INSIDE: Looking for a few new podcasts to enjoy while you do housework or run errands? Check out my current favorites for home, family, faith, life… and just for fun!
It’s widely believed that “multitasking” isn’t actually that great for your productivity… UNLESS one of the tasks is somewhat mindless.
And it just so happens that many of the tasks I do each day are fairly mindless — cleaning bathrooms, chopping veggies, pulling weeds, walking the dog, sweeping floors, folding laundry, baking cookies, washing dishes, and running errands.
Add in some wireless earbuds, a minivan that automatically pairs with my phone, and children who are now in school all day instead of asking questions all day, and I have many prime listening opportunities throughout the day!
It’s not uncommon to find me plowing through my to-do list with one AirPod, listening to a new audiobook or podcast episode while I work, and sometimes laughing out loud, nodding along, or audibly answering a rhetorical question. 😂
If you’re on the lookout for more free content to enjoy while you tackle some of the more mundane tasks around your home or commute to and from work, here are the podcasts I’ve enjoyed for several years (in no particular order).
NOTE: I feel like I must mention the obvious statement that I certainly don’t agree with or endorse every word spoken in these podcast episodes… but I’m an adult, so I can “chew and spit” (as the Mama Bears would say)! I can take what is relevant to my life, apply it, and leave the rest.
Also, I almost always listen on 1.5x or 2x speed, so I can plow through each episode pretty quickly!
Mama Bear Apologetics
I’m a huge Mama Bear fan — seriously, these ladies are amazing! They are so smart, wise, humble, and funny. And every episode of their sporadically released podcast is packed with information — I usually listen to each episode 2 or 3 times (and only on 1.25 speed!)
The goal of Mama Bear Apologetics is to “Train yourself. Equip your kids.” and these ladies make it feel so doable for normal moms like me, who don’t have fancy degrees or letters behind our names.
PODCAST: The Mama Bear Apologetics Podcast
Bare Marriage
The Mother-Daughter duo over at Bare Marriage is one of my favorite podcasts each week.
Their focus is on “healthy, evidence-based, biblical advice for your marriage and sex life” and along with being VERY book smart, they are also really funny.
Sheila has a strong personality that might turn some away, but I enjoy her books and podcasts.
PODCAST: Bare Mariage
Office Ladies
Dave and I watched almost every episode of The Office when they aired back in 2005. Then, we re-watched them on Netflix in 2014.
Now, I’m totally hooked on the Office Ladies podcast with Jenna Fisher and Angela Kinsey! Each podcast episode goes through a single TV episode (in order) with tons of behind-the-scenes details and extra “fast facts” as they call them.
If you enjoyed watching The Office, you’ll love this podcast!
PODCAST: Office Ladies
M is for Mama
I’ve learned so much from Abbie’s books and her blog, so it has been a delight to listen in on her newish podcast.
Her platform is “rebellion against mediocre motherhood” — which I love. She speaks on a variety of topics around motherhood, and everything is approached from a biblically-sound perspective (which I also love!)
PODCAST: M is for Mama
Simple Farmhouse Life
I started following Lisa from Farmhouse On Boone several years ago so it was a natural transition to follow her podcast when she started it a few years ago (all about simple living and cooking from scratch.)
The specific topics don’t always fit my lifestyle (lots of homeschooling and farm animals), but I do love popping in occasionally to see what she’s talking about each week.
PODCAST: Simple Farmhouse Life
She Reads Truth
Women in the Word every day. How can you not get on board with that tagline!?
The goal of She Reads Truth is to get us to open our Bibles every day, in search of beauty, goodness, and truth — and boy do they offer A LOT of content! You could listen non-stop for months!
PODCAST: She Reads Truth
Now That We’re A Family
I’ve really enjoyed the content from Katie and Elisha from Now That We’re a Family.
They are a VERY conservative homeschooling family, so I’m not always “on board” with all their ideas, but I love their focus on creating a positive family culture and not getting sucked into the busyness of the world.
They feature many inspiring guests and I always take something away from each episode that I can apply to my own family and life.
