Within the past couple of years, podcasts have become my go-to way to learn new stuff. I listen to them constantly – in the car, at the gym, while walking, working, or doing chores. I can honestly say I’ve learned more from podcasts than I did during all four years of high school! They’ve broadened my horizons on so many topics – food, mental health, business, relationships, creativity, and more.
Since summer is in full swing and you may be taking time off work – whether to vacation in a faraway land, or just tan on your roof – you may be looking for some awesome pod recs. Below are the five podcasts I can’t get enough of and think you’ll love too.
Although I personally file these under the wellness umbrella, these shows are not necessarily about healthy eating, exercise, or meditation, but they do contribute to what I consider holistic wellbeing on a broader scale. Meaning, they help me approach all aspects of life in a more mindful, balanced, and well-informed way. Hope you love them as much as I do!
Deliciously Ella
As you may know, I’m slightly obsessed with all things Deliciously Ella, and her podcast is simply one of the best I’ve ever heard. Although this brand is dedicated to promoting plant-based diets, the podcast features conversations with a broad spectrum of experts. In just two and a half seasons, they’ve covered everything from sleep and gut health to menstrual cycles and grief.
Must-hear Episodes: Veganism and Climate Change, Nutrition 101 (Calories, Carbs, Fat, Salt & Sugar)
The Life Coach School Podcast
Hosted by life coach extraordinaire Brooke Castillo, this pod is a gold mine of lessons in positive psychology. Since discovering it, it has helped me become more attuned to my thought patterns, understand my anxiety triggers, be more compassionate to myself and others, and start to gain “emotional independence” (one of the podcast’s central themes).
Whether you identify as someone who struggles with mental health or not, the lessons offered in this pod are invaluable for everyone. Seriously, I can’t believe they’re available for free!
Must-hear Episodes: Neutrality of Circumstances, Self-Sabotage, Confirmation Bias
Where Should We Begin?
If you’re in a romantic relationship, have ever been in one, or plan to be in one eventually, you have to listen to this podcast. Hosted by relationship expert and psychotherapist Esther Perel, this pod is unlike anything else out there. Each episode is a recording of an actual therapy session with Esther and an anonymous real-life couple, during which they openly discuss family dynamics, sex, infidelity, expectations, addiction, and so much more.
It’s a window into the parts of other people’s lives we rarely hear about. Listening to this pod (and watching Esther’s TED Talk, and reading her book, Mating In Captivity) has taught me to reevaluate my own expectations about relationships and have more honest conversations with Rene.
Must-hear Episodes: Sexlessness, Motherless Women
TED Radio Hour
This NPR show, hosted by my all-time favorite interviewer Guy Raz, is based on pre-recorded TED Talks. Each episode is a grouping of three or more TED Talks on a certain topic, where Guy interviews the selected TED speakers and then excerpts their Talks. This show also covers a broad range of topics and you’re bound to learn something new from each episode. This pod is one Rene and I like to listen to together – mostly during long car rides – and it always launches us into the most fun conversations.
Must-hear Episodes: Hidden Potential, Maslow’s Human Needs
Akimbo
This gem is hosted by best-selling author, entrepreneur, and direct marketing guru, Seth Godin. This may seem like a business-y pod at first (usually not my thing…), but it’s way more than that. Seth decodes business concepts, marketing principles, the creative process, and so much more, in the most succinct, eloquent, and “Holy sh*t, why didn’t I think of that?” way.
Must-hear Episodes: No Such Thing as Writer’s Block, Don’t Fear Placebos
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