Transform Your Mornings with a Podcast Routine That Inspires and Energizes
Hey, it’s Jen. I’m the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of JAR.
There’s something sacred about those quiet early mornings—before the world kicks into high gear. My own routine is simple but essential. I brew a cup of coffee and settle on my sofa, gazing out at the two giant blue spruce trees that stand like sentinels outside my window. If the day is clear, I can see the mountains. If it’s rainy, I watch the droplets collect on the branches while tiny birds—maybe finches?—flutter and shiver, trying to keep warm.
Once I’m cozy, I do one of three things: I stare blankly into space (an underrated part of a writer’s job), read a few pages from a book, or listen to a podcast. I consciously avoid social media in those first hours. A neuroscientist once mentioned in a podcast that skipping that early-morning dopamine hit can help prevent what he called a “stress cascade.” I’ve taken that advice to heart.
These moments of ‘me-time’ are sacred, and my podcast morning routine sets the tone for the entire day. Choosing the right podcast allows me to engage with the world on my terms, becoming an active listener rather than just passively consuming information.
Here are my top 11 picks for morning podcasts that might inspire and inform you as you start your day. (Why 11? Because 10 picks seemed too obvious, and 12 picks seemed a bit excessive). So, there’s something here for everyone, no matter your interests. And if none of these speak to you, (hey – I’m picky in the mornings too!), then I challenge you to find a podcast that does, and commit to a daily listening routine. Think of it as creating your own “podcast quiet room,” as my friend Liz Hames calls it—a space where we’re all listening alone, but together.
Have a wonderful day.
Suggested Morning Podcasts:
- For the News Junkie: Stay updated with NPR’s Up First, which delivers the top headlines in just 10 minutes every weekday morning. It’s the perfect way to catch up on the essential news without getting lost in the endless cycle of information.
- For the Creative Mind: “Creative Pep Talk” – Host Andy J. Pizza continues to inspire creatives everywhere with his motivating episodes. Whether you’re an artist, writer, or simply someone looking to inject a bit more creativity into your life, Andy’s blend of stories, interviews, and actionable advice is sure to get your creative juices flowing.
- For the Lifelong Learner: “Stuff You Should Know” – Dive into the endless rabbit hole of knowledge with Stuff You Should Know. From the quirky to the profound, hosts Josh and Chuck explore a wide range of topics, breaking down complex ideas in an accessible and entertaining way. Perfect for those who love to learn something new every day.
- For the Laugh-Seeker: “Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend” – Start your day with a smile as Conan O’Brien’s podcast brings humor and wit to your mornings. With candid conversations with celebrities and unique personalities, Conan delivers laughs and insights, making your daily commute or morning workout much more enjoyable.
- For the Thoughtful Listener: “On Being” – On Being with Krista Tippett remains a go-to for deep, contemplative conversations. The show’s blend of spirituality, philosophy, and wisdom offers a peaceful, thought-provoking start to any morning, perfect for those seeking a mindful approach to life.
- For the Scientifically Inclined: “Nice Genes!” (Genome BC) – If you’re fascinated by science and genomics, Nice Genes! is the podcast for you. This show demystifies the world of genetics with engaging stories and expert insights, making complex scientific topics both accessible and intriguing for all listeners.
- For the Small Business Warrior: “This is Small Business” (Amazon) – Aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners alike will find plenty of valuable content in This is Small Business. The podcast features practical advice, inspiring stories, and expert guidance to help you navigate the ups and downs of running a business.
- For the Literary Lounger: “The New York Times Book Review Podcast.” This show offers weekly episodes featuring conversations with authors, editors, and critics, giving listeners a deep dive into current books, literary news, and insightful discussions on literature.
- For the Sports Enthusiast: “The Bill Simmons Podcast” Hosted by Bill Simmons, founder of The Ringer, this podcast is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sports and pop culture. Covering everything from the NFL and NBA to interviews with athletes, celebrities, and other sports commentators, the show brings a unique blend of humor, insight, and in-depth analysis.
- For the Outdoor Adventurer: “The Dirtbag Diaries”. This podcast features stories from outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and environmentalists. Covering topics from epic hiking and climbing adventures to conservation efforts, it’s a great listen to inspire your next journey into nature.
- For the AI-Curious: The “Shell Game” podcast is the story of what happens when Evan Ratliff, a longtime tech journalist, makes a digital copy of himself, powered by AI, in order to understand how amazing and scary and utterly ridiculous the world is about to get.(warning: brew strong coffee for this one!)
Have a great morning!
– Jen
Jen Moss is the Co-Founder and and Chief Creative Officer of JAR Audio. As JAR’s podcast “doula”, collaborating with enterprise brands to bring great podcasts into the world. With a background spanning CBC Radio, Canada’s National Film Board Digital Studio, Vancouver’s Roundhouse Radio and the University of British Columbia, she guides the creation of captivating podcasts at JAR.
