In a time of overwhelming headlines, heightened anxiety and socially distant loneliness, tuning into a podcast can provide comfort and much-needed distraction. In response to the pandemic currently dominating our lives, podcasters are finding more ways to keep us connected, calm and optimistic — whether it’s through meditation, advice or interviews with popular figures facing the same self-isolated dilemmas as we are. From poetry to psychology, here are soothing podcasts to listen to now.
HERE FOR YOU
It’s okay not to be okay. Especially in such uncertain times. Which is why the hosts of popular self-care podcast Forever35, Doree Shafrir and Kate Spencer, have launched a coronavirus-specific podcast to offer comfort, support and some light relief. The daily podcast explores the new socially distant normal, invites listeners to share their self-isolated stories and talks about distraction tactics; covering what to watch, do and listen to. Listen here
THE HAPPINESS LAB
Hosted by Dr Laurie Santos, a psychology professor at Yale University, this podcast explores the latest scientific research in relation to happiness and guides listeners through tips and advice on how to live a more contented life. The latest episodes are centered on coaching yourself through a crisis, keeping healthy relationships, beating isolation loneliness and staying calm via mediation. Listen here
THE SLOWDOWN
Produced in partnership with the Poetry Foundation, The Slowdown is hosted by American poet and educator Tracy K. Smith. A soothing and therapeutic listen, the podcast features a different piece of poetry for each day of the working week — from renowned writers such as Walt Whitman to up-and-coming creatives handpicked by Smith. It’s daily dose of literary relaxation. Listen here
TEN PERCENT HAPPIER
When newsman Dan Harris had a panic attack live on Good Morning America, he skeptically started to mediate which led to a bestselling book, app and this podcast. With a strong focus on meditation and mental health, episodes are currently conquering coronavirus-related anxiety with discussions about parenting in a pandemic, adjusting to working from home and what love means in time of Covid. Listen here
OPRAH’S SUPERSOUL CONVERSATIONS
An inspirational podcast to tune into, SuperSoul is designed to guide you through life’s biggest obstacles and help you find the best version of yourself. This is achieved through thought-provoking words of wisdom and encouragement via Oprah’s personal selection of interviews with celebrities, authors, political figures, and health and wellness experts. Listen Here
HAPPY PLACE
British television and radio presenter, Fearne Cotton, hosts the Happy Place; a relatable podcast that explores life, love, loss and everything in between. During each episode guests — including actors, musicians, writers and athletes — are invited to talk about their struggles, reveal how they overcame issues and discuss what happiness means to them. An uplifting podcast, that makes you feel less alone. Listen here
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