Lend an ear to finding hope in hard times: Podcasts you can listen to for mental wellbeing

A common conversation starter today is asking friends what podcasts they listen to. Joggers in the park, commuters in a bus, people waiting at the doctor’s clinic—all seem to have one thing in common now; they all listen to podcasts. A digital audio programme that can cover a wide range of topics, podcasts are easy to listen to just about anywhere.

Today, podcasts have become a popular way for people to learn, relax and be entertained. The best part is we can be doing anything while listening to a podcast; we can be doing our household chores or supervising a task. It’s amazing how accessible these conversations with celebrities, doctors and world leaders have become.

Podcasts offer insight into everything from personal stories to professional advice. As Dr Terri Bacow, a CBT psychologist based in New York, explains, “We are all painfully busy and listening to podcasts is a wonderful way to receive support in an efficient and effective way.”

Even in a subject as complex as emotional and mental wellbeing, there are several podcasts where mental health experts, psychologists and life coaches share tips on managing stress, overcoming anxiety and coping with depression. Listening to these podcasts can feel like having a conversation with a friend who is providing us with insight on how to navigate tough times. In a fast-paced world where it’s hard to find time for self-care, such podcasts offer a convenient way to engage with mental health support while on the go.

So, join us as we explore some really good podcasts that can help us improve our mental wellbeing.

The Mental Illness Happy Hour

Many of us go through tough times and struggle without guidance or direction. And we might feel like we’re the only ones going through such challenges. However, the truth is that we’re not alone in dealing with such crises. There are many others who share similar experiences in life. The Mental Illness Happy Hour, hosted by comedian Paul Gilmartin, is a podcast that discusses mental health struggles like depression, anxiety and addiction openly. Gilmartin invites guests to share their personal experiences with mental illness and the interaction is candid and often includes humour, making tough topics feel lighter. This podcast aims to reduce the stigma around mental illness and reminds us that seeking help isn’t a weakness. Most importantly, it helps listeners understand that they’re not alone in their struggles.

The Hilarious World of Depression

Talking about depression doesn’t always have to be serious. Sometimes adding a little humour can make a big difference in how we cope with it. The Hilarious World of Depression is a podcast that takes a unique approach by adding humour to honest conversations about mental health. Hosted by comedian John Moe, the show explores the realities of living with depression, but in a way that’s not too heavy. Moe interviews comedians and other guests who share their personal struggles with mental illness. The podcast aims to show that it’s okay to laugh about something that can feel painful and in doing so, makes it easier for us to face tough emotions with a lighter heart.

The Happiness Lab with Dr Laurie Santos

At times, we all feel like talking to a professional therapist to be able to manage our emotions or deal with anxiety, stress or depression better. But with busy schedules and reasons both big and small, seeing a therapist isn’t always an option. That’s where podcasts like The Happiness Lab come in. This podcast offers insights and strategies that teach us how to improve our mental wellbeing. The Happiness Lab is hosted by Dr Laurie Santos, a professor of psychology at Yale University. Dr Santos offers practical exercises to help listeners improve their mental health. In a nutshell, she teaches the science of being happy.