Since January tends to be centered around setting up for the year, I thought it would be a good time to share 3 podcasts to start your day. While I’m not at expert at many things, podcasts happen to be a forte of mine. I credit this to my day job which has me driving anywhere from 10-20 hours per week.
I pray you don’t have as much drive time as I do, but if you drive at all, get ready in the morning or drop in at the gym, I feel confident you may be able to fit these in somewhere in your week.
There are SO many podcasts, but for starting your day I’ve narrowed it to three favorites. The criteria I used for inclusion are podcasts that not only help you get going, (you can always grab a cup of coffee for that) but these specific podcasts encourage us to slow down and focus on Jesus. They are podcasts that help us carry out Colossians 3:2, “set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Slo by Ember
Duration:
Approximately 15 minutes, releases each Sunday
Content:
Slo refers to itself as “the guided prayer podcast – Helping you relate to God through listening and reflective prayer. This is a facilitated space for you to slow down and be still in the presence of God.”
Personal Takeaways:
One thing I love about Slo is that often the episode incorporates a slow breathing exercise, which I’ve realized, is something I rarely do. Conscious slow breathing alone has a plethora of health benefits. I won’t go into all the benefits here, but will link THIS study from Harvard if you want to read more.
The narrator then reminds us that God is with us, which I always find to be such a powerful statement, even though I know exactly what he or she is going to say. He or she then guides us through a short scripture reading.
In summary, this podcast is short, simple and powerful. My favorite place to listen to Slo is actually before I even get in my car and start driving. I like to listen in my bathroom while I get ready. Its such a good way to set up my headspace for the day.
The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey
Duration:
Approximately 1 hour, releases each Wednesday
Content:
On the Happy Hour each week Jamie invites a girlfriend to chat about “the big things in life, the little things in life, and everything in between.” According to her website, “you will be inspired, encouraged and pointed to Jesus through every show.” I couldn’t agree more.
Personal Takeaways:
This podcast has been tremendously influential in my own life. If you follow me on Instagram you already know this because I talk about this podcast often. Last year, I even convinced a bestie of mine to join me in Austin, TX at The Happy Hour Live which is basically a live version of the podcast that is put on twice a year. You can read more about that weekend HERE.
While the concept of Jamie interviewing women is simple, Jamie is such a good and candid interviewer that I always take something away. Sometimes I even find myself writing down quotes and tips for myself to hang on to.
The Next Right Thing by Emily Freeman
Duration:
Approximately 10-20 minutes, Releases each Tuesday
Content:
Explained by Emily as, “a podcast about making decisions but also about making a life” these episodes consist of, “a thoughtful story, a little prayer and a simple next right step.”
Personal Takeaways:
While this podcast is geared toward helping us make decisions, I find it to be helpful for so much more. Its a great pace-setter for the day. Emily has a way of re-framing challenges and stories so that I can take a step back, see a different point of view, and perhaps break down a big thing, into a next right thing. You know that quote about eating an elephant one bite at a time? Its kinda like that, but with real life instead of elephants.
Best of all, she encourages toward “our friend Jesus” all along the way. Of course, I cannot recommend this podcast without also recommending the book, The Next Right Thing. It was inspired from the podcast and is also full of wisdom and life gems.
There you have it friends, 3 Podcasts to Start your Day.
I hope you find some time to give them a listen and let me know your thoughts. Also, if you have any favorites for starting the day, send them my way. Until next time, cheers!