The Top 10 Podcasts for Artists

March 2, 2015 by Kent Sanders | 4 Comments

We live in a marvelous age where we have the world’s information at our fingertips. One of the best ways to consume this information is through podcasts. If you don’t listen to podcasts, you are missing out on a great way to learn and grow.

Note: For the next few weeks I’m doing an experiment and including an audio version of posts along with the written version. I’d love to know what you think. (The audio version is at the end of the post. If you can’t see the audio player, click here.)

What is a Podcast?

A podcast is essentially an audio program that you can listen to anytime, anywhere. The wonderful thing about podcasts is that when you subscribe to one, it’s delivered straight to your computer or device.

The podcast titles below link directly to the iTunes store, and you can subscribe from there. If you’re using a mobile device you can use a podcasting app such as Downcast, Stitcher, or Overcast.

I always listen to podcasts on my iPhone, usually while I’m driving or exercising. I listen to episodes at 1.5x use the Overcast app. I use this particular app because you can create playlists of podcasts or specific episodes.

10 Great Podcasts for Artists

These podcasts don’t necessarily focus on specific types of art such as painting or music, but they all deal with some aspect of creativity (or they will at least get your creative juices flowing).

1. The Mindful Creator with Brett Henley

I love the description of this show: “A podcast exploring what it takes for artists and creators to cultivate meaningful work without losing ourselves along the way.” This show will help you dig deeper into creativity.

2. Life in the Woods with Blake Stratton

Blake is an artist who speaks from the heart and does great interviews. I love his transparency and the encouragement he brings for creatives.

3. The Accidental Creative with Todd Henry

This podcast focuses on the themes in the book by the same title. I like the fact that this show is aimed toward creative people, and that it’s short. You can listen to a bunch of them in one shot.

4. Here’s the Thing with Alec Baldwin

Lots of people have strong opinions about Alec Baldwin, and you may too, but don’t let that stop from listening to this show. Baldwin is a great interviewer, and he always chooses interesting guests. His interview with Jerry Seinfeld was fantastic.

5. Unmistakable Creative with Srinivas Rao

I love this podcast because the guest list is very eclectic, and you always come away with new ideas. I love anything that helps me learn about topics outside my normal areas of interest.

6. Stuff You Should Know

This is brought to you from the good people at HowStuffWorks, and is one of the most fascinating shows you will ever find. They dive into a wide range of topics, and it never fails to be engrossing, entertaining, and educational all at once.

7. The Portfolio Life with Jeff Goins

Jeff is a writing guru, but I was glad to see him start a podcast lastyear. He always has a unique take on art and life, and he is a great interviewer. My favorite so far is his interview with Robert Greene, author of Mastery.

8. By the Way, In Conversation with Jeff Garlin

You may not recognize Jeff Garlin’s name, but you’ve probably seen a movie or a TV show that has featured him. This show consists of live interviews Jeff conducts with actors, comedians, and other Hollywood creative types. You gain a ton of insight into the creative process from these interviews. One of my favorites is Jeff’s interview with J. J. Abrams. Be warned: these are no-holds barred interviews, so the language is sometimes a little rough. But if you can get past that, there are some incredible insights into creativity and life.

9. TED Talks and TED Talks Art

TED conferences are known for featuring talks on all different kinds of topics. The thing they all have in common is that they will make you think, and you’ll almost certainly learn something new. TED Talks Art is a video podcast featuring designers, artists and many other creative types showcasing their work. It’s great stuff that will inspire you to reach higher.

10. The Moth

This podcast consists solely of people telling true stories. It’s them, a microphone, and an audience—that’s it. You will recognize some of the names, but some you won’t. It’s great to listen to business podcasts and “practical” content, but as a creative person you also need to experience material that is fresh, weird, unexpected, and not practical in any way. This will fit the bill.

Bonus Top 10 List

I wanted to include another list of podcasts that I love and listen to regularly, but aren’t focused on art. However, I frequently find great ideas, inspiration, and information in these shows.

Bottom line: Podcasts are simply one of the best ways you can consume great content, and you can do it while you’re engaged in other activities (like driving or working out).

However, podcasts are only one way to get great content into your mind. Click the link below for 5 more great ways to grow!

6 Types of Content That Will Take Your Life to the Next Level

What are your favorite podcasts?