Five Podcasts I Keep Coming Back To

I do love a podcast. I really, really do.

They're one of my favourite ways to multitask. Depending on my mood, I'll find an episode, pop in my earbuds and disappear into what I'm calling the podosphere. It's wonderfully calming. Almost a form of meditation, except I'm usually folding washing or pulling weeds at the same time.

I love that podcasts can be relaxing, educational, inspiring and entertaining all at once. They're good company on a walk, during a long drive, or while pottering around the house with my bestie... me.

Have I mentioned that I genuinely enjoy my own company?

I hope that doesn't sound arrogant. I just never seem to get bored. There is always something to do. Baking. Drawing. Painting. Cleaning. Reading. Planning. Daydreaming. More daydreaming. And occasionally rewarding myself with a cup of something warm (yes, even in the tropics — the air conditioner is on, darl) and a good magazine.

A podcast feels a little like finding your people. It can take a while to discover the voices you connect with, but once you do, it feels like settling into a conversation you've been looking forward to all week.

I usually listen most days, rarely for more than an hour. That's about my concentration limit. Whether that's undiagnosed ADHD or simply because I've reached my destination. I couldn't really tell you (but I'm going with undiagnosed ADHD).

Or perhaps it's because the vacuuming is finished.

Vacuuming and washing the floors are my least favourite household jobs, and this house is wall-to-wall tiles. Having someone interesting chatting away in my ears somehow makes sweeping, sucking up and mopping feel... almost enjoyable.

Almost.

If you haven't tried noise-cancelling earbuds while doing noisy chores, I highly recommend it. It's a small luxury that makes a surprisingly big difference. I adore my old OPPO ENCO's, they go everywhere with me. (I've also reached that stage of life where I don't feel the need to replace every gadget the moment a newer version appears. If it still works, I'm keeping it.)

Some people call that maturity.

I prefer to call it common sense.

Anyway... enough about me. Here are the five podcasts I find myself returning to again and again.

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The Wellness Scoop

This one sits firmly at the top of my list for good reason.

Hosted by Ella Mills and Rhiannon Lambert, it's full of sensible, science-backed conversations about nutrition and wellbeing. They explore health headlines, separate fact from fiction, gently debunk the latest wellness fads and somehow make it all feel like you're sitting down with two knowledgeable friends over coffee.

If you're curious about health but don't enjoy being shouted at by the internet, this one's for you.

The Professional Creative

If you've followed Waionehu for a little while, Bonnie Christine won't be a surprise.

Bonnie has a wonderful way of making creative business feel possible. She generously shares what she's learnt about building a business as a solo creative, and every episode leaves me feeling inspired rather than overwhelmed.

Sometimes I think she gives away too much information... but I'm certainly not complaining.

It often feels like having a business coach in my pocket.

Zoe Science & Nutrition

This is one I recommend to almost everyone.

Hosted by Jonathan Wolf and featuring Professor Tim Spector, Dr Sarah Berry and a wonderful range of guests, the conversations are grounded in research but explained in a way that's genuinely easy to understand.

Gut health, nutrition, sleep, exercise, ageing... it's all there, without the hype.

I always finish an episode having learnt something I can actually put into practice.

Casefile

Because every list needs a true crime podcast.

I've listened to almost every episode.

The storytelling is thoughtful, respectful and incredibly well researched. The cases come from around the world, some well known, others you've probably never heard of.

A small word of warning though...

Perhaps don't listen alone late at night if, like me, you hide behind a cushion during suspenseful tv shows and movies while insisting you're "fine."

Nature & Nourish

Whenever I need to mentally escape to the countryside, this is where I go.

Hosted by Becky O'Cole from Northern Ireland, it's a beautifully gentle podcast about seasonal living, nature, herbs, baking and life on the family farm.

Think flowers on the windowsill, soup simmering on the stove, herbs drying overhead and muddy boots by the back door.

It's peaceful, thoughtful and deeply restorative.

Whenever life starts feeling a little too fast, this is one of the places I slow down.

So there you have it.

Five podcasts that inspire me, teach me, make me laugh, and occasionally keep me company while I mop an endless sea of tiles.

I'd love to know if you already listen to any of them, or if you have a favourite podcast I should add to my queue.

After all, there's only so much daydreaming one person can fit into a day.

Happy listening,

Sharlene