I think science has lots of reasons for hope in the sense that, we know the stuff that we can do to be happier. It’s really just a matter of putting those suggestions into practice.
Laurie Santos
You’ve drained the entire Netflix inventory.
Used up every last Audible credit.
What’s left to consume online?
A whole lot, turns out.
There’s an entire world of meaningful, engaging content at your fingertips, right there on your favorite podcast app.
(And great news: It’s actually good for you!)
Today we’re highlighting 10 podcasts that can give your emotional wellness a boost:
1. The Happiness Lab
You might think you know what makes for a happy life, but Dr. Laurie Santos has found that many of us behave in ways that actually undermine our own happiness. Based on the psychology course she teaches at Yale (the most popular class in the university’s 300-year history) this podcast dives into the latest scientific research and shares surprising and inspiring stories that will change the way you think about happiness.
2. The Hilarious World of Depression
Depression is an incredibly common and isolating disease experienced by millions, yet often stigmatized by society. Veteran humorist and public radio host John Moe hosts this series of frank, moving, and, yes, funny conversations with top comedians who have dealt with depression.
3. Code Switch
Hosted by journalists of color, this podcast “tackles the subject of race head-on, exploring how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, sports and everything in between. This podcast makes ALL OF US part of the conversation — because we’re all part of the story.”
4. Terrible, Thanks for Asking
You know how every day someone asks “how are you?” And even if you’re totally dying inside, you just say “fine,” so everyone can go about their day? This show is the opposite of that. Hosted by author Nora McInerny, this is a funny/sad/uncomfortable podcast about talking honestly about our pain, our awkwardness, and our “humanness”.
5. The Therapy for Black Girls Podcast
Hosted by licensed psychologist, Dr. Joy Bradford, this podcast is “a weekly chat about all things mental health, personal development, and all the small decisions we can make to become the best possible versions of ourselves.”
6. The Mental Illness Happy Hour
On a mission to normalize and de-stigmatize the experiences so many are ashamed to talk about, this podcast features conversations between host Paul Gilmartin and “comedians, artists, friends, and the occasional doctor. Each episode explores mental illness, trauma, addiction and negative thinking.”
7. Your Parenting Mojo
With a focus on “respectful, research-based parenting ideas to help your kids thrive,” this podcast combines host Jen Lumanlan’s personal reflections on her role as a parent with the growing body of scientific literature on child and adolescent development.
8. Where Should We Begin?
Tackling topics like open marriage, racism inside an extended family, coming out in a religious home, and chronic infidelity, this podcast invites you to listen in as therapist Esther Perel counsels real couples through the most intimate, personal, and complicated conflicts that have brought them to her door.
9. en(gender)ed
Featuring host Teri Yuan’s conversations with a variety of guest experts, this podcast features stories that “explore the systems, practices, and policies that enable gender-based violence and oppression and the solutions to end it.”
10. Unlocking Us
“We are hardwired for connection, and connecting requires courage, vulnerability, and conversation.” That’s the guiding premise of this podcast, which features host Brené Brown’s solo reflections and conversations with guests who teach, challenge, confuse, and inspire her.
How about you? Which emotional-wellness -boosting podcasts are you listening to these days?
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