WFH: My Coworkers are Podcasts

I have been on a WFH (Work From Home) journey well before the COVID-19 closures struck. We all need some motivation in our lives, especially when we are our own coworkers in the new work-from-home life. Podcasts have seriously helped me stay inspired and productive while working solo.

Maybe you’re already a huge podcast fan and have a reliable list of favorites to turn on and wash dishes too, or maybe you’ve never delved into podcasts before and are looking for some suggestions! Either way, this post contains a great list of inspirational podcasts to help boost your mood and sense of connection, even if you are your only coworker throughout the day.

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Even after my first year as a practicing school psychologist back in 2018, I was already feeling emptied out from the 7:30- 3:30 office routine. As a school psych, my job tends to be about 20% time with kids, and 80% paperwork.

Flash forward to my second year as a school psych, and I changed jobs and states.

In my new position, I contract with 4 - 6 charter and public schools. I don't have the luxury of an office in any of my buildings, but I do get to write my reports from home. This has been a hallelujah-amen for me.

Burnout feels much less of a threat when you can sit with your laptop on the couch and write psycho-educational reports in your jam-jams.

I didn't even make it one full year in this partial WFH position, when COVID-19 hit and made it full-time WFH.

As a contracting school psych between several schools, typically multiple schools in a single day, I was flying solo. On my drives between schools, I became so sick of the radio because my mind would just wander to music. When I began to dabble in podcasts, things took a fabulous turn.

My coworkers are podcasts now - they keep me company, as well as keeping me inspired, motivated, and laughing to myself when I emerge from my attic office for a coffee break from report writing.

Best Podcasts to Be Your Coworkers

Armchair Expert

I did not think this level of human connection was possible anymore, but Dax and Monica create the perfect environment to make it happen.

This podcast interviews an array of people, over 200 so far, from musicians to clinical psychologists to family members. You need some AE in your life!

(Sidenote: I am a huge Armcherry and I even got to attend their live show in Detroit this past fall!)

Millennial Money

Shannah Compton Game, she will expand your brain.

Shannah is a money expert and mental health advocate who expertly balances money talk with an emphasis on self forgiveness through sharing her own story, and answering the questions of her listeners.

If you have a bank account, you need to listen to some Shannah! I didn't know the things I didn't know.

She now has a Money Mindset Journal you can grab on her website that will help reframe your money mindset and manifest great money goals for yourself today. I LOVE her work.

Side Hustle Pro

Nicaila Matthews Okome - AKA boss lady.

If you have a dream career that you are serious about developing, or just want to listen to some truly inspiring stories from some hustling small business entrepreneurs, Nicaila is your way to make it happen.

She is the realest of real, and she interviews some inspiring entrepreneurs with drastic rags to riches stories. Give her a listen, you may just spark your own passion project!

Since my writing is my side hustle, I obviously adore this podcast

Stuff You Should Know

Do you know how high coyotes can jump? The functions of algae? The history of hotel fires?

Tune in to "learn stuff with Josh and Chuck " and you definitely will! Some of their listeners have even credited SYSK with curing their sleep problems because their voices are so soothing.

So whether you want to zone out to a this chill informational podcast or get your learn on while you work or run some errands, this podcast is truly worth checking out.

The Dollop

Two white dudes hosting a satirical (and factual) history podcast, and they’re crushing it.

Gareth and Dave give us a fresh take on how history happens, and make fun of a lot of historical figures who are really just people.

This podcast was recommended to me years ago by a family member, and once I played the first episode I could not stop listening!

You will not be able to stop laughing at their jokes or awkward silences. It is so so good.

Science Rules!

Bill Nye the Science Guy!

Every 90s baby's favorite scientist is back with a call-in podcast.

If you loved learning about science as a kid, but forgot how cool it is, tune in! Or better yet, call in with a question!

So fill the free space in your day with the voices of some truly great humans talking about every imaginable subject. Get inspired and learn some new things along the way.

There is nothing more motivating than learning from someone else's hustle.

Don’t forget to leave us a comment with a recommendation of your favorite podcast! I’m always looking for suggestions.

Smartly yours,

Emily Rose // Miss Magnolia

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