Highly Recommend Link Copied 11.18.24

25 Podcasts That Feel Like Self-Care

Some are silly, some are serious, and all pair well with a good mental health walk. ByCarolyn Todd

Apple Podcasts / Wondermind

Your podcast feed is what you make it: It can be a fountain of knowledge and learning, a steady drip of harrowing news (and stress), or an endless supply of entertaining brain candy. For many of us, our podcasts have become something unexpected and quite special: A treasured source of self-care. (Not to mention, a delightfully low-effort one: Just pop in your earbuds and feel good about taking care of yourself.)

Podcasts can fit into your self-care routine in all kinds of ways. Shows hosted by licensed psychologists, for instance, can give you trustworthy mental health insights or support the work you do in therapy sessions. “With the concepts that we learn in therapy, it can be really helpful to hear real-life stories and examples, or hear them fleshed out in long-form,” says Akua K. Boateng, PhD, an individual and couples therapist and therapeutic coach based in Philadelphia. 

There are also tons of shows that dip into the wellness space—where you can learn about meditation, connect to your spiritual side, or get practical tips for taking better care of your mind and body. 

And then there are all the pods that seem to have nothing to do with self-care (from obscure history to pop culture), but they’re so fascinating, funny, or moving that just listening to an episode feels like a potent little dose of self–care. Need a good laugh? A healthy escape? A mood boost? You can nerd out on a niche deep dive, get lost in someone’s inspiring life story, or pretend you’re hanging out with your extremely witty and well-spoken friends. 

If you feel like your podcast feed could use a refresh, you’re in luck. We asked a bunch of people (including some mental health experts) for their top self-care podcast recommendations, from the serious to the silly. Get ready to download a healthy dose of self-care.

1. Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel

“This is the chief podcast that I typically recommend to couples. Esther Perel is a powerhouse and an excellent communicator. She has great insights into how our individual life experiences impact our relationships—and how our relationships can be a form of caring for our inner selves. Relationships can really be a form of healing and maturation for us. And so although this podcast is not directly self-care-heavy, it is systemically self-care-heavy. Because if we are able to find growth and healing in our relationships, that's the ultimate self-care.” —Akua K. Boateng, PhD, an individual and couples therapist and therapeutic coach based in Philadelphia

2. Normal Gossip

“As far as podcasts that bring some joy to my day, Normal Gossip actually makes me laugh out loud. It dives into strange, funny, everyday gossip about people you don't know and will never meet. The true stories are stranger than fiction, which is what I really like about it. There are some wild things you can’t even imagine happening to you, but there’s enough reality in the stories to make them relatable. And the banter between the hosts is really engaging, like listening to gossip between your friends. It’s a nice little escape. I love listening to it when I’m going on a walk, driving, or making lunch.” —Megan F., 33

3. Re:Thinking with Adam Grant

“This one provides such a refreshing take on various topics in psychology. It covers a breadth of interesting aspects of life and allows me to nerd out. I really do like psychology, and I’m fascinated by many different aspects of the field—from navigating relationships to managing burnout. So educating myself is a form of self-care. Often the guests are famous individuals or celebrities and it’s always exciting to hear their take.” —Terri Bacow, PhD, a therapist based in New York City

4. It’s OK That You’re Not OK with Megan Devine

“Megan Devine is a therapist who's written a book on grief and experienced it firsthand herself. She talks about a lot of different mental health topics—like anger, friendship, boundaries, complex PTSD, and self-care—in a thoughtful way that makes you want to hear more. She comes at everything from her background in grief, but she also has deep conversations with people who have expertise in the particular area she’s talking about.” —Jessi Gold, MD, psychiatrist, Chief Wellness Officer of the University of Tennessee System, and author of How Do You Feel?

5. No Stupid Questions

“Self-care can sometimes mean feeding your curiosity, and No Stupid Questions does just that! Hosted by research psychologist Angela Duckworth (author of Grit) and executive Mike Maughan, this podcast explores the questions we’ve all pondered—like, when do you really become an adult, and are ultimatums ever effective? They tackle these topics in a fun, evidence-based way, using social psychology research to help us better understand ourselves and others.” —Miriam Kirmayer, PhD, a clinical psychologist and friendship expert based in Montreal

6. 10% Happier with Dan Harris

“I’ve learned a ton about mindfulness and meditation from this podcast—like some of the Buddhist traditions and ideas where these practices come from, and some of the neuroscience behind how they work. The host, Dan Harris, is a really good interviewer—he was a journalist before pivoting to the meditation world—and he does a good job of staying curious and being really human in the conversations. His guests are a good mix of meditation teachers, celebrities, psychologists, and researchers. And I love how he ties all the meditation stuff into how it can actually help you feel better in your daily life—like handling your emotions better, or navigating difficult relationships, or changing your habits.” —Brittany R., 27

