Hey guys! I came to the conclusion that it’s going to be tough business for any blog post to follow Avery’s story. So while I’m cooking up something bigger about inspiration, let me tell you about the things I’ve been listening to that are currently inspiring me daily.
As you guys know, I’ve been loving on the podcasts lately. Below are the ones that I lost myself in—to the point I was holding my breath:
This American Life: Dead Men Tell No Tales
I had no idea about this story. I don’t even remember hearing it in the news. The research done for this story must have spanned months and, quite honestly, been pretty dangerous. Considering everything that happened to the “characters” in this true story, it left me feeling a little conflicted about the tactics used by the FBI when interviewing the suspects.
The Angeli Symphony story is incredible. It’s a tragedy that turns into an unbelievable success. I’m so inspired by Stuart’s resolve… I don’t want to say too much lest I ruin it but if you want to feel inspired by a man convinced of his higher calling, give it a listen.
This is the story of Carl, an American who was actually working at the nuclear reactor site during the earthquake at Fukushima three years ago this week. Listening to the raw emotion in his voice is gripping. It’s completely unfathomable what he must have gone through. I hear his words but I can’t imagine the fear, the disbelief, the magnitude of what he experienced. The part where he talks about the 23rd Psalm… there were tears in my eyes. For the power of the human spirit, listen.
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite podcasts. Unfictional is similar to The Moth and Snap Judgement in that it’s simply people telling stories. I don’t meant to say “simply” cause the stories are usually amazing stories but it’s people like you and me. The second story, from Ed and Melanie, is both hilarious and my worst nightmare. To lose a pet that’s essentially part of the family would be devastating to me. Ed and Melanie have a way of telling it with the suspense of a detective story and a healthy dose of hilarity.
And… I couldn’t compile a list without you guys knowing my favorite podcast episode ever. It’s a tie for number one and I’ve gone back to listen to these time and time again—they’re just that good.
Emilie’s story (the last story), Finding Emilie, is a story that has stuck with me since I first heard it in 2011. I think about all the ‘what ifs’ when I listen to it… what if Emilie hadn’t been able to communicate with Alan? What if Alan hadn’t had the connection he did with her – to pull her through? At the heart of this story is love. I think this story will touch your heart too and if you’re like me, you’ll visit it time and again cause it just.sticks.with.you.
And co-number one…
I have a bit of an obsession with disease. I think pathology would be a great backup plan for me. Patient Zero tells us the origin of AIDS and Typhoid—and it’s told exquisitely. I have recounted these stories to family and friends at least a dozen times but I can’t do it quite as well as Radiolab does.
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Inspiration has also been coming from great new music lately. I won’t gild the lily too much on these albums cause they stand on their own perfectly fine without my flourish. The first of which has already been receiving acclaim by people far more qualified than I to give it.
Beck… I love you. I especially love when you’re contemplative, reflective, complicated, sad and the music is big and orchestral. I loved you in Sea Change and this is the perfect companion to its brilliance. I listen to this album from beginning to end and then start it all over again. Great with the sunrise and coffee, great on the afternoon drive, even better in the evening with a healthy glass of red. Beck for all.
The Family Crest – Beneath the Brine
Oh.em.goodness.so.good. There is no other way for me to describe this album. Apparently, it was funded by a Kickstarter Campaign… which is amazing. The title track is beautiful and a close second would be “The Water’s Fine” which has this incredible Frenchy sound.
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I hope you all find some inspiration through these recommendations! Happy listening!
a girl called ryan 