Now don’t laugh ... but until about two years ago, I had no idea what a podcast was, where it was, how you would listen to it, and where you could learn about it. Yeah … a little behind the times! But now … I have found they are a great way to fill my soul on a regular basis. I may listen as I’m out on my morning walk (once it no longer feels like Death Valley outside!), while I’m putting on my make-up, or fixing dinner. So I thought I would just share a few of my favorites.
More Than Small Talk is probably the one I listen to most consistently. Holley Gerth (one of my favorite authors), Suzy Eller and Jennifer Watson make a great round table. They call us, their 
listeners, their 4th chair friend and really draw you into their conversation. It’s easy to picture yourself sitting there with them with your cup of coffee, sharing in the conversation. Each broadcast begins with a “confession question” that makes you go a little deeper. And as they all respond to the question themselves with their variety of personalities, I always find I resonate with and learn from at least one of them. Their topics are super relatable and seem to be timely in my life. Each podcast tends to run about 25 minutes long—perfect for my walk! I hope you will check them out!
Side bar—Holley has a new book coming out next month, The Powerful Purpose of Introverts: Why the World Needs You to Be You. As a fan of anything by Holley Gerth and a 90% introvert myself, I’m super-excited about what I will learn in this book and have it pre-ordered. You will be seeing a review in my Fall edition of “What I’m Currently Reading.”
The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman is my second most-listened to podcast. One, because I really like the way she thinks. And two, since they are about 10+ minutes long they are easy to squeeze 
in while getting ready in front of the mirror. I wrote Doing the Next Right Thing about some of my thoughts from Emily’s book by the same title. She talks about decision fatigue and spoon feeds us decision-making in such simple, easy-to-follow steps that you don’t even realize what you’ve swallowed. I sometime find my thinking a little quirky, and she makes me feel right at home.
The Fight Hustle, End Hurry podcast is only 10 episodes in length. Authors, John Mark Comer and Jeff Bethke talk about the effects of hustle and hurry in our modern-day lifestyle. I had to look up 
photos of them as I could tell from the way they spoke they were from a younger generation than myself … and they were, by a lot! I loved what they were sharing and heard insights beyond their years. But it was also convicting and so thought-provoking that I wished I had heard what they were sharing when I was raising my children. Although, they would probably have been ornery pre-teens at that stage too! Cannot recommend this podcast series enough—especially if you are raising a family. They have each written a book that addresses these same issues—still on my “To Read” list.
Your Move with Pastor Andy Stanley is a great go-to when you just want some good, applicable
teaching. Each podcast is about 30 minutes in length and is an excerpt from one of his Sunday teachings. He talks about making better decisions and living with fewer regrets. Something we all strive for, right? If you’re not familiar with Andy, you will enjoy his laid-back, non-confrontational style of sharing what Jesus says in the Bible.
On the Ground with Samaritan's Purse – You are probably familiar with the humanitarian ministry, Samaritan’s Purse. They are first responders for almost every disaster that occurs around our world. 
Armed with a host of volunteers and the love of Jesus, they go in on the ground and meet, comfort, and offer tangible help to those in crisis. We have supported their ministry for many years so I was thrilled when I found this podcast. Kristin Graham (grand-daughter by marriage to Billy Graham) interviews the leaders and workers who are providing aid around the world. It is so enlightening to hear these first-hand reports … and to hear Good News that we do not hear elsewhere. If you have a heart for missions, you will enjoy these stories.
There are several other podcasts I listen to from time to time, but these are my go-to’s – the ones that always fill my soul. Let me know if you visit any of these and your thoughts. If you have favorites of your own, I would love to hear about them so I can check them out!
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