7. Therapy for Black Girls

“One of the podcasts that I find to be helpful for the population that I work with is Therapy for Black Girls. Dr. Joy is absolutely amazing. Her voice is super-calming. She talks about everyday experiences that Black women and girls might experience. However, it’s also really helpful for the broad scope of women to learn how to process their own emotions and to sit in healing, and what that actually looks like.” —Akua K. Boateng, PhD, an individual and couples therapist and therapeutic coach based in Philadelphia

8. Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend

“Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend literally never fails to put me in a better mood. Conan is obviously well-loved, so he snags some fantastic guests. The mood of his interviews is always light, warm-hearted, and hilarious. The bit-filled banter between him and his co-hosts, Sona and Matt, has me laughing out loud while shopping for groceries on the reg. Don’t sleep on this pod, it will make your day!” —Eli T., 31

9. Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting

“This podcast is great for stressed-out moms who are interested in parenting tips and advice. As a mom myself, I really enjoy hearing from other moms and experts in the field who can ‘tell it like it is’ and provide evidence-based strategies for surviving parenthood. Hearing about various experiences other moms have had is stress relieving and a form of self-care for me as I learn so much and have my feelings and fears validated. Dr. Damour is brilliant and articulate, and I religiously follow her work.” —Terri Bacow, PhD, a therapist based in New York City

10. Song Exploder

“This is a podcast for music nerds like myself. Hrishikesh Hirway dissects hit songs to discuss their meaning and how they were recorded, and talks with the artists about their experience with the song. Listening to it helps me step out of the hassles of life and appreciate the musical genius of some of my favorite artists.” —Ryan Howes, PhD, a clinical psychologist based in Pasadena, California

11. The SelfWork Podcast with Dr. Margaret Rutherford

“Listening to this podcast is like enjoying a warm cup of tea with a wise, warm-hearted aunt. I first tuned into SelfWork during a low point in my life. Dr. Rutherford covers a range of topics related to self-awareness and self-care. Her insights have helped me realize some of my self-destructive habits, take responsibility for my self-care, and improve my ability to cope with anxiety, depression, and day-to-day life. Thanks to SelfWork, I’ve cultivated a deeper acceptance of myself and learned to love myself with greater intention and thoughtfulness.” —Hope H., 34

12. The Contemplative Science Podcast

“Blending psychology and mindfulness, this podcast, hosted by philosopher and cognitive scientist Mark Miller, PhD, explores the intersection of science and spirituality. Each episode features enlightening discussions with guests—from neuroscientists to monks—about how contemplative practices can enhance mental health and well-being. Miller’s thoughtful insights and engaging interviews provide listeners with practical tools for cultivating mindfulness and emotional resilience.” —Anna Yusim, MD, a psychiatrist, executive coach, and clinical assistant professor at Yale Medical School

13. The Rich Roll Podcast

“This entertaining podcast about wellness is so inspiring and empowering. The guests have fascinating things to share and truly interesting perspectives. They’re extremely well-versed in various topics related to self-development and self-care, whether it’s succeeding at business or the way that movement changes the brain. I've learned a lot of information that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I find that listening gives me good ideas and provides a good ‘escape’ from my daily routine.” —Terri Bacow, PhD, a therapist based in New York City

14. Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

“The podcast is really about hearing ‘older’ and ‘wiser’ women’s stories and recognizing how much we can learn from them. What wisdom can you get from people who've already been through it? What from their lived experiences can you apply moving forward in your life? She has a lot of celebrity guests on, and she asks really good questions about what they felt made them successful, or what they’ve loved about their life. It feels kind of like Tuesdays with Morrie, but funnier.” —Jessi Gold, MD, psychiatrist, Chief Wellness Officer of the University of Tennessee System, and author of How Do You Feel?

15. Stuff You Should Know

“The night I first listened to Stuff You Should Know, I was going through serious alcohol withdrawal after a few years of daily drinking, plus untreated depression and anxiety. I’ve been sober for six years now, and I still rely on this podcast for times when my brain just won’t slow down. When I’m listening, I can get outside of my own head and feel as if I’m hanging out with the hosts, Josh and Chuck, while they exchange dad jokes and dive into a variety of topics—from ‘How Soil Works’ to ‘How Money Laundering Works.’ I’m able to both shift my focus away from whatever is on my mind, and learn some interesting facts along the way.” —Carolyn S., 28

16. The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

“I work with a lot of folks who are ambitious. Diary of a CEO offers a lot of insight into how these types of people are overcoming challenges, as well as how they're using that in their everyday service. Sometimes we may not see the intersection of ambition and emotional wellness—meaning, How can I be an ambitious person and, at the same time, have a good sense of emotional wellness in my life? It is possible, and I think Diary of a CEO does a great job exploring that. It is really emotional, candid, and poignant.” —Akua K. Boateng, PhD, an individual and couples therapist and therapeutic coach based in Philadelphia

