The Podcasts That Saved My Sanity During Deployment

When my husband deployed, I needed something to fill up the silence when I was alone. I like to call myself a podcast guru. I can match podcasts to every mood, subject, season etc.

Don't believe me?

I am so excited to share with you the podcasts I LOVE. I included my favorite episodes to give you a taste of why I adore these shows so much.

1. How I Built This
Host Guy Raz interviews inspirational entrepreneurs, CEOs, and all around fascinating people. They discuss the ins and outs of building a business that becomes a household name. It is so interesting to listen to and is nothing short of inspiring.

My Favorite Episode: Dermalogica Jane Wurwand

2. Watch What Crappens
Are you obsessed with Bravo? SAME HERE. Anyone who enjoys the Real Housewives or Southern Charm needs to listen to this podcast. Comedians Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam recreate entire episodes that will have you crying laughing.

My Favorite Episode: #734 Southern Charm Live in SF: Jagged Little Pillow

3. Stuff You Should Know
This show is just like the Snapple cap facts. Every episode focuses on a seemingly random topic and delves deep into understanding what it is, what it does, and why? The hosts Chuck and Josh are adorably nerdy and super interesting to listen to.

My Favorite Episode: Can Movies Be Cursed?

4. DISGRACELAND
Love Music? Love True Crime? This is your show! Host Jake Brennon takes you on an INSANE journey through some of the craziest stories in music history. The show is dramatic, informative and all around a treat to listen to.


My Favorite Episode: Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G.: The Media Did IT 

5. The Goal Digger Podcast
This podcast is what made me turn my focus to blogging. Jenna Kutcher is a photographer turned entrepreneur who makes you feel like she is your best friend. If you run a business, have a side hustle or just love to be inspired, I cannot recommend this show enough. The insight and information on how to brand yourself and your business is incredible!

My Favorite Episode: 187: My Worst Client Experiences and What They Taught Me

6. The Minimalists
I have a problem with having too much stuff. There is nothing more satisfying than decluttering my life! Hosts Josh and Ryan are just two normal guys who want to teach you "how to live a meaningful life with less." They cover everything from decluttering your clothes to toxic people in your life.

My Favorite Episode: 085 | Shopping

7. On The Media
This is the perfect podcast for these crazy times we are living in! From WNYC Studios, On The Media looks at how the media and everyday people react to big events. They offer clear and concise insight and conversation to the big news stories and the stories that matter to all of us.

My Favorite Episode: Fallout

8. Uncover: Escaping NXIVM
Follow the journey of a former top member of a dangerous cult. Sarah Edmondson thought she was joining a group that was going to change the world. She gave up everything to follow and teach the beliefs of accused cult leader Kieth Raniere. It took one fateful night to completely change her thinking.

My Favorite Episode: The Suppressives 

9. Someone Knows Something
The CBC (Canadian Broadcast Channel) has some absolute gems in their podcast library. Host David Ridgen is truly a master of his craft. Ridgen revisits old unsolved cases to try to find out what really happened. The stories and people are fascinating and heart breaking.

My Favorite Season: Season 2 Sheryl Sheppard 

10. Radiolab
I know I say that I love all the hosts of these podcasts and I do. However, Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich are my absolute favorite podcast hosts of all time. They are funny, witty, and have amazing chemistry. They cover topics as broad as DNA to as small as certain football team's curse. The editing is amazing and I am always eager to see what they create next!

My Favorite Episode: Seneca, Nebraska

11. My Favorite Murder
Do I like listening to true crime podcasts? YOU BET I DO! MFM is one of the podcasts that started it all for me. Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark are two hysterical comedians who love true crime. You will feel like you are sitting on the couch with your bffs talking about the craziest crimes you've ever heard of. Also, they have the coolest fans who make the most amazing fan art!

My Favorite Episode: #111 Figure It Out Kevin

12. She Explores
This show is the one that calms me down and gets me excited for my next hike. Host Gale Straub interviews woman from all backgrounds about their experience with the outdoors. She focuses on being inclusive and finding fascinating stories about what makes women love being in the outdoors. I especially love listening to this podcast when the weather is too awful for me to go outside. It makes me homesick for my time spent living in Colorado!