PODCAST: Now That We’re a Family
Made for This
Jennie Allen is a pretty big name on the Internet these days — she’s the founder of IF: gathering and has written many very successful books and Bible studies.
I don’t follow along with her all that much these days, but I do still enjoy her short twice-weekly podcasts on a variety of culturally relevant faith-based topics.
PODCAST: Made For This
The Paul Tripp Podcast
I’ve been a Paul Tripp fan for years — I love his New Morning Mercies devotional, and his parenting book is packed full of wisdom.
His podcast is set up differently than most — with some super short 5 or 10-minute “connecting clips” or “5-minute Bible Studies” ” or “Wednesdays Word”, and other long-form full episodes that will keep you listening for an hour or more.
PODCAST: The Paul Trip Podcast
Gospel In Life
The late Tim Keller has hundreds of old sermons and sermon series on the Gospel In Life podcast — and they keep publishing new content each week.
There’s something for everyone on this podcast (It’s the only one on my list that Dave also listens to.)
PODCAST: Gospel In Life
Organize 365
You’ve probably already heard me talk about my high-energy friend, Lisa, from Organize 365… so it’s no big surprise that along with her website, courses, products, printables, and new book release, she also has a wildly successful podcast!
NOTE: I’ve been on Lisa’s podcast twice (March 2023, and January 2018) if you want to listen in and get more tips for home organization and time management.
PODCAST: The Organize 365 Podcast
There are others I listen to occasionally, and I often get recommendations of single episodes to listen to — but the ones above are what I’m actually “subscribed” to, so I see all their content.
Also, whenever I start a new Bible study, I will search for a podcast on that topic or book of the Bible. Then I listen to the podcast(s) before doing my lessons so I have a bit more context. It’s been very helpful and insightful.
Listening to podcasts is one of my favorite ways to multitask — I love doing something I enjoy while still crossing necessary to-do’s off my list each day.
That said, I’m always looking to learn about new podcasts I might like… which is where YOU come in!
I’d love to know what YOUR favorite podcasts are!
Leave them in the comments — but don’t include URLs because those tend to get flagged by my comment spam catcher!
Suzanne says
Since you love The Hiding Place (I do too!), you should read The Watchmaker’s Daughter by Larry Loftis. He was able to find more information from letters, diaries, and photos than was available when The Hiding Place (THP) was written. He gives details about the people that hid in their home and what happened to many of the people, and much more. It does overlap with THP. I LOVED it!
Natalie says
The Bible Recap with Tara-Leigh Cobble! She is a gracious, humble, and fun Bible teacher that I have come to respect. She guides listeners through a chronological Bible reading plan in a daily 8-10 minute podcast. Her biggest goal is for Bible readers to look for God’s character and fall deeper in love with Him. I have completed both the New Testament and the whole Bible with her. I have starting round two on the whole Bible. Just make sure to start at the beginning. 🙂
Andrea says
Thanks for sharing this — sounds like something I’d be interested in listening too!
Jean says
I enjoy The Enneagram Journey (Suzanne Stabile) (monthly) and Sisters-In-Law (which drops every Saturday morning).
Andrea says
Thanks for sharing these, Jean!
Missie says
One I enjoy that you might also like is The Art of Home with Allison Weeks. Each week she interviews a homemaker whether they are new to homemaking, in the trenches (as she calls it) or a seasoned homemaker. I would be considered a seasoned homemaker, but I have learned several new things from those behind me. Actually, you would be great for her to interview. She accepts applications to be on her podcast. Thank you for all you do on your blog. Your blog and Sarah’s have been the ones I have continually followed for many years. Sarah will be missed.
Andrea says
Thanks so much for this recommendation! I’ve already looked her up and subscribed!
Sam says
This is very interesting – a look into a completely different life from mine. I have tinnitus and listen to podcasts all the time when doing housework etc. I’m single and not interested in family or christian themes at all, so I binge history podcasts like The Rest is History, Dan Snow’s History Hit, American History Hit, The Ancients, Not Just the Tudors, In Our Time, Gone Medieval etc. Fascinating to see what else is out there. Thank you for sharing.
