I play audio content through my phone a lot, and it's one of my favourite ways to learn, to get inspired and to engage with new ideas.
I thought I'd share some of my favourite podcast and audiobook recommendations here with you:
This is the most incredible free resource from Cornwall Council libraries - you just need to sign up to the library and then use your code to download the app. From there you have an enormous collection of fiction and non-fiction books to choose from. (I believe other areas of the country might also have this service, but you'll have to look it up depending on where you are based.)
Some of my recent non-fiction favourites have been:
✨ Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear - This is Elizabeth Gilbert's playful guide to creative living, which I love for its upbeat energy and realistic advice on overcoming self-doubt and being courageous enough to be creative. It's especially relevant if you have a dedicated creative practice, but will be useful and inspiring to anyone because the principles apply to so many areas of life.
✨ Rising Strong & Braving The Wilderness - Any Brene Brown book gets my vote, and both of these are available on the app. Rising Strong explores our ability to come back after we've been hurt, and Braving The Wilderness is about being brave enough to be your most authentic self. This has been so useful both in relation to my business growth and personal resilience.
✨ The Art of Rest - Claudia Hammond explores how people rest, and why we so desperately need it. 'The Rest Test' surveyed 18000 people in over 130 countries to find out which activities we find the most restful, and how can can implement more rest into our lives.
Spotify Audiobooks:
✨ Diary of A CEO: 33 Rules for Business and Life by Steven Bartlett - I think I am a bit obsessed with Steven. I listen to the podcast a lot, and when the book became available on Spotify I jumped on it straight away, although I am listening quite slowly. The chapters are broken up into bitesize chunks for each of the 33 'laws', and I think it's helpful to have time to digest the information after each one.
✨ Breath by James Nestor - so fascinating and relevant to absolutely everyone who breathes. A mixture of contemporary experimental research and ancient stories of connection to our breath. The first half is addictive, I couldn't put it down, and then the pace slows towards the end of the book.
✨ Wintering by Katherine May - a fantastic look at how we should allow ourselves to naturally ebb and flow through periods of productivity and rest. Reset expectations about 24/7 hustle culture and explore more nature-connected ways of living - right up my street.
Podcasts:
So many to choose from but these are some shows and episodes I've listened to recently:
✨ The Diary of a CEO - Steven Bartlett 'still pretending it's a business podcast'...
✨ The NatLife Pod by Tony Riddle - grounded wellness conversations about living more naturally.
✨ The Way of The Fearless Writer - for journaling and writing inspiration with Beth Kempton.
✨ Feel Better Live More - Dr Chatterjee interviews expert guests for long-form conversations on health and wellbeing, with a scientific focus.
✨ Happy Place - I have always loved Fearne Cotton's relaxed and authentic chats, with an impressive guest list and wide range of everyday, relatable topics covered.
✨Another Way - Melbourne-based transformation coach Matt interviews inspiring storytellers who have all found an alternative way beyond the hustle and bustle of corporate life.
I'd love to hear your recommendations too... share them on Instagram and tag @strength_in_feathers, or email me at hello@strengthinfeathers.com