I listen to podcasts while doing laundry. It’s frustrating when I spend more time trying to find a good podcast than I do enjoying it. Can you relate?
I typically look for something that is entertaining and funny and if I’m feeling motivated, maybe even educational. It can be hard to find a podcast that is not mundane, about politics, self-help, or just boring.
Do you look for episodes that combine humor, health, science, and a little bit of constructive irreverence? Well, look no further! We have created a podcast that covers yoga, first responders, neuroplasticity, and a few random stories hosted by folks who aren’t afraid to laugh at themselves. (We promise to edit out anything other than this.)
Now, if you accidentally took a wrong turn on the internet and found yourself here, you might be wondering, "What in the world do yoga, first responders, science, and a couple of idiots have in common?"
Let’s get a few things straight:
YOGA: You’ve probably realized it’s not just a bunch of hippies stretching in spandex, but have you heard that practicing yoga is actually intended to improve your physical health, mental health, and overall well-being? This podcast explores different ways yoga can benefit everybody, but specifically first responders.
FIRST RESPONDERS: Yes, you read that right, yoga for the men and women who run into burning buildings, perform CPR on strangers, and deal with loss and tragedy on a daily basis. They face incredibly stressful situations that can take a toll on their mental and physical health. Yoga can be a viable tool for first responders to process their stress and build resilience while making a good joke here and there too!
NEUROPLASTICITY: It's a big word with big benefits. Basically, it means that our brains have the ability to change and adapt throughout our lives. You get to choose whether your brain adapts and changes to support you, or takes you down. This podcast dives into how yoga and mindfulness can change the structure of our brains and improve the functioning of the nervous system. Who doesn’t have time for that?
But wait, there’s more!
Let's be real, life can be pretty ridiculous and frustrating at times. And what better way to deal with life's absurdity than by laughing about it? From self-deprecation to farts during yoga class, this podcast will keep it light and breezy.
Who knows, maybe you will be inspired to try yoga or meditation. Or maybe you’ll get a good laugh on a stressful day. Our hope is that our conversations will leave you both entertained and informed.
Perhaps these 5 tips from Google will help you determine whether a podcast (including ours) is worth your time.
Check out the reviews: One of the best ways to gauge the quality of a podcast is to read reviews from other listeners. (Since The YFFR Podcast hasn’t launched at the time this is being written, we don’t have any reviews. Feel free to leave a review after you listen!)
Moving on…..
Listen to the first episode: The first episode of a podcast is usually a good indicator of what's to come. (Remember we are all new at something. We will do our best to make a good first impression. Our aim over time is progress, not perfection, right?)
*Update: Episode 001 is now LIVE! Listen, save, review, and rate here -----> On Air by Yoga For First Responders *
Check out the guest list: If a podcast has interesting guests or experts in their field, it's a good sign that the host is committed to providing valuable information to listeners. (At this time, I am unable to legally share how we plan to coerce people to be on our show. Don’t worry about it.)
Look for consistency: A good podcast will have a consistent release schedule and format. It should also have a clear focus or theme that ties everything together. (Our intention is to put out episodes on a monthly basis. If you want more, please let us know along with a check for $500 made out to YogaShield Yoga For First Responders)
Trust your gut: At the end of the day, you know what you like. If you listen to a few episodes and it doesn't click for you, it's okay to move on to something else. (There are plenty of podcasts out there, but you may never find one quite like ours!)
The YFFR Podcast debuts on May 1, 2023. Your hosts for the first episode: Olivia Mead & Eric Brenneman - listen now
