We all have favorites. Favorite television shows. Favorite books. Favorite sports teams. We share those regularly when talking with friends or interacting on social media. But what about favorite tools to learn about creativity, goal setting, productivity, or business?
In the ever-changing digital world, podcasting has become a great way to share information that goes beyond the written word. Podcast listeners can consume content from their phones while at work, during a long commute, or even at the gym.
WHY PODCASTS?
When it comes to podcasts, however, there are countless options. How do you know which ones are right for your needs and interests? Unfortunately, sometimes the answer to that question is trial and error. Unless you previously knew about the person/group presenting the podcast, you probably will haver to listen to a few episodes of a show to see what value their content has for you. Some you’ll love; others you’ll dump pretty quickly.
Finding quality content for creative entrepreneurs can be especially challenging because podcasts vary widely in their content. Some are strictly about the craft. Others focus on certain types of work. Knowing where start for quality content can be overwhelming.
Through my own trial and error – and thanks sometimes in part o hearing interviews on other podcasts I’ve found four podcasts for creatives and entrepreneuers that I believe are especially valuable. While not every episode is directly relatable to my personal circumstances, I’ve always found at least one thing that I can think about.
MY FAVORITE PODCASTS FOR CREATIVITY
JEFF GOINS – THE PORTFOLIO LIFE
I discovered The Portfolio Life early in my podcast search. I had followed Jeff’s blog and social media posts for some time. He is a writer, blogger, speaker, and coach. As the title suggests, the podcast focuses on helping creatives and entrepreneurs develop a variety of skills and interests. Jeff encourages people to balance creativity, business, and personal goals.
Episodes include both in-depth interviews and Jeff’s personal insights on living a creative life. Guests on the podcast range from writers to online marketers to business leaders. In each episode, Jeff provides a specific theme with targeted lessons and/or questions. His goal is to help listeners find value and resources to live your best creative, fulfilling life for both personal and professional goals.
For more on Jeff Goins, visit his website.
ERIK FISHER – BEYOND THE TO DO LIST
In Beyond the To Do List, Erik Fisher provides tips and tools for busy professionals and creative entrepreneurs to better manage their time. But this podcast isn’t just about another app or checklist. Erikinterviews a variety of guests from multiple fields. Through their discussions,he dives into not only the systems and tools for productivity, but also the psychology of productivity.
Interviews include how personality types impact productivity, why some people seem to be more productive than others, and howto best utilize different work systems. While busy professionals and creative entrepreneurs strive to accomplish goals in the most efficient manner, Erik andhis guests help listeners discover ways to improve their own productivity, motivate others, and design their lives around their goals rather than letting work control their lives.
For more productivity secrets from Erik, head to the Beyond theTo Do List website
DARREN ROWSE – PROBLOGGER PODCAST
Darren Rowse, a native of Australia, uses his years of blogging experience to help other bloggers create quality content and monetize their blogs. Darren started his own photography blog, and after growing his following and staring to earn a living from that blog, he began helping others do the same. He now shares his process with others though ProBlogger blog andpodcast, as well as through teaching courses and presenting at conferences.
Episodes include both interviews with other bloggers and creatives, as well as training directly from Darren. He incorporates everything from basic blog set-up and design, finding your niche and developing, and audience, to monetizing your blog and leveraging your influence into other opportunities. If you’ve ever wanted to start a blog, either a personal journal, a lifestyle or coaching blog, or something related to your business, Darren’s content will help you get started and build your skills and your audience the right way.
For more on Darren and the excellent resources ProBlogger offers, find him here.
JOANNA PENN – THE CREATIVE PENN
Joanna Penn is an independent author and entrepreneur from England. She has self-published dozens of books, both fiction and non-fiction. I first heard about Joanna on an episode of Jeff Goins’ podcast where she did aguest interview. As a fierce advocate for independent authors and creatives,Joanna uses her platform to provide resources for writers. While she provides advice and tips for the craft of writing, she also gives listeners a wide range of topics related to the business side of being an independent author.
In each episode, Joanna provides a personal update centered on her own work, publishing news, and an interview with other authors, online marketing experts, and independent business owners. She explores a variety of topics including writing trends, self-publishing options, book launches and marketing tips, and financial advice for self-employed workers. Joanna’s focus is not only helping independent authors publish books, but also how develop an author mindset for long-term success. I most appreciate that Joanna includes the full scope of being an independent artist. She includes not only how to improve your writing and get the most out of self-publishing, but she also talks about the business side of being an independent author.
For more on Joanna and her wide-range of tips and resources,check out The Creative Penn website.
WHY THESE FOUR?
The thing that I enjoy about each of these podcasts is the hosts’genuine desire to help others. They all started out small, working regular jobs,fitting in their creative pursuits on the side as they built their audience and business. Now, as podcast hosts, they try to bring value to every show. While some ideas and interviews may be shorter or narrower in scope, each host seeks to provide quality content and hold themselves accountable for producing a quality show.
** Do you already listen to podcasts? What are your favorites? If you don’t listen to podcasts, what kinds of shows do you think you might enjoy? **
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