My Favorite Episode: #30 Saving Her Backyard

I hope you find this list of podcasts as a resource to help you discover funny, interesting and amazing stories. Please leave a comment if you have any podcasts that you love! I am always down to dear podcast reccomendations!

The Best Podcasts To Get You Through Deployment

If you know me, you know that I have an obsession with podcasts that is a bit out of control. 

Sad? I have a podcast for that. 

Wanting to learn something new? I have a podcast for that. 

Love true crime? SAME I KNOW ABOUT 20 DIFFERENT PODCASTS YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO RIGHT NOW.

Now that my husband is deployed, I found that my love of podcasts has increased tenfold. 

You will probably agree with me that nighttime is the hardest part of deployments. You're kinda just sitting there waiting to fall to asleep...and you're alone. Although the distance sucks no matter what, you feel it more when you are just sitting in the dark. I usually need to listen to something to help me fall asleep, and podcasts are EXACTLY what I needed.

Here is a list of the BEST podcasts to get you through deployment. FYI, more than one of these podcasts contain strong language, and some themes won't be appropriate for the kids.

1. My Favorite Murder

This podcast is probably my favorite of all time. Karen and Georgia are a blast and honestly are my best friends....who have never met me...and probably never will. For a great comedy and true crime mashup, I cannot recommend this podcast enough. Also, I have never seen a podcast with such a large following in my life. Their official Facebook group alone has over 175,000 members.

Photo Credit: Mandee Johnson Photography

2. Two Dope Queens

Phoebe and Jessica are two best friends who live in Brooklyn and host a comedy show. They are absolutely hysterical and are not afraid to speak on everything from race to feminism to an insane love of U2. In addition to their podcast, they also have a special on HBO. I cannot listen to this show in public or it will look like I am laughing out loud to myself.

3. That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs

Hearing Annie talk about life in Nashville, makes me want to move there ASAP. Annie F. Downs is the bestselling author of books like "Let's All Be Brave," and "Looking for Lovely." The conversations she has with her friends about her faith, family, careers, etc. are amazing. It honestly feels like I am with my friends who are having a conversation. Except I'm listening to it and they don't know me.

Photo Credit: Anniefdowns.com

 4. Someone Knows Something

From the great country of Canada, comes this investigative reporting gem. David Ridgen follows unsolved crimes and missing persons cases all over the United States and Canada. There are currently three seasons and the reporting is unlike anything I have ever heard. You feel like you are with him on these investigations and interviews. It is an absolute masterpiece and will have you binging entire seasons in one day. 

5. On Being with Krista Tippett

Krista Tippett has one of the most calming voices on the planet, oh and she's also won a Peabody Award. The great thing about On Being, is that Krista speaks with some of the greatest minds to ever walk the planet. From astrophysicists to Franciscan monks, the conversations are thought-provoking and truly incredible to listen to. There has never been an episode that I haven't learned something new.

Photo Credit: Onbeing.org

6. Generation Why

Aaron and Justin provide a thoroughly researched look at crimes that span generations and continents. True Crime lovers will appreciate how well put together the episodes are. You will probably learn something new about some of the most famous and lesser known crimes. It is to the point, honest, no frills....and awesome.

7. The Dave Ramsey Show

Terrible at budgeting? Same. I didn't know how truly terrible I was at saving until I read Dave Ramsey's books. I found that his podcast is just as informative as his books, if not more so. Dave takes callers questions about everything from starting a business to recovering from bankruptcy. He is BRUTALLY honest, but it is your money...it isn't something to be taken lightly. 

8. Reveal

From The Center For Investigative Reporting, comes one of the first podcasts I fell in love with. Award-winning investigative journalists dig deeper into the issues we see on the news (i.e. the opioid crisis, human trafficking, the war on terror etc.) and some we might not know about. The topics are fascinating, heartbreaking, and important. Brilliantly produced and edited, this podcast will leave an impact on listeners like no other podcast can.

