You may already be aware... but I love a good podcast.
The combination of having tinnitus (ringing) in my ears making reading for long durations agonising, spending roughly 2 hours most days commuting to and from work and a love for learning from people and their stories is probably to blame (or thank)!
With a few years of listening under my belt, I've narrowed down my favourite seven podcasts in no particular order below.
There's no over-thought-out formula for why I chose these podcasts, but one thing they all have in common is my appreciation for the experiences of others. From everyday people to super famous people, there is a focus on increasing awareness, learning, knowledge and/or understanding through reflecting on an individual or collective story.
1. ListenAble Podcast
ListenAble is hosted by Dylan Alcott and Angus O’Loughlin who chat with people living with disability to challenge what we might know (or not know) about what it's like to live with a disability.
Why you should listen...
Dylan and Angus respectfully unpack the lives of their guests and ask the questions we might assume are off-limits about disability. This podcast embraces that the thought that there is so much to learn from a person's story, whether you are disabled or abled. Breaking down stigmas, sharing perspectives, deepening understanding, passing on advice and shifting perceptions are just some of the outcomes from these conversations. I have increased my awareness as well as learn, understand and appreciate so much through listening to this podcast.
2. Risk Risk Podcast
Real Risk is hosted by Richard Harris who unpacks the ideas, actions and outcomes of risk with real, live, risk takers.
Why you should listen...
We all have different perspectives towards risk. For some, it's what gets them out of bed in the morning and for others, it's what keeps them there. Real Risk explores the value, benefit, opportunity and learning available when we're prepared to confront, accept and allow risk. Discussions explore what it means to respect risk, control or mitigate risk and ultimately, embrace risk. Real Risk has inspired me to get out into the world, to immerse myself in life's adventures, push myself a little further and get comfortable with the uncomfortable.
3. The EduChange Podcast
The Educhange Podcast is hosted by the Education Changemakers team who speak with education gurus from across the world who are coming up with ideas to make things better for young people.
Why you should listen...
Rethinking what it means to be an educator in today's world, it's hard to not come away from listening to an Educhange Podcast without feeling the motivation to go and do something transformative. This podcast is for anyone who is looking to educate others, whether it be in a mainstream, alternative or informal learning environment. I appreciate the balance between knowledge sharing, case studies, inspiration and change making concepts. It's encouraging to hear that what we might perceive as the crazy ideas are in fact already becoming normal.
4. The Imperfects
The Imperfects Podcast is hosted by Hugh van Cuylenburg and Ryan Shelton from The Resilience Project. As the name suggests, it's a podcast about how perfectly imperfect we all are.
Why you should listen...
This podcasts explores something I'm passionate about - being open and vulnerable about who we are. Through conversations with interesting people, Hugh and Ryan invite their guests to share their struggles, so that we can collectively start to realise that everyone, no matter how successful, famous or different, has something they are battling with. With a strengths-based focus, it's hard to not appreciate the learning about the importance of mindset when it comes to considering our own lives. More than just stories, they also unpack some great teaching, advice, encouragement and inspiration to apply the lessons of the chat into our own lives.
Recommended Episode - The Academy of Imperfection with Ben Crowe
5. Black Magic Woman
Hosted by Mundanara Bayles, the Black Magic Woman podcast shares stories of First Nations people from Australia and around the world, creating a better understanding of First Nations Peoples culture and history.
Why you should listen...
This podcasts reinforces the importance of listening, learning and understanding. The stories are inspiring, revealing, confronting and authentic. I'm grateful for the opportunity to hear these stories as I seek to further my awareness and activism towards reconciliation and recognition of First Nations People. The podcast to me reflects the very nature of First Nations People - conversational, respectful, relational. The podcast challenges us, but not in an 'in your face' way, but rather a through a sense of mobilisation for a better Australia and a better world.
6. The Adventurepreneur Podcast
The Adventurepreneur Podcast is hosted by Jeremy Jensen. A podcast from abroad, Jeremy shares the stories of unconventional problem solvers, change makers, and entrepreneurs - building businesses, projects, lifestyles, and brands around a love for adventure, travel, and the outdoors.
Why you should listen...
Initially grabbed by the term 'Adventurepreneurs', I soon came to realise that I was (or at least aspire) to be one. Another opportunity to learn from those who are experiencing it day to day, the stories provide great learning moments. The podcast is for those who love adventure and/or for those who want more adventure. There's a bit in these conversations for those looking to live life a little differently, rethinking the meaning of purpose, changing up the day to day and finding fulfilment in the fun.
7. The Flying Doctor
Hosted by Lana Mitchell from the Royal Flying Doctor Service, The Flying Doctor Podcast shares real stories of when things don't go to plan for people who live, work and play across Australia's regional and remote areas.
Why you should listen...
Australia is a large and remote country with diverse landscapes and a unique way(s) of life. Across the country, people do all sorts of things to make a dollar, enjoy themselves and/or look after their mates. This podcast highlights the uniqueness of the bush and what it takes to survive. They're eye-opening stories for those of us who haven't had to live that far away from medical help. You can't help but appreciate and learn a thing or two. The podcast is also deserving recognition for the role the Royal Flying Doctor Service plays in supporting rural communities.