and listen while I watch my kids play independently. This one is a big triple win - I get to hear grown-ups talk about grown - up things (YAAAY) , be with my kids (see them and hear them), and my kids can focus on their play and not be distracted by any noise.
Beyond the obvious convenience factor of listening while doing other things, podcasts have truly become my to go resource for high-quality information and learning. They help me broaden my perspectives on a variety of different subjects. They are entertainment and education rolled into one and tailor-made for my multi-tasking life.
Here list a short list of some of my favorites:
Read Aloud Revival with Sarah Mackenzie
This podcast has become one of my favorites lately. Every episode is jam-packed with amazing research and interviews, practical advice on how to nurture the love of reading in your littles. The topics cover instructional conversations about the role of illustration, enriching vocabulary words, literary language, and the ideas and themes vital to young learners. Sarah has also become my well-trusted resource for kids books recommendations and to be honest I just love listening to the energy in her voice in every episode. Her excitement and love of books is contagious. Sarah is also an author of Read Aloud Family book, which I have not read yet, but I heard amazing reviews and looking forward to devouring it soon.
Simple Families by Denaye Barahona (Ph.D in Child Development)
Denaye's topics are relevant, on point and go hand in hand with our family's attempted lifestyle and philosophy - simplicity, minimalism, sustainability and gentle parenting. She has a very light and ever sometimes funny demeanor, so it makes it a super easy and pleasant listen. I always walk away with a handful of good ideas and life hacks. I always feel inspired to be a better parent and partner after listening to her show.
Unruffled by Janet Landsbury
A practical advice on raising children without yelling, bribes, rewards or time outs, but rather a gentle, respectful yet firm approach to parenting and motherhood. Janet's books - No Bad Kids and Elevating Childcare are some of my favorites. Also, Janet's work has inspired me to take Parent and Me classes with my son at the RIE institute (where Janet was one of the educators). They became transformational in my relationship with my children. Designed to encourage kids to become authentic and responsible from an early age the classes also taught me how to be a more calm, patient and observant parent.
The Daily
this is my to-go podcast when I want to get the latest scoop on what is happening in the world and the current affairs in our country. It is both informative and captivating, filled with outstanding interviews by the best journalists in short 20 minute episodes.