While I love to read, I don’t always have the time to cozy up in a big comfy chair with a cup of warm, foamy espresso and savor the written page. I listen on the fly as I’m running errands or, most often, traveling back and forth between Nashville and Atlanta visiting my sweet dad.
I’m currently finishing the audio version of Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate and oh, it’s been such an enjoyable (though heartbreaking) story. The narrators have both done wonderful jobs at conveying emotion and allowing the reader to connect and relate to the characters. But that’s not always the case. Narrators make such a difference, don’t they?
One of my favorite audio books to date is still The Help by Kathryn Stockett. If you’ve read the book but haven’t listened to it, oh my goodness… Treat yourself and do that. It’s absolute perfection!
Podcasts are also part of my staple daily/weekly listening diet, too. Here are some of my favorites…
Listen to THE BRIEFING with Albert Mohler
Description: The Briefing is a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview.
The Briefing is a daily “must listen to” for me. I listen to it each morning as I’m getting ready. It’s so informative and, as the description says, it comes at headline news from a Christ perspective. If you only take one recommendation from my post today, take The Briefing! Each podcast shines heavenly perspective on current world news and events. #invaluable
This next podcast recommendation won’t surprise you since I adore history. It’s quick. It’s condensed. And always interesting.
Description: Join us each week as we take a brief break from the present to go exploring the past. Travel back in time as we look at the people, events, and even the places that have shaped the story of Christianity.
Next, The Happy Hour is like grabbing coffee with a girlfriend—it’s fun. Sometimes light and funny, sometimes deep and soul-searching. And it’s always welcome.
Description: The Happy Hour Podcast is hosted by Jamie Ivey, and each week she brings a guest to the show. During the happy hour they will discuss anything and everything just as if you were around the table with your own girlfriends. Jamie loves to connect with women and encourage them as they journey through life. These conversations will make you laugh and cry all in one. The Happy Hour will be something you look forward to each week. You will be encouraged as you listen to other women talk about the simplest things in life to the grandest. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the conversation!
Lastly, I adore Christy Nockel’s music—and her podcast.
Description: The Glorious in the Mundane podcast with Christy Nockels features conversations to inspire you right where you are today doing whatever it is you’re doing.
This isn’t an exhaustive list of recommended “listens,” by any means, but are some of my favorites.
What are you listening to? What are some of your favorite audio books and podcasts? I’m always looking for fresh perspectives and new voices, so please share!
Blessings on your Tuesday,
Tammy
I’ve added several new pages—videos, recipes, Truth or Fiction, Giveaways—all from your suggestions and requests. If there’s something you like to see added to BONUS FEATURES, please let me know!
Thomas Nelson invited me to be part of a group of authors and artists who came together to read the Word of God with the intent of sharing that Word with others. I’m so grateful I got to participate in this.
Tamera Alexander
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Tammy, Ken loves history too and listens to a great history podcast called Hardcore History by Dan Carlin. It’s not a Christian site, but there’s nothing objectionable (might be rated PG for some of the details of our world’s history). The few times I’ve listened (or overheard), I’ve found it fascinating. https://www.dancarlin.com/hardcore-history-series/
Thanks, Miss Deb! Got it!
Those are great suggestions! I can’t wait to try and listen in. Thanks!
Hope you benefit from them, Angie!
I haven’t listened to Jaimie Ivey’s podcast, but her husband Aaron leads worship at our church and we think the world of him so perhaps I need to give it a whirl! I listen to history podcasts, two of my favorites being Stuff You Missed in History Class and BBC’s History Extra. I still can’t do audio books. My mind tends to wander . . . 🙂
Cool about going to their church, Anne. And LOL on the “still can’t do audio books.” I can just see you saying that. ; ) Thanks for the recs. I’m on ’em.
I used to have an audiobook business and I couldn’t agree with you more, Tamera, that a great narrator makes all the difference.
“The Help” remains my favorite also. How I wish this author would write another book! Maybe when you write a blockbuster like that book, it’s a hard act to follow though.
Another great Christian oldie-but-goodie is The Mitford Series by Jan Karon. In the beginning, she narrated her own audiobooks and she really brought her characters to life. I guess eventually she got too busy with the series and they brought in an English narrator, which seemed a little strange for a Southern series, so, if you want to try this series, please be sure to start with the first book.
Don’t you just love The Help audio, Leanne. It’s so good. The Mitford Series is a classic, for sure. I didn’t realize Jan Karon narrated those first books. Interesting. Thanks for sharing!
Am fairly new to listening to podcasts, but I absolutely love Jen Oshman’s All Things (taken from the verse, “All things were created by Him & for Him.” She looks at current trends through the lens of God’s Word. There are only 4 at this time, but they are like nuggets of gold. It’s not to be missed! (Thank you for your suggestions! I will check them out!)
Thanks for the recommendation, Linda! Appreciate it.
My fave podcasts include What Should I Read Next by Anne Bogel and Risen Motherhood. I still have to give my fave Audible award to the Harry Potter series 🙂
Cool on HP! We read all those but I’ve never gone back to listen to them. Which, of course, made me run and listen to a sample. Delicious. Of course it’s a British narrator. Love it. I’ll check out those podcasts, too. Thanks!
I really can’t afford to buy audiobooks but I have had several gifted to me for reviews or I won. But I loved God’s Daughter by Heather Day Gilbert. It was a wonderful audiobook. I also won Healing Ruby Series by Jennifer H Westall. I loved them. Life After by Katie Ganshert was great! Sword of Forgiveness by Debbie Lynne Costello was great and very emotional.
I would love to listen to The Help one of these days. I read the book. I enjoy your newsletter.
I drive a lot for work and listening to books and podcasts sure beats the radio! The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is an excellent audiobook! It’s so well done. One of my favourite podcasts is That Sounds Fun by Annie F. Downs – it’s fun!
I’m listening to No one Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert. It is a powerful book. And, I agree that narrators make all the difference. A wonderful book can be ruined and a borderline one raised to new heights based on the competence and passion of a narrator.
I’ve not listened to a podcast before. What exactly is it and where do you find them to listen to? I still enjoy reading over an audio book, but sometimes on a road trip our family will just “listen” to a movie that we’ve recorded.