Welcome friends,
I’ve cultivated something especially for you.
Podcasts are one of my favorite ways to consume content. I especially like listening during a sunny afternoon walk or while diligently scrubbing the kitchen.
There’s freedom in listening – let your imagination wander.
Last year, I watched How Radio Creates Empathy, a short video explaining a few reasons why listening to content can be connecting and expansive. The video is from 2012, but the message has aged well and is still relevant almost a decade later.
Radio Lab’s Jad Abumrad shares the coolest thing about radio is what it lacks – pictures! He describes the listeners’ unique experience of co-authorship. The listener hears the host or storyteller’s words and then fills in the gaps with their own imagination. We actually add to and expand on what we hear. I agree, Jad, so cool.
Abumrad equates this co-authorship to immediate connection and thus empathy. I love his concept. By simply listening (even when the person is not there in front of us), we connect, are imaginative, and empathize.
Is it possible listening to radio or podcasts could make us better in-person listeners?
I believe the answer to this question is yes! The following 5 podcast episodes could improve your listening skills, let your imagination wander, and leave you feeling empathetic and connected – simply by listening to them!
5 Podcasts to Let Your Imagination Wander
1. Invisibilia, “The Last Sound”
A delight to the ears layered with fascinating facts. In this episode, Bernie Krause asks us: what can we learn about ourselves and the world around us if we quiet down and listen?
2. The Moth Radio Hour, “Changes of Heart”
An episode connected through shifting perspectives, new outlooks, and earth-shaking realizations.
3. This is Love, “Prairie Warbler”
This episode is everything. Phoebe Judge interviews Drew Lanham as he shares a weaving and inspiration about life and love. Give it a listen.
4. Ted Radio Hour, “The Life Cycles of Cities”
Imagine what the future might hold for us.
5. Modern Love, “When Your Greatest Romance is a Friendship”
A beautiful story about the complexities and heart-warming surprises of human relationships.
I cultivated this list for you with a relationship to self in mind. Storytelling podcasts add another layer of empathy as we can sometimes connect with a person’s personal experience too.
When you let your imagination wander you may find yourself surprised with where you land. Listen and imagine, friends. I’d love to hear what you noticed when listening. Did you find yourself empathizing?
You know best – what are some of your favorite podcast episodes? I’d love to take a listen. Leave your recommendations in a comment below.
If you’re searching for something new to listen to check out 17 Storytelling Podcasts to Binge-Listen.
Stay curious,
Caroline
Caroline Exner is a Healing Conversationalist and Ceremony Facilitator supporting her clients on their journey inward. Find out more about her work or schedule a session with her here.
Featured image by Siddharth Bhogra. Berkeley, United States.
In-text image by Mohammad Metri. Music is a Part of Our Life.
Thank you for these! I’m always looking for new inspiring and different podcasts!
Hi Jenny! You’re welcome! Do you listen often? What are some of your favorites?