Earlier this year, I discovered podcasts. Sure, I was aware of them before, but I hadn’t really come across any that spoke to me specifically or felt relevant to what I was doing and what my interests were, personally or professionally. I’m also a serial multi-tasker and tend to get lost in my own daydreams (or brilliant ideas, however you want to position it), so anytime I had tried giving them a listen, I found that I would inadvertently stop paying attention early on and failed to gain anything from the experience.
And then I came across a list geared towards bloggers and creative entrepreneurs, and I figured it was time to give podcasts a second chance, this time narrowing in on a more specific niche.
I was hooked. I was at a point where I was craving inspiration and motivation in my professional life after closing the shop, and also missing a sense of community that is so important to my creative wellbeing. I wasn’t quite sure what my next steps were for Bicyclette, and didn’t know how to go about figuring that out, which was frustrating and confusing for someone who had such a clear path and purpose for so long. I had also just started working with a client that require me to travel out of the city every other week, which meant I was spending time commuting and there was an opportunity for my undivided attention to be focused on something new.
I’ve listened to a lot of podcasts for creative entrepreneurs and bloggers over the past months, oftentimes binge-listening multiple episodes at a time and looking forward to every opportunity that allows me to put on headphones and dive in.
And so, though there are many more titles I could share with you, I’ve narrowed it down to the five podcasts that currently inspire, challenge, and feed me as a creative the most. Oh, and don’t be surprised if they inspire some serious girl crushes along the way, because each and every one of these podcasts feature some seriously kickass women.
01 // The Lively Show
This was one of my first podcast discoveries (I also wrote a bit about it here), and it’s remained a favourite to this day. Hosted by Jess Lively, who’s all about teaching us to live with values-based intention, The Lively Show is designed to “uplift, inspire, and add a little extra intention to every day”. Covering a range of topics including blogging, wellness, money, personal growth and development, design and everything in between, Jess’s interviews are always well researched and dive deep, and there’s an authenticity that Jess brings to each and every episode that I really value.
Can’t Miss Episodes: #79 // 27 Ways to Make Money Online with Jessie Artigue and #100 // Elizabeth Gilbert on Curiosity, Epic Self-Compassion & Creativity (“Big Magic”)
02 // Being Boss
Geared towards creative entrepreneurs and, well, bosses, this podcast is hosted by Kathleen Shannon (Braid Creative) and Emily Thompson (Indie Shopography), and there’s a definite focus on getting shit done and telling it like it is. Along with their guests, they talk about issues that creative entrepreneurs and small business owners face and how to work through them, and though there’s a definite focus on running your own business, the podcast is also about finding that work life balance, and touches on other topics that are relatable and quite real for most of us.
Can’t Miss Episodes: #14 // Redefining the Dream Job with Elise and Scott Grice and #42 // Vulnerability as a Creative with Brené Brown
03 // Make it Happen
A later discovery for me, Jen Carrington‘s podcast is for passionate and purposeful freelancers and creatives who are especially focused on building an online presence and moving their creative work forward and becoming game changers. Through her interviews, Jen digs deep into how other successful entrepreneurs run their businesses, and each episode is packed with actionable tips and specific recommendations that help us to achieve the results we’re looking for.
Can’t Miss Episodes: #2 // Making Money With Your Blog Without Relying on Traffic with Mariah Coz of Femtrepreneur and #15 // Favourite Web Tools, Evolving with Your Business, & Surviving the Side Hustle with Megan Minns
04 // After the Jump
This one has been on my list from the beginning, but to be completely honest, I haven’t listened to many episodes yet, which means I’m pretty excited at the prospect of catching up on all 100 episodes. You’re probably familiar with Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge, and in this podcast, Grace brings her love of art and design to the radio through a series of interviews with designers, store owners and up-and-coming members of the creative community. Sharing the challenges these makers face and exploring their day-to-day realities, it gives you a peek behind the scenes and insider view of their creative routines, and Grace offers a unique and insightful angle thanks to her experience in the industry.
Can’t Miss Episodes: #16 // Finding Your Voice with Amy Azzarito and #99 // Changing Pay Rates for Creatives
05 // #girlboss radio
A name I’m sure you’ll recognize, this podcast is from the ultimate Nasty Gal herself, Sophia Amoruso. I must admit I was a little hesitant when this one first came out a few weeks ago, as I had mixed feelings about the #Girlboss book. But a couple episodes in, and the mix of women from various creative, cultural and business ventures as well as the the conversational tone of the podcast had me wishing each one was longer. The description kind of says it best: “Sophia hopes to humanize the known, champion the unknown, and, well, laugh a little about the absurdity that is life.” I’m hooked.
Can’t Miss Episodes: #4 // Sheree Waterson, CEO Nasty Gal and #6 // Liz Goldwyn – Author, Director
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