Twelve of My Favorite Podcasts: From Classroom to Downtime

There are so many podcasts that it’s hard to choose my favorite podcasts. Since sharing is caring, I want to share some of my favorite podcasts from the classroom to downtime. 

Podcasts have quickly become a simple way for me to consume content because I can listen to it in the car, while I’m folding laundry, out for a run, just about anywhere.

I’m so excited to share some of my favorite podcasts and I love new podcast recommendations, share your favorite podcasts with me on Instagram @annotatedela.

Favorite Podcasts for Professional Learning 

Image of podcast cover for one of my favorite podcasts Truth for Teachers

Truth for Teachers with Angela Watson 

In "Truth for Teachers," hosted by educator Angela Watson, listeners will find valuable insights and practical advice for teachers. Angela shares her experiences and expertise to help teachers navigate the challenges of the education system. 

This podcast covers topics like classroom management, lesson planning, teacher self-care, and more. If you're an educator looking for inspiration, tips, and strategies to enhance your teaching practice, "Truth for Teachers" is a must-listen.

Angela Watson drops truth bombs and I have to be honest, it is not always what I want to hear, but it is always what I need to hear. Her podcast pushes me to think about education and my role as teacher in new ways. 

I have also taken her 40 Hour Teacher Work-Week Course.

I am not an affiliate, it really changed how I manage my time and my work at school. 

Image of podcast cover for one of my favorite podcasts Shake Up Learning

The Shake Up Learning Podcast with Kasey Bell 

Kasey Bell's podcast is a fantastic resource for educators interested in technology integration and innovative teaching methods. 

Kasey explores various educational technology tools, Google Apps for Education, and dynamic teaching strategies. 

This podcast is for teachers seeking to transform their classrooms with engaging and impactful digital tools.

Kasey Bell covers so much more. She has insightful guests and provides valuable tech advice.

Image of podcast cover for one of my favorite podcasts The 10-Minute Teacher Podcast

The 10 Minute Teacher Podcast with Vicki Davis 

Vicki Davis's podcast is perfect for educators who are short on time but still want to stay updated on the latest trends in education. 

Each episode is a quick and informative 10-minute burst of inspiration, tips, and innovative teaching ideas. 

Whether you're a busy teacher or just want to efficiently expand your teaching knowledge, this podcast offers valuable content in a concise format.

Favorite Podcasts for the Classroom

**Please always preview episodes before using them in your classroom. I am usually very careful about the content I bring into my classroom, but we are all different and have different students, so do your due diligence.**

Image of podcast cover for one of my favorite podcasts The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel and Serial

The Unexplainable Disappearance of Mars Patel 

This podcast is a serialized fiction podcast for middle grades performed by kids. If you are looking for the middle school version of the podcast Serial, this is it! 

The show describes itself as, “Goonies meets Spy Kids meets Stranger Things.” It does not disappoint. 

Serial is a popular choice for the older students. It offers in-depth storytelling and investigative journalism. 

Image of podcast cover for the Stories podcasts

Stories Podcast 

This podcast brings classic and original stories to life, making it an ideal addition to the classroom. It's a wonderful resource for promoting literacy and fostering a love of storytelling among students.

I started out listening with my own children, because it was a great way to listen to stories in the car. It’s a podcast for kids of all ages; full of a range of stories from classics to fairy tales remixes and originals. 

As my children and I continued listening I started thinking about ways to use this in the classroom from using it as I would a fiction text to using it to compare and contrast versions of fairy tales. 

Image of podcast cover for Grim, Grimmer, Grimmest and Lore podcasts

Grim, Grimmer, Grimmest 

This podcast is the children’s version of Lore podcast. It is rated for ages 3-8, but it could be used in 6th grade. 

I tend to err on the side of caution, so I don’t mind using things that are slightly younger for my middle school students when it fits our needs. Usually the activity bumps up the rigor. This is a great podcast for scary and creepy tales. 

Lore - is a frightening podcast for the middle and high school set, it is meant to be scary, so preview before playing anything in class. I love listening for me personally.  

Grim, Grimmer, Grimmest shares retellings of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, while Lore explores real-life tales of the supernatural and unexplained. 

These podcasts can be used to engage students in folklore, history, and storytelling.

Image of podcast cover for one of my favorite podcasts National Geographic Overheard

Overheard National Geographic 

This podcast offers educational and entertaining insights into the natural world, science, and culture. Teachers can use it to enrich students' understanding of the world and spark curiosity about various subjects.

It’s National Geographic magazine in podcast form and it’s free. 

Need I say more? Social studies, science, ELA teachers take note. It’s also a family favorite.

Favorite Podcasts for Personal Listening

Image of podcast cover for The Office Ladies podcasts

The Office Ladies Podcast 

If you're a fan of the TV show "The Office," this podcast, hosted by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, provides a delightful behind-the-scenes look at the series. It's perfect for fans looking to reminisce and gain new insights into their favorite show.

The podcast is one of my favorites. Not only do they have all the behind the scenes scoop, Jenna and Angela’s friendship comes through and I love it. You’d have to be a fan of theTV show to enjoy the podcast, but it is a feel good podcast.

Image of podcast cover for The Lazy Genius podcasts

The Lazy Genius 

Kendra Adachi's podcast helps listeners simplify their lives with practical and relatable advice on topics like cooking, home organization, and self-care. It's a great choice for anyone seeking to streamline their daily routines.

All the practical advice and tips you need wrapped into an easy to digest podcast episode.

Image of podcast cover for the Popcast and Faith Adjacent podcasts

The Popcast Knox and Jamie

It is my guilty pleasure podcast. I laugh out loud when listening, I also laugh out loud when I listen to Faith Adjacent. If you want a podcast that is about all things pop culture, The Popcast with Knox and Jamie is for you, I love it!

Both podcasts offer humorous and insightful commentary on pop culture, including movies, TV, and books. Faith Adjacent delves into a Christian perspective on pop culture. They are perfect for those who enjoy humor, entertainment, and a faith-based perspective on the media.

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