Last Updated on May 17, 2022 by Thalia
I had such a great response to my post about the Spotify playlists that get me through the day that it only seemed right to dedicate a blog post to the podcasts that I have on repeat.
So go ahead and bookmark this page of recommendations to help you find the right podcast.
Because you know what I say, pick the right podcast, and never look back.
The easing of restrictions here in the UK means that gyms have finally reopened.
And for me, this means back to listening to podcasts.
Now you might be thinking, “ok, Thalia, you don’t exactly strike me as someone who loves the gym?”
I must admit, I don’t love the gym but I hate running even more and unfortunately, my house is too small to do any home workouts.
So going to the gym to exercise is a great compromise! It also helps me to shift into workout mode and gives me the motivation to exercise.
I’ve even started to incorporate 15 mins of stretching into my gym routine. After my main workout, I head to the dance studio, find a quiet corner with a mat and start stretching to Yoga with Kassandra.
Table of Contents
A little back story
I’ve struggled with an achy back, tight shoulders and sore hips for a while now.
I may look young but let me tell you my body feels ancient! I’ve lost that flexibility that I once had in my early twenties and it’s really starting to take its toll (I personally blame lockdown but it’s probably more my age).
With my 31st birthday fast approaching, I finally decided to take action so my cracky bones and joints don’t get any worse!
So this month I challenged myself to do a 10-min yoga stretch every morning and every evening. So where better to do my yoga poses than in the gym right?
I’ve only been doing this for a few weeks, but I already feel a huge improvement. My muscles have started to loosen and I’m feeling slightly more flexible.
Yoga has also allowed me to realign my breathing after my gym workout and allowed me to find a moment of calm before I start my day.
Pretty perfect for someone who encourages a stress-free life!
So lovely reader, if you also struggle with cracking bones or aches and pains, or just fancy a new self-care idea then I suggest doing some stretching.
Dedicate some time during the day to really take care of your body.
And like I demonstrated above, it doesn’t have to be long or complicated either.
Find a spare 10 minutes in the morning or just before you go to bed, sit in a quiet place, get comfy and stretch.
Now back to the podcasts…
During lockdown 2.0 or even 3.0 (I’ve lost count), I hit a block when it came to listening to podcasts.
I’m not sure why. I just never felt inspired or drawn to listen to a podcast.
I’m someone who lives day to day depending on their mood. If I’m not feeling something I don’t put pressure on myself.
So it simply got to the point where I wasn’t forcing myself to listen to podcasts.
Instead, I found calm in listening to instrumental playlists which helped boost my focus and concentration throughout the day.
I explored my music preferences and reminded myself of tracks that I used to listen to. I found solace in this nostalgia. And that was enough for me. I didn’t feel the need to turn to a podcast to help me cope with life.
But now that I’m back at the gym, this means getting back into the swing of listening to podcasts.
Because for some reason I feel compelled to listen to podcasts while at the gym.
Maybe because it’s a great time for me to switch off and learn something.
Oh, and of course, podcasts make the experience of going to the gym that much more enjoyable.
The lowdown on podcasts
I find that listening to a motivating podcast in the morning helps me to feel driven and empowered throughout the day.
There’s just something about listening to others share their thoughts, ideas and tips and I’m forever writing down notes and quotes.
Podcasts are the epitome of free value.
They are just full of little golden nuggets of advice and for someone who hates to scroll on social media, I get the majority of my information from podcasts.
I also always find myself re-listening to episodes that resonate with me the most.
So not only have I made a list of my top podcast recommendations but I’ve also linked the episodes which I keep referring back to again and again.
4 Empowering podcast recommendations
1 | The BossBabe Podcast
I feel like Boss Babe is the go-to podcast among the female entrepreneur community.
With its real and honest conversations about what it takes to build a successful business, it is essential listening.
But it’s not just for female entrepreneurs.
With episodes about boundaries, self-love & confidence, landing a dream career and achieving goals, it’s just as much a podcast for ambitious women too.
So if you are in need of a quick motivation boost and mindset shift then listen to The BossBabe Podcast.
You will not be disappointed.
Bossbabe’s noteworthy episode
How to overcome your self-doubt and claim your value in the marketplace with Allyson Bryd.
2 | Saturn Returns with Caggie
This is without a doubt my favourite podcast on this list of recommendations.
I absolutely loved Caggie Dunlop on the first couple of seasons of Made In Chelsea but listening to her journey, from wild child to being sober curious, has connected me to her on a deeper level.
Saturn Returns offers poignant and frank conversations about life’s challenges and uncertainties during periods of transition. Most notably the shift between our late 20s to early 30s.
Caggie has one of the most soothing voices I’ve heard in a while and this podcast is great to unwind to in the evening.
Think bubble bath, candles and wine.
Caggie and her guests really do make you feel less alone with their stories and advice and you will probably relate at some point.
Saturn Return’s noteworthy episode
Season 2 Episode 10 – Self-Sabotage with Africa Brooke
3 | How To Fail with Elizabeth Day
How To Fail was one of the first empowering podcasts that I truly got into.
While I was travelling, I was an avid listener of Women Who Travel by Conde Nast Traveller. But when I returned to the UK to start a business I needed something with a bit more substance.
A podcast that was relevant to my journey.
Enter How To Fail with Elizabeth Day.
A collection of encouraging conversations about how failing in life teaches us to be better so that we can eventually succeed.
This podcast has definitely helped boost my confidence and made me less afraid of failing. Because at the end of the day the only way we can learn is from our mistakes.
I also highly recommend Elizabeth’s book of the same name, How To Fail: Everything I’ve ever learnt from things going wrong.
How To Fail’s noteworthy episode
Season 13 Episode 1
4 | Unlocking Us with Brené Brown
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, then you’ll know I’m a huge Brené fan. I think I even confessed to having a huge girl crush on her in my first ever blog post.
So it was only natural that I would listen to her podcast.
Unlocking Us focuses on discussions that tackle the magic and messiness of being human through humour, honesty and vulnerability.
Brené wanted this podcast to be authentic and unfiltered which it completely is thanks to the connection and directness between Brené and her guests.
So if you’re looking for something a little bit raw then this one is for you.
And also check out Brené’s other podcast Dare To Lead which is a follow-up to her book Daring Greatly.
Unlocking Us noteworthy episode
Dr Vivek Murthy and Brené on loneliness and connection.
Final Thoughts
I have now made it one of my personal mini-goals to explore new podcasts this year, so expect more podcast recommendations coming soon.
And I would love to hear from you!
What are your top podcast recommendations?
Leave me a comment below or find me on Instagram and slide into my DMs.
I am always on the lookout for a new podcast to listen to.
Until next week,
♡ Thalia xx
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