I spend a LOT of time in my car. Driving to work, then from one place to the next and so, I have the opportunity to listen to things like podcasts. Specifically parenting-esque podcasts because who doesn’t like a little learning when it comes to this “job”. There’s no manual and you can take the advice or leave it. For me, I feel that I’m getting a free injection of optimism, point of view and some general tips. Often it’s even just knowing that other people have gone through a similar situation.

Here are the 5 podcasts I’m following right now, including a few with my favourite episodes.

How To Talk To Kids About Anything

This is honestly one of my favourites. It’s hosted by Dr. Robyn Silverman who is a Child & Teen Development Specialist, parenting coach, author, speaker and mom of 2. She’s an expert who talks real talk – she doesn’t make me feel like she’s talking down, but rather talking with. She has had some great guests on and the discussion hit’s home more often than not. It’s not always “How to talk to kids about X” either. One of the episodes I most enjoyed was “How to stop yelling and start connecting with your kids”, a discussion with Dr. Laura Markham. Two experts that I totally respect, Dr. Silverman asking all the questions I didn’t get to ask while reading the book. And it had been so long since I read the book, the ideas came rushing back. It was rejuvenating. There are some great topics on this one.

Healthy Habits Happy Moms Radio

I’ll preface this by saying not all the episodes are about parenting. But all 3 of the women who host the podcast are moms so the topics tend to be relatable. As a mom and a woman. It was actually a friend of mine that shared this podcast with me, the episode specifically actually. “How your body image impacts your children with Hillary McBride”. This is one I listened to multiple times. Which reminds me, about time I gave it another listen.

Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Who doesn’t want to be happier. One of the things I like about this podcast is that she has full longer episodes and then little, short, snippet ones. That just give you a little jolt of inspiration. You might recognize Gretchen Rubin from one of her very popular books “The Happiness Project“. A “Little” (as she calls them) that I love is “You will say goodbye to your child many times”. If you’re kiddo is heading off to playschool, kinder, grade 1, a new school, junior high, high school – heck, even camp – I recommend a quick listen.

Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations

One word. Oprah. The woman is an inspiration in and of herself but on this podcasts she has conversations with people, often recognizable entertainment icons, authors etc, sharing personal stories on both sides. I think the thing I like most about this one is that I tend to pick episodes with topics that are of interest but often I don’t know much about. It’s interesting to hear peoples points of view on things and you can always count on Oprah to ask great questions.

Atomic Moms

Ellie Knaus talks real topics here with experts and authors from all over the parenting map. From mellow things like building your village to hard stuff like protecting your kids from sexual abuse. With podcasts dating back to 2014 the episode topics are endless. You will find something to inspire you here.

So, next time you find yourself alone in the car (HA!), on the bus to work, going for a walk/run, sitting in bed unable to sleep or watching the kids playing in the back yard, give one of their episodes a download and see what you think. I get all mine on my Samsung with an app called Podbean but iTunes Podcasts is more popular with the Apple crowd.

I’d love to hear if you have a podcast that you love too!