5 Podcasts to Commute to

Working in the South East of England typically means one thing; commuting. Those of us that do it, we know the early starts, the crowds, the frustrations and the loss of control when things go wrong with the train or motorway. I drive most of the time and I remember reading a sign that said “You are not stuck in traffic. You are traffic.” Yeah I thought. I am. 

Ok so once we accept that we’re going to be armpit to armpit on the train or stuck in some jam for no reason, we might as well make the most of our time and either entertain or better still maybe, improve ourselves…or ideally, both. For the most part, because I drive,  I choose to do this with podcasts - for me they’re like a customisable radio station. I choose the content. 

My preferred format at the moment, which I think really favours podcasting and commuting, is the long-form conversation interview type. They're usually an hour long and can really take the time to get into depth about  a subject, rather than the 'I only have 3minutes for a YouTube video' type. 

Here’s my suggestions to get you started:

1. The Rich Roll Podcast
Rich is an ultra runner and bestselling author. The guy in his 40s quit the drink and couch-potato lifestyle and became sober and 100% ’Plant-Powered’ and took on some amazing long distance Ultra Marathons. He then got named as one of the fittest men on the planet. Not bad going! His podcasts are typically long form conversational interviews with Drs, athletes, authors, artists, nutritional experts, even Hollywood script writers and more, anyone he feels can open your mind to new ideas and different paths your life could take to both be and feel better.

2. Barbell Shrugged
OK so I’m an amateur CrossFitter. It’s what I do to keep active and my strength up with a sedentary office job and commuting life. The team behind this podcast are group of US-based Crossfit Box-owners (gym owners), trainers and pretty well connected guys in the world of weightlifting, training and general fitness. The show is funny, useful and the gang-style banter keeps it fresh. Typically they interview an athlete or expert and apply their know-how to CrossFit. The interviews with Drs about sleep or Navy Seal training are well worth a listen to.

3. Off Camera
I don’t know much about Sam Jones, but he’s a successful LA photographer who’s started a website, magazine, television show and podcast; all built around the long form conversational interview. His show features interviews with actors like Robert Downey Jnr, Jeff Bridges or Matt Damon to skateboarding legend Tony Hawk,  musicians Jackson Browne and Dave Growl - all are well worth listening to on the next train to work.

4. Mark Kermode and Simon Mayo’s Film Review
This one is a show broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live then topped and tailed to become arguably the best (and maybe longest running) film podcast out there. Mark’s a very well known Critic, who also writes for The Guardian and Simon the popular BBC DJ currently on BBC Radio 2’s drive time show. What more do you need! OK so it’s not a long form interview format, but if you like movies, this is essential listening each week.

5. The Tim Ferris Show
Another long form conversational podcast. Tim is a bestselling author, best known for The 4-Hour Workweek book etc. I came across him as the guys on Barbell Shrugged interviewed him and he mentioned a big interview he just finished with Arnold Schwarzenegger.  That hour long interview with The Running Man himself, is definitely worth checking Tim out for!

CrossFit - I really don't need a steam room.

If you're like me, someone that's been gyming for ages but really starting to get bored. Then it's definitely a time for change. I’ve been feeling that for at least a year!

I've been a member of a quite posh qym for years. You know the type. Cafe, sauna, steam room, about what seems like 50 treadmills and loads of machines etc. Now that sounds quite nice right? Problem is, no one talks. Everyone wears earphones and for the most part, the trainers don't talk to you either unless you're paying more money for a 1-on-1 personal training session. So what happens? You get bored. You cheat on workouts and you don't re-fresh your programme enough; not to mention the poor technique.

On top of all that, I moved to a new area not long ago so I was also looking for a social scene. It's hard to make new friends when you're in your mid-30s. Could a gym also help me? I had heard about outdoor fitness clubs and CrossFit clubs through a friend and also via some health Podcasts I listen to from LA. It seems to be massive there. Maybe that could be worth a try I thought.

I searched online and found Sunbury Performance CrossFit. A small, new business ran by two guys who live this stuff. Their gym is a 'Box' (all CrossFit gyms are called that), and as per the description, it's a simple square-ish room with various racks and things around the outside of it. No steam room. No Jacuzzi, no cafe. Imagine!

Within about 10mins of entering, I was introduced to more members than in 5yrs of the previous gym, all of who were of mixed abilities, ages and experience. The gym sessions run like classes did back in the old days. You meet at a set time. You then warm up together (run, skip, air squats or any number of different exercises). Then it's strength sessions. This takes elements of Olympic Weight Lifting and gymnastics. What does that literally mean? Some squats with a barbell, or cleans etc (check out online). It's all about progression so everyone usually has their own weight levels and never do you feel like your ego gets bruised as the other members are supportive and typically not meat-heads from weights rooms.

Lastly on the session is the WOD (work out of the day). This is normally a 10min intense work out that will kick your ass in a fun way. It could be skipping again, box jumps, burpees, throwing a heavy ball in the air, running, sit ups, press ups or some combination of countless other exercises. Every day is different. That's the key. The coaches support you, correct your technique and your body experiences different, constantly varied exercise routines.

The members are really a small community. In fact the sport is a bit like that. You'll find yourself getting addicted to the t-shirts, trainers and even diet changes they promote. Eating clean is a big topic for members. Sometimes they even run nutrition seminars.

So, I don't get bored anymore. I'm improving quickly in many aspects physically (mobility, strength, aerobic - i even did a handstand; the first time since the 80s!) and you make friends. Why do you need the steam room?

L.