Andrea says
Yes, and thanks for sharing your favorite podcasts, Sam!
Katie says
I love “Couple Things with Shawn Johnson & Andrew East”, “Life’s a Tripp” and “The unplanned podcast”
Thanks for sharing your favorites!
Andrea says
Thanks Katie — I’ll have to check these out!
Rhonda says
Ones I currently listen to most often:
-This American Life (lots of different topics/human interest stories)
-The Daily (news – by New York Times)
-Criminal (not as morbid as you might think; has historical and contemporary stories related to all types of crime; host Phoebe Judge has a very soothing voice)
-Pete the Planner (financial podcast)
Andrea says
Thanks for sharing your list Rhonda!
Nancy says
Now that I’m retired and don’t commute I barely listen to podcasts. Now I listen to YouTube priests and their homilies. A Catholic Sunday Mass has 3 scripture readings and a psalm and it’s amazing, so many takes on the same readings. Also Chad Bird, an evangelical scholar, explains different words in Greek. Like hate, Jesus really didn’t mean to hate your mother and father, He meant to love them less than Him. Or Jacob didn’t hate Leah, he loved her less than Rachael. That helps me so much. You can read an 8 page article on what Jesus meant by that or just “hate means to love less, next.” Why didn’t we learn Greek in school?? French is great but dang. Nate Bargatze is hilarious, I like him a lot.
Also, I finally splurged, after trying so many painful earbuds, on Apple AirPods Pro 2nd gen. at Costco. They’re just spectacular, I might go back to podcasts.
Andrea says
I also had off-brand ear buds before being gifted with a set of Air Pods… and yes, the Air Pods live up to their hype! Still not sure if I’d be willing to shell out my own cash for them, but I appreciate that gift every day when I listen to my podcasts!
Ashley says
A great list, Andrea! I listen to a lot of these but there’s some new ones I’ll check out. My weekly must-listens:
•The World and Everything In It: a daily news podcast from a biblical perspective. They do a great job of presenting facts, representing both sides when doing editorials, and keeping things positive.
•Cooper Stuff: John Cooper, the lead singer of Skillet, is the host of this podcast. He has interesting guests and helps listeners to think through current events issues in a biblical way.
•Breakpoint this Week: they have daily short podcasts, but the one I enjoy the most is the Friday episode when they do a deep dive into a handful of current issues.
•Relatable with Allie Beth Stuckey: also talks about current events, but also has light hearted content and interesting guests.
Andrea says
Thanks Ashley — I’m sure I will also like all the ones you recommended as we have very similar tastes!
JJ says
I have been doing The Bible Recap by Tara-Leigh Cobble for my Bible reading/devotions and have learned so much from her book and free videos on the free Bible app YouVersion. She also has a poscast that is the same as her videos. I have been going slowly through this, but with this plan you can do it in a year. I’ve read the Bible through doing the Bible in 3 years, 1 year, and 90 day plans. This has been most enjoyable and most educational!
Andrea says
wow — that’s amazing (reading through the Bible in 90 days!) Impressive!
JJ says
It was right after I had my first baby. Our pastor challenged our church, and I used the YouVersion Bible app to read. It was definitely helpful that I was nursing my baby all day and didn’t have any other kids yet.
I love reading all the podcast suggestions from you and others.
Rachel says
Here are some on my list:
Pray the Word w/David Platt
Concurrently
Janet Parshall Commentary (the short episodes. I can’t do the 1 & 2 hour shows)
Real Cool History for Kids
Raising Great Kids w/ Dr. Meg Meeker (I don’t actually listen often — which is time-related, not content related)
Andrea says
Thanks Rachel — I’ll look into these too!
Tina McLarty says
No Apologies with Emilee and Chris-bold Christian perspective with lots of humor and
The Terri Savelle Foy Podcast-don’t let her Minnie Mouse voice turn you off, she is very inspiring 🙂
Andrea says
haha — I laughed out loud at your comment “don’t let her Minnie Mouse voice turn you off” It’s so true though — podcasters need to have a “good voice” if I’m going to listen to them!
