You all… life is hard. Motherhood is even harder. Trying to have a happy and productive life and be a mother… well that is the ultimate struggle. I work from home which means there is no “getting away” or boundaries from home and work life. Sometimes it can just be downright isolating and depressing being at home all the time. And then trying to stay motivated to work?! Goodness, it is tough!
During the Fall of 2017, I found myself drowning in life and work. (You can read more about this here). It had now been five years of working from home and owning my own business. I was exhausted and in a rut. I needed to figure out how to make a more positive work environment at home and be more productive with the work time I had. I needed to bring more joy, connection, and laughter to my day! I needed something in my day to “fill my cup” and replenish me!
My sister had introduced me to the world of Podcasts through our love of true crime (A podcast called My Favorite Murder which is listed below). I loved listening to it so much while I edited photographs for clients that I decided to search for some “mom” and “mom boss” podcasts to listen to as well. I was OVERWHELMED by the number of shows and episodes that came up. I was instantly hooked and devoured every word I could! I listened to a few very influential ones that motivated me to switch up how we do life as a family, our health, our future, and prompted me to follow my heart and start this blog!
There is so much power in listening to positive words! While I used to listen to re-runs of Law and Order SVU during the day, I was now filling that space with words of encouragement, life tips, humor, etc.! These podcasts have taught me valuable tips on balancing life and work, parenting hacks, built my faith, etc. So many things I would have missed if I would have had the tv on all day. Listening to podcasts boosts my mood and has brought so much happiness to my day! They leave me motivated and make me much more productive! Mommas, no matter what you are going through, lacking, or dreaming of, there is podcast episode out there to help you get to the next place! Storytelling is in our DNA, and that is what podcasts are! Other people are telling their stories to encourage and bring hope to those listening!
Here are a few of the most powerful podcasts that make me happy and more productive!
1.The Shameless Mom Podcast with Sara Dean
I cannot say enough about Sara’s podcast! MOMMAS LISTEN TO ME! If you are in a rough season, going through something tough, or just need a pick me up, Sara is your girl!!! She has over 250 episodes and covers every topic you could ever imagine having to do with motherhood. She talks about anxiety, infertility, body dysmorphic disorder, divorce, etc. She has such a lovable personality and is truly passionate about building up and helping moms! Episode 59 was a game changer for me! It completely changed the way I begin my day and spend my mornings. That in itself has motivated me to get my day started on a positive note and headed in a productive direction!
Favorite Episodes (which is hard to do because literally, every single one is amazing):
Episode 16 – Craig Ballantyne – The Perfect Day Formula
Episode 59 – How to Create your own Miracle Morning
Episode 67 – How to create happiness boosters.
Episode 74 – Turn down your Overwhelm
Episode 105 – 7 secrets to slow down and simplify.
2. Vibrant Happy Woman with Dr. Jen Riday
This is another wonderful podcast for mommas that covers so many important life topics! Jen is so inspirational and genuinely wants all of us to live our best lives! She interviews guests who are experts in their fields to help educate us on topics that affect all of us!
Favorite Episodes:
Episode 20: How Self Care and Gratitude can improve your relationships Esther Littlefield
Episode 90: Embrace your messiness and imperfection
Episode 96: The 6 things that matter most in a child’s life
Episode 109: How to get UNSTUCK and really start living
Episode 114: How to see through the Mess and unclutter your life.
3. For the Love with Jen Hatmaker
Jen’s podcast is such a feel good podcast! To know her is to love her! She interviews some incredible women with the most inspiring stories! And she has had ALL of my favorite people on her show! Her podcast will leave you laughing or crying or both! I always get so excited when a new episode pops up!
Favorite Episodes:
For the Love of Moxie Episode 2: Getting Vulnerable with Brene Brown
Emily Ley – Creating Space for Joy with Simplified Living
Finding the way to your true self: Enneagram expert Chris Heurtz
From turkey burner to Entrepreneur: Embracing your potential with Rachel Hollis
It’s Okay to Laugh: John Crist
4. The Messy Table with Jenn Jewel
Jenn’s podcast includes interviews with real every day momma’s with incredible stories! She describes her podcast as “an ordinary space for real women, imperfect stories, and the God who’s at work in our mess”. It is said that the two most powerful words in the English Language are “me too” and I feel like the women on her podcast make us all feel not so alone and able to say “YES, me too, I am going through that as well!” So powerful and uplifting!!!
Favorite Episodes:
5. The Purpose Show with Allie Casazza
I LOVE Allie because she is all about simplicity and minimalism(something we as a family are starting to embrace). I love how real she is and how I feel like I am sitting and listening to my best friend give advice! I love that she covers little topics that affect us like bedtimes, evening routines, taking away toys, etc. You know those little things that are actually BIG things in our day to day lives! This is a podcast that you will want to add to your “must listen to” list!
Favorite Episodes:
Episode 11 – Taking care of yourself
Episode 19 – 5 things that are hard to de-clutter.
Episode 33 – Cleaning tips and systems.
Episode 41 – 10 things I’ve done to simplify my life.
Episode 53 – Defining and creating happiness with Gretchen Rubin.
Other Podcasts I love!
Mom Boss/Business
Rise podcast with Rachel Hollis
The Influencer Podcast with Julie Soloman
Build your Tribe with Chalene Johnson
She’s Building her Empire with Stacy Tuschl
Spiritual/Life
The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey
Rise Together with Rachel and Dave Hollis
The Life Coach School Podcast with Brooke Castillo
Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations
Entertainment
My Favorite Murder (I am a closet true crime fanatic. Language warning on this one)
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard
PS -I get asked all the time when I find the time to listen to podcasts and audiobooks. I put one earbud in and listen to them while doing household chores (I leave one out so that I can hear my kids and still be somewhat present for them.), I listen in the car, while doing my make-up, and while I am editing photos for work. Pretty much anytime I would have had the tv on for background noise.
