Unknowingly, I had been staring at the screen for five uninterrupted minutes. 

A small break like that is common for someone who spends a lot of time in front of a screen, but unfortunately, it felt like a symptom of something else.  I was tired and in need of a creative boost.

Maybe I needed a snack? 

To be fair, I always need a snack, but in this case, I had just consumed a fairly substantial meal, and in truth, my large lunch was probably a contributing factor to my foggy brain situation.  No, it was time for me to put the headphones in and get inspired with a podcast. 

A crucial element of the creative process is inspiration. When we are inspired, our minds are open and receptive to new ideas, and we are more likely to think outside the box and come up with original ideas and solutions. 

Inspiration can also give us the motivation and energy we need to work on our creative projects and can help us to stay engaged and focused on our tasks. Additionally, being inspired can help us to stay curious and open-minded, which are essential qualities for anyone pursuing a creative career.

Using podcasts as a source of creative juice can introduce us to new people and their stories, which can spark our imagination and creativity. Additionally, podcasts are a convenient and accessible way to learn and be inspired. They can be easily accessed on almost all comms devices and can be listened to while doing other tasks, such as commuting or exercising.

Luckily for me (and for you), there are literally MILLIONS of podcasts to choose from, and some of them are even pretty good. Whether you’re into history, true crime, story-telling or people just shooting the shit with each other, let other people’s genius and insights inspire you to stop staring at the screen and actually do the work you’re being paid for!

So when I’ve hit the proverbial wall, here are my top 5 pick-me-up podcasts:

1. 99% Invisible

I don’t think I’m breaking any new ground here, with over 500 episodes and well over half a billion downloads, 99% Invisible is an audio love letter to the unseen detail in architecture and design. However, to tell you this podcast is only about design would be underselling host Roman Mars and his incredible storytelling.

Listen to when: You want to notice the world around you with more definition.

2. The Imperfects

We’re all imperfect. No one knows this better than Hugh, Ryan and Josh from The Imperfects. If you’re someone who is constantly battling imposter syndrome and exhausting yourself worrying about being good enough, this weekly podcast is the perfect antidote to the curse of comparison. When we are willing to share our struggles and insecurities, we learn that we’re not alone in feeling inadequate.

Listen to when: The feelings of being a creative imposter are creeping in.

3. Design Matters with Debbie Millman

If you want the authority on Graphic Design, look no further than Debbie Millman. She is the president emeritus of the American Institute of Graphic Arts and chair, one of only five women to hold the position in the organisation’s 100-year history. Running independently for over 15 years, the podcast contains interviews with leading designers, writers, artists, and other creative professionals about their careers, their process, and the stories behind their work. In addition, She has collated nearly 60 of her incredible interviews from the podcast into her sixth book which was released earlier this year.

Listen to when: You want THE authority on all things design.

4. Song Exploder

Song Exploder is an incredible look at musicians breaking down how their music gets made. Each episode features a different artist, who shares the story behind one of their songs, including the inspiration, the writing and recording process, and the final product. The podcast is hosted by Hrishikesh Hirway and has featured a wide range of artists, including Lorde, Tame Impala, Billie Eilish, and R.E.M. Song Exploder is a unique and fascinating look at the creative process of songwriting, and is a must listen for anyone interested in music and creativity. And for the visually minded, Song Exploder has also been made into a Netflix series.

Listen to when: You want the depth of feeling and thought in creativity.

5. Creative Pep Talk

Creative Pep Talk is a podcast in which host Andy J. Miller interviews successful creatives and entrepreneurs, sharing their stories and advice for pursuing a creative career. The show covers a wide range of topics, including creativity, business, marketing, and personal development, and features guests from a variety of fields, including art, design, writing, and music. Creative Pep Talk is a valuable resource for anyone looking for inspiration and advice for pursuing a creative career.

Listen to when: You’re done feeling abstract and want some practical advice for your creative endeavours.