Top 5 Podcasts For Mums On The Run – Hello Sydney KidsHello Sydney Kids

Oh thank goodness for podcasts; nothing would get done round the house without them. Nor at the gym.  And the delightful drive down to the South Coast would be far less edifying. All we mums on the run need a few distractions as we go about our endless daily tasks.

Here are my favourites. All of these podcasts can be found on iTunes, I download them to my iPhone, then tuck it into my bra and off we go.

Chris Evans Breakfast – The Best Bits

From the BBC and as broadcast on Radio Two, this cheeky chappie and his gang make hilarious breakfast radio, aided and abbetted by numerous chatty celebs and the Great British Public. This is my very favourite for tidying up the kitchen, washing dishes and hanging up the washing.  These tasks are far more appealling when in the company of guests like John Cleese, George Michael, Hugh Lawrie and of course the irepressible Chris Evans.

Front Row Highlights

From the BBC and as broadcast on Radio Four, Front Row is an arts programme broadcast each weekday evening.  There’s music, visual arts, movies, literature, poetry and more on offer with recent interviewees including Kate Bush, Rob Lowe and Beryl Bainbridge.   I recommend Front Row for long drives (when the kids are plugged into the car’s DVD player.)

Conversations with Richard Fidler

Broadcast on the ABC, this is simply the best interview program on the radio. Richard is a wonderful, very engaged interviewer and his subjects are carefully chosen.  There’s never a dull guest, not even me when I was on with Benison O’Reilly. I honestly listen to every single interview Richard does, sometimes weeks or months after they are broadcast but that’s the beauty of podcasts.   I listen to Conversations when cooking, tidying and folding clothes; any motherhood task that you are doing for the zillionth time will be much improved by listening to Richard.

All In The Mind

Broadcast on the ABC and presented by Natasha Mitchell, this programme is all about brains and the mind.  It can tackle some painful subjects and some complicated ones.  I have dearly loved family members with schizophrenia, autism spectrum and anxiety, plus my own interesting mental health history, so for me this  is riveting radio.  If I am ever on a long drive alone, I always listen to a few of these and reach my destination with brain fizzing with energy and ideas.

The Health Report

Broadcast on the ABC and presented by Dr Norman Swan, this program rewards the loyal listener in many ways, not least by being a real education in medicine, science and healthy scepticsm.  All of human life is here and Norman Swan is a terrific presenter.  Over the years, I have learned a huge amount and gained a much better understanding of the ins and outs of medicine, drugs and drug companies. I love to listen to these at the gym where I need all the distraction I can get and the topic of health is totally suitable.

What’s your favourite distraction from the mundanities of motherhood?  How do you keep your brain stimulated and amused?  Do you love podcasts?  Any suggestions? I’d love to hear of other good ones.

I’m linking this post to the lovely Maxabella’s Weekend Grateful, because I really am grateful for the mental stimulation as I go about my mindless regular household activities.