Over the past 20 years, podcasts have emerged as an increasingly popular form of digital episodic entertainment, using a format that provides a platform for sharing ideas, expertise, and stories with a global audience.
With shows covering practically every genre and subject matter imaginable, podcasts are particularly well suited for people with busy lives, and perfect for those times when you aren’t in the mood to listen to music or an audiobook. And considering there are more than 5 million podcasts currently in existence, there’s quite literally something for everyone.
Podcasts can also be a great source of life advice, so we’ve gathered some of our favorite pieces of wisdom from fan-favorite shows. And if you’re looking for something new to listen to on your daily commute, while doing chores, or to help you unwind after a hectic day, we suggest checking out any of the podcasts mentioned below.
People are more motivated to improve themselves if they practice self-compassion — that is, being kind and encouraging towards yourself.Rachel Turow in conversation with Dr. Laurie Santos, “The Happiness Lab”
Based on the psychology course she teaches at Yale, The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos features Dr. Santos’ interviews with experts who share the latest scientific research on happiness, offering insights that can change how we approach being happy. Her guest in this episode, psychology professor Rachel Turow, encourages listeners to practice “self-compassion exercises” each day.
The inner child concept is really an invitation for you to just simply reflect on your childhood and nurture yourself so that you can realize, actually, “I’m safe in my body and I’m not my 5-year-old self anymore.”Minaa B. in conversation with Jonathan Fields, “Good Life Project”
What does it mean to live a fulfilling, purposeful, good life? That’s the question at the heart of every episode of Good Life Project, which features podcaster Jonathan Fields in conversation with a diverse range of guests. In this particular conversation, social worker Minaa B. points out that “your childhood [doesn’t get] erased the moment you step into adulthood,” and she delves into what that means for each of us.
If you don’t feel understood by your friends, you will feel alone. If you don’t feel you understand yourself, you will feel lonely. So solitude is a space you create to take the time to get to know yourself.Jay Shetty, “On Purpose with Jay Shetty”
In On Purpose with Jay Shetty, the author and former monk discusses life, health, relationships, and happiness with a variety of interesting, insightful guests. In this episode, Shetty breaks down a number of ways to improve our communication skills and increase our understanding of others — and ourselves.
You think of regret as being a negative emotion, but negative emotions actually have a very important role to play in a happy life. Often, they’re a big flashing sign that something isn’t right, and because they’re unpleasant, they can sometimes help us take action.Gretchen Rubin, “Happier with Gretchen Rubin”
Hosted by Gretchen Rubin, the author of The Happiness Project, and her sister, Hollywood showrunner Elizabeth Craft, Happier with Gretchen Rubin offers tips and advice on building good habits and creating a happier life. Rubin and Craft use this episode to discuss the unexpected benefits of regret.
The goal isn’t to be fearless. The goal is to learn to fear less.Tim Ferriss, “Fear{less} with Tim Ferriss”
In his podcast, author and entrepreneur Tim Ferriss interviews successful professionals from a variety of disciplines, including business, sports, investing, and the arts, seeking to uncover tips and strategies for overcoming fear that listeners can implement in their own lives. As Ferriss notes in the show’s intro, eradicating fear entirely is unrealistic, but we can work to prevent it from dominating our lives.
Rest should be part of the simple rhythm of our day and of our week and of our year, in different ways.Katherine May in conversation with Krista Tippett, “On Being with Krista Tippett”
The goal of On Being with Krista Tippett is “to make goodness and complexity riveting.” In each installment, Krista Tippett explores what it means to be human in thoughtful, inspiring conversations with a range of guests. This quote comes from Tippett’s conversation with Katherine May, who discusses the themes of her bestselling book Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times.
Radical self-love is an internal journey that impacts our external reality.Sonya Renee Taylor in conversation with Brené Brown, “Unlocking Us”
In Unlocking Us, researcher and author Brené Brown explores the spectrum of human emotions and experiences through personal stories and compelling interviews. In this episode, she talks about body shame with Sonya Renee Taylor, author of The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love.
Seeking out laughter is one of the most healing acts of love we can give ourselves.Cheryl Strayed in conversation with Glennon Doyle, Amanda Doyle, and Abby Wambach, “We Can Do Hard Things”
We’re all going through hard things — and Glennon Doyle wants us to know we’re not alone. On her podcast, Doyle, along with her wife, Abby Wambach, and her sister, Amanda Doyle, tackle the hard topics and talk honestly about how to face life’s challenges. In this episode, the hosts speak with Cheryl Strayed, author of the New York Times bestseller Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail (which was turned into an Oscar-nominated film starring Reese Witherspoon).
I think it’s important to just feel whatever you feel. We spend so much time trying to talk people out of their feelings.Roxane Gay in conversation with Jameela Jamil, “I Weigh”
I Weigh is a podcast committed to radical inclusivity. In each installment, actress Jameela Jamil speaks with guests about a variety of mental health topics, with the goal of breaking down stereotypes and challenging societal norms. In this conversation, Jamil and Bad Feminist author Roxane Gay discuss everything from weight-loss surgery to keeping love alive during a pandemic.
Knowing how to talk to people isn’t simply for the sake of starting conversation or fighting through the awkwardness of small talk. The point is to ultimately reach a deeper understanding of the people around us.Rebecca Rashid, “How to Talk to People”
On The Atlantic’s podcast How to Talk to People, host Julie Beck and producer Rebecca Rashid explore the challenges involved in forging connections, building relationships, and combating loneliness. In this episode, the pair talk to writer and activist Mia Birdsong about the origins of the American struggle to build community.
Featured image credit: Tempura/ E+ via Getty Images
