I am a huge fan of podcasts. In fact I’ve listened to them for (showing my age here) over 10 years. Essentially, podcasts are the laziest way to consume lots and lots of new content. What’s not to love when you’re time poor?

The interesting thing about podcasts is the split between people who think it’s very much outdated, and people who are very passionate about them. Often, those that dismiss podcasts tend to be those that have yet to give them a try. The podcast fans on the other hand are always keen to find new and interesting podcasts. In fact one of the most popular posts on my blog is a roundup of my favourite podcasts.

While I understand that podcasting has a tendency to have a bit of a stuffy image, the reality is that there are lots of people starting podcasts which are interesting, entertaining, funny and, more often than not, led by fun and fabulous women. Plus, they’re free! You can download them and listen to them when you’re in the car, getting ready for work, commuting, cooking dinner…anywhere you can pull out your smartphone really. Each podcast will automatically update when the latest episode comes out too, much like when you subscribe to your favourite channels on YouTube.

Want to give listening to podcasts a try, or update your subscriptions? Download one of the number of podcast apps (I like Apple’s Podcasts app but Stitcher, Soundcloud and newcomer Overcast) and download some of these for your audible pleasure.

Interview podcasts

• John Lee Dumas Entrepreneur On Fire – Love interviews with inspiring leaders? John Lee Dumas shares his interviews with some of the top entrepreneurs, including some top tips on how you can replicate that success
• Cherished Ideas – A newcomer, Simon Knapp has already picked up speed with a selection of podcast interviews with freelancers (keep an ear out for him interviewing me in the next few weeks!)
• Maternity Leavers – I know many freelancers are parents entering back into the workplace, so the Maternity Leavers podcast is a must for them!
• Jo Gifford’s Work Smarter, Dream Bigger, Live Brighter – Jo’s podcast is full of interviews, productivity and tech tips and how to run a business when time is limited.
• The Work Happy Podcast – Jo Casey’s podcast is one of my current favourites, again combining interview with savvy, realistic advice.
• Smart Passive Income – Pat Flynn is a bit of a podcast legend, and his series on smart passive income is a must listen if you do anything online.

Discussion podcasts

• Off the Charts Business Podcast with Nathalie Lussier – Some of you may recognise Nathalie’s name from her very popular (and free!) 30 Day List Building challenge. Her podcast is just as useful, plus most of them are under 5 minutes. Perfect for a tea break inspiration
• Untrap Your Life – Kirsty Bartholomew’s podcast is a new one to me, but I’ve been really enjoying it so far. A mix of interviews, discussions and debate about how to live a more free life.
• Ask Pat.com – If you download any podcast, I highly recommend you start with Pat Flynn’s short podcasts answer questions. He covers so many different topics for entrepreneurs, and posts a new podcast EVERY day.
• A Little Bird Told Me – A rather brilliant discussion podcast from freelance writers Phillippa and Lorrie. They’re packed full of useful information, from writing for agencies to extra ways to earn money on the side of writing.
• Online Marketing Made Easy with Amy Porterfield – Use Facebook advertising? Amy’s podcast is essential listening. She also covers things like Pinterest and Twitter, and I’ve definitely seen improvement in my results since listening to her podcast.
• Marketing In Your Car – Russell Brunson records his podcasts while he’s driving somewhere, so each one is usually under ten minutes.

Tutorial/Tips podcasts

• The 10-Minute Marketing Show – I like my tips in short, intense bursts. The 10-Minute Marketing Show is a great way to get useful tips you can put into action straight away.
• Get-It-Done-Guy – Part of the ‘Quick and Dirty Tips’ series of podcasts, Get-It-Done-Guy is all about (surprise surprise), being more productive.

Lifestyle podcasts

• The Marriage Challenge – This is a cute little podcast which interviews couples about the truth of marriage.
• A Slob Comes Clean – I am a slob. Nony’s podcasts on how not to be when you’re not a natural clean freak are fantastic.
• The High Tea Cast – The UK has a really gap in the market for funny, sassy female podcasters, but Sam and Lea from The High Tea Cast are leading the way.

You may notice that a number of these podcasters are American. That’s because the USA is so much further ahead in the podcasting world then we are in the UK. In fact, many of the cars in the USA come with the Stitcher app included.

I’d LOVE to see more people, especially women, in the UK giving podcasting a try. It’s super easy to do (the Soundcloud app in particular is good for beginners), and you don’t even have to dress up or put any make up on for it – you could record it in your pyjamas and no one would know! So what’s stopping you?

EDIT: 10 minutes after writing this post, I ended up resurrecting my podcast. If you’ve got three minutes, listen in to The Freelancer’s Tea Break on SoundCloud!

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Which podcasts do you rate as a freelancer? Let me know in the comments below!

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