17. Good Inside with Dr. Becky

“If you're a parent, Dr. Becky Kennedy probably needs no introduction. On Good Inside, she’s not just helping a new generation of parents raise emotionally healthy children—she’s encouraging all of us to strengthen our self-understanding and self-compassion, which is especially helpful for those of us who feel things deeply. It’s a comforting and insightful listen, whether you’re raising kids now or happen to be one once upon a time.” —Miriam Kirmayer, PhD, a clinical psychologist and friendship expert based in Montreal

18. Office Ladies

“I am a huge television geek—watching TV, for me, is a balm and an escape. One of my favorite things to do is to read recaps after watching certain shows, and this podcast takes a deep dive into one of my all-time favorites: The Office. Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey have an amazing rapport and each episode is a joy to listen to. Entertainment is a major form of self-care for me, and I love getting lost in the nitty-gritty details of how shows get made and the ‘behind the scenes’ intel that I didn't know about the cast and characters.” —Terri Bacow, PhD, a therapist based in New York City

19. Dear Therapists with Lori Gottlieb and Guy Winch

“This is hosted by two therapists and advice columnists who do real therapy sessions with people in each episode. It covers a lot of experiences in the relationship space and really makes mental health relatable. I find that folks who are able to translate some of these heavy psychological concepts into everyday experiences are the ones that people gravitate to and are really finding help in.” —Akua Boateng, PhD, an individual and couples therapist and therapeutic coach based in Philadelphia

20. Hey Riddle Riddle

“This is probably my most listened-to podcast—I must have listened to the whole show a dozen times or more. It has never, ever failed to bring a smile to my face, if not make me actually laugh out loud. Starring three improv comedians who met on the Chicago comedy scene, HRR presents itself as the hosts attempting to solve riddles, puzzles, and lateral thinking problems—and they do some of that. But there’s also a lot of hilarity—jokes, bits, impressions, scenes. And the hosts aren't afraid to talk about their own lives and struggles either. No matter how bad things have been or how down I feel, I can always put on an episode, smile, and get a little reminder that other people are going through the same things as me, and that it's OK to laugh. I put it on to escape, to relax, to pick myself up—and I always feel better afterwards.” —Stephen E., 43

21. Astrology of the Week Ahead with Chani Nicholas 

“This podcast is a short and sweet forecast for the week where Chani explains what’s happening in the sky and how it might impact you on a personal or collective level. I’ve started making it a weekly ritual to listen to this while I shower and get ready every Monday morning, which is a great little self-care moment and soothing pep-talk before diving into my week.” —Casey Gueren, VP, Head of Content at Wondermind

22. We Can Do Hard Things

“Writer Glennon Doyle's empowering podcast is a celebration of vulnerability and resilience. Through heartfelt conversations with guests ranging from celebrities to everyday heroes, Doyle inspires listeners to embrace their challenges and pursue their authentic selves. The warmth and authenticity of the discussions create a comforting space for self-exploration and personal growth. Listening to this podcast feels like an uplifting hug for the soul.” —Anna Yusim, MD, a psychiatrist, executive coach, and clinical assistant professor at Yale Medical School

23. The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

“The Happiness Lab first caught my attention thanks to Dr. Santos’ course The Science of Well-Being, which went viral during her time at Yale University and is now freely available online. The Happiness Lab offers evidence-based strategies and practical advice designed to enhance happiness in everyday life. While not every tip may resonate with everyone—it's a journey to discover what works for you—the process is rewarding and often enjoyable. Personally, I’ve gained a profound perspective about the mysteries of the mind from this podcast, and I’ve become a lot more receptive to trying new tools to generate more joy in my daily life.” —Hope H., 34

24. Hidden Brain

“Science journalist Shankar Vedantam will talk to researchers in psychology or neuroscience or whatnot, and have them tell the story that their research tells. Rather than carving it into little soundbites saying ‘This is bad’ and ‘That's good,’ he lets his guests explain the fascinating nuances and subtleties in the research. So it's really science-driven—it's not pop psychology. But it's also very accessible, and he comes to concrete conclusions that you can take away for everyday life. Vedantam carries the conversation along beautifully, and his voice is very soothing. I love listening to this on long drives, on flights, and on the treadmill. The hour goes quickly for me.” —Cheryl Chase, PhD, a clinical psychologist and speaker based in Independence, Ohio

25. Tarot for the Wild Soul with Lindsay Mack 

“This podcast is basically Tarot 101 for people interested in that practice, but the host Lindsay Mack also does a month ahead episode, called Monthly Medicine, for the listeners. It's kind of like a horoscope reading for the month—but with tarot cards. In these episodes, she sums up the vibes of the upcoming month. She also pulls cards for advice on how to mentally and emotionally handle all that. She's not a therapist, but listening to her very soothing voice and practical guidance is a treat I always look forward to. It feels like a soothing little pep talk full of helpful reminders.” —Ashley Oerman, Deputy Editor at Wondermind