The Best Podcasts for Creatives (Part 1)
What did we do before podcasts? How did we live? Seriously. Driving, walking, cleaning, cooking — I’ll take any excuse to plug my earphones in and listen.
Whether it’s tips from successful copywriters or philosophical questions from spiritual leaders, I can honestly say my life is better because of these insightful conversations.
So to celebrate the art of podcasting, I wanted to give you a list of my favourite podcasts for creatives.
These podcasts have given me much-needed inspiration, entertainment and encouragement. Oh, and a kick up the bum when I needed it the most!
So, here it goes…
Routines & Ruts
What’s it about?
I’ve always been curious about how other creatives live. Do they scroll through Instagram, wasting time as I do? Do they follow a strict regime? How are some artists so damn prolific?
In Routine & Ruts, Madeleine Dore asks these questions and more. Through meaningful interviews, Dore explores the creative work and everyday lives of writers, designers, artists and illustrators.
This podcast features the likes of singer-songwriter Clare Bowditch, writer Benjamin Law and multi-disciplinary artist Amanda Palmer. The guests keep getting better.
Who’s the host?
Routine & Ruts is a podcast created by writer Madeleine Dore. She’s founder of Extraordinary Routines and Side Project Sessions, both of which I’ve followed for years. And… I have a serious #girlcrush on her.
Why you’ll love it
Routine & Ruts gives you insight into the lives of creatives and different ways of approaching creative work. So many a-ha moments! But most of all, these interviews offer a valuable lesson — to find comfort in your own routines.
My favourite episodes
My absolute favourite so far was the interview with Lauren Martin from Words of Women. I love, love, love Martin’s Instagram account, so hearing how it all began was very special.
When should you listen?
While driving! It’s like listening to a conversation between friends.
Startup Creative
What’s it about?
If you're thinking about turning your creative practice into a successful business, Startup Creative is for you!
In this podcast, host Kaylene Langford explores topics such as marketing and branding. But Startup Creative isn’t just about business: it’s about how life and work intersect.
Langford also bags some extraordinary guests like Lisa Messenger and Diego Perez.
Who’s the host?
Kaylene Langford is a business coach who helps people ditch the 9-to-5 and live the life they want. She also runs courses and creates loads of helpful resources. She even publishes a magazine!
Why you’ll love it
If you’re anything like me and find business podcasts a little bit, well, #turbo, you’ll appreciate Startup Creative. This podcast is way more chilled out.
Langford sees creativity and business from a holistic perspective. She believes life can be what you want it to be, and every episode shares this sentiment.
My favourite episodes
As a copywriter, I know the importance of content, but even I found “Content is Queen of Marketing” motivating.
“How to Beat Procrastination & Overwhelm” was also helpful. As a procrastinator myself, I’ve read extensively on the subject, but found Langford’s take on it refreshing.
When should you listen?
When you’re feeling rattled or overwhelmed. Langford’s voice is oh-so soothing. Seriously, I could listen to this woman forever. Another #girlcrush for me.
Longform Podcast
What’s it about?
Longform Podcast interviews non-fiction writers including, feature writers, investigative journalists, magazine editors and essayists.
We’re talking big names like journalist Gay Talese, editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair Radhika Jones, The New York Times music critic Jon Caramanica, and author Malcolm Gladwell. Plus loads of freelance journalists for The New York Times, New Yorker, New York Magazine, Atlantic, Wired, and so on.
Who are the hosts?
Longform is hosted by journalists Evan Ratliff, Max Linksky and Aaron Lammer. Usually, it’s one of these guys interviewing another writer.
Why you’ll love it
This is when I get my nerd on… but I’m assuming if you’re reading this, you’re a bit of a creative nerd too, so I’ll go on.
If you’ve ever wondered how journalists come up with their ideas or you read a lot of non-fiction, you’re going to love Longform.
Not only do you get to hear about the ins and outs of some of the most prolific writers of our time, but you also learn about culture, history, technology, spirituality, or whatever the writer in question writes about.
Also, if you’re an emerging writer yourself, it’s helpful to hear how successful people got their big break.
My favourite episodes
My favourite interview so far was with Pulitzer-winning art critic Jerry Saltz. This guy is fascinating. As a young artist, Saltz’s career looked promising, but he gave it all up and became a truck driver. It wasn’t until his 40s that he got back into the art scene and became a writer. This is a great one for people who may think they’re too old for a career change. It’s never too late! Oh, and he just released a book. I snapped this puppy up quick smart.
“To this day, I wake up early, and I have to get to my desk to write almost immediately. I mean fast. Before the demons get me. I’ve got to get writing. And once I’ve written almost anything, I’ll pretty much write all day, I don’t leave my desk, I have no other life. I’m not part of the world except when I go to see shows.”- Jerry Saltz
When should you listen?
While walking. These are the types of conversations you want to pay attention to.
How to Fail with Elizabeth Day
What’s it about?
Now, this is a wild card. How to Fail isn’t directly related to creativity, but it features loads of interviews with creatives.
How to Fail is about, well, failing, but not how you would expect. It explores how failing is actually a big part of success. An important thing to remember for any aspiring creative.
Who’s the host?
Elizabeth Day is a British journalist, broadcaster and author. Her memoir How To Fail: Everything I’ve Ever Learned From Things Going Wrong delves into her own failures. The book inspired the podcast, which has been nominated for two British Podcast Awards.
Why you’ll love it
How to Fail completely changes the way you view “failure”. Day is candid and raw in her discussion of failures, making it easier for others to share their own. She reminds her audience that stumbles and setbacks are a necessary part of success.
How to Fail lifts the veil on all those seemingly perfect people we assume have never failed, and instead, reveals how we’re all humans going through very similar experiences.
My favourites
Elizabeth Day’s notoriety secures her great guests. My favourite interviews were Alain De Botton, Lily Allen, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Olivia Laing.
When should you listen?
A good one to listen to while you wash the dishes. Light, yet thought-provoking.
The Personal Branding Project with Kat Elizabeth
What’s it about?
Another listen for the brands or wannabe brands out there.
The Personal Branding Project is about building a personal brand, carving out a successful career you love, and living the life you want.
It shares tips and tricks on personal branding, like branding your Instagram feed, how to brand your photo shoots, and getting clients on LinkedIn.
Who’s the host?
Kat Elizabeth is an actor, producer, copywriter and branding expert. She’s also a delightfully bubbly (but not annoying) personality I’ve grown to love.
Why you’ll love it
Kat Elizabeth genuinely wants to help you create a successful brand. She gives you valuable advice in a clear and concise way. It’s not only what she says, but how she says it.
My favourites
They’re all super helpful.
When should you listen?
Because Elisabeth’s delivery is so spot on, you can listen to this podcast while you’re busy. I suggest taking notes though!
So, that’s it folks! I hope you enjoyed this blog as much as I loved writing it. I’ve started writing Part 2, so stay tuned!
THANKS FOR READING!
Have you got a podcast to recommend? I’d love to know!
Comment below or get in touch.