In the spirit of sheltering at home during the pandemic, EducationQuest staff members have been listening to some great TED Talks and podcasts.  My personal favorites are the ones that help me to be a better employee, and a better person in general; e.g., Elizabeth Gilbert: Your Elusive Creative Genius, Susan Cain: The Power of Introverts, and Thandie Newton: Embracing Otherness, Embracing Myself.

Below are staff picks of their favorites:

• Laurie Scharp (Lincoln) — “Hooked, Hacked, Hijacked: Reclaim Your Brain from Addictive Living” by Dr. Pam Peeke. Peeke is nationally known as the “doc who walks the talk” inspiring through example. Her current research focuses on how addictive behaviors have subtly and often profoundly penetrated daily lifestyle habits.  “When you go epigenetic, when you fill the world with healthy fixes, EVERYTHING is looking up.”
• Amanda Ludwig (Lincoln) –“The Power of Vulnerability” by Brené Brown. Brené studies human connection — our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk at TEDxHouston, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. “Connection is why we’re here.  It’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.  This is what it’s all about.”
• Stacy Seim (Kearney) – “The Good Life Project” by Jonathan Fields, Founder. Weekly in-depth interviews with purpose-driven entrepreneurs, thought-leaders, world-shakers and artists exploring what it means to live a good life. “To succeed at anything worth doing, you must make key shifts in your environment, mindset and community that ‘turn on’ the actions needed for game-changing results.”
• Liz Koop (Lincoln) – “The Power of Your Attitude” by Mel Robbins. Mel has spent the past decade coaching, elevating, and motivating millions of people around the world. Her practical, no-nonsense advice and life strategies provide tangible results and skills to push through the everyday challenges we all face. “There is a selective shift of consciousness right now with human beings in our current quarantined culture.”
• Jeannine Phalen (Omaha) – “The Way I Heard It” podcast by Mike Rowe. All good stories have a twist, and all great storytellers are just a little twisted. Enjoy Mike Rowe’s take on the people and events that you thought you knew — from pop-culture to politics from Hollywood to History. His tag line says it all…Short mysteries for the curious mind with a short attention span.

If you’re unfamiliar with the podcast world, be sure to check out this list as it’s a great start to your podcast journey.  Happy Quarantine Listening!