Why podcasts? The pandemic broke my routine, and I had to find new patterns in my daily life. I craved stories and podcasts that provided me with the experience of getting to listen to voices. I wanted a connection with people. I searched for podcasts with familiar voices that offered comfort but meaning, gratitude, knowledge, and escapism from COVID-19 daily news. Also, I discovered that podcasts piqued my interest, made me laugh, and gave me courage, hope, and information. Some podcasts have many episodes and attracted me to return often.
Where did I find resonating podcasts? Somebody can locate podcasts on Spotify, Radio.Com, iHeartmedia, The Current, Apple, and Pandora. Podcasts that reverberated with me were the ones that left me with a joyful experience. My Top Ten are listed below:
1. Unlocking Us: Brene Brown. She is comforting and joyous to listen to as we navigated our way during remote teaching. She provided a distraction for me when schools shuttered in March 2020. We need a human connection, and it takes courage to engage in meaningful conversations.
2. Heather Moyse: Redefining’ Realistic’…I love Heather’s enthusiasm for life and how she continues to inspire me with her life stories and motto, “Believe in the Possibilities.” She is an Islander and is known as Canada’s best ever-all-around female athlete. She is a 4 -time Olympian and 2-time Olympic gold medalist. If we ask ourselves, what determines the direction and story of our lives? Heather says, “It’s our choices.”
3. Michelle Obama. Her podcast featured diving deep into conversations with family, friends and colleagues about our lives’ relationships that make us unique. Her life and everyday issues that resonate with her are compelling. Also, Michelle is grounded firmly with guiding principles and how important it is to give back to one’s community. Michelle defines it as a valid measure of happiness.
4. Jennifer Gonzalez: The Cult of Pedagogy. One of Jennifer’s podcasts struck me with fascination. We teach our students remotely, in-class and online during the disconnected world when we need to connect with our students.
5. Beautiful Writers: author Linda Silverstein brings world-renowned bestselling authors chats on writing, publishing, and creativity. Some guests include Cheryl Strayed, Elizabeth Gilbert, Seth Godin, Tom Hanks, Glennon Doyle, and Dr. Jane Goodall. The rich conversations shared were exhilarating in today’s tumultuous times.
6. The Creative Classroom: John Spencer builds the tone about empowering community when students are lonely and isolated from their friends during the shift toward virtual and hybrid learning.
7. Ali on the Run Show. It’s crucial to discover a community where women redefine strength. I marvel at being empowered to do what I love and be confident in who I am as I persevere on the fitness journey. With our gym closed for more than six months, we continued to run and develop strength exercises at home to stay fit. We walked daily and racked up 2700+kms in nine months.
8. The Passion Project. Little Brown Jug’s Brewery story stuck with me because all it takes is a motivated former Winnipegger to return to his roots and create a passion for craft beer and architectural restoration in the Exchange District.
9. Teachers on Fire with Tim Casey. This educator is from Canada and chats with educators about their teaching experiences and passions. His vision is clear. What are our innovative practices?
10. Chef Michael Smith and Jon Montgomery-what a pair! Michael is known worldwide for his best-selling cookbook and writer now lives and works on Prince Edward Island. He has cooked for 85,000 Olympic athletes at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. This podcast provided me with fond PEI memories of my family’s love for seafood.
Uncommon Beauty in Writing 