I have always considered myself a cheap date. All I need to be happy is a good book, a knitting project, and a steaming cup of coffee. In the past year I've discovered one more thing that brings laughter, happiness, knowledge, and excitement to my life. And best of all - it's FREE! I'm talking about podcasts.
For those of you who don't know, podcasts are like radio shows that you can download for free off the internet. There are literally thousands of podcasts out there covering a wide range of topics. If you have an interest, chances are there is a podcast on that subject. I've listened to many and found that some are better than others. I wanted to share the 3 podcasts that have brought me the most entertainment.
The first one is Manic Mommies. (http://www.manicmommies.com/index.php/category/podcast/ ) Erin and Kristin are 2 working moms with 2 kids apiece. Many of their shows are just the two of them venting their frustrations, which is often hilarious and sometimes even emotional. These are 2 real women with real struggles. Their husbands aren't perfect, their children aren't perfect, and they aren't perfect, but they do a great job sorting through it all to try to bring valuable insights to their listeners. They have over 300 episodes online so, by now, I feel like they are good friends of mine. Even though I am not a working mother, I identify with many of their parenting struggles. It's nice to know I'm not alone.
The second podcast is Two Gomers. (http://www.twogomers.com/) They have many seasons, starting with Two Gomers Run a Half Marathon, then Two Gomers Run a Marathon, Two Gomers Run a Marathon: The Sub Five Strive, and finally, Two Gomers Run for their Lives. The podcast follows Anthony and Steven, two thirtysomething guys who grew up together in Wisconsin, and now live on opposite ends of the country. About 4 years ago both men found themselves at a low point and decided to do something about it. Having never run a step before (except for a brief time in middle school), they decided to train and run a half marathon, and eventually a marathon. But this is NOT just a running podcast. Anthony and Steven are just two great guys with big hearts and a sweet sense of humor. I can't tell you how many times I've nearly spit out my drink listening to them - they just crack me up. It's been a joy to listen to their running escapades, but also learn about their families and big life events. I always tell my husband that if the gomers lived on our street, I would hope they would be our close friends.
The last podcast I can't rave enough about is The History Chicks. (http://thehistorychicks.com/?cat=6) Now I know you are thinking , "of COURSE Dawn would listen to boring old history things - snooze!" But this is no ordinary history lesson. Susan and Beckett profile a different woman in history in each episode and the podcast is wildly entertaining. They do an amazing level of research and thus are able to really portray the human side of their subjects. The first episode I listened to was about Marie Antoinette, and by the end of the episode I had tears in my eyes thinking about this poor young girl who must have been so scared throughout her life. Susan and Beckett have a real knack for using the podcast almost like a gossip session - only the gossip subjects are all famous. It's typical girl talk, but educational! Some of my favorite podcasts were on Molly Brown, Lizzie Borden, and Catherine of Aragon. I have studied many of these subjects throughout my own educational career (I was a history teacher after all), but Susan and Beckett have taught me more than any of my years at school.
So head onto the internet and start downloading. Trust me, you will look forward to long drives in the car, doing the dishes, cleaning the house, and exercising - because you will have your free podcasts to keep you company!
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