A secret weapon in my homemaking is listening to things out loud during my day while I work around the house. It helps motivate me to get to work, helps me stay energized while I work, and becomes an incredible opportunity to learn and grow.

I regularly listen to the Bible, many good podcasts, and audiobooks. Because I talk about this so often, people always ask me what podcasts I listen to. Today I'm sharing all my favorites. 

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When I Listen to Things:

The more you get into the habit of listening to things out loud, the more you want to listen to things out loud. I love finding pockets of time in my day. Here are my favorite times to listen to books and podcasts throughout my day: 

Cooking & Cleaning

I do probably 50% of my Bible reading while I'm making breakfast. If I didn't get up early enough to do my Bible reading before the kids get up, then I love to listen to the Bible out loud while making breakfast. I also love to listen to podcasts and audiobooks out loud while I do other meal prep, clean the bathrooms, do the dishes, etc. 

Driving

We live in the woods so we are a good 20-45 minutes from anywhere. I love to use this time to listen through some things...driving becomes one of my favorite things. In fact, sometimes if I am having a particularly rough day (if the kids woke up at night, someone's not feeling well, or so on) then I will throw everyone in the car and go for a drive. It helps!

Projects at Night

Before bed, I like to do a good 15-30 minute pick up around the house. This is a great time to listen to stuff. OR Jason will read out loud to me while I work or we will listen to an audiobook together. We will also do this if I'm doing things like working on a painting project, decluttering, etc.

All My Favorites:

The Bible

I use the YouVersion Bible App. It's a free app that gives you access to hundreds of Bible translations. Several of the translations allow you to play the audio version of the Bible as well as read it. I listen in the ESV and the guy who reads it does such a good job! 

Like I said, probably 50% of my Bible "reading" is actually done while listening to it out loud. If you are really struggling to establish a good Bible reading habit, then this is a great thing to add into your day! 

Podcasts for women: 

Homemaking Foundations Podcast with Jami Balmet

What is this podcast doing here?? ;) I wanted to include my very own podcast just in case you are not familiar with it yet. If you are looking for something to listen to for Christian women, I encourage you to check it out!

Flower Mound Women's Bible Study by Jen Wilkin

I adore Jen Wilkin and love her advice! I've read two of her books and plan to read the rest of them. I'm just starting to go through her Bible study podcasts and highly encourage you to do the same! 

Cultivating the Lovely Podcast

My friend MacKenzie's podcast is probably top of my list right now for favorite podcasts for Christian women! She's always so encouraging and motivation and I love the guests she brings on the show. And hint hint: You might just see MacKenzie popping up on my very own podcast very soon ;) 

Inspired to Action with Kat Lee

I would say that this podcast is definitely geared more towards moms but it's very encouraging and inspiring for anyone! I find that I get a lot of good, practical take aways from this podcast.