Some Great Podcasts

I am an avid listener of podcasts. Recently, I was recommending a few to a teammate, and my old pal, Stacey Bridges, suggested that I post a blog and share my favorite podcasts. I figured I could post the blog and ask for your recommendations as well, so that I too can expand my toolbox. So without further ado, here are some of my favorite podcasts:

1. Hidden Brain--This is one from NPR, and it tends to run neck-and-neck, for my favorite, with another NPR podcast. It addresses the brain's unconscious patterns, biases and triggers that affect our lives, from our behavior and choices to the course of our relationships and political leanings. I like this one, because I'm into anything dealing with our wetware. Though it is often difficult to change behavior and eliminate bias, awareness is the first step, and any time we can catch automatic thinking (especially if it's negative), we can have opportunities to better engage with our world.

2. Upwire: Hacking Human Nature--Another brain-related podcast, Upwire is presented by neuroscientist, Dr. Robert Cooper. The material addressed in Upwire will give you insight to how the brain works and help you to "unlock your true potential in life and work." While the content is great, Cooper's stories about his grandfather are perhaps my favorite part of this podcast.

3. Invisibilia--I've yet to miss an episode of this wonderfully insightful podcast. Hosts Lulu Miller, Hanna Rosin and Alix Spiegel, combine narrative, offbeat facts, and scientific research to keep the listener entertained and informed. The podcast touches on the invisible forces that control human behavior--ideas, beliefs, assumptions and emotions. Check out the one on Fear. It's my favorite.

4. The Art of Charm--No, this isn't some douchebag "how to" on getting laid. This is an informative podcast that addresses social science, cognitive psychology, behavioral economics, biohacking, etc. Where this one differs from other cognitive and behavioral podcasts is that it delves into the genre of fan mail and the advice column at times. The host, Jordan Harbinger, typically interviews some insightful and intelligent guests, but there are Fan Mail days and Minisode days that tend to be less science-driven and more advice-driven, but helpful nonetheless.

5. Bulletproof Radio--Though this one isn't my absolute favorite, I will say that it probably has the most Top 25 episodes on my list. While I think the host, Dave Asprey is a little full of himself at times, he is a smart guy and brings on his show experts in their respective fields. While most of the episodes touch on diet, exercise and/or biohacking, they also dig into the spiritual, emotional and cognitive worlds. Some of my favorite interviews are his talk with Robert Cooper (of Upwire), Mark Sisson, Vishen Lakhiani, Tony Robbins & Peter Diamandis, Dr. Richard Veech, Anthony Coletti & Joe Martino, "The Ibogaine Experience," and Alberto Villoldo.

6. Primal Blueprint--Done by Mark Sisson, this podcast is comprised mostly of articles, read by Sisson's team, that Sisson has written for his website. Sisson also interviews experts in their respective fields, and these episodes are my favorites. Primal Blueprint gives information and advice on how to be healthy, strong, fit, happy and productive with the least amount of pain, suffering and sacrifice.

7. Tackling Live--I only recently started listening to this one. It was recommended by Sara "Par Par" Parsons. Hosted by Ray Lewis, this one takes a "life mirrors sport" approach. Lewis throws in his sports knowledge, and co-host, Dr. Christian Conte, draws on his experience with emotional management. So far, I like it.

8. 99% Invisible--Yet another recent recommendation. Kelly Griffin turned me on to this one, and I have listened to one episode, Dollar Store Town, thus far, but I like what I've heard. Hosted by Roman Mars, this one explores the process and power of design and architecture.

9. This American Life--If you know anything about NPR, you know this show. This one has won all of the awards and is heard by 2.2 million people weekly. The awesome thing is, you can get it on your podcast app!

10 Poem of the Day--Yes, Poem of the Day. Keep your creative mind charged and active, people. Done by the Poetry Foundation, this podcast is exactly what it says in the title, a poem of the day. Featuring both classic and contemporary poets, the poems are read by both poets and actors.

Of course, I listen to more podcasts than just these, but I thought my readers would benefit most from this list. If you have any you love, feel free to share them with me. If you can't tell, I welcome all suggestions. Enjoy listening!