20 great podcasts to keep you company this summer

Friends, farmers and countrywomen (and men) – lend me your ears…

Do you listen to podcasts? I do, pretty much exclusively, and to the point that I have to remember to turn on the radio on the hour to catch the news and stay at least semi-in touch with what’s going on in ‘real time’.

Podcasts are a wonderful way to be entertained, informed and inspired while doing other things. And if you are interested in learning more about the wonderful world of social media and how it can help us producers grow our businesses and turn our customers into our fiercest advocates, there are some fantastic podcasts out there to help you do just that

I was chatting to a friend recently about all of this, and she said something like ‘oh yes, I keep hearing about podcasts but never know where to start, what to listen to’. This seems to be a fairly common response to my raving about this platform, so I thought it might be handy to do a quick round up of a few favourites to get you started. The below list are the 20 podcasts I never miss an episode of. Mostly social media related, with a few fun general interest options too… Sophie x

1. Of course we need to start with our very own podcast My Open Kitchen! Now into its third season, co-host Skye Manson and I share stories, tips, interviews and inspiration to help producers and small business owners use social media to build supportive communities and engagement online.
2. Hashtag Authentic by Sara Tasker; another great podcast all about using social media well. So so many great tips and interviews in here, every episode is a mine of useful information
3. The Soulful PR Podcast with Janet Murray – If you are running a business and want to get more publicity for it then PLEASE listen to this podcast. Every episode is full of wonderful advice for ways to grow your reach in organic and achievable ways. I’m going to sneak other one in here too; Miss Bossy Boots is another great marketing-based podcast from two Port Macquarie-based business owners and goal-kickers.
4. Bang On – very funny, weekly show from Myf Warhurst and Zan Rowe. They natter away about what’s in the news, books they love and people doing weird and wonderful things. A bit in the vein of Looks 10 Chat 3 which is another firm favourite)
5. Desert Island Discs; this show has been running on the BBC for over 40 years. Guests are asked to list eight songs, a book and a luxury they’d take if stranded on a dessert island. Host Kirsty Young is one of the best interviewers out there and every episode is a fascinating insight  into a fascinating line up of guests.
6. Creative Empire Podcast – Dedicated to helping ‘solopreneurs’ and small biz owners; every episode features inspiring success stories and interviews with the person behind that success and how they achieve what they do.
7. The Daily – From the New York Times, a 20-minute daily (you guessed it) update full of excellent stories, interviews with journalists behind leading stories and opinion and comment on big issues around the world.
8. Word for Word – A wonderful podcast by the Australian Macquarie Dictionary. 20 minute episodes exploring the surprising histories behind everyday Australian words and phrases.
9. The Food Podcast – another one out of the States, this is a joy to listen to, especially while pottering around in the kitchen. A wonderful example of storytelling through flavours and ingredients.
10. Regional Voices – a really wonderful weekly podcast full of stories of and about the people of rural and regional Australia.
11. Lets Talk – from the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, this wonderful podcast tackles some big issues in a really bite-sized and thoughtful way. From creating mentally healthy work places to transitioning to a life on the land and even how to ask your GP for help if you are one of five of all Australians who do experience mental health problems. An excellent podcast series for all of us to listen to.
12. Explore your Enthusiasm by Tara Swiger – I love Tara and this podcast is a welcome weekly burst of marketing, social media and biz advice.
13. Head Ovary Heels – interviews with business women and creatives about what makes them tick, how they do what they do and life in general.
14. In The Company – hosted and created by Kylie Lewis who our e-course students will know as the woman behind our very first ‘exercise’ in week one. Kylie is also the creator of Of Kin and this podcast is an extension of her work there coaching and working with small businesses and creatives and as she puts it ‘humanising work’.
15. Social Media Marketing Talk Show – a weekly round up of all the news in social media land. A great way to stay up to date with what’s happening on all the different platforms.
16. Stand out Get Noticed – I love this Australian podcast which offers regular shows covering everything from how to improve your speaking voice for more impact to how to manage your energy, networking and small talk and how to manage anxiety and fear when speaking in public. Lots and lots of good stuff in this one.
17. Radio Cherry Bombe – if you are interested in food, kick arse women working in food and a taste of what’s going on in that world State-side, you’ll love this poddy.
18. The Party Room – I don’t get to read the paper much at all these days so feel like if I at least listen to Fran Kelly and Patricia Karvelas’ run down of what’s happening in politics every week I’m semi on top of some of the bizarre things that are happening in Canberra.
19. Russell Brand’s ‘Under the Skin‘ – I shamelessly LOVE Russell, I think he’s an excellent interviewer and the subjects and people he brings onto his show are fascinating.
20. The Pool UK – interviews with cool women, comedy panels with cool women and even an advice ‘column’ called Waving not Drowning with a very cool woman. Tick.

Most of us rural/regional dwellers spend a lot of time in the car or working on our own in either inside or outside offices – a good podcast can be a godsend for all scenarios. They’re also wonderful to take the drudgery out of boring work like folding laundry and great company while out walking, gardening or in the kitchen. And with Christmas creeping up on  us and lots of time in the car to travel for family gatherings etc, now’s the time to binge on some good storytelling.