3 Things I Listen To While Working

For years I always plugged into music while working.  However, I find sometimes that music- although wonderful and energizing- can get monotonous and leave me alone with my own thoughts too much (and sometimes I don't want to hear my own thoughts! Let me listen to other thoughts!). It makes me understand why so many of my colleagues listen to things like NPR in the background while they flutter around their studios.

I wanted to share some of my favorite things to listen to while I work. Some of them are very much art-related...some not!

1)  Smart Creative Women

This website was started by Monica Lee in 2011, and serves as a platform for great interviews with artists and industry leaders that are meant to educate and inspire. Watch her talk business and the creative life with big names like Lilla Rogers, Kathy Davis, and Kelly Rae Roberts. You can also find out more about her e-course, Smart Creative Style. 

2)  Serious Jibber-Jabber with Conan O'Brien

I stumbled upon this online interview series featuring the always delightful funny man about six months ago. These one-on-one interviews are actually very centered on the creative process, as Conan talks shop with individuals like Mel Brooks, Jack White, and the old writing team from Coco's days working on The Simpsons. While obviously full of humor, the interviews are also intimate and humble.

3) Star Wars Prequels / Star Trek Movie Reviews by Red Letter Media

In all seriousness, I have lost count of how many times I have listened to these video reviews where fictional character Mr. Plinkett tears apart the Star Wars prequels and Next Gen cast Star Trek movies. What makes them so great is the humor and clever editing that delivers these well-made points to you, whether it's the horrible dialogue written by Lucas or Picard's inconsistent movie persona (and the fact that dune buggies do NOT make sense in space exploration, people). These videos have a huge following and have spurred reviews for other movies like Avatar and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Always good for a laugh!