I’m all about exploring a variety of avenues when it comes to advice and entertainment. Of course, Hellobee is my favorite place for baby related info, but there are other sources I check in with on a regular basis. One option I really enjoy are podcasts.

Podcasts are like a radio talk show, but they’re broadcast over the Internet. Podcasts allow anyone with a microphone and a computer to produce their own show. This is a plus, because all podcast are FREE, but also means you may have to wade through some amateurish content to find the good stuff. I put podcasts on my iPhone and listen to them when I’m doing boring chores like cleaning the bathroom or making dinner – I feel like I’m accomplishing two things at once!

Like blogs, podcasts also take advantage of RSS. RSS allows you to subscribe to a content provider, so new episodes from different sources are automatically aggregated in one easy to navigate location. To take advantage of RSS on your mobile device, you need a feed reader  – there are TONS of apps out there that collect and organize podcasts – here’s a good list. Side note: iTunes also works well for podcasts subscriptions, but you’d have to manually sync your phone to get the content if you didn’t want to listen on your computer. If subscribing sounds too complicated, or you don’t want to bother with an app, you can just search for podcasts in iTunes, and download individual episodes to your mobile device or computer.

Here are some of my favorite baby and parenting podcasts:

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Trying To Conceive

Redefining Fertility – RSS Feed Link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/win_rfs

Produced by Sue Dumais, this podcast series takes an alternative approach to fertility and conception. Sue covers topics like nutrition and stress, but addresses them from a perspective befitting her background in fitness and yoga. Each podcast ends with a task for the listener to accomplish before the next segment, which is great if you’re feeling frustrated with the TTC process and looking for concrete things to work on. For example, at the conclusion of the first segment on stress, she asks listeners to make a list during the next week of everything that triggers a personal stress reaction. Sue’s voice is soothing and calm, and she definitely sounds like a yoga teacher. New content: The most recent episode was released in January, but there are 40+ old episodes worth going back to.

Pregnancy

The Healthy Belly Podcast – RSS Feed Link: http://www.thehealthybelly.com/podcast.xml

Each episode is devoted to a week of pregnancy, so these are most pertinent when you’re actually in that week. The episode always starts with an update on the baby’s development and any symptoms the mother might be experiencing. This segment is usually read from a prepared script, so although the information is good, it sometimes lacks a feeling of interactivity. Episodes might also include interviews and tips – for example, one features an interview with Dr. Sears on selecting a pediatrician. New content: This was a series specifically designed to last forty episodes – one for each week of pregnancy. You won’t see “new” episodes show up in your reader, so you’ll have to download old episodes.

PregTASTIC – RSS Feed Link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/pregtasticpregnancypodcast

This is a fantastic podcast series (thanks @lemondrop for the tip!) hosted by pregnant women. Most times the episode features a panel of ladies discussing a topic, for example, the ten biggest fears about labor, so it has a feel similar to The View. It’s professionally produced, and super entertaining. I’m also digging their series on real birth stories. New content: I haven’t seen new content added since March of this year, but it’s totally worth it to go back and listen to all the old episodes. Edit: Via @drealeah: The reason there’s no new content is because they changed companies – now they go by NewMommyMedia.com with three separate sites you can access through here: http://www.newmommymedia.com/our-shows/

Parenting

Parenting Unplugged – RSS Feed Link: It’s weird  – you need to subscribe via their website

Produced by mom and dad duo, Laura and Todd Mansfield, this podcast is super professional. Laura works with nonprofits and Todd is a former radio broadcaster. Their podcasts cover a vast range of topics: recent episodes run the gamut from info on gluten-free diets to how to be your own advocate when your kid winds up in the hospital. New content: produced every week, the most recent episode dates to August 1st.

Family Anatomy – RSS Feed Link: http://feeds.feedburner.com/familyanatomy

Hosted by two licensed psychologists with a great banter, these episodes cover a wide range of topics. Recent episodes include segments on attachment parenting, summer camp, cliques, and “marriage killers.” Their information is both entertaining and research based, and delivered from the perspective of fathers and husbands. This podcast has become one of my “must listens.” New content: released about twice a month, the most recent episode dates to the end of July – it’s worth going back to download older episodes.

How to Grow Your Geek – RSS Feed Link: http://www.howtogrowyourgeek.net/feed/podcast/

I consider myself a geek in many ways, so this parenting series hits home for me. The main commentator, Susie the (Southern) Geek, is a SAHM with degrees in clinical psychology. She covers geeky parenting concepts and provides tips of raising a geeky kid of your own. Recent episodes I’ve listened to include an introduction to finding book recommendations for your kids on GoodReads and tips for viewing Venus’ transit across the sun. New content: episodes show up a couple times a month, with one recently released at the end of July.

Do you listen to podcasts for parenting and pregnancy information? Any fantastic ones I missed?