I do a lot of driving. Aside from a 45-minute commute to and from work, I’m usually driving all around Alabama a couple times per week. A couple of months before I started this blog, I started listening to some podcasts about writing, leadership, and the importance of having a platform. The things I learned in those podcasts prompted me to start this blog, which has had a huge effect on my practice and my ability to market myself. So I want to start off the new year by giving you some things to listen to. Here are the podcasts I listen to and and audiobook apps I recommend:
Podcasts
“Lead to Win” by Michael Hyatt. Before this current iteration of his podcast, Michael Hyatt hosted another podcast, “This Is Your Life,” for several years. While employing different styles, both focus on leadership, efficiency, and success both in business and our personal lives. Hyatt shares both his wisdom and business acumen in an engaging way.
“The Portfolio Life” by Jeff Goins. Jeff Goins is an author and blogger who interviews writers and other creatives to help those who aspire to live a more creative life. A frequent topic on his podcast is practical measures for turning your creative passion projects and side hustles into revenue streams. I have discussed his book The Art of Work on the blog (“The Art of Work” Begins with Your Calling).
“Freakonomics” by Stephen Dubner. “Freakonomics” has led me to think that economists are asking and answering some of the most intriguing questions of our times. Is that a weird opinion? More than any other podcast listed here, Stephen Dubner and his guests expand the horizons of my thought processes. For the entertainment and educational value it provides, “Freakonomics” is a must-listen-to podcast.
“Revisionist History” by Malcolm Gladwell. In this podcast, Malcolm Gladwell examines and reconsiders “overlooked and misunderstood” events in recent history. The topics vary widely, ranging from the Civil Rights movement to Toyota’s accelerator fiasco to university cafeteria models. I’ll readily admit that I don’t always see eye-to-eye with Gladwell’s perspectives, but I fully enjoy how well-investigating, interesting, and fully considered his episodes are.
“More Perfect” from Radiolab. Most of the legal/law-related podcasts I’ve tried to listen to are … not good. I haven’t stuck with any of them. So when a fellow associate suggested “More Perfect,” I was skeptical. But the folks at Radiolab have really put together a good show, that’s now in its second season. “More Perfect” delves into the human interest aspects of Supreme Court cases, both recent and historical.
“Building a Story Brand” by Donald Miller. Every week, Donald Miller interviews a different author to talk about various aspects of leadership, success, building your brand, successfully communicating with clients, and entrepreneurialism. I’ve been reading Donald Miller’s books for going on 15 years, and have learned as much from this podcast as any other. I’ve discussed two books on the blog that I learned of on the Story Brand podcast: Anthony Iannarino’s The Lost Art of Closing (Lessons for Lawyers from The Lost Art of Closing) and John Rizzo’s Company Man (The Importance of Having a Reputation for Integrity).
Orvis Fly Fishing Guide Podcast by Tom Rosenbauer. Well, I’ve recently written that fly fishing will make you a better lawyer, so it’s only appropriate that I include the Orvis podcast here. If there’s anything you’re looking to learn about fly-fishing, it’s likely discussed in this podcast, whether in an interview or as a question from a listener.
Running World’s “Human Race”. There are only 29 episodes, but they are 29 episodes telling incredible stories about runners. This is easily the most inspiring podcast I’ve listened to. “Human Race” delves into the human interest side of running feats and runners you’ve likely never heard of. From a woman who ran alone around the world to a runner whose run streak extends more than two decades, and even trailrunning donkeys. If you want to be inspired by the greatness of “regular” people, this is the podcast for you.
Audiobook Apps
I used to read a lot of books. I’ve been an avid reader my whole life, but in the last few years, life has conspired to make that more difficult. Then a miracle happened. A friend of mine told me about of couple of apps that allow you to use your local library membership to rent audiobooks for free (as long as your library system is participating). The two apps are Hoopla and Overdrive. I’ve listened to a half dozen books in the last three months. Discovering these apps and the nearly unlimited books at my disposal has renewed my hunger for consuming books, which had been flagging a bit. Here are a couple of the books I’ve discussed on the blog that I’ve listened to on these apps: Gilead by Marilynne Robinson (Review of Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead) and Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance (Book Review: J.D. Vance’s Hillbilly Elegy).
I hope these recommendations, will provide you with some inspiration, entertainment, and opportunities for growth as we delve into 2018.
Photo by Alan Levine.