April Garff says
My all-time favorite podcast is Stuff You Should Know. I’ve been listening for over 10 years and am always learning something interesting and new! The hosts are like talking to 2 older brothers about some random topic of the day. They are great.
I also love Another Mother Runner. Best for runners, but anyone into fitness and staying healthy would appreciate the topics they cover.
One I think you would enjoy is Power of Moms. It’s about being a deliberate mother. Easy, actionable steps to becoming the best you can be, while also helping to instill confidence in your strengths.
Andrea says
Oooo, that does sound like a podcast I’d enjoy (the Stuff you should know, not the runner one!) Thanks for sharing!
Stel says
Thank you for these! Also enjoy some of them, and LOVE Sheikka Gregoire.
Observing the USA from quite a distance, I love Truth over Tribe.
Plus
* Here’s where it gets interesting (Sharon McMahon)
*Mo News (Mosheh Ouinounou)
* Carlos Whitaker.
All good news and info.
Stel says
Oh, and not to forget The Huberman Lab! Makes me my science days
(And for listeners interested in sports/science/research / The Real Science of Sport Podcast. Fascinating.
Andrea says
Thanks for this list Stel!
Amber Woods says
My pastor has a series podcast called Hopeful Sufferers. It is wonderful and sets a Believer up for how to deal with suffering in their life since we a will face it.
Andrea says
Excellent — thanks so much for sharing, Amber!
Sara says
I saw someone else recommend 3 in 30 Takeaways for Moms, and it’s so good! Short, easy, actionable steps is just what I need. I also enjoy Office Ladies, and Cultivate a Good Life by Becky Higgins and Becky Proudfit. I like how they really keep things positive!
Pascale says
Hi Andrea,
I’m not a podcast person. I’ve tried, but I much prefer short YouTube videos like the ones you did previously. I would follow you on YouTube or Patreon, but I wouldn’t listen to podcasts. Sorry… Nothing personal. I’m also not on Facebook or any other social media platform except for YouTube so anything related to Facebook Private Groups, etc do not interest me.
Andrea says
no worries!
I’m not sure how often I’ll be on YouTube (I just don’t enjoy it as much as other platforms) but it’s on my “to work on” list of skills I’d like to grow!
Pascale says
I understand. Thank you, Andrea. You know ourself and your current life situation better than any of us so please you do what is best suited to your personality and situation.
Thank you for posting every weekday. I admire you for not running out of interesting topics to share with us.
Andrea says
you’re very welcome — I always have something to say 🙂
Chris says
This is one of those blog posts that I for sure want to read through all the comments! 🙂 Minimal-Ish, Gretchen Rubin, and Old Fashioned on Purpose sound like ones I would like to listen to. I have listened to some of Organize 365 in the past. I also have watched Farmhouse on Boone in the past. I think that is where I learned to make sourdough starter from the yeast “in the air”. Most of my things turned out but my bread flopped and all my family didn’t like some of the recipes. It ended up dying and I haven’t revived it.
Jen says
I LOVE podcasts too (and I also HATE earbuds and have special wireless headphones that fit in my ears!), but I am a true crime junkie and so I enjoy all the seasons of Serial, Wondery, etc. I won’t list all of them here since the list is LONG and I don’t think that’s your area of interest. LOL! I DO love YHL and I’m definitely going to try “The Office Ladies”.
But I also love theology podcasts. My current favorites are “Verity” with Phylicia Masonheimer and “Relatable” with Allie Stuckey. I also enjoy “Jesus Over Everything” with Lisa Whittle and “Daily Grace: The Podcast”. I walk every morning, and I try to be disciplined and not listen to podcasts any other time. This keeps me motivated to walk so I can enjoy listening then. It’s my reward for getting out there and exercising!
Sandy says
Jen, I Love the priority you make to spend time trying to know more about THE ONE that is giving us all the privilege to make a choice of how we spend our time…Based on HIS sacrifice I’d say more time with HIM would be the wisest choice of time spent…at least that’s been my recent “revelation”…..Anyone else getting that as well? Especially in light of the “quiet “ time opportunity we’ve all just had…Could it have been for HIS reason???
mary says
all Laura Vanderkam podcasts: The Best of Both Worlds, Before Breakfast, The New Corner Office.
