I wanted to share with you my sources of education for busy living. A lot of us don’t have the time or energy, or perhaps the resources or confidence, to crack open an educational book or attend a course. However, luckily, education is more accessible than ever and we are fortunate enough to be able to take advantage of that for the betterment of ourselves and our society. There’s no excuse! As Louisa Munich says, “democracy needs informed citizens” and this is true and important for everything else in life too.
Here are the podcasts and audiobooks I’ve listened to that I feel are very informative and accessible to anyone. Check out my last post on educational books for more.
Podcasts
I don’t listen to all of these all of the time, but they are podcasts I’ve subscribed to at one point or another and enjoyed/found informative.
Gary’s Economics with Gary Stevenson
Bold Politics with Green Party Leader Zack Polanski and guests
No Stupid Questions with Freakonomics Radio
On Purpose with Jay Shetty and guests
The Daily Stoic with Ryan Holiday
A Really Good Cry with Radhi Devulkia and guests
Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown (Amy from The Big Bang Theory tv show)
5 Good News Stories: Happiness and Fun
The Rest is History with Tom Holland (not Spider-Man!) and Dominic Sandbrook
What’s Left? podcast with Jovan and Freddie
Audiobooks
Here I am only listing books that I have read or started already, and I’ll do another post on my recommendations based on other audiobooks I own or have access to from my library that I feel are educational and may be worth a listen.
The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green – on everything it means to be human
On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder – tyranny, fascism, censorship, propaganda
Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire by Akala – race, politics, British history
Mouth Full of Blood by Toni Morrison – on race, fascism, tyranny, politics, humanity, corruption
Just Sayin’ by Malorie Blackman – memoir that gives an emotional firsthand account of racism and sexism in the UK
I Thought It Was Just Me, Atlas of the Heart and The Power of Vulnerability by Brene Brown – education on emotions, trauma, empathy, leadership, parenting, self-compassion, personal development, shame, emotional intelligence…
Educated by Tara Westover – memoir on mormonism and education, trauma and freedom
What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce Perry – as it says in the title, on trauma and it’s affects
Notes on a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig – anxiety, depression, and our modern world on mental health
Chavs: The Demonisation of the Working Class by Owen Jones – poverty cycles, inequality, and classism
Personality Isn’t Permanent by Benjamin Hardy – identity, personality, self expression, self talk, self development
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and Teachings of Plants by Robin Kimmerer – on nature, humanity, symbiotic relationship with the earth
How Not to Die: Discovering Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Diseases by Michael Greger and Gene Stone – on the healing and preventative powers of food (but to be clear, I do not endorse food > medicine, always be careful)
Can Everyone Please Calm Down? A Guide to 20th Century Sexuality by Mae Martin – on sexual identity, gender identity, and self expression
Untamed by Glennon Doyle – identity, trauma, belonging, sexuality, freedom of self, healing
Motherhood by Sheila Heti – on the decision to be a mother
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette Mc Curdy – trauma, fame, growing up, mother-daughter relationships, addiction, eating disorders
Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed – letters from many people in different moments of vulnerability
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari – as the title suggests
Factfulness: Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About The World and Why It’s Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling and co. – statistical analysis of our world at a glance
The Path Made Clear and The Wisdom of Sundays by Oprah Winfrey – spiritual, personal, emotional journey support
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury – fiction but important for our times of rising fascism
Animal Farm and 1984 by George Orwell – same reason as above
Remember, education is a lifelong journey. Never stop educating yourself and ensure you read more books outside your comfort zone/area of expertise. Listening to your educational source material is a great, accessible way to stay educated during a busy life. There’s no excuse! You don’t need to buy anything (I don’t endorse Amazon, by the way, it’s just easiest to link to that site). Check out your libraries for free audiobooks too!
Happy learning!
Sincerely,
S. xx
S. R. Crawford 