Friday, January 26, 2018

Favorite Podcasts to Listen to While Running

Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Discount Code: EGCLE10

     If there is one thing that I hear over and over again from non runners is, "I get too bored to go out and run for that long!  How do you keep yourself from being so bored?!?"

Well, for one, I am running.  Running is a thing, ya know.  It's like soccer but with one less goal per event, and less back and forth.  Also, podcasts.  Podcasts are free, fun, and sometimes educational.  I love the chance to learn something to better myself, while I am running (or even mindlessly doing chores).  Podcasts are also a great way to listen to funny stories, the news or a litany of other topics.  If there is a topic you want to listen to, there is a podcast for it.  Below are some of my favorites and why I love them (categorized to help you find something you may like).

News:

NPR Politics
     OK, don't run away on the first suggestion!  This is actually a really well done podcast that comes out 2-3 times a week and discusses all of the big political events.  The hosts do a great job of discussing politics in a neutral way and try to show both sides of the coin.  They are actually surprisingly witty and fresh.


On Point
    This podcast is a little drier that NPR Politics Podcast but is very on point with their discussion and very neutral.  Sometimes this podcast overlaps with the previous one, but many times they have different discussion points.  Personal preferences of presentation will set this one apart from NPR.


Up First
    A great morning news podcast new each weekday with a 12 minute length that is perfect for early morning runs, or your daily commute.  Not as dry as your grandpa's NPR!


The Daily
   This is another great weekday newscast that does more deep dives into bigger stories.  The 20+ minute length is another good podcast for morning runs or commutes.  This is a little dyer than Up First by NPR and has a little more political bias in it, but overall is great reporting.  Basically, it's a free snippet of the New York Times each morning!



Pulse Check
     This is a great podcast about America's healthcare system.  This podcast focuses more on content and information than it does entertainment, so it can be a bit dry at times.  If you are in healthcare or want to learn more about how healthcare works, this is the podcast for you.  It updates often based on what is going on in DC.


Stay Tuned with Preet
    This podcast is hosted by Preet Bharara and is focused solely on evaluating the recent news and the legalities of it.  Preet is a great host who is funnier than I imagined, while providing great insight from his time as the U.S. Attorney from the Southern District of New York.



Running:

Trail Runner Nation

   If you're a runner who loves the trails and ultra running this is a great podcast for you!  Often around an hour long (or more) this podcast has a lot of good banter, running stories and follies that will keep you entertained for a long run.  There are quite a few ads at the beginning but I've used most of the products myself and see why the shows has them on.


Becoming Ultra
    This podcast is a great source of inspiration and coaching for those who are looking to tackle marathons or ultra marathons.  Each season there are professional coaches who train runners to tackle an ultramarathon.  The catch is that most runners aren't the most seasoned and usually have not completed a marathon, so their jump to this level is immense.  Great coaching advise and insight on this podcast!

Finances:

Bigger Pockets
    If learning how to invest in or manage real estate is your thing, this is an essential podcast.  The hosts are funny and relatable, while providing an immense amount of knowledge and insight.  This show can be very long at times and is great for the right person who needs to also get in a long run.  Personally, I've learned a great deal from the podcast and used it in my own life.



How I Built This
   Inspiration abounds here as Guy Raz interviews some of the wealthiest people and leaders of industry in America.  They explain how they started and what they did to get where they are.



Politico Money
    Money and politics are two things that have been aligned together since the dawn of the USA. Ben White does an amazing job of drilling financial and political leaders with tough questions about the financial well being of our country.  This podcast is anything but dry and at times gets off course and shows you a side of well known people you might not know about.


Planet Money
   Despite the name and the NPR moniker attached to it, Planet Money is anything but dry.  The hosts tackle current and relevant topics while always having tongue in cheek fun.  How they do this while also making the podcast somewhat educational is beyond me.  A great shorter podcast to keep you enthralled.


Dave Ramsey Show
   If motivation to do better financially is what you need, Dave Ramsey is your guy.  Some of what he says is controversial but the simplicity of it is brilliant.  A good listen for anyone who wants to focus on self improvement.


Wall Street Journal
    The Wall Street Journal is know for the reporting on finances.  Their series of podcasts do not disappoint and are of various lengths and topics, making them great for changing in and out on a long run when monotony kicks in.


Stories:

Serial
    Although this podcast was never carried on for a 3rd series (at least yet), it tells amazing stories.  The story of Adnan Syed actually helped bring his case back to trial and showing issues with it.  The case of Bo Bergdahl is well known but interesting on it's own right.  This podcast will leave you wanting more.




S-Town
   This was the most downloaded podcast ever, so it should not come as a shocker that it is on this list.  The story of a southern man who can't seem to leave his hometown is captivating, disgusting and absolutely enthralling.  I hope they pick up a second story soon, this podcast is GOLD!


Embedded
   Deep dive stories are kind of a trend here, and since this is a running blog they are great to energize you for your next run.  Embedded is made in the same ilk as Serial and tells amazing stories by a great voice.


Mogul
    Hip hop and storytelling are like peanut butter and jelly.  The story of Chris Lighty is an important one behind most of the well known rap from the 80's, 90's and 00's.  The host of this podcast recently passed, which makes this story that much more painful.  His way of storytelling was unique and uplifting, even if the topic wasn't.


Presidential
    Presidential history is key to learning about America and it's past.  With a big spotlight on every president's personal life and administration, Presidential will open your eyes to America's leaders in a way you have never seen them.


Story Corps
    A shorter storytelling podcast that really provides a lot of personal and heartfelt emotions.  Great variety and tons of stories with a lot of new ones each week.  Great for a random journey.


What It Takes
    Whenever you have a chance to hear a legend or role model tell their life story that got them to where they are you should listen.  That is all What It Takes does for many people you know and admire.


Random:

Hidden Brain
    The deep dive into the human psyche can be mind boggling (rimshot)!  Hidden Brain does this one or two facets of it with each podcast and provides a great chance to learn about how we act and do what we do.



Reply All
   Geeking out over internet trends, controversies and randomness is what Reply All is all bout.  Hilarity always ensues as the the hosts are childish, funny and amazingly witty and smart.  I've always enjoyed their escapades and office battles to prove each other wrong.



Freakonomics
     Freakonomics has inspired a movie and several books. Stephen Dubner dives into random topics that will challenge the way you think and act, all in the name of improving either yourself or our country.  The mental gymnastics this podcasts will make you do are sure to get you lost in deep thought and question everything around you.  This podcast has even impacted state laws around the country.


Entreleadership
    Managing people is tough.  Entreleadership can provide a basis for self development and reflection to help improve this skill.  Great insight and discussion will have you self evaluating what you do at work or around others and probably make you a better overall person for listening.



Intelligence Squared
    Debates can be brutal mudslinging fests.  John Donovan does not let this happen on his show.  Donovan holds participants to a Cambridge style debate, letting each side explain their argument and challenges them in the process.  Audience participation adds some curveballs to the show and helps decide who wins the debate.


The Nerf Herder Council
     It's all Star Wars here!  Nerdy, fun, not like other podcasts!  I know one of the hosts personally and this is one of his favorite things to do, talk Star Wars,

Do you have any favorite podcasts I left out? I'm always open to trying something new to listen to while out on the run.  Drop yours in the comments.

No comments:

Post a Comment