Podcasts are amazing. Think of all the content there is out there, just waiting for you to listen to. Right now, you could be listening to world-class content on your bluetooth device from the comfort of your own home, while outside mountain biking underneath the summer sun, on the commute to your weekly job, or in the basement playing the new Uncharted or Assassin's Creed, taking your relaxation and entertainment time and making it actually productive. Have you ever wanted to start benefiting from listening to amazing podcasts, but don't know where to begin?
Here's a list of 5 recommendations to help you get started:
Here's a list of 5 recommendations to help you get started:
#1. The Reformed Pubcast - Les and Tanner drink craft brews and talk about Reformed Theology once a week while taking calls from listeners. Come for sturdy doctrine and discussion, craft beer recommendations, call-in radio show/pub games, humor, and culture. Guests have included Dustin Kensrue from the band Thrice, apologist and theologian James White, scholar R. Scott Clark, mother and blogger Jasmine Holmes, author Scott Oliphant, Zach Bolen from the band Citizens & Saints, Pastor and author Joe Thorn, and Steve Cobucci from the band Wolves at the Gate. Start with: Episode #149 - Living Out the Gospel.
#2. The Tim Ferriss Show - Tim's podcast is generally ranked as the #1 business or personal development show on all of iTunes, and was selected as iTunes' "Best of 2014", "Best of 2015", and "Best of 2016". Each episode, Tim deconstructs world-class performers from eclectic areas (investing, sports, business, art, etc.) to extract the tactics, tools, and routines you can use. This includes favorite books, morning routines, exercise habits, time-management tricks, and much more. Prior guests include Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jamie Foxx, Edward Norton, Tony Robbins, Malcolm Gladwell, Rick Rubin, Reid Hoffman, Jon Favreau, Whitney Cummings, Mike Shinoda, and dozens more. Start with: Episode #211 - AJ Jacobs.
#3. Reality Church Vancouver - An amazing young church located in an old Vancouver Anglican building its parishioners lovingly call "The Chapel", the good people of Reality Church like to describe themselves as "a fresh expression of an old organic movement called the church... followers of Jesus who love God, love our neighbours, and love the city." While not well known, Pastor Kristian Martens' thoughtful and culturally engaging biblical sermons are some of the best sermon content you'll find online. Start with: The Prayer of Jesus (Series).
#4. The College Info Geek - College Info Geek is dedicated to helping students and lifelong learners learn and improve in all areas of life. You’ll learn how to study more effectively, be more productive, become a better job candidate, and absolutely win at life. Most episodes are co-hosted by Thomas Frank and his friend Martin Boehme. Past guests include Deep Work author Cal Newport, former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, YouTuber Satchel Drakes, and author Gretchen Rubin. Start with: Episode #117 - The Happiness Equation with Neil Pasricha.
#5. Faith Comes by Hearing ESV - Listen to the entire Bible in an attractive audio drama format while you go for a walk in the morning, nap on a weekend afternoon, or even drive to work. This version includes voice actors and sound effects. You can't beat the solid words of Scripture when it comes to great content with a great translation. You also might find that what would seem like intimidating reading is actually easy to listen through: the entire Gospel of Mark only takes an hour in audio format. This is actually two separate podcasts, one containing the entire Old Testament and one containing the New Testament.Start with: The Gospel of Mark.
Bonus recommendation: Check out the Avantree Mini Bluetooth Earpiece for $27. This barely-noticeable device puts out great audio and fits entirely inside your ear, meaning it can easily be worn out of the house without attracting attention to itself. Great for the avid podcast listener, and easy on the wallet. And if you have a friend with Amazon Prime, you can get it to your house within two working days with free shipping. Not a bad deal!
Thanks for stopping in,
-Sean