9. Dirty John

This wildly popular podcast from the LA Times had me yelling at my phone at certain points. It is heartbreaking, frustrating, and important. Debra Newell's relationship with John Meehan shows how an abusive relationship can have an impact on those around you...in ways you cannot imagine. The ending is truly unbelievable and seems like something out of a lifetime movie...only much worse.

10. For The Love with Jen Hatmaker

Jen Hatmaker has had an interesting last few years. A huge name in a Christian community, she received backlash when she said she supported LGBTQ marriage. Some of the biggest Christian bookstores pulled her books and any material she was involved with. Despite this, she is still a best selling author, speaker, and tv show host. This podcast is broken up into series about everything Jen loves from a love of food to a love of friends. Guests include The Pioneer Woman, Dr. Brené Brown, and Melissa Hartwig, The Founder of Whole30. Jen is not afraid to go deep with these conversations and these conversations will make you laugh, cry, and think.

 11. Patty Has A Gun: The Life and Crimes of Patricia Hearst

This is one of the first podcasts created to coincide with the release of a documentary series on CNN. Patricia Hearst to this day is one of the only political kidnappings to take place in the United States. This podcast introduces this story of the Heiress Patricia Hearst who was kidnapped by a tiny militia group and ended up committing crimes with her captors. This fascinating and heartbreaking tale still has the same impact today that it did back in the 1970s. The country had to face new ideas like Stockholm syndrome, unrest among youths, etc. in ways it had not before.

12. Heaven's Gate

In 1997, a doomsday cult called Heaven's Gate committed a mass suicide in California. They believed that they were going to "The Level Above Human." The weirdest thing of all about this cult, is that many of these people were completely normal. I mean, as normal as you can be to join a cult but still. Heaven's Gate goes through the history of the cult, who they were, and speaks will people who are still alive today that believe. Another weird fact....their website from 1997 is still active.

10 Perfect Podcasts for A PCS Road Trip

If you are anything like me, you LOVE listening to podcasts. I listen while cleaning, driving, falling asleep, and even at the gym. I am about to drive 11 hours to our next post and will be needing to listen to something to pass the time. 

I have found my top 10 podcasts that will help your road trip through boring parts of the country more bearable.

1. Car Talk

   Car Talk has been an institution on NPR for years. Tom and Raymond Magliozzi from Cambridge, Mass take callers questions on their automobile issues. This duo is laugh out loud funny with fantastic Boston accents and you can learn a thing or two about cars. Although sadly Tom passed away in 2014, their episodes are still available in podcast form. 

Fun Fact: Both brothers are MIT grads who then got into car repair.

Average Episode Length: 1 Hour

Suitable for All Ages

Photo Credit: NPR

2. Lore

   For those who enjoy history and scary stories, Lore is for you. Host Aaron Mahnke has quite possibly the best voice of any podcast host. Aaron takes listeners on a journey through the scarier side of history with tales that can send shivers up your spine. Episodes cover everything from haunted mausoleums to warlock cults.

   The podcast is set to be made into a TV show sometime in 2017 and has won multiple awards for its amazing historical retelling of some not so great moments in time. 

Average Episode Length: 20-30 minutes

Suitable for Ages 14+

Photo Credit: LorePodcast.org

3. Welcome to Night Vale

   This was the podcast that started my love affair with the podcast world. Welcome to Night Vale is the home of the fictional desert town of Night Vale's community radio. This desert town is just like any other except for the issues with the Sheriff's Secret Police, the glow cloud, a five headed dragon named Hiram McDaniels and so much more.

   The community radio includes updates like the community calendar, the weather, traffic, and a reminder that the dog park does not exist. To truly understand the genius of this podcast (which is also a book) give it a listen! 

Average Episode Length: 25-30 minutes

Suitable for Ages 14+

Photo Credit: DeviantArt

4. Up and Vanished

    Up and Vanished explores the disappearance of a Georgia beauty queen and teacher Tara Grinstead. The case had been unsolved since Tara's disappearance over 11 years ago. Director Payne Lindsay decided to try to solve the case himself after hearing about it from his family who lived near Tara. This podcast has caused MAJOR breaks in the case that will finally give us the answer to question "What happened to Tara Grinstead?"

