Self improvement is challenging. For me, I find a tough spot, suffer there for awhile then come to the realization I’ve been in my own way the whole time. I’ve been repeating the cycle every few months for longer then I’d like to say. My insights, as a rule, occur around 3 AM. While the timing sucks, I am grateful for the insight.
FYI to myself: we could figure things out at 6:45 AM, on the way to work in the car…just so you know that’s a better time for me.
Since my brain, I’m betting yours too, does not stick to a convenient schedule I started listening to podcasts. My latest find is Unf*ck Your Brain but I have three to share with you.
Wild Ideas Worth Living
Hosted by the adorable Shelby Stange, this show brings adventurers along for a wild ride of storytelling. Shelby chats with world renown climbers, runners, surfers, chefs, writers and even an astronaut. The format is light and you’ll find inspiration to try something new. While you may not take up big wave surfing, you’ll find inspiration in the passion Shelby brings out in her guests. Personally, I’ve enjoyed all of the episodes I’ve listened too. This one is a favorite with climber Alex Honnold star of the film Free Solo.
Unf*ck Your Brain
Kara Loewentheil, JD is a master certified (life) coach. She starts each podcast with “hello my chickens”. Admittedly that makes me cringe a bit each time. Not sure why but I kind of hate her opening. On the other hand, I LOVE the advice she gives. Kara has advice for me and the rest of the sensitive crowd. She encourages her listeners to take a step back and see we’re only in control of our own minds. In doing so she gives actionable ways to decide if thoughts are useful. That seems simple but listen to the podcast below. You might feel more happiness in the end. Worth a bit of time on your morning commute?
In Kara’s own words….
Basically I’m a fun, non-judgmental combo of wise elder, feminist mentor, and hilarious best friend . . . except I give way better advice than your friends do. And I actually teach you how to act on it.
The Hidden Brain
“Hidden Brain helps curious people understand the world – and themselves.Using science and storytelling, Hidden Brain reveals the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, and the biases that shape our choices.” About Hidden Brain, NPR
NPR social science correspondent Shankar Vedantam presents common beliefs and thought patterns in an entertaining format. He shares studies about human behavior with personal stories and interviews. For example, Vedantam examined how we see gender. He interviews a couple who have raised their child gender neutral. By that, they chose colors other than pink (she’s a girl) and didn’t use gender pronouns as a baby. It’s a fascinating story. Spoiler alert: people were mad at them! Weird? It’s a very enlightening podcast.
Podcasts are my current learning and growing hack. I generally listen on a run or in the car. It’s a great way to pass the time and grow, inspire (or unf*ck) your brain. Now get out there and listen!
The Podcast List