The best podcasts for Inspiring Conversations to Guilty Pleasures - Gems for Every Mood and Moment

The Herd with Colin Cowherd holds a special place in my heart, rooted in my upbringing surrounded by a humble 13-inch black and white TV. With limited visual entertainment, radio became my go-to, especially during the birthing of the sports talk radio era in New York. I was captivated by shows like Mike and the Mad Dog, and as ESPN gained traction, my NY bias drew me to the talent on their roster, including Colin. Colin's brilliance in delivery made him a must-listen for me. Each afternoon, I'd tune in, hungry for the wealth of knowledge he effortlessly imparted. I've always been drawn to brilliant minds unafraid to offer a different perspective, and Colin's ability to seamlessly blend business takes with sports analogies was nothing short of mesmerizing. His influence on me runs deep. Alongside Howard Stern, Colin holds the longest influence on my journey. It was while listening to him that I first entertained the thought, "I can actually rock the mic!" Even now, as I continue to tune in to The Herd on podcast, I'm reminded of his brilliance—and let me assure you, I'm not being paid to sing his praises.

My second top recommended podcast is Reinvention Radio with Steve Olsher. I had the privilege of being trained by Steve early in my podcasting career, and it completely transformed my approach. When I started, I was doing a solo show and felt like I was all over the place. But after spending time learning from Steve and his team, everything changed. I vividly remember how we used to struggle to get guests on our podcast, but Steve was the first to recognize the potential in the name of my podcast. Through his training, I discovered my "why," revamped our podcast description, and became clear on our topics of influence. His teachings reshaped the way I approached podcasting and prevented me from burning out. Furthermore, my journey into podcast guesting was spurred by interactions with classmates who also ran podcasts. Understanding the importance of storytelling, I participated in our class's 60-second storytelling challenge and was amazed to find myself coming in second. This experience solidified my belief in the power of storytelling and its impact on podcasting. Listening to Reinvention Radio is invaluable for podcasters. Steve fearlessly adds value and emphasizes the importance of leading with value and understanding one's purpose. I'm incredibly grateful for the impact he continues to have in the podcasting world and beyond. His mentorship was pivotal in my podcasting journey, and he'll always hold a special place as "my first mentor." You never forget your first! With Steve's guidance, I not only learned the art of podcasting but also gained confidence in my storytelling abilities. So, for anyone looking to enhance their podcasting skills and storytelling prowess, Reinvention Radio is a must-listen

The 3rd podcast on my list is Podcasting Made Simple by Alex Sanfilippo. Let me tell you why this podcast and its host are so crucial to me. Once I found my footing in the podcasting world, I realized that I wanted to extend my reach by hosting others. I joined various groups geared towards finding guests or guesting on other podcasts. In fact, it was one of my assignments to host someone, which led me to what I call "blind dating for hosts and guests" sites. Despite entertaining a few options, none of them truly resonated with me. However, in my journey, I stumbled upon Podmatch and the Podmatch family – a platform that would transform me in countless ways. Now, here's the remarkable thing about Alex and Podcasting Made Simple: he never aggressively promotes his own podcast. Instead, he focuses on promoting us, the podcasters. Yet, as I began to listen to his podcast, I discovered invaluable gems that revolutionized the way I approached podcasting. I was so moved by the impact of his platform and the knowledge gleaned from his podcast that I sent him a personal note expressing my gratitude. There's something truly special about Podcasting Made Simple. There are no hard sales pitches, no pressure tactics, and they don't inundate listeners with ads. I am genuinely amazed by this podcast and its small team. Yes, I may be biased since I've been involved in beta testing and other aspects, but that doesn't diminish the significance of this podcast in my top 5 list. The value it brings to me and all its listeners is undeniable. So, if you're looking for a podcast that offers practical insights without the fluff, Podcasting Made Simple is a must-listen.

Choosing my 4th podcast was no easy feat. I wrestled with three different options before ultimately settling on Next Level University, hosted by Kevin Palmieri and Alan Lazaros. My introduction to this podcast came after Kevin visited our Walk In Victory Podcast, discussing the transformative power of podcasting in his own life. Our interview was nothing short of amazing, and in the aftermath, Kevin challenged me to consider taking podcasting more seriously. He saw potential in me that I hadn't fully recognized, and his words left a lasting impression. As I delved deeper into Next Level University, I became an avid supporter and fan. Little did I know, my connection with the podcast would deepen even further when I interviewed Alan Lazaros toward the end of 2023. It wasn't until the beginning of the following year that I realized Alan was Kevin's co-host—a humorous revelation that added a touch of serendipity to our interactions. Kevin's encouragement didn't stop with our initial encounter. He generously devoted an hour of his time to guide me through the intricacies of podcasting, leaving me with invaluable insights and a renewed sense of purpose. One particular piece of wisdom he imparted—"You should be podcasting every day"—has stayed with me since, a testament to the profound impact of his guidance. In addition to the personal mentorship I received, Next Level University consistently delivers content that adds immense value to its listeners. Kevin, Alan, and their podcast embody a commitment to excellence and growth, and their message deserves to be heard far and wide. So, it's with great enthusiasm that I include Next Level University in my top 5 recommended podcasts.

Selecting my last podcast was akin to assembling the starting lineup for All-Star Weekend. While I consume a plethora of podcasts, this final choice holds a special place as a guilty pleasure: Club Shay Shay with Shannon Sharpe. My admiration for Shannon dates back to his time on Undisputed with Skip Bayless. In fact, I made the switch from First Take to Undisputed solely because of Shannon's captivating takes—and the fact that it served as the lead-in to Colin Cowherd's show. My bias towards Shannon traces back to his days with the Denver Broncos. Now, don't get me wrong—I'm a die-hard Jets fan through and through. However, Denver held a special place as my second NFL team. Football was the only sport where I rooted for two teams, and Shannon's presence on the field caught my attention. His charismatic personality was evident not only in his gameplay but also in his constant banter on the field—a trait that he carries seamlessly into his podcast. One memorable moment that stands out is from his time on Undisputed. In a heated argument with Skip Bayless, tensions ran high as Skip threw an insult, suggesting Shannon was jealous of Tom Brady—a comment that didn't sit well with the Hall of Fame tight end. In the heat of the moment, Shannon removed his glasses, prompting Skip to quip, "Put your glasses back on your face." This exchange marked a turning point in their on-screen dynamic and ultimately led to the end of the show as we knew it. Despite the challenges, Shannon's resilience and unwavering authenticity shine through on Club Shay Shay. His ability to navigate difficult conversations with grace and candor, coupled with his knack for sharing insightful stories from his upbringing, make each episode a captivating journey. It's this unique blend of humor, insightful interviews, and personal anecdotes that makes Club Shay Shay an irresistible guilty pleasure in my podcast lineup.