8 Craft Podcasters Pick the Best Podcasts

Podcasts are a thing you sorta stumble upon. Someone mentions one on Facebook or recommends one in a blog comment and maybe you note it down, or maybe you forget. You subscribe to few favorites, but then new shows come on the scene and you might be missing out on something you’d love. It’s hard to know what’s out there.

Nobody knows podcasting quite like the podcasters themselves. I reached out to seven women who create craft or craft business podcasts to see what they’re listening to. I was also curious to hear which episode of their own show they’re most proud of. Here’s what they told me (and I added my own thoughts at the end):

Sarai Mitnick of Seamwork Radio:

I always listen to The Moth, because I love the diverse voices and stories. Some stories are humorous, some are heartbreaking, some are surprising, but they’re each told so well that I know I will be affected by every episode I listen to.

The best podcast episode I’ve ever listened to is the This American Life episode called Kid Logic is what got me addicted to the show years ago. Some of it was so funny I forced other people to listen to it.

The piece of audio I’ve worked on that I’m most proud of is our first episode of Seamwork Radio, with Jenny Rushmore. I didn’t really know what I was doing, but Jenny was such a perfect guest with an inspiring point of view. She affected a lot of people, and that makes me proud.

Tara Swiger of Explore Your Enthusiam:

I always listen to School of Greatness with Lewis Howes. I love how vulnerable and real Lewis asks his guests to get – it tends to move beyond rote questions and into deeper territory.

The best podcast episode I’ve ever listened to is StartUp Season 1, Episode 1. Alex tries pitching his business and it’s horrible (hilarious). When people say “it must be nice to be self-employed”, I tell this to listen to Season 1 of StartUp. (It IS nice, but it’s also really really nerve-wracking to take risks with your family’s finances.)

Also in the running, that This American Life where they explained the financial collapse of 2009. I recommend it to EVERYONE.

Pretty much any episode of anyone on Fresh Air (particularly Stephen Colbert + Louis CK)

The piece of audio I’ve worked on that I’m most proud of is the first episode of my podcast. I waited YEARS to make a podcast, and then went for it, all in a week. It also gets the best listener reaction, because I share more about my own biz journey and am just really myself.

Elise Blaha Cripe of Elise Gets Crafty:

I always listen to Modern Love. The episodes either bring a smile to my face OR make me tear up and either way I’m thrilled.

The best podcast episode I’ve ever listened to is If you don’t have something nice to say SAY IT IN ALL CAPS from This American Life.

The piece of audio I’ve worked on that I’m most proud of is from this season of Elise Gets Crafty when I interviewed Cesar Kuriyama about documenting life by the second.

Elizabeth Duvivier of Morning on the Dock (the Squam podcast):

I always listen to Art for your Ear and Krista Tippett On Being are my favorites (art and spirit, no surprise).

The best podcast episode I’ve ever listened to is Lisa Golightly on Art for Your Ear, “If it scares you, do it.”

The piece of audio I’ve worked on that I’m most proud of is with Karen Templer explored failure and I am still growing and expanding from that talk. Really welcoming failure into my life in a new way that feels exhilarating.

Kate O’Sullivan from A Playful Day:

I always listen to LORE– Oral story telling at such a high quality. Aaron is completely inspiring to me as a writer and podcaster and he scares the living daylights out of me with this show. Never listen at night. Ever.

The best podcast episode I’ve ever listened to is Blogtacular– I love the variety of guests Kat hosts and that they cover such a diverse range of topics. I always listen when I can give it my fullest of attention and constantly am inspired by things outside of my niche.

The piece of audio I’ve worked on that I’m most proud of is my interview was with Felix of Knitsonik. We managed to cover feminism, textile history, politics power and knitting. Oh and the joy of breaking a piece of chocolate and the noise it makes. I regularly have people reach out to tell me it inspired them even six months on and for me, that’s the golden goal- inspiring people and sparking interactions and conversations that fuel more creativity.

Jen Hatzung of She Percolates:

I always listen to The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey. Listening to business podcasts all the time can be overwhelming. You consume more info than you can use. Listening to Jamie and her guests always makes me feel like I’m having a glass of wine with them. They talk some business, but so much about  life, their faith and often times things they have overcome. I’m always in a better mood after listening to her show.

The best podcast episode I’ve ever listened to is hands down Brené brown’s interview on Elizabeth Gilbert’s podcast, Magic Lessons. Every woman should listen to if, especially people who do not think they are creative. This will change their outlook.

The piece of audio I’ve worked on that I’m most proud of is our interview with Katie Del Castillo Vail. Her story moved me so much. I had to hold back tears while we interview her and again while I edited it.

Stephanie Kendron of Modern Sewciety:

I always listen to Fat Mascara – editors from Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire (I know from the girl that knows nothing about makeup and fashion!). Radio Cherry Bombe – from the magazine Cherry Bombe and Straight Talk with Ross Matthews.

The best podcast episode I’ve ever listened to is I really am never disappointed with any episode from 99% Invisible – I always learn something new.

The piece of audio I’ve worked on that I’m most proud of is talking to Amy and David Butler, their energy is infectious.

And me!

I always listen to The Longform Podcast. I’ve listened to all 187 episodes (the latest with Elizabeth Gilbert is amazing) and look forward to a new one every Wednesday. This show is journalists explaining how they  how they pitch and research and write stories and what happens next. I didn’t go to journalism school. This is my journalism school.

The best podcast episode I’ve ever listened to is Natalie Chanin on Thread Cult. This was a beautiful piece of audio from start to finish.

The piece of audio I’ve worked on that I’m most proud of is my interview with Etsy executives Heather Jassy and Stephanie Schacht. My goal was to use the audio format of a podcast to affect change in the craft community by opening up lines of communication between Etsy and it’s sellers. I think I achieved that with this show.

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I hope this introduces you to some new things to try (it’s done just that for me!). A big thank you to all the podcasters who took time out of their busy day to answer my questions.