Average Episode Length: 30 min-1 hour

Suitable for ages 16+

Photo Credit: Rolling Stone

5. This American Life

    The podcast that started other famous podcasts like Serial and S-Town is perfect for long car rides. I honestly don't really know how to describe this podcast so I'll let the show's founders describe it themselves.

"One of our problems from the start has been that when we try to describe This American Life in a sentence or two, it just sounds awful. For instance: each week we choose a theme and put together different kinds of stories on that theme. That doesn't sound like something we'd want to listen to on the radio, and it's our show.

So usually we just say what we're not. We're not a news show or a talk show or a call-in show. We're not really formatted like other radio shows at all. Instead, we do these stories that are like movies for radio. There are people in dramatic situations. Things happen to them. There are funny moments and emotional moments and—hopefully—moments where the people in the story say interesting, surprising things about it all. It has to be surprising. It has to be fun."

Bottom line...it is amazing and you will not be disappointed. I am also aware that is an extremely generic and uninspiring review so just trust me and listen to the podcast dammit!

Average Episode Length: 1hr 
Some episodes are more age appropriate than others use discretion.

Photo Credit: Iserotope

6. 1A
 1A's name is inspired by the 1st Amendment which protects our freedom of speech. Host Joshua Johnson explores hot button topics in our country with a panel of experts on topics ranging from politics to pop culture. According to their website, "1A’s goal is to act as a national mirror—taking time to help America look at itself and to ask what it wants to be." What I really like about this podcast is that they take questions from callers of all different backgrounds and beliefs. 

Average Episode: 30-45min

Most episodes are suitable ages 16+ but some are definitely more suited for ages 18+

Photo Credit: 1a.org

7. Anna Faris is Unqualified
   The star of the NBC show "Mom" and wife to my celebrity crush Chris Pratt, has a great podcast for people who love comedy and celebrities. Guests of the podcast vary from Lauren Graham of Gilmore Girls to Katie Couric. Anna and Co-host Sim Sarna are completely unqualified to give advice on anyone's relationship and it is hysterical.

Average Episode 1hr-1hr 30min
Suitable for ages 18+

Photo Credit: Soundcloud

8. The Minimalists Podcast

     If you are looking for a calm podcast where you can learn about not only decluttering your life but just living an overall better life...this is your podcast! Hosts Joshua and Ryan were living the life that most people dreamed of. They had luxury cars, big houses and just a ton of stuff and decided it wasn't giving them the life they wanted.

Even if you are not planning on become a minimalists, you can learn tips to live a better life with less stuff and less stress. These guys are all about making things like creativity, travel, passions, relationships etc. more important than stuff. It is a relaxing podcast that has a message we all need in this day and age.

Average Episode Length 1-1 45 minutes

Suitable for all ages 

Photo Credit: The Minimalists

9. Sword and Scale

      True crime junkies will become addicted to Sword and Scale. The tagline of this podcast is the "The show that reveals that the worst monsters are real," if that gives you an insight into how dark this show can be. There was a time where I listened to this podcast for two weeks straight and was too scared to sleep...in a good way. 

     The great thing about this show is that the editing is phenomenal and the stories are usually ones I have not heard of before. I will give a disclaimer that some of the topics covered may be too much for some listeners. There has been more than one time when I listen to this podcast and I just rip out my headphones and say "This is too much." However, I think these stories need to be told for the victims, their families and a warning to others. 

Photo Credit: Sword and Scale

Average Episode Length 1hr 15min

Suitable for Ages 18+

10. She Explores

    If you love the outdoors and/or exploring the world like I do, then you will love this podcast! She Explores started as a blog for women who enjoy the outdoors, travel and simply exploring the world around them. Host Gail Straub interviews women who thrive off of adventure and talk about what they overcame to reach their goals or find their passion. This podcast has truly inspired me and makes me want to get back into nature again.

Average Episode Length 30-35 minutes

Suitable for all ages