Podcasts are a powerful way to learn, reflect, and find support on your mental health journey. Whether you’re looking for expert advice, stories of resilience, or mindfulness exercises to reduce stress, the right podcast can provide the motivation and tools you need. Here are 8 essential mental health podcasts to add to your playlist today.
1️⃣ The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos 😊
What It’s About:
Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos explores the science of happiness, sharing evidence-based tips on how to live a more joyful and fulfilling life. The podcast dispels common myths about what makes us happy and offers practical advice you can implement right away.
Why You Should Listen:
- Combines science and storytelling in an easy-to-digest format.
- Features interviews with leading experts in psychology and happiness research.
- Covers topics like gratitude, social connection, and the pitfalls of materialism.
Notable Episode: 🎧 “You Can’t Change Your Personality… or Can You?” explores how small habit shifts can reshape your mindset and long-term happiness.
MHM Tip: 📚 Take Notes: Keep a journal to track and apply the happiness strategies shared in each episode.
2️⃣ Therapy Chat with Laura Reagan 🛋️
What It’s About:
Hosted by trauma therapist Laura Reagan, this podcast delves deep into emotional healing, self-compassion, and trauma recovery. Laura offers compassionate insights for those dealing with anxiety, depression, or trauma, alongside guest experts who provide additional perspectives.
Why You Should Listen:
- Focuses on trauma-informed care, emotional healing, and mental resilience.
- Provides practical tips for self-care, boundary-setting, and overcoming self-doubt.
- Accessible for both individuals seeking healing and mental health professionals.
Notable Episode: 🎧 “How to Set Boundaries with Compassion” teaches listeners how to protect their mental health while maintaining healthy relationships.
MHM Tip: 🧘 Reflect After Listening: Use guided prompts from each episode to practice self-reflection and emotional regulation.
3️⃣ The Mindful Kind with Rachael Kable 🧘
What It’s About:
This calming podcast by Rachael Kable focuses on mindfulness techniques for everyday life. Episodes are short and packed with actionable tips to help you cultivate peace, reduce stress, and develop a stronger mind-body connection.
Why You Should Listen:
- Perfect for quick mental resets during a busy day.
- Focuses on realistic, small mindfulness practices you can easily incorporate.
- Includes guided meditations to help ground yourself.
Notable Episode: 🎧 “Simple Ways to Be Present in Your Daily Life” outlines small shifts in attention that lead to greater inner peace.
MHM Tip: 🌿 Create a Routine: Schedule 5-10 minutes each day to practice mindfulness exercises inspired by the podcast.
4️⃣ Unlocking Us with Brené Brown 🔓
What It’s About:
Best-selling author and researcher Brené Brown explores vulnerability, courage, empathy, and leadership in conversations with thought leaders, celebrities, and everyday people. This podcast inspires listeners to embrace their authentic selves while fostering deeper connections with others.
Why You Should Listen:
- Brené’s powerful storytelling and insights resonate on a deeply personal level.
- Tackles complex topics like shame, resilience, and emotional intelligence.
- Features high-profile guests with raw, candid discussions about mental well-being.
Notable Episode: 🎧 “The Power of Vulnerability” explores why being open and vulnerable is essential to emotional growth and strong relationships.
MHM Tip: 🤗 Share With Others: Listen with a friend or family member to spark deep, meaningful conversations.
5️⃣ Feel Better, Live More with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee 💪
What It’s About:
Dr. Rangan Chatterjee dives into holistic health, combining physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The podcast features a wide variety of topics, including sleep, nutrition, stress reduction, and self-improvement strategies to help you lead a healthier, happier life.
Why You Should Listen:
- Integrates science-backed advice for both physical and mental health.
- Offers long-term strategies to prevent burnout and build resilience.
- Interviews with top experts across health, psychology, and productivity.
Notable Episode: 🎧 “The Science of Sleep” reveals how improving sleep quality can drastically boost mental and emotional wellness.
MHM Tip: 💤 Try One Change: Implement one piece of advice from each episode, like improving sleep hygiene or creating a stress-reducing routine.
6️⃣ No Stupid Questions with Stephen Dubner & Angela Duckworth 🤔
What It’s About:
Hosted by “Freakonomics” creator Stephen Dubner and psychologist Angela Duckworth, this podcast explores big questions about human behavior, emotions, and decision-making. The duo uses humor and science to dive deep into why we think, feel, and act the way we do.
Why You Should Listen:
- Offers an engaging mix of psychology, humor, and practical advice.
- Answers curious, thought-provoking questions like, “Why do we procrastinate?”
- Breaks down complex concepts into relatable and entertaining discussions.
Notable Episode: 🎧 “Can Anxiety Ever Be Good?” looks at how anxiety, when managed correctly, can motivate personal growth and productivity.
MHM Tip: 🧠 Stay Curious: Use this podcast to spark your curiosity about your own thoughts and habits, leading to greater self-awareness.
7️⃣ The Mental Illness Happy Hour with Paul Gilmartin 🎙️
What It’s About:
Comedian Paul Gilmartin hosts a raw, unfiltered podcast that tackles mental health, trauma, and addiction through deeply personal interviews. Guests include mental health experts, as well as individuals sharing their stories of struggle and recovery.
Why You Should Listen:
- Offers a safe space to hear real, unfiltered mental health stories.
- Combines empathy and humor to address difficult topics.
- Encourages listeners to feel less alone in their mental health journey.
Notable Episode: 🎧 “Childhood Trauma and How It Shapes Us” examines how early experiences influence our mental health and relationships in adulthood.
MHM Tip: 🛋️ Listen With Care: Some episodes cover heavy topics, so take breaks if needed to process what you’ve heard.
8️⃣ The Calm Collective 🧘
What It’s About:
This soothing podcast by Cassandra Eldridge focuses on mindfulness, grief, healing, and self-discovery. It offers comforting conversations about navigating life’s uncertainties with grace and awareness.
Why You Should Listen:
- Provides calming content perfect for relaxation or reflection.
- Covers personal development topics like self-compassion, simplicity, and inner peace.
- Encourages mindful practices to cope with grief and emotional challenges.
Notable Episode: 🎧 “The Power of Surrendering Control” explores how letting go of rigid expectations can lead to greater mental clarity and peace.
MHM Tip: 🌸 Pair With Meditation: Use this podcast as a starting point for a mindful meditation practice to deepen your sense of calm.
Podcasts offer a powerful way to engage with mental health topics in a deeply personal and accessible format. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical strategies, or emotional support, these podcasts provide a wealth of knowledge and comfort. Add them to your playlist and take small, meaningful steps toward mental well-being—one episode at a time. 🎧✨