What Should I Read Next- Anne Bogel
Her Money-Jean Chatzky
Marriage, Kids & Money-Andy Hill
Lisa woodruff says
Great list Andrea. Thanks for including my podcast! WE think YOU should have a podcast
🙂
Lisa
Andrea says
someday — it’s on my list. I just have “bigger fish to fry” first 🙂
Lauri Everlove says
Even though we should have paid off all our debt etc a long time ago my husband and I are finally focused on getting our finances in order so I love listening to Dave Ramsey. Listen to his podcast all the time in the car and while making dinner and doing chores.
Andrea says
you’ll get there — and I’m sure listening to Dave Ramsey will give you a little extra motivation to get there faster!
Sarah Clews says
Wow this is so fun! I’ve been meaning to try the Office Ladies podcast and now I will have to. I listen to The Lazy Genius too although I have to be in a productive mood. I really like The Next Right Thing podcast by Emily P. Freeman. It’s the perfect thing to listen to as I wind down for bed. I also listen to The Crystal Paine Show. A couple other shows–The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey and That Sounds Fun with Annie F. Downs.
Andrea says
Definitely try the Office Ladies podcast – it’s SO fun if you’re somewhat familiar with the show!
Jill says
Thanks for the list of suggestions! I love At Home with Sally (Sally Clarkson). Great encouragement especially during these times! Also Read Aloud Revival for ideas of books to read aloud to my kids!
Andrea says
Thanks Jill — I’ll check them out!
Susanne says
I love podcasts too, but hate wearing earbuds (they hurt my tiny ears so much!). For that reason, I don’t listen to as many as I’d like. My favorites are This American Life, How I Built This, and Love Anyway. I just binged Family Secrets. Host Dani Shapiro is lovely.
I love lists of favorite podcasts and hope you do it again in a few months.
Gretchen says
I hate earbuds, too! But I love podcasts and audiobooks. I use the bone conducting earphones. You should try them! Trex titanium ear phones.
Andrea says
Thanks for the tip on headphones. I was just telling Susanne that I use these “skinnier” earbuds that fit in my ear easier.
Andrea says
what about using regular headphones? I do that sometimes.
I also have these earbuds that are skinnier so they fit in my ear easier. I like them MUCH better than other earbuds.
Megan says
I love How I Built This…I’m not planning on ever starting up my own company, but it’s so interesting to listen to what people had to do to start theirs. The host (Guy Raz) also has a super fun children’s podcast called Wow in the World which my kids love.
Susanne says
Yes! I love this one too!
Andrea says
cool — thanks for sharing! A couple others have recommended the Wow in the World — we might have to start that for our kids too!
Katie says
I listen in the car (well, I used to!), while I’m getting ready in the morning, and while I’m making dinner. Here are some of my favorites:
Unlocking Us – Brene Brown – just fabulous social/psychological/life stuff. Read her books, watch her Netflix special, and listen to this podcast!
The Heir Pod – brain candy about the UK Royal Family
The Mother Like a Boss Podcast – Kendra Hennessy is fabulous!
Backstory – used to be called Backstory with The American History Guys. They are stopping production on new episodes soon but they have a huge catalog of episodes. Super interesting stories about American History and often how it relates to a current event.
My children really enjoy The Big Life Kids Podcast, about building growth mindset in kids. The same crew also makes journals for kids which are great.
Andrea says
Thanks for this list — I’ve just sort of started diving into the Brené Brown stuff — I’ll def. have to look up her Netflix show and start the podcast!
Megan says
I loved this blog post, because I love getting new podcast recommendations. Some that I love are:
The Popcast
10 Things to Tell You
A to B Podcast
Christy Wright’s Business boutique
Up First
Just Keep Blogging
The Next Right Thing
Office Ladies- seriously makes me smile and then I go back and rewatch the episode they talked about
The Holderness Family
Up First
I also love some true crime podcasts from time to time.
