Confession: I haven’t been a Podcast listener for long. I’m not much of a multi-tasker, so the idea of following along with a conversation while trying desperately not to burn dinner sounded like too much for me.

But then.

Ken and I have fallen into this odd little child-rearing rhythm as of late where I’ll wake up at 2am just as he’s going to bed. He shakes me from sleep twice, three times, (OK four) and I shuffle my feet out to the dining room to sneak in some writing between Scout’s feedings and before Bee wakes up for the day. Once Bee’s awake, it’s breakfast-making, tower-building, Wild Kratts-watching, baby-rocking, reading, coloring, bottle-warming, general mayhem before Chinese lessons or a playdate.

Until noon, of course.

Noon is Magic Sauna Hour. Have we talked about this, the sauna? Years ago, during our HGTV.com show, Ken turned a spare closet into a cedar sauna. Truth be told, I fought the whole idea when Ken brought it up. Who needs a sauna in their house? It’s unnecessary! Frivolous! You’ll never use it!

I was right: he almost never uses it.

(I do.)

—

It works like this: noon is the great reset of the day. Ken takes over with the littles while I heat the sauna, have a shower, turn on a a podcast and talk to no one for the duration of the hour. It is the single greatest boost in my day, and after Magic Sauna Hour, I’m fully restored and good for another 100,000 miles.

So, here’s what I’m getting at: if you don’t have a spare closet you can transform into a cedar sauna, a podcast break in a quiet room with a cheap face mask is potentially the next best thing.

Here are six I’m loving:

1. The Liturgists
   Faith meets science meets art, in all its complexities. What I love about this one in particular is that it’s an invitation to freely wrestle with questions, doubts and contradictions that have long shaped our very perception of what it means to live in this world.
   Perfect for: A day when you’re in a particularly deep or inquisitive mood.
   Start with: The Bible, Advocacy
2. At Home
   A group of 6 Christian homeschooling mothers talk through issues like comparison, learning difficulties, marriage and feminism. Each woman offers a different point of view within a similar perspective, all offering practical strategies for a home full of joy, faith and love.
   Perfect for: A day when you need a lighthearted, encouraging boost from fellow mothers.
   Start with: Discussion Without Offense
3. Invisibilia
   Invisibilia blends everyday stories with exploratory research in the fields of psychology, habits and the deeply-entrenched roots of our most human behaviors.
   Perfect for: A day when you’re curious why it is we do the thing we do – and how we can potentially do them better.
   Start With: Flip the Script, The Secret Emotional Life of Clothes
4. Good Life Project
   Jonathan Fields examines what it means to live a good life through a series of guests, thoughts and perspective shifts.
   Perfect for: A day you need to be reminded of your own power.
   Start With: Annoyed or Blessed
5. Edit Your Life Show
   Asha Dornfest and Christine Koh offer that rare blend of practical inspiration for families seeking to simplify their lives in a manageable way. Ever-encouraging (and never preachy), they’re the real deal both online and off.
   Perfect for: A day when you’re feeling stuck in a rut and in need of a new and realistic action plan.
   Start With: At-Home Date Night Ideas, Parenting Do-Overs
6. Coffee + Crumbs
   Cheerful and warm, the Coffee+Crumbs team highlights ordinary moms with extraordinary stories.
   Perfect for: A day when you could use some motherhood camaraderie.
   Start With: The Lucky Few

Tell me, what are your go-to podcasts for a mid-day pick-me-up? I’d love to hear!

p.s. I didn’t include The Simple Show because I’m a co-host, but Tsh’s podcast is definitely worth a listen!