I love listening to podcasts throughout the day and in the background as I work. I scrolled through my subscription, trying to remember my favorite episodes to share here. I would LOVE to hear your favorite podcasts, too! Shoot me a note here.
Non-Trad Undergrad | I met Sara, the co-host of this podcast, through teaching at VCU. I knew had taken a few years off before going back to school, but I didn't know until recently when she posted a birthday selfie that announced she's 41. She's a Public relations major, and her co-host Jenn is studying English. I love hearing their perspective and how they see college. I was a "traditional" student, starting at VCU and moving into a freshman dorm at the age of 18. In one of my marketing classes, I partnered up with Deb, in her 40s, and we became close friends. Listening to this podcast made me realize I never really thought hard about what it must have been like for Deb. Listening to each episode lets me step into the shoes of students for a few minutes. I'm taking a break from teaching advertising at VCU, but I'm glad this podcast has increased my empathy for students.
Here's the official show description:
We’re Sara Huffman and Jenn Klee, two non-traditional college students at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Virginia. All the resources we found for non-traditional students have been about deciding to go (back) to school, but nothing that delved into the nitty-gritty of being on campus every day, sometimes all day, for at least a year. Because let’s face it, being older than your classmates (and sometimes your professors) is WEIRD. We get it. So, enter Non-Trad Undergrad. Our hope is that if you are a non-traditional student like us, you’ll feel a little less isolated, a little more understood, and a little more connected when you listen to NTU. You’re not alone! Rated "E" for some swearing. NOTE: All opinions are Sara's and Jenn's and not affiliated with Virginia Commonwealth University.
DOLLY PARTON'S AMERICA | I don't know that I need to convince anyone to listen to this. Everyone loves Dolly Parton. This is a nine-episode series. It's fascinating and feel-good. One popular Dolly quote that's a favorite of mine is: Find out who you are and do it on purpose. I've always admired her steadfastness.
GETTING CURIOUS WITH JONATHAN VAN NESS | JVN is one of my favorite people to watch and follow. I love everything about this podcast. The premise is that JVN talks to an expert in a different topic he's curious about (hence the name). I've learned about everything from snakes to sunscreen, but my favorite part is JVN's unparalleled enthusiasm. This episode with Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller is particularly good.
COFFEE WITH STRANGERS RVA | Local RVA Love. I think this was the first podcast I listened to. Kelli Lemon is an entreprenuer here in RVA and helps make. She films this as a video series with Matt Pochily
DO IT FOR THE PROCESS | I came across this podcast because I love the host, Emily Jefford's artwork. How magical is this swirly landscape?! Emily talks through what it's like to run a business as an artist. I dabble in painting, but what I really like about this podcast is thinking about the artists behind all of my favorite work. I think about her episode Creating Authentic Art: Copying in Art often.
HUMANS OF JAMES RIVER | TFB Intern Ava McHugh started this podcast and I'm so proud of her. She was inspired by Human's of New York. she even learned how to edit the voice of her guests that wanted to remain private. Another exercise in shifting perspective. TEDxYouth RVA
HOW I BUILT THIS | This is another super popular one. I know I'm always hearing people reference this. It's really cool to hear the stories of some of our favorite companies, straight from the founders. Reminds me of a book Tribe of Mentors. Coming from working at larger companies. I'm used to learning from bosses who worked at large companies. It's hard to find mentors and people to learn from when you're first starting out as a business owner. Listening to this podcast helps to serve as a reminder that there are lots of people who have done this before me I liked the Rent The Runway episode.
BEING BOSS | My favorite episode of this one is: Becoming An Enthusiastic Leader.
OPRAH'S SUPER SOUL PODCAST | There are some great interviews on this one PLUS Oprah just launched an archive podcast of some of the most popular episodes of her talk show.
GET BOOKED | Two Book Riot editors chat as they talk through reader questions and requests for recommendations. Readers will talk about a book or category of books they like (think: historical fiction or memoirs) and the two hosts will recommend a book or books that they'd like based on what they read before.
BREAKING BEAUTY | I've always been super-interested in the beauty industry. I especially loved hearing from the founder of Isle of Paradise in this episode.
OFFICE LADIES | Eeee! I love this and it's definitely the most fun podcast on this list. Angela and "Pam" from The Office are best friends in real life. They call this a "rewatch podcast," and they're taking you through every episode of the office with their personal backstories.
FOOD PSYCH | This is one of my newest discoveries. Christy Harrison is the author of The Anti Diet, which I mentioned in my last. I love her body-positive message.
CREATIVE PEP TALK | I can't even begin to tell you all I've learned from this podcast. I love it so much. John Mills of Release The Hounds recommended it to me. It definitely takes some getting used to, but I haven't found anything like it.
YOUNG HOUSE LOVE HAS A PODCAST | My favorite episode is: How Our Lives Together Almost Didn't Happen. They talked about failures and how they led them to where they are now. They have readers and listeners from all over the world, so it's really cool to hear when they cover how homes are different in different countries.
HAPPIER WITH GRETCHEN RUBIN | I might've unintentionally saved the best for last here. Gretchen Rubin is the author of The Happiness Project, Better than Before and one of my personal favorites, The Four Tendencies. I've listened to every single episode from this podcast and couldn't begin to list everything I've learned.
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