Andrea says
oh wow — I didn’t realize The Holderness Family had a podcast — they are hilarious and I love their YouTube videos! Thanks for the heads-up, and glad you enjoyed this post 🙂
Julia Irvin says
Thanks for sharing!
Some favorite podcasts of mine…..
Fit2b Radio (great cutting-edge information on all kinds of aspects of women’s health)
A Slob Comes Clean (help to baby-step your way out of clutter overwhelm)
Balance365 Life Radio (honest talk surrounding the dangers of dieting mentality and how to recover from it)
Others that I listen to occassionally…
Cultivating the Lovely (bringing beauty into the every day)
Read-Aloud Revival (interviews with authors and how to encourage reading at home)
Simply Convivial (attitude and mind-set help for all things home-making)
Simply Charlotte Mason (homeschooling help from the Charlotte Mason perspective)
Your Morning Basket (ways to include beauty in your homeschool through Morning Time)
Andrea says
Great list — I’ve heard of many of these. I might have to check them out more thoroughly!
Naya says
Andrea, thank you for this list! I’ve always loved audiobooks so I’ve been interested in subscribing to podcasts, but I haven’t got a chance to look up ones that fit my interests. You just made my day. I have added most of your suggestions to my subscription list. I would definitely recommend doing a podcast if you have the chance. I think, for busy moms especially, it’s easier to listen to something while working around the house rather than find the time to sit and watch a youtube video or sit and read a blog.
Andrea says
yes, audiobooks are great! I often fall asleep if I start reading, but I can listen for hours!
Erin says
I also enjoy Young House Love! Some of my other favorites are What Should I Read Next by Anne Bogel, The Good Place, and (for kids) Wow in the World.
Andrea says
thanks for sharing your list — I need to check out the Wow in the World. I have a feeling Nora would love that one!
Ashley says
It’s always fun to discover new resources! I love Jill’s podcast too Others that I listen to regularly are The World and Everything in It–it’s a news podcast but it’s really very neutral with a Christian perspective in their editorials and interviews. My kids love The Reading Bug stories, we listen in the car. The only other one I listen to regularly is To Love, Honor, and Vacuum. I’ll have to check out some of the ones you listed!
Andrea says
Thanks for the note about the REading Bug stories — might need to try that one for the boys!
Annette Silveira says
I love podcasts. Thanks for the recommendations. I subscribed to Organize 365 and Minimal-ish.
Andrea says
yay — 2 of my favorites!
Bridget Dippel says
Love Podcast! Some favs are 1. Good life project 2. Your teen 3. Success wave ! Enjoy
Andrea says
thanks for sharing — I’ve never heard of any of these!
Donna says
My favorite podcast is the Next Right Thing with Emily P. Freeman
Andrea says
I read that book about a month ago and LOVED it — I just might have to look into the podcast now!
Machee says
I love Old Fashioned on Purpose. It’s one of the three podcasts I listen to regularly. The other two are: 3 in 30: Takeaways for Moms by Rachel Nielson and Pioneering Today With Melissa K. Norris.
I’ve been listening to 3 in 30 since it started and love it. A 30 minute episode with 3 “take aways” (actionable steps) to try in your own life. The subject range is huge, and most of the episodes have given me something to think on.
Pioneering Today is along the lines of Old Fashioned on Purpose: old time skills and ideas in the modern world.
Joanne says
Hi
How do you listen to the podcasts at a faster speed? Is it an option in the podcast itself?
Thanks!
Andrea says
HI Joanne!
I use the Apple Podcast App and changing the speed is an option at the bottom of every recording. You can choose 1.25 1.5 or 2x speed. I can also fast-forward by 30-second intervals which I always do to get through the ads!
Andrea says
I’ll have to check out the 3 in 30 — that sounds like something I’d love!
Nanciann says
Good morning Andrea, I enjoy listening to “A to B” podcast (Simplicity, Organization, Fun). They generally have 2 posts a month. I enjoy listening to them !!
Andrea says
I JUST found the A to B podcast over the weekend — I’ll probably be listening to it more coming up!